Author Topic: Anyone made their own top triple tree without a milling machine? (Read 20467 times)

azuredesign · « **on:** July 17, 2012, 03:51:50 AM »

I've assembled a gl1000 front end to use on my k3, and need a flat upper tree, without risers or clamps.
I was thinking of getting some 1" 6061( unless another grade of aluminum is suggested) and cutting and shaping it myself. I'd appreciate hearing from anyone who's done the same.

Thanks!
Ben

brandEn · « **Reply #1 on:** July 17, 2012, 04:40:09 AM »

I need one of these as well. The 6061 is perfect for this but I would not want to try cutting and working with it using hand tools thats for sure. It would be great if we could get a somebody with cnc access to whip a couple out. I suppose its possible to make one using basic tools but man it seems like it would take forever to get everything perfect. Especially the holes for the fork tubes and fork stem.

70CB750 · « **Reply #2 on:** July 17, 2012, 05:28:46 AM »

Even with a drill press you would not be precise enough to get the holes right. Especially with a hole saw, i used it to make stay plate for carbs but thats about the limit. Carbs are more forgiving than steering.
That said you could get away with old fashioned mill for the holes and shape the rest yourself. I would talk to 754 about it, he knows all about machining.

754 · « **Reply #3 on:** July 17, 2012, 08:08:29 AM »

You could do it on a lathe with an angle plat on the crosslide, if you have a boring head. Toolmaker buttons, if used willl give you good accuracy..on hole locations..

brandEn · « **Reply #4 on:** July 17, 2012, 08:19:09 AM »

so 754 you interested in machining a couple of these up? Looks simple enough. I have a top clamp I could send to you for measurements ...

MRieck · « **Reply #5 on:** July 18, 2012, 06:27:44 AM »

Quote from: azuredesign on July 17, 2012, 03:51:50 AM

I've assembled a gl1000 front end to use on my k3, and need a flat upper tree, without risers or clamps.
I was thinking of getting some 1" 6061( unless another grade of aluminum is suggested) and cutting and shaping it myself. I'd appreciate hearing from anyone who's done the same.

Thanks!
Ben

I have lots of hammers, chisels and explosives on hand Ben. We'll get it done.

knowsnothing · « **Reply #6 on:** July 18, 2012, 06:39:39 AM »

Quote from: MRieck on July 18, 2012, 06:27:44 AM

Quote from: azuredesign on July 17, 2012, 03:51:50 AM
I've assembled a gl1000 front end to use on my k3, and need a flat upper tree, without risers or clamps.
I was thinking of getting some 1" 6061( unless another grade of aluminum is suggested) and cutting and shaping it myself. I'd appreciate hearing from anyone who's done the same.

Thanks!
Ben
I have lots of hammers, chisels and explosives on hand Ben. We'll get it done.

Throw in some beer and that sounds like a right ole good time

azuredesign · « **Reply #7 on:** July 18, 2012, 06:51:04 AM »

Quote from: MRieck on July 18, 2012, 06:27:44 AM

Quote from: azuredesign on July 17, 2012, 03:51:50 AM
I've assembled a gl1000 front end to use on my k3, and need a flat upper tree, without risers or clamps.
I was thinking of getting some 1" 6061( unless another grade of aluminum is suggested) and cutting and shaping it myself. I'd appreciate hearing from anyone who's done the same.

Thanks!
Ben
I have lots of hammers, chisels and explosives on hand Ben. We'll get it done.

Hey Mike, I'm a dentist, I have those things too

754 · « **Reply #8 on:** July 18, 2012, 09:34:57 AM »

I could do it after the end of August..

Mcwilliams570 · « **Reply #9 on:** July 18, 2012, 09:39:39 AM »

Quote from: azuredesign on July 17, 2012, 03:51:50 AM

I've assembled a gl1000 front end to use on my k3, and need a flat upper tree, without risers or clamps.
I was thinking of getting some 1" 6061( unless another grade of aluminum is suggested) and cutting and shaping it myself. I'd appreciate hearing from anyone who's done the same.

Thanks!
Ben

I am curious on why a flat upper tree without riser or clamps is needed. I have no idea what that mod with the gl1000 looks like so I am just trying to learn something. Anyone have a pic to help me understand.

Thanks Matt

70CB750 · « **Reply #10 on:** July 18, 2012, 09:51:21 AM »

Going with clipons maybe?

azuredesign · « **Reply #11 on:** July 18, 2012, 09:53:21 AM »

My idea in using a flat upper tree was to allow the use of either clip-ons or separate handle bar mounting clamps, similar to what BMW used to use on their R series bikes. I was hoping that if the inner fork tubes protruded above the top triple tree that I could use clip-ons above the tree, similar to how the BMW k1200rs is set up.

