Topic: Will K7 forks work on a K4?

[hahnda]

I know the forks changed a but at the K7 but can they be swapped in for earlier forks? I assume the forks, caliper and wheel would swap but how about just the forks? Not the triple trees, just the fork tubes and lowers.

I have someone looking for forks for his extended fork K4 and wants to be rid of the extended forks. I have a set of K7 forks that I am hoping will work for him.  I have a set from a K4 also but don't really want to part with them.

[GammaFlat]

I've wondered this myself.  I believe they'll slide in.  The lower section of the fork is a different length but the overall length is the same or very close.  You're probably also aware that the K4 has gators and the K7 has caps.  I love the "modernization" look of the K7 but the "old school" gator look certainly has it's place on the pre-K7 bikes to be "era correct". 

[hahnda]

I'm sure they will slide in also. I'm just wondering if the K4 wheel will work? Fender strut mounts? If I had the forks in front of me I wouldn't have to seem so clueless.

I might just have to dig them out. Rain and melting snow here in WI.

[754]

They work the best.
 longer lowers  = more stability & fork braces available.

 Hard chromed tubes, allowing you to run without headlight ears.

[Old Scrambler]

The notable difference is the lack of lugs on the right leg for a dual-disk and the lack of both front lugs for the fender stays on the earlier Ks.  If he wants the newer look, he will need a K7-8 fender.   

[climbingaz]

I've wondered this myself.  I believe they'll slide in.  The lower section of the fork is a different length but the overall length is the same or very close.  You're probably also aware that the K4 has gators and the K7 has caps.  I love the "modernization" look of the K7 but the "old school" gator look certainly has it's place on the pre-K7 bikes to be "era correct". 

Funny you mention the boots.  I've got a K8 with K8 forks and would like to buy boots for the "look".  Any suggestions, modifications I might need to make?  What year boots might fit?

[Laminar]

I just (last night) put K7/K8 dust caps on a set of '76 CB550 forks that previously had the gaiters. I'd assume you could switch the other way as well. The headlight ears on the 550 are designed to accept the top of the gaiters, you'd probably want to look into that.

[Toxic]

I've wondered this myself.  I believe they'll slide in.  The lower section of the fork is a different length but the overall length is the same or very close.  You're probably also aware that the K4 has gators and the K7 has caps.  I love the "modernization" look of the K7 but the "old school" gator look certainly has it's place on the pre-K7 bikes to be "era correct". 

Funny you mention the boots.  I've got a K8 with K8 forks and would like to buy boots for the "look".  Any suggestions, modifications I might need to make?  What year boots might fit?

Go to CycleX.com they sell gaitors that will fit a later model fork set up.
They are very cheap.  I put them on my 77 forks on my 72 frame, so they fit.
You just have to use a black cable tie to hold them in place.

I believe the difference is that the top of the gaitor is smaller so it hugs the chrome upper.

[climbingaz]

Go to CycleX.com they sell gaitors that will fit a later model fork set up.
They are very cheap.  I put them on my 77 forks on my 72 frame, so they fit.
You just have to use a black cable tie to hold them in place.

I believe the difference is that the top of the gaitor is smaller so it hugs the chrome upper.
[/quote]

Thanks Toxic, just bought a pair.  $19.99  but $10 for shipping 

[MFHP]

I know the forks changed a but at the K7 but can they be swapped in for earlier forks? I assume the forks, caliper and wheel would swap but how about just the forks? Not the triple trees, just the fork tubes and lowers.

I have someone looking for forks for his extended fork K4 and wants to be rid of the extended forks. I have a set of K7 forks that I am hoping will work for him.  I have a set from a K4 also but don't really want to part with them.

they just slide in. No need to change the triple trees. Boots of the K4 will fit as well as long as he keeps the K4 chrome head light ears which take the upper end of the boots. Otherwise the Cycle-X boots will work perfect for a compete K7 front or a any front without the chrome head light ears.

Mike