Front end support

[mickey_7106]

Hi all

i need to remove the front forks to rebuild them (if they aren't bent) and possibly replace the lower triple tree ( one of the steer stops is broken). My buddy the previous owner went down with the bike years ago. the front wheel and the handle bars are misaligned, one of the forks blew a seal and spilled oil everywhere. how do i support the bike if the whole steering is removed?

also do the fork tubes need to be rebuilt for my weight? currently weigh 222 naked, not sure if they can be beefed up for heavier riders

first time working on a bike. pretty good with a wrench but not a mechanic. any guidance through all this is highly appreciated.

TIA!


2003 GSX-R600

 

[motomania2007]

You can support the front end all sorts of different ways. One of the more creative ways I've seen do it is to use a step ladder over the tank and a tie down strap supporting the bike from the top step of the step ladder.

If you weigh 220 lb you need new springs front and rear on the motorcycle. And you need to know what your riding weight is. As that's the weight that matters.

You can find the correct springs at RaceTech.com

 

[RT_Russ]

*. Ratchet strap over garage rafter attached to handle bars
*. floor jack under the engine case
*. With a touring or sport touring bike with a rear case……several dumbbells in the case was enough weight to have the bike rock back on the rear wheel

 

[mickey_7106]

Thats pretty genius thanks. i have a 300lb rating adjustable ladder that just might work long enough for me to do the work .

When figuring out spring rates do you take in consideration the weight of a passenger? This bike will only be a commuter/weekend cruiser, errand runner. im also looking into a throttle tamer

You can support the front end all sorts of different ways. One of the more creative ways I've seen do it is to use a step ladder over the tank and a tie down strap supporting the bike from the top step of the step ladder.

If you weigh 220 lb you need new springs front and rear on the motorcycle. And you need to know what your riding weight is. As that's the weight that matters.

You can find the correct springs at RaceTech.com

*. Ratchet strap over garage rafter attached to handle bars
*. floor jack under the engine case
*. With a touring or sport touring bike with a rear case……several dumbbells in the case was enough weight to have the bike rock back on the rear wheel

i don't have a garage to work in, all my work is done outdoors. i thought about buying a scissor jack to support from the oil pan but the exhaust runs right underneath it

 

[stangmx13]

If the steering stops are broken, the lower triple is prob bent. Getting bearings onto a new one and new races in the frame will be the most difficult part. Using heat&cold can help for that. But Ull probably need a long tube for the lower bearing and be good with a hammer.

Springs are easy on non-USD forks. You probably don’t even need a spring compressor. Sourcing a new preload spacer and getting it the right length may be annoying. Seals are ez with a seal driver.

There are tutorials on YouTube for all of this.

 

[Frame Maker]

If the steering stops are broken, then both triple clamps are likely bent and should be checked...

minor correction made

 

[mickey_7106]

Thanks. i ordered a used lower triple thats supposed to be "100% straight". I'll inspect the top once i tear into it. i'll be installing tapered bearings as well

If the steering stops are broken, the lower triple is prob bent. Getting bearings onto a new one and new races in the frame will be the most difficult part. Using heat&cold can help for that. But Ull probably need a long tube for the lower bearing and be good with a hammer.

Springs are easy on non-USD forks. You probably don’t even need a spring compressor. Sourcing a new preload spacer and getting it the right length may be annoying. Seals are ez with a seal driver.

There are tutorials on YouTube for all of this.

minor correction made

 

[Frame Maker]

minor correction made

Thanks. i ordered a used lower triple thats supposed to be "100% straight"...

I should have better explained... when a moto goes down the first thing to hit the ground is most often the handlebars. The handlebars are always attached to the upper triple clamp, but the steering stops are always on the bottom triple clamp. When there is force applied to the handlebar (upper triple clamp), but being resisted by the lower triple clamp (against the steering stop) this results in a twisting motion in the front end (forks, upper triple clamp, and lower triple clamp). This twisting motion usually won't bend the forks but it will bend BOTH triple clamps equally. So what I mean to say is if you have one bent triple clamp, they will both be bent.

The good news is that triple clamps are easy to straighten, and can be shipped through the mail. I'd send to Dr. Johns (or similar frame shop) and have them straightened. For around $100 (plus shipping) you can have your triple clamps good as new. I've used Dr Johns many times and very happy with the work they do. Highly recommended

https://www.drjohnsmfs.com/services.html

 

[mickey_7106]

Thanks for the break down. The lower i bought was $30shipped. They claim its straight so i rolled the dice on it. i googled shops around my area and theres a place in Santa Clara that can straighten clamps for $50. im gonna give them a shot for my upper unless i can figure out how to do it myself

I should have better explained... when a moto goes down the first thing to hit the ground is most often the handlebars. The handlebars are always attached to the upper triple clamp, but the steering stops are always on the bottom triple clamp. When there is force applied to the handlebar (upper triple clamp), but being resisted by the lower triple clamp (against the steering stop) this results in a twisting motion in the front end (forks, upper triple clamp, and lower triple clamp). This twisting motion usually won't bend the forks but it will bend BOTH triple clamps equally. So what I mean to say is if you have one bent triple clamp, they will both be bent.

The good news is that triple clamps are easy to straighten, and can be shipped through the mail. I'd send to Dr. Johns (or similar frame shop) and have them straightened. For around $100 (plus shipping) you can have your triple clamps good as new. I've used Dr Johns many times and very happy with the work they do. Highly recommended

https://www.drjohnsmfs.com/services.html

 

[stangmx13]

I should have better explained... when a moto goes down the first thing to hit the ground is most often the handlebars. The handlebars are always attached to the upper triple clamp...

This is prob why Ive never bent a top clamp - aftermarket clip-ons aren't attached to the top clamp and just rotate around the tube.