What I noticed was that the stock upper tree is made so that the steering stem bore is ~2cm higher than the level of the fork tube clamps. I'm assuming this is due to the stem height. If I make a flat clamp, I'm concerned that the fork tubes won't protrude above the upper tree, or the stem will protrude too much above the tree. I'm going to mock up my front end and see what's what before I go any further. I have been speaking with Bill Hansen at customtripletrees.com. Has anyone here ever dealt with him?

754 · « **Reply #12 on:** July 18, 2012, 10:45:27 AM »

Flat tree equals shorter front end..

Mcwilliams570 · « **Reply #13 on:** July 18, 2012, 10:49:02 AM »

Thanks guys. I think I understand it now..

Matt

wannabridin · « **Reply #14 on:** July 18, 2012, 06:45:55 PM »

I believe FunJimmy did this on his CB550. IIRC, i've heard people talking about it was i believe it's in his build thread, i don't remember where: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=27159.0

azuredesign · « **Reply #15 on:** July 18, 2012, 06:50:40 PM »

Quote from: 754 on July 18, 2012, 10:45:27 AM

Flat tree equals shorter front end..

I've read and re-read this sentence, and I can't figure how it applies her. A flat tree would actually make the working length of the fork legs 2cm longer in this application. but I think would shorten the wheelbase. Is that what you meant?

azuredesign · « **Reply #16 on:** July 18, 2012, 06:53:53 PM »

Quote from: wannabridin on July 18, 2012, 06:45:55 PM

I believe FunJimmy did this on his CB550. IIRC, i've heard people talking about it was i believe it's in his build thread, i don't remember where: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=27159.0

Thanks, this is very helpful to me!

M.Harrigan · « **Reply #17 on:** July 18, 2012, 08:05:00 PM »

I'm also using a GL-1000 front end on my K-2 and I've been planning to make the upper tree myself. I was going to see if a local machinist will bore the holes for me. I'll be at that point of my build in the next month or 2.

754, if you might possibly be interested in knocking out a few of these I would definitely be interested in buying one.

The stock upper is just plain ugly and I don't care for the angled risers but I already had the front end.

seanbarney41 · « **Reply #18 on:** July 18, 2012, 08:13:32 PM »

this stock gl top triple is what kills the appeal of this swap for lots of guys...I would think if somebody came up with a clean design they could crank out fast and cheap...folks would be lining up for 'em, me included

FunJimmy · « **Reply #19 on:** July 18, 2012, 08:54:42 PM »

Quote from: wannabridin on July 18, 2012, 06:45:55 PM

I believe FunJimmy did this on his CB550. IIRC, i've heard people talking about it was i believe it's in his build thread, i don't remember where: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=27159.0

I do have triples without bar mounts but I didn't make it myself. Bore location and diameter is the critical concern with triples. Doesn't matter how you get there as long as you get it right.

I knew a fella that claimed to have had his Guzzi triples cut by a local waterjet cutter.
Might be worth a look.

FJ

70CB750 · « **Reply #20 on:** July 19, 2012, 03:32:37 AM »

We had some brackets with holes cut on it for a hot rod. That stuff is pretty neat, but old fashioned mill is easier to find.

wannabridin · « **Reply #21 on:** July 19, 2012, 05:17:22 AM »

I'm doing the gl swap as well and I've contacted Rob (Voxonda) about getting a set of upper and lowers made. If 754 wants to make a run (I know you're particular about what you make) then I'd certainly be interested in getting a set. I've also contacted the guys over at joker machine to see if they're interested, but no response as of yet

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #22 on:** July 19, 2012, 07:10:15 AM »

Count me in too!!

brandEn · « **Reply #23 on:** July 19, 2012, 08:10:27 AM »

So it looks like there is at least five us that would like one. Seems like if we could get a drawing made of what we need with accurate dimensions it would be easier to find a machinist to bang a few out. I would be more than willing to make a drawing but I wouldn't even know where to begin how to accurately measure the distance between hole centers ect. If we did have some made up I would need mine to have the holes for the stock ignition switch mounting and gauge bracket.

Here is a 75' GL1000 top bracket I shaved the bar mounts a bit to low. Would make a good donor for measurements.

J.Webster Designs · « **Reply #24 on:** July 19, 2012, 09:02:38 AM »

I would be interested in taking on this project for you guys. I would need everyone to put down payments on the parts as I wouldn't want to have them made, then get stuck with 3 of them out of my own pocket. I would need someone to send me the triple that they want the measurements duplicated, and a drawing of an agreed upon final look and features.

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Author Topic: Anyone made their own top triple tree without a milling machine? (Read 20467 times)