Topic: Anyone made their own top triple tree without a milling machine?

[754]

 Yes, but not doing so results in a shorter front end.

 If the only reason you run a GL fork is cost.. guess you are stuck with stock..

[wannabridin]

so Frank, any chance you're in the market to make a nice gl triple tree??   

[754]

 Maybe, a lowcost option is avalable, if  I supplied the plate with the 3 holes in it, then the buyer could finish it.. any way they wanted..

[Syscrush]

While we're talking about fabricating triples of different designs, I have to throw this out there...

The sheetmetal triples made at Eurospares:

Jig


Blanks ready for bending & welding


A pair of bent blanks and one triple welded up.


On the bike.

[FunJimmy]

While we're talking about fabricating triples of different designs, I have to throw this out there...

The sheetmetal triples made at Eurospares:

Syscrush

I've never seen these sheet metal triples before and looking at them now raises the question of the benefit of this type of construction vs billet aluminum. IMO, it can’t be based on esthetics, and I would be surprised if fab costs are less. Interesting though.

[Syscrush]

Syscrush

I've never seen these sheet metal triples before and looking at them now raises the question of the benefit of this type of construction vs billet aluminum. IMO, it can’t be based on esthetics, and I would be surprised if fab costs are less. Interesting though.

The stated goal was lightness - it was used on a Laverda race bike at some point.  BTW, that's not Instagram or Hipstamatic faux patina on those scanned pics.

I find this technique intriguing, and have never seen it anywhere else.

[voxonda]

This technique was used by the all conquering MV Agusta's of yester year. Though made not from ordinary steel, but a high grade one.

[Syscrush]

According to this page, the 2 triples plus the aluminum stem & nut saved over a pound vs. the stock Marzocchi cast aluminum pieces.

[FunJimmy]

According to this page, the 2 triples plus the aluminum stem & nut saved over a pound vs. the stock Marzocchi cast aluminum pieces.

Wow, that's significant!

[Syscrush]

I'm exploring a project that will require custom triples, and I can't stop thinking about having them made from tube & laser-cut flat stock in a kind of skeleton design something like this:

I know, it's a horrible drawing, but you get the idea.  3 pieces of tubing welded to 2 pieces of strong flat stock.  The main problem I see with this design is that it's not very strong in skew, but if you didn't care about weight, it seems to me that you could have something strong enough for street duty, and with a very distinctive look.

[754]

 The problem with fabricated trees is warpage, should be OK with rigid fixtures or stress relieving, or Honing after welding.. Kosman I think did an aero version, the sheetmetal part may have been airfoil tubing, but they were horizontal to the ground, not at right angles to the fork legs...

[wannabridin]

This technique was used by the all conquering MV Agusta's of yester year. Though made not from ordinary steel, but a high grade one.

rob, check your PM's.  i sent you a question about some triples for my GL1000 front end swap, hoping you can help out!

[Syscrush]

In addition to the distinctive look of fabricated trees, another potential benefit vs. milled trees is that you could make the sleeve that holds the forks much longer without using/wasting so much material.  You might want to do that for looks, stiffness, or to facilitate using shorter modern forks on a vintage bike.

[Blitzburgh207]

I'm interested as well

[J.Webster Designs]

Not sure if you guys ever got this rolling or not... I am still willing and able to produce these for you.

[754]

I picked up a 70 OSSA trials chassis, it has Betors, with fabricated trees..which are tweaked. First example I can recall on a production bike..

[Retro Rocket]

Not sure if you guys ever got this rolling or not... I am still willing and able to produce these for you.

What do you have in mind.?

[Syscrush]

I picked up a 70 OSSA trials chassis, it has Betors, with fabricated trees..which are tweaked. First example I can recall on a production bike..

Can you post some pics? It would be awesome to see that!