All about them forks

[RichV]

First, thanks lt everyone that gave me a hand with my XS. She's running nicely now and I may need do just a couple of tweaks on the carbs to bring out her best but it's good for now. Rode it to XSSE this weekend and on to TN to visit my mom.

I did have one problem. Actually minor, but I need help with sources.

My right fork tube developed serious flash rust (and pits became more noticable) during the rain. It's in the space above the area where the seal travels. I also have some small pits in the seal travel range which are damaging the seal.

I know about the JBWeld trick to fill in the pits but I'm looking for a replacement tube. I need to have a couple of questions answered.

1. Are the tubes the same on all XS11 models? I know the bottoms are different.
2. What is the tube length and diameter on my 81 XS11 special? I'm on the road with none of my reference material.
3. What is the "normal" travel distance for the seals?
4. Are there any known crossovers from other models or makes?

Also I noticed that the bike was diving too much when I stop using the front brake. Any suggestions on how to stiffen that up? The right seal has been slowly leaking because of the pits so that "could" be the cause.

I currently have stock forks with the original springs. The seals are new.

Thanks again for all the great help. I really like this bike.

[bikerphil]

I can answer one question for you, all the XS11 Special leading axle forks are the same 79-81, all the parts, internal and external with the exception of the springs. I would just find a good used set to either swap out or cannibalize parts from.

[DiverRay]

1. All the SPECIAL tubes are the same. I'm not sure about the difference between the standard and the special.
2,3,4, unknown to me.
You CAN buy NEW tubes from Forking by Frank,http://www.frankmain.com/ Yes, he can fit stock, or over length forks to our bikes.
Crossovers are probably not available, or desired. See above for the BEST QUALITY new fork tubes. No I have not taken any money from this site, but I know of people who are his customers, and very happy ones. He has been around for a LONG time.

[motoman]

1. All the SPECIAL tubes are the same. I'm not sure about the difference between the standard and the special.
2,3,4, unknown to me.
You CAN buy NEW tubes from Forking by Frank,http://www.frankmain.com/ Yes, he can fit stock, or over length forks to our bikes.
Crossovers are probably not available, or desired. See above for the BEST QUALITY new fork tubes. No I have not taken any money from this site, but I know of people who are his customers, and very happy ones. He has been around for a LONG time.

KYB and Showia amd can't remember which used which. piston raams ARE different diameters between the two though.

[Prisoner6]

Hey, Rich -

As both Phil and Ray pointed out, all the Special fork tubes are identical, with a diameter of 37mm.

In fact, the Standard fork tubes are also 37mm in diameter ... but the Special tubes are longer.

[RichV]

Hey, Rich -

As both Phil and Ray pointed out, all the Special fork tubes are identical, with a diameter of 37mm.

In fact, the Standard fork tubes are also 37mm in diameter ... but the Special tubes are longer.

Thanks, that explains a lot. Most of the ones listed on ebay do not differentiate between a standard and special. How can I tell looking at the photo that the fork is from a standard or special? I noticed that the bottom half (brake mounts) look different.

[red bandit]

The standards have the axle at the bottom of the fork.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1978-Yamaha-...3ccebb&vxp=mtr

The special has the axle on the front of the fork.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1981-81-YAMA...1755d4&vxp=mtr

[RichV]

The standards have the axle at the bottom of the fork.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1978-Yamaha-...3ccebb&vxp=mtr

The special has the axle on the front of the fork.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1981-81-YAMA...1755d4&vxp=mtr

Thanks! You just prevented me from buying the wrong forks.

[jetmechmarty]

Rich,

You can add more fluid to slow the dive. With the forks compressed and the springs removed, I believe you can add fluid until it's about 110 mm from the top. I don't have my notes on this computer, but I think that's the right number.

FWIW, the Special forks are Showa and the standard forks are KYB.

[RichV]

Marty, you mentioned an improvement to the inner workings of the fork tube. I can't remember what it was.

[jetmechmarty]

Marty, you mentioned an improvement to the inner workings of the fork tube. I can't remember what it was.

Straight rate springs and Race-Tech Gold Valve Emulators. Several bikes at the rally were. Equipped that way.

[MPittma100]

Source

Straight rate springs and Race-Tech Gold Valve Emulators. Several bikes at the rally were. Equipped that way.

A source for these and other suspension components are available at:

http://www.traxxion.com/

Jeff's Standard and my Special have Traxxion's fork mods. I also purchased 2 rear (Bitubo) shocks (coil overs) from them. They set them up for the bike. Excellent service from these guys.

[kboehringer]

I'm looking for a replacement tube............... Any suggestions on how to stiffen that up?.............

Rich,
Great meeting you at XSSE.

Just prior to XSSE I had similar rust (actually quite bad) on my left tube. I managed to grab a very nice complete pair of forks from evil bay for $50 plus $30 shipping. They are SHOWA and absolutely perfect. I actually was concerned and the seller sent me several additional pics to verify 100% that they were perfect. Seems the going rate for a NICE used set on evil bay is about that much (<$100). I popped out one of the tubes and made a quick and easy change in just a couple hours.

I followed instructions from Marty and put oil up to 130mm from the top compressed without springs. It did stiffen it up a little and following a proper cleaning felt really nice (compared to garbage before the cleaning).

I may follow Marty & Mikes suggestion to have Traxxon upgrade these forks. However, I'm now looking for another XS11 project and the $$$ may end up in that bike's forks if it's a better overall machine.....

KURT

[RichV]

Rich,
Great meeting you at XSSE.

Just prior to XSSE I had similar rust (actually quite bad) on my left tube. I managed to grab a very nice complete pair of forks from evil bay for $50 plus $30 shipping. They are SHOWA and absolutely perfect. I actually was concerned and the seller sent me several additional pics to verify 100% that they were perfect. Seems the going rate for a NICE used set on evil bay is about that much (<$100). I popped out one of the tubes and made a quick and easy change in just a couple hours.

I followed instructions from Marty and put oil up to 130mm from the top compressed without springs. It did stiffen it up a little and following a proper cleaning felt really nice (compared to garbage before the cleaning).

I may follow Marty & Mikes suggestion to have Traxxon upgrade these forks. However, I'm now looking for another XS11 project and the $$$ may end up in that bike's forks if it's a better overall machine.....

KURT

I'm tracking several right now on eBay. I really don't need a set, just the one, so I hope it will come in a bit cheaper. I also messaged several of them for additional picks.

I plan to follow the stiffing suggestion Marty made but the upgrade will have to wait for better days. I can't imagine that I will get another bike to operate as well as this one so if I do upgrade, this one will be it.

My next project is a Harley engine rebuild.

[motoman]

Rich,

You can add more fluid to slow the dive. With the forks compressed and the springs removed, I believe you can add fluid until it's about 110 mm from the top. I don't have my notes on this computer, but I think that's the right number.

FWIW, the Special forks are Showa and the standard forks are KYB.

Good point Marty! I'd forgotten which were which Just knew the rear shocks on my Venturer were KYB.Least they kept the same manufacturer front and rear.