Front fork identification

[UkeeTiki]

I have been working on a 1980 xs11. I have come to the conclusion that the front end was fully or partially replaced by PO as it has only a single front disc brake. Can anyone tell me how I can identify what model the forks and wheel came from so as I can obtain information on disassembly and/or parts replacement?

[SFerinTEXAS]

Just to see what you should have , would you mind posting the VIN 3 letter prefix or post a good side view photo of the whole bike ?

[oldyam80sg]

I know this might sound crazy but I only ran 1 disc on the front as the other disc was there, but I thought it was warped. I disconnected the brake line and used a shorter banjo bolt and ran 1 brake line. It was fine to use like that but traffic has increased by me in the past 20 years as there are more young drivers on the road. I went back to stock in the last few years. Now I run both discs.

[DiverRay]

Post a picture of the forks. Take one of each fork, and one of the forks as they go into the bottom triple tree. If you can put a tape measure near it, we will know about what size the tubes are.

[UkeeTiki]

Don't have serial # in front of me... at work... think it was 39U or 3U9 something. last time i found the listings here on the forum it was the XS 11 special sold in Canada. was considering going back to the dual as i thought it just had the rotor removed. but i realized that there was no integral mount for the caliper and such on the right fork. This is what told me that the from different model...? still learning how best to do graphics here on the forum will try more from home on the ipad. thanks again Ray will see if i can get those measurements later. cheers

[bikerphil]

How the heck is the headlight mounted on there? Those forks look kinda skinny, maybe off a lower cc XS or XJ.

[Ranger_xs1100]

Just a guess here, but your forks could be from an XJ650. 1980 XJ650 had a single caliper on the left side. 1980 XS650 had a single caliper on the right side.

[UkeeTiki]

Head light mounted to triple tree with bracket. Seems to work well. Headlight housing also mounts ignition switch. Top tubes are 18 1/2 in long bottom approx 16 inch. Shocks are “air assisted” not sure how many models were? All?

[LAB3]

My best guess would be to figure out the tube size then match that info with whichever model came with fork legs finished in black (if that's the original color) If you can narrow that down then a look through a parts fische to figure out which one it is

[bikerphil]

My best guess would be to figure out the tube size then match that info with whichever model came with fork legs finished in black (if that's the original color) If you can narrow that down then a look through a parts fische to figure out which one it is

They are probably 35 or 36 mm stanchion diameter. The left fork leg has casting for the "Weird Harold" (Special) type caliper.

[DEEBS11]

"Weird Harold" reference. That brings back childhood memories

[bikerphil]

"Weird Harold" reference. That brings back childhood memories

Yep, ol' Fred who ran a XS sidecar rig used to call them that back in the day.

[Radioguylogs]

"FAT ALBERT" would not pass today's PC filters.

[DEEBS11]

Yep, ol' Fred who ran a XS sidecar rig used to call them that back in the day.

[DiverRay]

The flying pumpkin!