Front end swap probablilities?

[BaltimoreGS]

Got a line on a cheap complete 2006 CBR1000RR front end.  It looks about 2 inches shorter than a GS fork.  Will it work???

-Jessie

[Big Rich]

Have you checked the steering stem diameters on AllsBalls yet? Or you could try mounting the GS stem onto the CBR tree.

[The Buddha]

The new generation of USD forks - I am not impressed. They are light yes, they are also stiff, but that 1lb weight saved will get you nothing on the street. You hit anything and it will break like a potato chip.
OTOH, it will save your frame, unless you hit it hard enough ... or it hits somethign subsequent to the FE breaking.
Cool.
Buddha.

[burning1]

2 inches shorter than stock might be do-able, depending on the triple clamps. IIRC, the stock forks stick about 30mm above the upper forks and sit flush with the handlebar mount. Lowering 1 inch from there is extremely aggressive, but might be possible.

I'd suggest you check to see if extended fork caps are available for those forks... If so, you should have no problem using them. Otherwise, check how far your existing forks protrude past the upper triple, and consider that when making a decision. Remember that the silver plate which attaches to your handlers isn't structural as far as the forks are concerned - you only need the forks to go to the level of the black plate with the pinch bolts.

Keep in mind that you'll need to machine a steering stem, or make adapters to fit the GS stem into the GSX-R forks. You'll also have to install clip-ons, insturmentation, and if this is a street bike, headlights and turn signals.

IMO, a full fork swap really isn't worth it on a street bike. Springs and emulators will provide great performance without as much cost or effort.

[BaltimoreGS]

These forks are so unbeleiveably cheap that I think I'm buying them either way.  If they work great, if not I can flip them and come out ahead. 

On a side note, saw a '96 CBR 600 at a pull-your-own type junkyard.  The forks on it looked ok when I gave it a quick eyeball.  Didn't think to measure the height of them though...

-Jessie

[burning1]

Make sure you grab the clip-ons, and tripples while you're there.

[BaltimoreGS]

Sure thing, it's a complete front end with triples, brakes, wheel, master cylinder...  The guy layed the bike down the first week he had it and scared himself.  The plastics are shot but the rest is still good.  It's sat in his garage since '06 and now he is getting ready to move.  He's been trying to sell it for way too much money but now has decided to part it out instead.  Only 300 miles on the odometer!

-Jessie

[BaltimoreGS]

I ended up buying the entire front end and titled frame.  I figure I can flip the front end if I don't use it and come out ahead.  A buddy of mine has a line on a tow yard that has an impounded '07 CBR1000RR.  They can't gt a title for it so they will probably sell it cheap.  Now I have to decide if I want to just flip the frame or start yet another project...

-Jessie