xs1100 and xs1100 special forks

[RJFort]

I spoke witn Traxxion Dynamics today and they said they have a set of xs 1100 forks sitting there that are going to be rebuilt by them. He is finding out more info for me, but in the mean time I have an xs1100 SPECIAL. Will the standard forks fit on the special? I can only find fork tube diameter on the web not fork length. I don't want to waste money so please help me answer this seemingly simple question. Sorry for stupid questions if it is indeed that.

[DeanR]

They are quite different. Different brake mounts and a change in the bikes steering geometry are involved.

[jetmechmarty]

I'm not sure I understand what you want to do. The fork tubes on standards and Specials are the same diameter. If you're considering new springs and emulators, they will be the same for both bikes. The Special will have a longer spacer to preload the springs as the fork tubes are longer. I hope that answers your question.

[RJFort]

yes marty that helps quite a bit. the guy at Traxxion Dynamics was telling me he had a set of fork tubes they were going to be rebuilding and if I wanted them he would sell them to me. I was just making sure that the length was the same or not. I know the diameter is the same at 37 mm. Thanks. I will just rebuild mine on my own.

Is there a way to refinish the surface of the forks? I have some pitting on the upper end of the forks, above the part that goes in the lower fork. I would like to get them powdercoated but am not sure if they will still slide smoothly.

[jetmechmarty]

Is there a way to refinish the surface of the forks? I have some pitting on the upper end of the forks, above the part that goes in the lower fork. I would like to get them powdercoated but am not sure if they will still slide smoothly.

If you have pitting the only way to fix it is with new forks. Forking by Frank Do not powdercoat them. A hard chrome surface is required. You may be able to fill the pits with J-B Weld and sand it smooth with some fine Scotch Brite.

[RJFort]

so they have to be chrome huh? I was trying to get away with none if at all possible. Ok no worries. Any idea what he charges for something like that? have you or anyone you know used him before?

nevermind that last question, sorry. I called and apparently they have some in stock and they cost $261.00 plus shipping. They said brand new.
What do you think?

[daveyg]

A person could put std forks on a spl though right, if u had the tubes, legs, brake calipers, and speedo drive right? Or could u put std legs on spl tubes? Just curious cuz I have some late model sportbike brake calipers, and std legs would accomodate an adaptor plate better. Maybe I should start my own thread...

[jetmechmarty]

A person could put std forks on a spl though right, if u had the tubes, legs, brake calipers, and speedo drive right? Or could u put std legs on spl tubes? Just curious cuz I have some late model sportbike brake calipers, and std legs would accomodate an adaptor plate better. Maybe I should start my own thread...

You also need to swap the triple trees.

[DGXSER]

The Standard forks will slide right into the Special triple trees, and vice versa. But, you are changing the geometry of the front suspension. The trail of the bike changes and so will the steering feel.

As Marty suggested, changing both the forks and the trees will maintain the suspension geometry.

[RJFort]

Yeah I am either gonna rebuild mine and use rubber fork boots to hide the pitting. It is just where the boot would cover, or buy the new set from forking by frank. Depending on money. 261 for apparently brand new forks or however much it costs to get emulators, new fork springs, seals, and whatever else I will need. Sounds like it might be worth getting the new ones.

[jetmechmarty]

Frank's forks are heavier. They probably don't flex as much as OEM, but that's just a guess.

[fredintoon]

I spoke witn Traxxion Dynamics today and they said they have a set of xs 1100 forks sitting there that are going to be rebuilt by them. He is finding out more info for me, but in the mean time I have an xs1100 SPECIAL. Will the standard forks fit on the special? I can only find fork tube diameter on the web not fork length. I don't want to waste money so please help me answer this seemingly simple question. Sorry for stupid questions if it is indeed that.

Hi Rich,
Standard and Special forks will swap but only as a complete set.
You gotta swap the forks + 'trees + fender + speedo drive & cable. The wheel is the same. You can put the Special's headlight ears on the Standard's forks so you can more readily keep the round headlight but the ear tubes have to be cropped shorter.
OTOH, you do get the Standard's sensible front calipers in place of the Special's Weird Harold swivelly ones.

[RJFort]

Thanks guys. Fred I will probably keep the special front or get the Franks front. Headlight is changing to a double headlight, I will probably change the speedo to a digital, need to research it. gonna have to rebuild the calipers anyway so will look to see what is available.

[JeffH]

I spoke witn Traxxion Dynamics today and they said they have a set of xs 1100 forks sitting there that are going to be rebuilt by them. He is finding out more info for me,.

If you are talking XS1100 Forks with Mike at Traxxion Dynamics, then those are likely the XS11 Forks I dropped off yesterday to be rebuilt for my 78' 11E. If you wanted custom springs and emulators then for $450 to $500 + shipping he would likely get yours customized to your riding specifications.

Jeff

[RJFort]

lol, you better double check them then to see if he is not selling them, he told me he was selling them. I have not heard from him as of yet. I will hold off then if they are yours. That would be wrong. I am glad you mentioned it. I would have felt awful afterwards. Maybe we had a miscommunication, but I thought he said he would find out how much it would be to buy them.