Author Topic: Would you re-use these? (Read 5402 times)

Heirborn · « **on:** September 11, 2006, 05:27:53 PM »

Went to pull the forks off my bike to replace the seals and once I pounded them from the triple tree this is what came out. Rust worms have been hard at work.

Unsafe to use? (Disclaimer not needed).Trying to find some for my KO is tough.

Bob Wessner · « **Reply #1 on:** September 11, 2006, 05:35:04 PM »

They look pretty bad to me. If it helps any, same forks were used for K0, K1 and K2, perhaps even later. It's just that my parts list only covers thru K2.

jevfro · « **Reply #2 on:** September 11, 2006, 05:36:48 PM »

Those fork tubes are mighty thick but, To error on the safe side I'd probably replace them (there is quite a bit of flex in these forks to begin w/) Others will probably have better input.

puppytrax · « **Reply #3 on:** September 11, 2006, 05:50:08 PM »

Quote from: Heirborn on September 11, 2006, 05:27:53 PM

Trying to find some for my KO is tough.

Forks by Frank can make up whatever you need...at a rough guess (based on my CB500 quote), it'll set you back $220+...

Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er · « **Reply #4 on:** September 11, 2006, 05:58:22 PM »

No way. Watch EBay. You should be able to get replacements. There are quite a few web sites which will allow you to access parts data bases. You can pull each year's K & F and compare part numbers to find compatable matches.

MRieck · « **Reply #5 on:** September 11, 2006, 06:11:37 PM »

I'd use them to beat a burglar to death....that's about it.

miles nowhere · « **Reply #6 on:** September 11, 2006, 06:13:34 PM »

Quote from: RxmanGriff on September 11, 2006, 05:58:22 PM

No way. Watch EBay. You should be able to get replacements. There are quite a few web sites which will allow you to access parts data bases. You can pull each year's K & F and compare part numbers to find compatable matches.

yeah check ebay. I picked up a pretty much perfect set of forks for my K8 on ebay for $20 shipped.

ProTeal55 · « **Reply #7 on:** September 11, 2006, 06:22:12 PM »

When I removed the gators from my stock front-end my tubes looked about as bad as yours.
I would def. NOT re-use them.
As other said, just keep an eye out on Ebay and pick some up their.
Or if you have $300 buring a hole in your pocket, go get some custom made by Frank...

Jonesy · « **Reply #8 on:** September 11, 2006, 06:24:03 PM »

Quote from: Bob Wessner on September 11, 2006, 05:35:04 PM

They look pretty bad to me. If it helps any, same forks were used for K0, K1 and K2, perhaps even later. It's just that my parts list only covers thru K2.

The K3 adopted a different design, without replacable bushings and used ATF for the oil.

Heirborn · « **Reply #9 on:** September 11, 2006, 06:37:59 PM »

Well I guess blessings in the small things. Was going out for a run one morning and noticed that the top bridge was cracked. So found on and it is on the way. So I thought while I have it off go ahead and pull the tubes and replace the seals. Better to find out this way then at 70 rolling down the hi-way.

It is my understanding that up through the early '72 they are the same. I guess another option would be to find a complete set up (forks, caliper) from a later year model...maybe now is the time to upgrade to a front end off an F model. I also noticed the head bearings are real notchy so I will be replacing them too.

aptech77 · « **Reply #10 on:** September 11, 2006, 06:42:27 PM »

FUGLY!!

techy5025 · « **Reply #11 on:** September 11, 2006, 10:19:36 PM »

I thought the K0 had a different fork seal than later ones, or is the seal different and
the fork tube the same, or am I totally screwed up. I thought that the ads for seals
showed the K0 seal to be different.

Jim

Bob Wessner · « **Reply #12 on:** September 12, 2006, 02:15:55 AM »

Quote from: techy5025 on September 11, 2006, 10:19:36 PM

I thought the K0 had a different fork seal than later ones, or is the seal different and
the fork tube the same, or am I totally screwed up. I thought that the ads for seals
showed the K0 seal to be different.

