Topic: Remounting Forks (Now with Triple Tree Issues)

[WJL75]

I finally got all the parts needed for repairing the damage to my front end.  I bought a lift, removed the front wheel...I then removed the front forks.  Is there any trick to remounting them?  Any useful ideas to ease the new forks in?  I've got the right side up to the top triple tree, but am having a heck of a time getting it to go in all the way.  It's just me, and I am sure this would be a lot easier with another person helping, but that's not happening.

[FunJimmy]

I'd loosen the top triple clamp at the steering tube just to ensure it's lined up with the lower triple.
That and a little prying of the fork clamp should do it.

[Ricky_Racer]

Hi.  You might want to tighten the axle first to square the forks, then tighten the triple tree bolts.  RR

[nteek754]

Hey there make sure  the flat sided washers arent interfering  and make sure all your rubber gromets are in place and not pinched  this  is speaking of my 73 750 I just  redid the front end to.   good luck seven fifty four ever  Craig in Maine

[jreich]

Yes, those flat sided washers in the upper clamps can be a bugger

[736cc]

use a little wd40

[WJL75]

Thanks for the tips, I'll try them out today.  Lucky for me the weather has turned cold and rainy lately, so having the bike in pieces hasn't mad me go crazy.

[WJL75]

I finally got the forks on, but they look to be off by a degree or two.  Other than buying a new triple tree, is there anything I can do?  The difference is so small that if I had the boots on them, I don't think that I would have noticed. 

I have not yet tried mounting the tire.  I wanted to see what options were out there first.

If a new triple is needed, would a 74 or 75 work on a 76K? 

[WJL75]

Anyone?

[Clyde]

You mentioned front end damage.
On the 750's the frame is much stronger than the triple tree and usually the triple tree bends first then the forks bend, then the triple tree main stem creases and is useless, then finally the forks crease.
If they are not creased they can be straightened
If your triple tree is suspect, have you also checked the forks for straightness?
I have just had my spare F1 tree straightened. It was out by about 3-4 degrees. I used a local guy in Sydney (Australia) who is very good at straightening frames, triple trees, forks etc. He straightened the triple tree using special tools/jig and a big length of water pipe.He needed the top and bottom trees and forks to do the job, but they lined up perfectly afterwards

Upon assembly the front end went together with no problem. Prior to straightening I had to use a lot of force to get the top clamp over the forks
It is worth the effort to have it straightened otherwise you will find the handling a bit funny.

All the K-K6 series bottom trees will fit in and work, even though there are very minor differences. Top clamps are different between the K0/1/2 and K3-6, -but same dimensions as far as fitting the forks in. Do not use the F series as they have different offsets.
Just remember the used one you buy may also be bent.
I am not sure of the K7-K8 triple trees
Try clamping the forks in the lower triple tree and axle then check the trueness with two straight edges.
Regds Clyde

[WJL75]

Thanks Clyde.  They are new forks.  The last set was damaged in the accident.  I will take them out again and disassemble the stem to verify.

[736cc]

The gaps on both your trees' pinch areas must line-up ABSOLUTELY PERFECTLY when eyeballed. Any difference means its bent and you need to replace the offending tree.

[Jonesy]

Look in the "Thoughts of HondaMan" thread. I think he gives the procedure to re-align the upper and lower clamps.

[WJL75]

The gaps on both your trees' pinch areas must line-up ABSOLUTELY PERFECTLY when eyeballed. Any difference means its bent and you need to replace the offending tree.

The gaps are off a little on the right side of the tree. 

There is a 75k tree on ebay right now, but it is a different part number than the 76k.  Does anyone know if it will work?

[IndianRider]

Hi. You might want to tighten the axle first to square the forks, then tighten the triple tree bolts. RR

good point .. but can u explain this further ...

i realized after i reinstalled my forks they wouldnt line up parallell together so i had to turn the fork tubes within the triple clamps by holding the lower tubes so kind of get the forks alligned .. i should have installed the wheel axle first between the forks and then tried to install the forks in the triple clamps to get the allignment ..

[WJL75]

Thanks for all of the replies.  Last night, I loosened everything on the trees, mounted the wheel and gave the handlebars a turn while holding the wheel straight.  This brought everything in line again.

Once it gets into the 40's again I should be set to take a test ride.  WOOO HOOO!