[82 nighthawk]

Hey guys I need some help. I have a 1982 honda nighthawk 650. The front end is shot. Rusty blown and dry rot seals, just all beat up. My question is will a 1987 cbr 600 front end fit by swapping it out at the neck? Or what other bikes will fit?

 

[Farmer_John]

All balls racing has a chart of which of their tapered bearing sets will fit what fork. But that does not guarantee the stem will be the correct length or the offset of the trees will be correct or the legs themselves the correct length.

Take your "shot" forks to a good shop, hand them all your money and tell them to make the bionic...they can be rebuilt. Better than before.

 

[kenessex]

The CBR front end will probably bolt straight in depending on the length of thDon't forget that steering stems can be lengthened or shortened as needed. It is very easy machine work. The last one I had done by the local machine shop cost $30.

 

[TrialsRider]

Don't you need to worry about the size of the axle too, or are you changing out the front wheel and brakes with it?

Both bikes originally ran angular contact ball bearings in the steering head, so I would think you are going to want to convert them to taper bearings while you are at it.
Want to bet those 28 year old used forks need servicing too! This is going to be one very expensive fork service, please post pictures so we can watch.

 

[82 nighthawk]

I will defenitly post pics. But I was told the fork seals are good and it's a complete front end. I'm looking for any front end that can bolt right on if anyone knows of any that would fit?

 

[kerosene]

100% bolt right on would likely mean 100% same model.

As mentioned the factors are:
bearings
stem length
fork length
axle
triple tree offset

You are going to have to do your own homework and help us help you. When you were asked if you were going to swap the front wheel too (or if the axle diameter and possible spacer issues need to be covered) you answered " it's a complete front end". ????

Have the seller measure the length. That is the very 1st step. Triple offset is probably different which mean you might bang onto your tank.

So are you going to use the cbr wheel or not?

And the seller tells you the near 30 yr old part is good and you take it at face value?

 

[TrialsRider]

Let me tell you a little something about owning motorcycles: Your front forks are one of those things you don't ever want to have to replace. They are freaking expensive.
The parts pictured below are the first parts to wear out, and most likely the only thing wrong with your original forks. That and the original oil that is probably still in them.

The forks you are entertaining buying probably need these same parts by now, particularly if the original owner failed to change out the oil frequently.

 

[82 nighthawk]

Yea I've rebuilt forks for my dirtbikes. And by complete front end I mean forks triple clamps wheel brakes head light everything. And the old cbr was just one that he had at the moment. The upper rubes on my existing forks are all banged up with gauges,rust and pitting, meaning they are no god and have to be replaced anyways.plus I think the look of the anadized forks will really set it off. I have a machinist to do any adjustments but I want to get it as close as possible from the start.

 

[82 nighthawk]

something like this for the end result

 

[thechief86]

Now you've done it...

 

[parkwood60]

a modern upside down front end is overkill on your bike, and just playing dress up. Research the steering stem size on the CBR600F2 and You may be surprised to find it drops in with just new bearings. Mid 1990s brakes and suspension are more than a 50hp 80s bike needs, but it doesn't look so out of place. Plus they are cheap and plentiful

 

[kerosene]

he was talking about '87 cbr forks - or did I skip later post. '87 is right side up and seems like a somewhat sensible upgrade - assuming the rest of the bike is fine.

 

[82 nighthawk]

Well I got the front end and it's in great shape, no leaks smooth action. Waiting for my bearings to show up. I got the center cleaned up. I dropped the battery all the way down. Pod filters will be here in a few days. Cafe tank is mocked up and ready to be welded. Now I just have to wait for my seat to be finished. And I have to find a swing arm that will work.

 

[8ball]

http://www.caferacer.net/forum/tips-tricks/19639-pod-filter-thread-geeto.html

you haven't read much here, have you?

 

[82 nighthawk]

No I haven't. Why did I do something wrong.

 

[8ball]

I'm busting your chops. One thing to take note of is the term "cafe racer", in this forum has more to do with function than a style. You mentioned that you ordered pods, I hope you didn't go the cheapo route. Read the link I posted in the previous post to understand why they are a mistake. That thread applies to mechanical slide carbs, but the issues become exponentially problematic when used on vacuum operated slide (CV) carbs. CV carbs need a still volume of air to operate correctly.

Also, go to the sticky in the new members section. Here's a link: http://www.caferacer.net/forum/new-members-read-here/22280-read-first.html

Read as many threads as you can. There is an abundance of real knowledge here, but little tolerance for casing a look.....or "playing dress-up"....as it's often referred to. Most of the members here are performance driven, and function is held in much higher regard than form.

 

[82 nighthawk]

Of course I'm running k&n. The pods weren't a problem I use them on all my bikes and trucks

 

[8ball]

Fill out your profile and introduce yourself. It would help knowing a little bit about your background and experience when responding to your posts.