Jim

Jim,

You are correct, the seals differ. I was referring to the fork tubes themselves.

750goes · « **Reply #13 on:** September 12, 2006, 02:23:33 AM »

Would I re-use them ??

NAH...........

I'd paint them and put them back in....maybe put in new seals....what the hell..

bryanj · « **Reply #14 on:** September 12, 2006, 03:56:30 AM »

No point putting seals in them the rust will rip em straight out. Also shouldnt it have gaiters not little rubber caps?

Terry in Australia · « **Reply #15 on:** September 12, 2006, 04:29:24 AM »

They're buggered mate, chuck 'em and find a good used set of K0-K1 tubes. You may be able to machine K3-K8 (or F/F1/F2/F3) tubes to accept the K0-K2 bushes, I've given this a cursory glance, but haven't put my vernier on it yet, I'm waiting for El Cheapo to send me a set of K1 forks, and I know that one day before I permanently hang up my helmet, I will receive them, ha ha!

Raul CB750K1 · « **Reply #16 on:** September 12, 2006, 05:57:24 AM »

I wouldn't dare to contradict Bryan's expertise here, but my impression is that if the "running" surface is smooth then go for it. Mine were rusted in the triple tree section but inmaculate in the "diving" area, so I just sanded out the rust, put some grease and reused them.

Raul

JohnK6 · « **Reply #17 on:** September 12, 2006, 11:27:32 AM »

if the forks are straight even than i would trow them in the garbage dump

or brought them to a mate, and had them new hardchromed

Heirborn · « **Reply #18 on:** September 13, 2006, 08:51:11 PM »

the corrosion is from under the fork ears. Once they are re-installed the pits will be covered. The forks otherwise are fine. I would like to put boot gaitors back on so that will further help with the cosmetics. My concern is that they would be weak at the point of the corrosion.

GoatBaSS · « **Reply #19 on:** September 13, 2006, 09:00:33 PM »

Thought in an artistic way of sorts, Lets build a CB from worn parts. No cleaning just nasty old parts. Not to run but some sort of monument. ?

ofreen · « **Reply #20 on:** September 13, 2006, 09:06:08 PM »

Quote from: Terry in Australia on September 12, 2006, 04:29:24 AM

You may be able to machine K3-K8 (or F/F1/F2/F3) tubes to accept the K0-K2 bushes,

Seems like Hoyt McKagen used to do this. I've wondered a few times if anybody else does it.

Raul CB750K1 · « **Reply #21 on:** September 14, 2006, 12:07:48 AM »

Sandpaper and elbow grease will tell you what's the real condition. Don't be fooled by the appearance.

My CB350 forks were also rusted under the triple tree. Check the picture: They are both tubes that were rusted very similar; it's obvious which one has been sanded -a 5 minute job-. I will reuse them with complete peace of mind, either painting the hidden part previously or thoroughfully greasing them to prevent from future rust. Sand them and check the severity of the rust. If it's just surface then no problem with strenght. Furthermore, the strenght is only needed at the lowest part, where the tension is exerted. There is no side tension between the clamps.

Raul

bryanj · « **Reply #22 on:** September 14, 2006, 09:35:22 AM »

Raul is right, if the rust is only between the trees use them, pictures looked to me like rust was heavy by the fork slider which is why i said no way

techy5025 · « **Reply #23 on:** September 14, 2006, 10:06:34 AM »

My sandcast forks looked just like Raul's. I sanded them also and then coated them with light grease
before installing....hidden by fork ears when installed. Part near seal was fine..no rust.

Jim

MikeDeB · « **Reply #24 on:** September 14, 2006, 12:38:26 PM »

As long as the seal contact surface is rust/pit free then reuse them. I usually will take the upper part of the tube to a bench grinder with a Scotch-Brite pad mounted on it. This will really knock the rust down. Then, as someone else mentioned, lightly grease the uppers before installation.

