Topic: $125 for used forks?

[MJL]

I either need another set of forks or new tubes and springs. I found a local guy with a set of used '72 750 forks, he wants $125.    If I bought new parts through Cycle X I'd be looking at at least twice as much.   So, used forks, $125, deal or no deal?

[ColinMc]

I have a set of used forks off my cb750k6...not sure if they will fit but i don't want nearly that much for them! lol. Still sorting out pics and info for a few other people on other parts but the thread is in the Parts For Sale section.

EDIT: These forks will most certainly need fresh seals and oil btw. But I only want 40 and they are in decent shape.

[WFO]

I either need another set of forks or new tubes and springs. I found a local guy with a set of used '72 750 forks, he wants $125.    If I bought new parts through Cycle X I'd be looking at at least twice as much.   So, used forks, $125, deal or no deal?

You might end up rebuilding the $125 forks anyways or if you know they are good just make one good set of forks out of the two or the $125 forks will work perfect or fix the forks you have now right the first time and avoid a total fork removal ( it's your call really)

[MJL]

My forks are very stiff. I measured the springs and they are about a quarter inch short. I have tried changing the fork oil but it didn't help much if any.  I do know that the seal on the left fork is bad, and there is aspot on the tube where the chrome is worn off.  So, new tubes plus springs plus seals, or just another set of forks.

The bike is a 73 750.

[MJL]

I have a set of used forks off my cb750k6...not sure if they will fit but i don't want nearly that much for them! lol. Still sorting out pics and info for a few other people on other parts but the thread is in the Parts For Sale section.

EDIT: These forks will most certainly need fresh seals and oil btw. But I only want 40 and they are in decent shape.

I'll post there then.




Anyone know if the k6 forks will work on a k3?

[Tower]

Assuming that by "forks" you mean both entire upper and lower assembies.
If so...
72 forks will not work on a K3
Only K3 - K5 will work.
K6-K8 will not work

If you want to mix and match that's a different story.

[bert96]

I have a k7 fork on my k4 without any problem.

[MJL]

Assuming that by "forks" you mean both entire upper and lower assembies.
If so...
72 forks will not work on a K3
Only K3 - K5 will work.
K6-K8 will not work

If you want to mix and match that's a different story.

What keeps one from working on the other?

Hmm, rebuild time then?  Well then, if my tubes are bent, (if) could there be scoring inside that would prevent me from just installing new tubes?  This bike rides like a rock and after I smooth out the front I'll stick some new shocks on the rear.

[Gregorymoto]

I've never had issue swiping out different k front ends with the different years. The F tree has little wider span from tube to tube other than that they are all the same.

Lets start hear, what is wrong with the set up you have now. If you need new tubs last time i bought a set from Forking by Frank i spent around 130 but that was in the mid 90's.

[Gregorymoto]

ok i just looked over the post, i would just rebuild what you have, you dont know what you are buying.
Get some progressive springs and new oil seals. Test that out.
I bought my springs from Dynoman i think it cost 65.00 or something around there.
I think the fork seals where 20.00
The springs where a little soft for me so i made plugs to get the spring load where i wanted it.

[ColinMc]

I thought the forks themselves were identical from k2-k6? Calipers, brake lines, springs, all that stuff are the same part numbers...

[DavePhipps]

There's always the new aftermarket option
http://www.lm-spares.co.uk/acatalog/Honda_Complete_Fork_Kits.html

[Gregorymoto]

Ya i have never had issue swapping out front ends, not sure what his info is based on.

[Tower]

It depends on what you mean as "swappable".  For example there's nothing wrong with swapping out the entire fork from K7 onto a K3...as long as you don't mind also swapping the fender.  You can swap one tube for another and you can swap out one set of springs for another as long as you don't mind cutting them or living with the lowered/raised swap (depending on which year is swapped).  You can even put incompatible lower assemblies together as long as you don't mind drilling holes in the lowers..etc..

[KingCustomCycles.com]

Goldwing forks and trees are a drop-in to the steering head...Just wanted to muddy the waters....

[Tower]

Good prompt, KCC.com.  Maybe I can muddy  the waters some more also...

Any K fork pipe and many aftermarket tubes will bolt up into any K triple tree - but that's not the whole picture.

For example, If a K0 to early K2 pipe is bolted in (there are two varieties), then the bottom covers have to come with, because the oil locks are not compatible with other years, and fenders come with because the lower's bolt pattern of other years is not compatible, and the seals come with because the fork piston arrangement is not compatible with other years, and the springs because the comp pipe is not compatible.

Bolt in a late K2 - K6 pipe (there are three varieties) or K7/K8 pipe and a similar but different decision tree falls into place.  If you follow the decision tree then you have a "workable" swap.

The combinations and permutations of seals, rings, pipes, ears, fenders etc. that work are many, but so are the combinations that don't work.

Also, there are combinations that work, but with slight mods.  e.g. K2 pipe matched to K3 - K8 lower covers would probably work if you alter the oil lock, fabricate a short comp pipe and possibly a rebound spring, and swap oil seals and oil cushions.

[Gregorymoto]

yep did once as well.