Topic: Any advantage to a set of '87 Kawa EX500 forks over the CB550 forks?

[RAFster122s]

I noticed the '87 Kawasaki EX500A fork tubes are 36 mm  like the CB500 fork  tubes.
Any improvement or advantage to be had going to the Kawasaki forks tubes?
I have access to a EX500A parts bike that is fairly complete.
No, I'm not planning on going to go to a 16" front wheel...

Thanks!

David

[Retro Rocket]

Search for reviews on the Kawasaki and see what they say about the suspension. Being a later model it should be a better set up than the old Honda..

Mick

[scottly]

I had a set of 36mm '82 Kawi GPZ 550 forks on my 750. Since my fork tubes were 35mm, I had to use the GPZ triples. This caused interference with the fuel tank, with a much reduced turning radius, which is why I am now switching back to K7 forks.
On the plus side: the GPZ forks had much better damping, and less sticktion than the Honda forks, both the K1 and K7 versions. Also, the dual disks were more effective than the single K7 disk.   

[MidTNJasonF]

EX500's are mildly popular with the WERA Vintage race guys so I am sure there are some options out there for springs and such. You may be able to track down some information and parts from those folks.

[RAFster122s]

The EX500 has the 36 mm fork tubes but the CB550 has 35 mmm fork tubes...
So that could complicate matters a bit.
The EX500 brakes are superior for certain but, the 16" front wheel just would not cut it.
Having to use the Kawa triple trees would force you to clipons unless you had someone be creative with the mill to fabricate ($$) a set of triple trees with the placement such that you wouldn't have interference.

Guess if I were to change forks it would be for a modern bike that could support the handlebars I would want and wouldn't change the geometry for the worse.

thanks for the help and pointers

I appreciate the input!

David

[Retro Rocket]

The only problems i see are that the Kawasaki clamps will most likely have a different offset so when used in the Honda clamps i doubt the stock Honda wheel will be a direct fit, shouldn't be too hard to alter some spacers to fit.. Calipers or discs offset may have changed as well..

Mick