Front fork change

[XS1100 Newbie]

Is there any problem putting Standar forks, on a special? I am thinking of doing this to get better braking. Need to find calipers if i do. Allready have the forks.

[MPittma100]

Forks

Is there any problem putting Standar forks, on a special? I am thinking of doing this to get better braking. Need to find calipers if i do. Allready have the forks.

If you change to the Standard forks, you will also need to use the Standard triple tree. If not, you will cause a handling problem.

[bikerphil]

The way I improved my Specials brakes was SS lines and a Brembo 16mm MC, it stops much better than my Standard does now with it's stock components. You will run into other issues when changing the forks/trees over such as the headlight ear length and headlight bucket mounting.

[XS1100 Newbie]

I am having a problem understanding how forks would cause a handling problem, unless they are a different length. They are straight! I have Standard headlight ears, and triple trees, but as lomg as the forks are not a different length, then the geometry should not change. ?????

[bikerphil]

The trees put the forks in a different position to accomidate the leading axle type forks on a Special keeping the rake/trail identical for both models. If you put your Standard forks in your Special trees, the wheel will sit back further reducing the rake/trail. You will have quicker steering. It will work that way, just not handle as it was intended.

[DGXSER]

As Phil stated, the change in the axle position from on the front of the forks for the Special, to under the forks for the Standards changes the trail. Mamma Yamma changed the angle of the forks by changing the offset in the trees to adjust the trail to be the same for both models. So, putting Standard forks in Special trees reduces trail, putting Special forks in Standard trees increase trail. That is how it effects handling.

[XS1100 Newbie]

Thanks guys. I had forgot that the front wheel mounted different. Makes sense. Had i thought about it i would have remembered. When i got the bike, it had Standard triple tree, with the Special forks. I changed that. I didn't really feel any difference, but there must be.