Topic: CB650 front end question

[nick5446]

Hi everybody!

Trying to piece together a bike on the cheap, and have a quick question for the experts.

The bike in question is an '83 Nighthawk 650 with junk 39mm fork tubes (twin cam - I know, not my first choice).

I got an awesome fork and spoked front wheel off of an older model 650, which has 35mm tubes.

Does anyone know if older model CB650 triple clamps and stem will bolt right onto my '83 frame? Going into it, I knew that the diameters were different, but didn't realize the width was different too. Having the more narrow, older style front end would save me a lot of work. Checking All Balls, it looks like the '79-'85s use the same bearings, so I believe the only difference could be the stem length...unless I'm missing something.

Thanks!!

[scunny]

If the stems are different you can swap them over.
check out Ohio Cafe Racers site...http://www.ohiocaferacers.com/ has info on front ends in the technical section.

[nick5446]

Yeah that's a good call. If the bearings are the same, I would have to assume that press diameter is the same.

Last question - was '81 the last year of the narrow front end?

[RAFster122s]

All Balls often has adapter bearing kits to fit other front ends on a bike or can put together some for you.  So, you aren't stuck with the current fork.  Would it not be inexpensive to get new tubes for your 39mm forks and new seals.  Not like you will be doing new seals in anything you do...
Stem length is important too.  As is the width of the fork tubes and distance relative to the stem and lots of other dimensions like length affecting rake and trail numbers.  GL1000 forks are often an upgrade many go with on the cb750...

David

[cb650]

If you need any parts I have a 84 for parts or take the whole thing whats left.  LOL