Hi I am replacing the front Showa forks on my 1993 bike as they look really tattered/weathered. Last year I bought a set of second hand replacements that appeared to be identical - guess what - when I came to fit them today the threaded section in the left fork is approx 2mm larger than my forks so I need a new spindle (or maybe drift out the threaded section and swop over?). Question is does anyone know for certain when the spindle size/ fork detail changed so I can get the right spindle as I can't remember what year the replacement forks came from. My standard forks have gold stancheons with silver leg bottoms, the replacements have gold top and bottom. Looking at internet images maybe the newer ones are from a 1995 bike? Cheers Andrew
You will find that the left fork leg contains a threaded 'top hat' type insert, that is secured in the fork leg with the two allen screws at the bottom of the fork. All you have to do is pop out the old one, and pop in the new one you need, and it should work fine. Not only is the thread a different diameter in old vs new forks, but the spindle size, wheel bearings and speedo drive components are all dictated by this. Posting pictures helps.
Unless someone has played around with the OP's bike, it sounds like he should have the 17mm axle, bearings and speedo drive......and top hat insert........ .........it also sounds to me as though he has acquired the larger axle and insert... .....so if he wants to use the larger axle he will generally be b*lloxed because he will have the earlier wheel as well, therefore the later larger speedo drive won't fit even if he changes the bearings (and of course, the bearing spacers will need changing as well) to suit the larger axle...... AL.
I am fairly sure the original forks are OEM to the bike. Everything else fits fine with the new forks i.e. speedo drive bearing, right fork opening etc seems to be only the thread in the left fork is different. Can you tell me what the ''top hat'' insert looks like? Is it just the threaded section in the bottom of the left fork leg? If so can I put the fork on a work bench and drift this insert out?
Slacken the two pinchbolts at the bottom of the fork leg as Chewy said........it will almost fall out............or a least a light tap with a hammer handle from the inside will move it if a bit corroded.... But if the insert needs changing for larger ID one, then I'll guarantee the new axle won't go through your front wheel.......... If the 'new' axle is larger than the original (OEM is 17mm OD), the 'new' parts you have may 'look' the same, but I reckon if you want to use the larger axle (OEM 20mm) you will have to get a later carbed SS front wheel. You might find it useful if you posted pics of what you have got, as Chewy said.....
SORTED thanks chaps - just had to drift out the top hats from old and new forks and swap them over. No other problems as I am not changing the axle, just the forks. Bet its raining by the time its all back together!! Andrew
Who's a lucky boy, then? Just remember if you are contemplating getting a spare front wheel etc, what you need to know.......
