Topic: BENT fork tubes...

[tfrasca]

It's one thing after the other with this bike! After several attempts to get my triple trees aligned, I pulled my fork legs out to confirm my suspicion that they were bent. Damn...

I guess this little project is going to be more in-depth than I'd originally planned. After looking around, I found these Japanese fork tubes on eBay. Anyone have any experience with them?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/75-76-HONDA-CB550F-SUPER-SPOT-FRONT-FORK-TUBE-INNER-SET-2TUBES-CI-CB550FFTS-1-/131087561952?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item1e856d74e0&vxp=mtr

Budget is tight, but I obviously don't want to die when my cheap fork tubes shear off.

TF

[MoMo]

As long as the metal is not creased fork tubes can easily be straightened with a hydraulic press and a bit of patience. Cannot tell you how many times bent tubes were straightened at the various shops I worked...Larry

[tfrasca]

Upon further inspection, I noticed a very bent steerer tube (where it's pressed into the lower triple), and severe pitting right above the seals on the fork tubes. Needless to say, this fork needs to go away. I bought a straight, clean-ish used fork off a member here. (Thanks Nick!)

Thanks for all the advice.

TF

[tfrasca]

Yes, I bought an entire used fork. Upper and lower triples, fork tubes and lowers. Pretty clean, just needs seal and a rebuild. I checked out the frame for damage, assuming the bike had been run into a wall at some point, but everything looks straight.

TF

[Hannibal Smith]

At least it wasn't a bent Kawi fork, they are mongrels to work with.