Heirborn · « **Reply #25 on:** September 14, 2006, 06:23:07 PM »

Nope. Very slick and clean at the travel area. Rust and corrision is/was under the fork ear.

jevfro · « **Reply #26 on:** September 15, 2006, 12:43:59 AM »

I think your original photo confused me.. It looks as though the seals are up in the rust but it is just the cap. those pits looked pretty big to me though... even if it is hidden by the headlight ears... I know there is no really big tensions going on up there but it still kinda freaks me out. I'd like to see what it looks like after sanding/brushing/scotchbriting before I'd use it.

GoatBaSS · « **Reply #27 on:** September 15, 2006, 03:54:15 PM »

ofreen! Hoyt McKagen! RIP! I still keep his email to honor him. GREAT guy, good memories.

Heirborn · « **Reply #28 on:** September 17, 2006, 06:56:16 AM »

So are you saying those guys aren't around any longer due to bad fork tubes?

ofreen · « **Reply #29 on:** September 17, 2006, 12:29:41 PM »

Quote from: GoatBaSS on September 15, 2006, 03:54:15 PM

ofreen! Hoyt McKagen! RIP! I still keep his email to honor him. GREAT guy, good memories.

Yes he was. He was always generous with his considerable knowledge and always had an interesting point of view. I never met him face to face, but had some correspondence.

Heirborn · « **Reply #30 on:** September 19, 2006, 06:54:28 PM »

after a date with the drill and wheel.....

Terry in Australia · « **Reply #31 on:** September 19, 2006, 07:19:38 PM »

Chuck 'em mate, that pitting is way too deep for safe operation, sure, your forks might not leak, but that won't stop 'em from snapping if you hit a decent size pot hole.

Yeah I know someones gonna say they used worse forks on their bike and they're working fine, but for my two cents, I'd rather you erred on the safe side, and anyway, what's the point of fixing up a bike and putting those crappy forks back on? Cheers, Terry.

jaknight · « **Reply #32 on:** September 19, 2006, 07:39:57 PM »

Hey Mr Terry,

How is it that you always manage to say in words.......... exactly what I have thumping around in my head.......... but I cannot get to pour out like the smoooooth pancake batter that you pour........

~ ~ ~ jaknight ~ ~ ~

Heirborn · « **Reply #33 on:** September 19, 2006, 07:40:42 PM »

Yeah...that is what I was thinkin' too. I have an inquiry in on a set of '70 forks now....waiting to hear back. I picked up an '84 700s Nighthawk to ride while the rat is down so I am not in too big of a hurry to get it back on the road.

Terry in Australia · « **Reply #34 on:** September 19, 2006, 10:35:31 PM »

Quote from: jaknight on September 19, 2006, 07:39:57 PM

Hey Mr Terry,

How is it that you always manage to say in words.......... exactly what I have thumping around in my head.......... but I cannot get to pour out like the smoooooth pancake batter that you pour........

~ ~ ~ jaknight ~ ~ ~

G'Day Mate, well my words have been called many things before, but "smoooooth pancake batter" is probably the nicest, ha ha! Thank you! Cheers, Terry.

Terry in Australia · « **Reply #35 on:** September 19, 2006, 10:43:10 PM »

Quote from: Heirborn on September 19, 2006, 07:40:42 PM

Yeah...that is what I was thinkin' too. I have an inquiry in on a set of '70 forks now....waiting to hear back. I picked up an '84 700s Nighthawk to ride while the rat is down so I am not in too big of a hurry to get it back on the road.

Good move mate, I might set up a later model tube in my lathe and see if I can't machine it up to take the K0-K2 bushes, while I wait (and wait.......) for the pair that Tom (El Cheapo) is gonna send me. Cheers, Terry.

750goes · « **Reply #36 on:** September 20, 2006, 02:47:47 PM »

I think that is really stretching the limp lizard guys, - smooth as *&&^%$$#$&&" - sounds like you are a snake oil salesman....

if it was put on any thicker you would need a shovel to dig your way out...

Terry - I bet they want cheap oil coolers....

..

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Author Topic: Would you re-use these? (Read 5402 times)