Topic: Updating my front forks

[dbcb718]

Hey All
Has anyone out there replaced their stock CB750 (I have a 75 CB750) forks with a modern set. like something of one of Honda's CBR model. Just wanted to get some info if it is possible and if so how hard is it to do.
Thanks
Dave

[fatmatt650]

I rebuilt mine (76cb750F) w/ progressive springs and 10w/30 motor oil and they are much better now. I have another bike (86 Yamaha SRX 600) w/ later inverted R1 forks on it and it is far better than my rebuilt stock forks. I don't believe there is any truly simple, bolt-on conversion that will not leave you w/ multiple issues to sort out. I highly recommend trying some new springs and oil first for the simplicity and low cost. Having said that, I am always on the lookout for a set of modern forks cheap for some time in the future when I've got some time on my hands to do the conversion.

[Gordon]

+1 on making improvements to the stock forks.  If you're looking for a project, then go for the challenge of fitting a set of modern forks, but if all you're really looking for is a little better ride, updating the current forks is the way to go.  You can get progressive springs, and do a search for cartridge emulators.  You can also drill and tap the top caps for adding air pressure.  There have been many threads on the possible upgrades to stock forks with many opinions and reviews of their effectiveness. 

[fatmatt650]

Wait for it.......... all together now - "HAVE YOU TRIED THE SEARCH FUNCTION?"

[Tews19]

Wait for it.......... all together now - "HAVE YOU TRIED THE SEARCH FUNCTION?"

HAHA you are on fire with this!!! two times less then 1 hour...

[MidnightLamp]

With most modern forks (at least anything over 2000) you're looking at offset in and around 1" or less. You want something like 2" of offset to preserve stock CB specs. 2" of offset + sufficient fork length makes most modern swaps a fair chunk of work.

If you're looking for cheapish stuff, look into the DOHC front end swaps, or the GL front end swaps. Those are somewhat era correct, and significantly cheaper/easier.

If you're on the lookout for 70's/80's honda stuff, do buy a complete front end though, because you will pay through the nose for missing parts on incomplete ones.

[Terry in Australia]

I agree with the above sentiments regarding setting up stock forks, but there's only so much you can do with the standard 35mm front forks, and properly set up, modern forks are a huge improvement to our bikes.

The problem is that the engineering required to fit better forks is beyond the capability/budget of most of us, so some guys compromise function for form by just installing a complete modern front end with the wrong steering geometry, silly 17 inch wheel etc.

This is my K2 that was built by notable Aussie race bike engineer, Ken Piper. Ken wanted a "retro" look, with modern brakes and handling, so he spent considerable time and effort machining a set of triples with the original geometry to mate the 41mm forks from a Yamaha FZR1000 to the K2 frame.

Instead of using the FZR's 17 inch wheel Ken mated a wider 18 inch alloy rim to the stock Honda hub, and machined up brake disc adapters to mate the FZR discs to the Honda hub, made a new speedo adapter, etc etc. The end result is a much stiffer set of forks with multiple adjustments available, lighter, more efficient discs, and 4 piston calipers. With the wider rear rim and tire and Koni shocks, this is the best handling and braking CB750 I've ever owned, and I've owned over 20. Cheers, Terry. 

[Steve_K]

Race Tech sells emulators for these forks, add some new springs and proper fork oil and you have a major improvement.  Still looks old school though!  Will not suit if you want modern looking forks tho.
I have put them in several Suzukis, a SV650 and a 86 GSXR 750 and I was very,VERY happy with it.  Add a new rear shock and be happy.
Steve

[Tews19]

I agree with the above sentiments regarding setting up stock forks, but there's only so much you can do with the standard 35mm front forks, and properly set up, modern forks are a huge improvement to our bikes.

The problem is that the engineering required to fit better forks is beyond the capability/budget of most of us, so some guys compromise function for form by just installing a complete modern front end with the wrong steering geometry, silly 17 inch wheel etc.

This is my K2 that was built by notable Aussie race bike engineer, Ken Piper. Ken wanted a "retro" look, with modern brakes and handling, so he spent considerable time and effort machining a set of triples with the original geometry to mate the 41mm forks from a Yamaha FZR1000 to the K2 frame.

Instead of using the FZR's 17 inch wheel Ken mated a wider 18 inch alloy rim to the stock Honda hub, and machined up brake disc adapters to mate the FZR discs to the Honda hub, made a new speedo adapter, etc etc. The end result is a much stiffer set of forks with multiple adjustments available, lighter, more efficient discs, and 4 piston calipers. With the wider rear rim and tire and Koni shocks, this is the best handling and braking CB750 I've ever owned, and I've owned over 20. Cheers, Terry. 

God you give me something to shoot for... I have been looking into replacing my triple tree on the 550F and go with a more modern front end.. But after reading I think I will look into the progressive springs as I am POOR.. Great looking bike though Terry