Seems like an upgrade to more modern front end is the way to go. Takes care of the axle size, fork tube size and more modern damping technology
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Knurling fork tubes
- Thread starter zrx1100
- Start date
sparky4123
IN XS
If you are looking to improve handling on the front end, a fork brace is the way to go. While some of the later front fenders had a stiffener built into them, it is only a piece of thin metal. In the name of looks, I had installed a Motolanna shorty fender on the front of one of my bikes. The other bike had a Virago fender with a fork brace above it. I always noticed the front end felt more planted with the fork brace. I added the brace last year to the Motolanna fender and it made a world of difference.
Unfortunately all the braces I’ve found are for the 35mm forks. Might be that one of the tube style (HHB, mikes) could be made to work but would require some massaging and you’d want to be sure it’s doing more good than harm in terms of forks sticking.
Just curious, is the only difference in the fork brace for 34mm or 35mm the spacing? Are the tubes on the 34 closer/narrower?
sparky4123
IN XS
This may not be an option for you, but my ‘76 had forks that were completely rusted. I had a ‘77 up front end kicking around, so I swapped in the complete front end, and did the gold valve emulator upgrade at the same time plus the fork brace. That stiffens up the whole front end and stops a lot of the dive under braking.
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sparky4123
IN XS
I did mean swapping in the entire front end including trees. It’s way easier to find calipers and braking parts for the later forks and you always have the dual disc option if you like. (Though a single drilled rotor gives very adequate stopping power)
I think he means that at some point it’s easier to lift your wallet and drive a new bike under it.
Gary and I have been down that road. 35mm forks means new trip trees, instruments, brakes, the whole smash. All I wanted was a fork brace option.
Maybe I'll knurl my forks???
The 34mm forks are truly awful tho. I rode over a sunken manhole cover. The ole' sharp edge bump Japan was never very good at in the 60-80's. I about came off the bike. Own damn fault, I increased the preload tube an inch to decrease the 50% ride height sag. Stacked the springs on that one!
Maybe I'll knurl my forks???
The 34mm forks are truly awful tho. I rode over a sunken manhole cover. The ole' sharp edge bump Japan was never very good at in the 60-80's. I about came off the bike. Own damn fault, I increased the preload tube an inch to decrease the 50% ride height sag. Stacked the springs on that one!
This is exactly what I did. Bike is a Frankenstein’s monster so I don’t care about preserving any particular year’s components and honestly accumulated the parts fairly cheaply…then you can easily add a fork brace. Double bubble. Kinda a bummer it seems to be all or nothing re: 34mm vs the 35mm.
Yamahaxs650.com has a slightly higher rate spring for 34mm, but it's much longer. The OE spacer gets deleted.
With my 4 inch spacer (1/2 longer than OE) I'm getting tick over 4" travel. So still coil binding.
Will still have the OE ancient damping rod, so not going to be plush. One change at a time...right?
Sorry about the thread hijack
With my 4 inch spacer (1/2 longer than OE) I'm getting tick over 4" travel. So still coil binding.
Will still have the OE ancient damping rod, so not going to be plush. One change at a time...right?
Sorry about the thread hijack
Knurling fork tubes.....this could be a new business opportunity. 
Wonder how that goes, knurling hard chrome?Knurling fork tubes.....this could be a new business opportunity.
PS I THINK 34mm and 35mm tubes use the same spring OD
I've used 35mm sportster springs to stiffen the fork action.
They're about 15% stiffer.
I have a buddy with an '76 XS, we compared inner tube ID to my '74.
It was...(wait for it) 25 thou larger! 1mm.
Why would the aftermarket offer different springs for TX & XS if both springs go down the tube? Hmmm.
Anyone have thoughts about damping action improvement ? Minton mods don't work, totally different damper config.
I'm wondering if one of Mike's knock off gold valves might be adaptable? I've never seen one, so I'm clueless as to one might be turned down to fit a 34mm fork leg.
It was...(wait for it) 25 thou larger! 1mm.
Why would the aftermarket offer different springs for TX & XS if both springs go down the tube? Hmmm.
Anyone have thoughts about damping action improvement ? Minton mods don't work, totally different damper config.
I'm wondering if one of Mike's knock off gold valves might be adaptable? I've never seen one, so I'm clueless as to one might be turned down to fit a 34mm fork leg.
racetech is usually good at answering questions. maybe call them
