[robertob]

I'm trying to put together a set of forks for my CB450 street cafe, but I'm having a time figuring out all the options length/etc. I'd prefer to stick with something like the stock geometry. For that to happen they need to be right around 29" center-top in length.

I'm using early CB750 triples since they have the same offset as CB/CL450.

So far I've found:
CB550 - right length and dia., but have two-bolt clamps and shorter legs.
CB750 - early K model is (I think) too long; about 32".
CB750 SS - Not sure. I've asked ebay sellers and gotten different answers, but around 30-31"
XL350 - cool legs but they are 33" long.

Right now I want to stick with the CL450 drum front but I'll eventually swap to dual disks, so something with the mounts would be good. I'm leaning toward CB750ss.

There's always 37mm forks - the GL1000 ones are way cool but the triple clamps are funky. I know VFR/early CB900 and similar have 37mm forks too.

I think I just need to hit up some motorcycle wrecking yards with a measuring tape and calipers.

Anyone have some to add?

 

[jbranson]

For some trick forks you could look at VTR250 forks. Not sure about the disk mounts, the first year had a funky "enclosed" disks design, the second year had conventional I think. Might also have used calipermount on the right side.
They might be a tad tall though...but just slide them up in the trees. Which applies to just about any fork..assuming there is room at the gauge cluster.
These are popular for vintage racers.
JohnnyB

 

[robertob]

Thanks for the tip. Actually I heard about the VTR forks somewhere but I haven't seen a pair on ebay or anywhere else yet.

 

[Geeto67]

SOHC cb750 supersorts have front forks that are 2" inches longer than a k bike front end. I can measure a couple of sets I have on the bikes if you want.

The 1979 cb750s have 35mm and I think the 1981 is 35mm and has air adjustment.

If you are going with clipons - you can slide the forks an inch or two through the top of the topclamp and mount the clipons there, this will allow you to keep the stock headlight fork ears.

 

[kenessex]

I am using XL350 forks on my CB350 race bike. They are longer than stock, but I put even longer shocks on the back to gain ground clearance and to steepen up the steering angle. They do not have easy provision for mounting a disk caliper, but I think a bracket can be fabbed that will mount to the two holes in the bracket on the upper rear of the slider and extend down for the caliper to mount to.

The good part is they are cheap and work well with their original springs and 20wt oil, Plus they have cool 4 bolt axle pinch system. I think they help the overall coolness of my bike.
Ken

AHRMA 412
Vintage racing - old guys on old bikes

 

[robertob]

Hey thanks for the help.

I'm leaning towards CB750 Supersport. THey're the right length (30 inches) to go with my longer S&W shocks, and they have caliper mounts on both legs that fit dual-piston calipers if I want to go disc.

 

[yosemite]

don't overlook cerianis and betors many older spanish and italian bikes ran them ,also would not hurt to look at harley sportsters and fx's from 73 -84 single +dual disc,afterall these are japanese forks anyway cheap on used market can buy all parts aftermarket or used+any length tubes you want.