Topic: Front end rebuild

[sjdigiov]

Hi everyone,
I always liked cafe bikes, but I didn't want to chop up a pristine or easily restorable bike to make mine. So I bought a barn find K5 that hasn't been registered since 1991 that was in need of some serious repair work. Frame was rusted heavily, and the engine sat without plugs or carbs so the pistons were rusted to the bores. I've split the cases and I'm loving that aspect of tearing it down. (I already bought Hondaman's book, it's fantastic)

What I'd like some opinions on is rebuilding the front end. The forks I have will need a full rebuild including buying a new set of tubes. I will also need to completely replace the calipers and MC.  Since I'd have to spend a fair amount rebuilding them completely, I was considering some front end swaps or any other idea's. I'd really prefer to not do a GSXR/USD swap so I don't have to drop all the money on the conversion parts.  I have seen the early Goldwing Swap's but I wasn't sure how easily I'd be able to lower the front forks and trim down the triple tree.

If anyone has any ideas/advice I greatly appreciate it!

[Kelly E]

We've replaced the tubes on several bikes over the last 3 years. To keep the classic look with better handling get a set of Racetec emulators. Right now we just finished an 80' Suzuki GS 1100E forks with new tubes. I'm not sure how much a set is because my buddy does all the ordering but I think it is between $250 to $300.

[Alan F.]

You could probably just use a set of fork tubes from a 500 or 550, I understand those are a bit shorter.