- Joined
- May 7, 2005
- Messages
- 7,109
If you are looking for a complete new modern front end its difficult to know where to start.
A good way is to track down part interchange databases, streetfighter and other specials builders forums are a good place to start. There are lots around.
This is an example of a fork database, originally only for upside down forks but conventional forks have crept in.
So first get the basic dimensions for your current bike.
Measure the distance from the top of the yoke to the centre of the front axle, your new forks need to be a minimum of this length.
Next important bit is the headstock bearing ID as the new yokes stem need to be adaptable to this. For a Commando this is 25mm but there are other bearings around with the same OD but different ID's allowing more scope.
30mm ID special bearing
Next you need to trawl through all those databases looking for forks and yokes that match what you are looking for, you can mix and match forks and yokes using the stanchion size. As stanchions are now fully parallel you can select overlong forks within reason as you can drop the yokes and fit the clip ons above the top yokes.
Here is one combination that fits a Norton Commando. Honda CBR600 F4i forks from 2001 with Yamaha R6 yokes from 99 to 2002.
The cartridges will be from the later CBR600RR 2007 onwards as the valving has much better flow rates.
Instead of the seal shields you can fit BMW K100 gaitors for better seal and stanchion protection. Part number ARIETE 09974.
The Fork brace is for the Honda CBR600 but had enough adjustment to cater for the 1mm wider R6 yokes.
The paint rubbed off the fork bottoms and then the matt alloy surface was sanded and then polished.
A good way is to track down part interchange databases, streetfighter and other specials builders forums are a good place to start. There are lots around.
This is an example of a fork database, originally only for upside down forks but conventional forks have crept in.
So first get the basic dimensions for your current bike.
Measure the distance from the top of the yoke to the centre of the front axle, your new forks need to be a minimum of this length.
Next important bit is the headstock bearing ID as the new yokes stem need to be adaptable to this. For a Commando this is 25mm but there are other bearings around with the same OD but different ID's allowing more scope.
30mm ID special bearing
Next you need to trawl through all those databases looking for forks and yokes that match what you are looking for, you can mix and match forks and yokes using the stanchion size. As stanchions are now fully parallel you can select overlong forks within reason as you can drop the yokes and fit the clip ons above the top yokes.
Here is one combination that fits a Norton Commando. Honda CBR600 F4i forks from 2001 with Yamaha R6 yokes from 99 to 2002.
The cartridges will be from the later CBR600RR 2007 onwards as the valving has much better flow rates.
Instead of the seal shields you can fit BMW K100 gaitors for better seal and stanchion protection. Part number ARIETE 09974.
The Fork brace is for the Honda CBR600 but had enough adjustment to cater for the 1mm wider R6 yokes.
The paint rubbed off the fork bottoms and then the matt alloy surface was sanded and then polished.
Last edited:
