Front end fit up

[Pipes]

Hi guys,

Well,I did say when I joined up that I may be quiet for periods of time and I haven't disappointed
Anyhoo,it;s been a busy period at work as some workmates are still on furlough leave due to the pandemic meaning the rest of have to pull extra hours but this week I did manage to remove the dust sheet and play with the front end of my project XS.

I am using Sherco Paoli trials forks because they are bigger in diameter than the originals,they use a single disc lower legs and I simply like the look of them.I am using FZR400 yokes which I have cleaned and given the lower yoke a going over with the bronze wire to match the frame and I am surprised the weld took so well and I am liking the look too...
I was originally contemplating using the alloy FZR upper yoke and using a second upper modified to suit at the bottom too but the idea of the stem giving issues when pressing into the alloy yoke gave me cold feet so I have decided to use another steel lower yoke on top (confused yet lol).I ground off the steering stops and filled the holes for the brake hose bracket and then will get it sand blasted eventually to bring back the 'cast' look.This will recieve the bronze wire treatment too.Heres some pics of the progress so far...

Why do I keep thinking 'Jonny 5 is alive' ??

 

[Pipes]

I have come to the realisation that the camera on my phone is crap

 

[Mailman]

I like the look of that!

Why do I keep thing 'Jonny 5 is alive' ??

You have to be a certain age to remember that one!

 

[stinky78]

hi pipes, looks good to me too, did you just lay a bead over the top for the look? they aren’t actually welded, is that right?

 

[Pipes]

Yes mate,just laid over the top for the welded look..I did it just to see what it looked like and stuck with it.I do not plan to paint them a solid colour but clear lacquer the yokes and the frame.I have a friend who is pretty clued up in the ways of painting so it should be ok.

I have yet to suss out the springs in the fork legs.I currently have the stock Paoli springs but are a little soft obviously taking into account the previous bike they held up was much lighter....Doing some research I found some Jap bikes such as Gsx600f (if I remember correctly) have lengths and diameters close to what I need and also a stronger rating....I can get stronger Paoli springs from Jitsie but they still may be too soft...we shall see...