pre 71 triple tree options

Hello to all,

I ran into a road block on XBSKT2 and would love some input.
I had originally intended to put the S style headlight with triple trees back onto the bike that came with the "S" basket case I have. While building her up into a cafe I decided I did not like the look of the halo headlight mount on the bike. I figured I'd go with the set of triple trees I had in stock from a 71 roadster. I soon found out the differences in triple trees and headstock from 1970 to post-1970. I've tried in vain to locate a used set of pre-71 trees.
What are my options other than all the fiddling I need to do to fit up the 71 trees?
I looked at the CNW site and see they have what I need in billet but I don't have that purchase in this budget. Is anyone out there making a more affordable option?
Does anyone have a set for sale that hasn't checked the WANTED forum? I am a willing buyer for any set.
I'm considering going back to my original plan to use a Suzuki front end from a Water Buffalo GT750 I decided against because of the look of the sliders and the overall weight.

What to do to keep moving forward.

Any input appreciated.

Jeff

Far as I know it's really only the stops that are different, I'm pretty sure any of the three bearing styles would work. Get a set of annular thrust bearings and you don't need the spacer. I've seen them on ebay for around $20.

Dave
69S

I have this alloy set for use with clip ons,
$450 shipped by Fedex

Sorry for the long delay but life keeps getting in the way of building basketcses.
The difference I am mainly concerned with is the depth of the relief cut into the bottom of the headstock for the bearing. When I measure two frames headstock (one from 1970 and the other 1971) the 70 is shallower by approx. 1/8 inch. If I use the later tube spacer and the sealed bearings the spacer will be that 1/8 inch too short due to the bearing not going in as far as it would in a 1971 and later headstock. If I use the mid generation roller bearings that take up the deeper relief in the bottom of the headstock will the triple tree stem be long enough to allow the bottom nut to fully thread on? If I use the roller bearings with separate races how do I set the preload on the bearings without he adjuster that is on the stem of the 70 and earlier trees? I'm not too worried about the steering stops as I was thinking I would have to rework those either way because of the monster aluminum tank I'm putting on. The pre 70 stops seem weak to me and I think the 71-on stops allow too much travel for the tank I'm using.
I think there could be more issues once I get into the installation but that is what I come up with from staring, measuring, thinking and talking to Phil Radford at Fair Spares.

I do have a third Suzuki GT750 front end option but I'd need to warm up to it some more.

Any input appreciated.

Jeff

Jeff,

Interesting data you have there re: the bearing shoulder depth differences. PM sent.

Hi mate.... Iam looking for a tripple tree for my 1969 S i have the original head light but the tripple trees have been replaced with standard type. Would you be interested in selling yours? I am in New Zealand