Triumphrat

blackfly911 · 03-26-2008

G'day troops,

I am in the process of ordering a set of fork tubes from a US manufacturer for my 98 TBS. I received a call that they actually have a set in stock of a Thunderbird, 43 mm tubes. Their issue is they are unsure if they are TBS or Thunderbird.

My question is:

Even though they are different in their internals, is there any obvious way to verify a TBS tube from a same year Thunderbird tube?

If not, I'll be disassembling my fork to send them the tube to verify and/or reproduce.

Thanks for any help you guys can provide.

Cheers!

KD5QOQ · 03-26-2008

They don't show the same part number.

MickMaguire · 03-26-2008

They are certainly different

denny · 03-26-2008

I'd be interested in the supplier you are working with to get these replacement fork tubes.

Unfortunately sending him one of your originals is the best way to assure that they produce a proper replacement.

blackfly911 · 03-26-2008

Yes,

I agree, I've started the disassembly process. I'll be mailing them my pitted tube to have a replacement made.

Denny, I'll PM you with details.

Thanks all.

blackfly911 · 03-27-2008

Almost there,

I've got one of the forks apart surprisingly easily with some great help from the posters here.

One question, at the bottom of the fork tube there is the "bottom bush" it spins in place but seems to be seated, how does one get it out? does it need to be pressed out? The Haynes manual is no help at this point.

Thanks again all.

blackfly911 · 03-27-2008

Another question,

Dose anyone have the part number for after market springs from Progressive and where's a good place to buy them (online or in store)?

I do find the front end a bit soft under hard braking, I understand Progressives are great replacements.

Cheers!

jimmyj900 · 03-27-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackfly911

Dose anyone have the part number for after market springs from Progressive and where's a good place to buy them (online or in store)?

My biggest initial problem with my Adventurer was severe front end dive during hard braking.

My solution was to install Progressive Suspension 11-1144 front springs with 5-7/8" PVC spacers and 20W oil.

The airspace above the oil was set at 120mm with the inner tube fully extended and the spring installed. This required almost exactly 1 pint of oil per tube.

That combo may be too stiff for you so you might want to go with 15W oil and maybe a 5-1/2" spacer.

You can then adjust the spacer height with fender washers to where it's what you want.

Dennis Kirk has them Dennis Kirk Part #: 58976, Mfg. Part #: 111144

The DK price is $77.99 so you might want to shop around a bit. The good thing about DK is that they have them in stock and ship promptly.

Jim

denny · 03-27-2008

But the TBS forks are different from the rest of the Triple classics, so those springs might not be appropriate. I've not changed mine so I am really no help with this. Just be aware.