Regular Forks [1990] vs Spanish forks [2007]

[J_Walker]

I have set out to find out the differences [besides one being a real PITA to get apart] along other things. Trying to put the 2007 tubes into the 1990 body, finding out there are some differences along trying to combine them. Mainly the piston being slightly different sizes [off by 1mm actually] the inner tubes has two different sets of plastic rings that make up the differences. I have been stumped trying to figure out how to remove these rings in a non-destructive manner. is the whole thing press fit in there? hidden threading I don't know about? it's just in there and the end of the fork tube is crimped over, no way of getting them out. the plastic ring has plenty of free play how ever and I tried pushing it out with a screw driver, isn't gonna work. now I'm trying to figure out what the purpose of this plastic ring is and whether or not it being slightly larger is gonna make a difference at all on how the forks are suppose to behave.

[J_Walker]

Left 1990 Fork cap, Right 2005.


Left 2005 fork cap, Right 1990.


Left 2005 Fork Piston, Right 1990.


Left 2005 Fork piston cap, Right 1990 Fork Piston cap


Glorious tool that removes BOTH types of forks! Use the welded Nut end for the older socket style forks, and the threaded end you push down into the piston of the Spanish style forks and twist it in, like you're threading it in, should thread in 2-3 threads an stop [do this by hand only] gives you enough friction "bite" to remove the fork bolt at the bottom. Use a pair of vice grips in the middle of the all thread to grab onto something and keep it from spinning while removing the bottom bolt.





*******Some notes********
Everything else about the forks are interchangeable unless listed.

Fork Caps will not work between years.
Fork Pistons will not work between years.
Fork Piston rings will not work between years.
All none Spanish fork legs [the chrome bits] ARE interchangeable. BUT WILL NOT BE INTERCHANGEABLE BETWEEN THE STANDARD STYLE FORKS AND SPANISH STYLE ONES. **Important to note

****Interchangeable****

Fork Body's can be swapped even in the Spanish style forks and standard.
Fork Braces can be swapped.
Fork oil seals are all the same between all years.
Fork oil retaining clip works across all years.
Fork Dust seals are different in looks and part numbers, but both work across years, get newer style seals for your older bike if you've got to replace, they are actually better at keeping water out because of their shape.

[wightgs]

The fork spacer modification to preload them .does this work on the Spanish forks ? 05 GSF .