Front end question

[JDS1]

A question for the experts here......I have a 1973 650 with a 34mm front end, and it is cosmetically challenged. The neck on the frame is 7 7/8 inches long. Can I just swap it out with a newer 35mm front end?

Thanks.......Ben

 

[jamesgs4]

Your bike has a shorter neck than the newer bikes with the 35mm forks. I would swap stems to do the conversion, but some people use spacers to take up the slack.

 

[Motrhedd]

That frame must not be a 73,I just measured an 81 and an 83 and the neck is 7 7/8,i measured a 72 and the neck is about 7 inches
Anyone know what year the neck got lenghtened?

 

[jamesgs4]

hmm maybe 73 they lengthened them?

 

[JDS1]

I just measured it again with both eyes open and it is just 7 inches so they must have lengthened it at a later date. Motrhedd was kind enough to send me a really nice top tree but for some reason it wouldn't fit over my stem. I've been around the manufacturing industry forever and I know sometimes whatever parts are on hand are put to use.