Triumphrat

Wrench-head · 03-11-2010, 06:56 PM

I just picked up a set of inverted forks & triple trees from a GSXR 1000 and I'm thinking about putting them on my 79 T-140. Does anyone have experience with this kind of project? Where can I go for more info/help?

toxic · 03-11-2010, 08:16 PM

I'm not much of a "purist" as I tend to like heavily modified stuff but dang that ain't right. Just because it can be done doesn't mean it should be done.

However, I wish you well with such a complex project.

Who knows these bikes have been around so long maybe someone has already done it.

Tonybaloney · 03-11-2010, 08:28 PM

PaulZ hangs inverted forks on many of his projects. Somehow, he is able to not violate sensibilities and his stuff turns out great. Good luck with your project. For most people, the impetus to do something is contained in the words "You can't do that" for whatever reason.

DAVE M · 03-12-2010, 07:19 AM

I'd guess that the chopper/bobber guys will be best able to help, I suppose that the difficulty will be dependant on whether it's an easy fit or if the yoke/tripple tree stem needs to be machined and the bearings sorted.

I don't believe that it's a huge job but rather that you'd need advice and a reliable machinist/welder.

Lots of people in classic trials fit different forks to old bikes and i don't believe it's hugely expensive.

I'd assume that you're swapping the entire front end and not making a rod for your own back by trying to graft the Triumph front wheel and brakes onto the suzi?

Wrench-head · 03-12-2010, 07:28 AM

Ideally, a spoked front rim would be in keeping with the look I am striving for with the T-140. Having a spoked rim built w/dual discs would cost way more than I plan to spend on the project, however, that may be the end result.

jimmy bush · 03-12-2010, 10:03 AM

I think a later model Triumph wheel could be made into a dual disc by simply installing another disc and longer bolts. You'd have to improvise on the caliper mounting but if you're changing forks, you're already going to be doing that.

GrandPaulZ · 03-12-2010, 10:31 AM

It's a niggly bugger to do.

You need a custom machined hub, spaced & drilled to match the axle & discs that go with the forks.

Typically you can turn down the yoke stem to 1" and that will fit most headstock bearings. If the yoke stem is hollow, and it's inner diameter is too close to 1", you can have a new solid one turned down to fit your existing bearings. (Kawasaki stems are hollow, but leave thicker walls when turned down to 1" than the OEM Norton yoke stem has.

You have to then watch the fork/yoke/clipon contact with the gas tank; I weld on new steering stops to limit the range.

I've noticed that my cheesy headlight mounts are actually not far off what the manufacturers are using; I just need to take them to the chrome shop for plating. Meter mounting is the last issue, it can be dealt with in any one of a dozen creative ways. Here, I used a late style rubber cup in a chrome ring, held in place by a cad plated top steering bearing trim disc, using the keyswitch as the mounting hardware. (no tach, sorry)

Wrench-head · 03-12-2010, 01:43 PM

Beautiful bike you have there GPZ. That is basically what I want to do w/my T-140. Who made your tank?

Webby · 03-13-2010, 08:59 AM

Hi Wrench head,
You can get similar tanks for the T140 from here http://www.unityequipe.com/html/products.html
You will need to download the cataloge, the reference for the tank is UNAX5, nice bit of kit but expensive, 450 pounds (almost 900 US!)

I hope this helps

Webby

Marc Beaudry · 03-13-2010, 04:26 PM

if you're using the wheel , and yokes the forks come with - it's a little
less work. trying to lace a spoked wheel , using the modern brake components turns into a little more work - here's my use of USDforks.
once ou build carriers for the discs - custom axle - you can then determine how wide to make your yokes.