Noob question regarding fork swap

[mel3535]

Even if the forks are made for a bike of a different brand or model, I should be able to swap into another bike as long as the diameter is the same right?

For example if its 41mm fork diameter and another bike model has the same diameter fork, I should be able to straight up swap the forks without any issues correct? As long as the outer tube diameter is the same, I am good right?

Is there any other factors or variable that I need to take into consideration?

 

[afm199]

Depends on what you mean by swap. Yes the forks will fit in the triples as long as upper and lower sizes match. They may be the wrong length, they will need their own wheel, fender and brakes. The springs and valving may be wrong.

 

[Karbon]

Even if the forks are made for a bike of a different brand or model, I should be able to swap into another bike as long as the diameter is the same right?

For example if its 41mm fork diameter and another bike model has the same diameter fork, I should be able to straight up swap the forks without any issues correct? As long as the outer tube diameter is the same, I am good right?

Is there any other factors or variable that I need to take into consideration?

IIRC, 41 mm will refer to the inner fork tube, not the actual outer diameter of the outer tubes. Those will will vary in thickness, and the clamping area of the outer tube may be of a different size as some tubes taper and in and out.

 

[bobl]

Overall length of the forks, distance from one fork to the other, witch would mean that one or the other front wheels might not fit, brake caliper mounting lugs compatible with the wheel/rotor combo, axle diameter of the wheel vs the fork lug, total fork travel. Most not insurmountable, but best to be aware when measuring.

 

[bobl]

It might help to know which forks you are trying to swap. Maybe someone has some knowledge, or has done that swap. Here's a list that may be of some help:

http://organ-donor.org/motorcycle-data/fork-tube-diameter-list/

Most things are possible with enough machining or parts swapping, it's just a case of whether you are trying to upgrade, or looking to save money. Cheapest way is usually stock parts via Ebay. There are sometimes direct swaps also, I.E. Fzr 600 forks and wheel onto 700 Fazer for the 17" wheel and better brakes but you have to have prior knowledge, or carefully measure.

 

[auntiebling]

Is there any other factors or variable that I need to take into consideration?

tons of stuff. if you share a few more specifics , such as what make and model of the bike you want to put new forks on are, you'll get better answers.

IIRC, 41 mm will refer to the inner fork tube, not the actual outer diameter of the outer tubes. Those will will vary in thickness, and the clamping area of the outer tube may be of a different size as some tubes taper and in and out.

41mm, for example, has always translated into the diameter of the top triple clamp fork tube holes aka the area that the clipons attach to, regardless of the fork configuration.

 

[stangmx13]

41mm, for example, has always translated into the diameter of the top triple clamp fork tube holes aka the area that the clipons attach to, regardless of the fork configuration.

the number only refers to the tube diameter. even my 09 CBR forks are listed as 41mm in Honda's specs. whether or not the tube directly mounts to the top clamp is dependent on the config of course.

 

[mel3535]

Well the ohlins cartridges that I pulled off my zx6r, supposedly the out tube diameter is 50mm and I wanted to swap them into my 07 cbr which has 48mm fork tube diameter. They are both listed as 41mm, I assume this is the actual inner tube diameter.

I am trying to get more info on if i can swap this fork from 2005 zx6r onto my 07 cbr 600.

 

[afm199]

Well the ohlins cartridges that I pulled off my zx6r, supposedly the out tube diameter is 50mm and I wanted to swap them into my 07 cbr which has 48mm fork tube diameter. They are both listed as 41mm, I assume this is the actual inner tube diameter.

I am trying to get more info on if i can swap this fork from 2005 zx6r onto my 07 cbr 600.

Measure the length of both. Measure the width of both at the point they go in the triple clamps. If it's too short, you're fucked. If it is longer you might be able to push it up in the triples to get the same length.

Do you understand that you will need zx6r wheel, rotors, and calipers to make it work?

 

[elskipador]

Do you understand that you will need zx6r wheel, rotors, and calipers to make it work?

whys that? he only want to swap his ohlins fg cartridges that he bought for his zx6r into his cbr600rr.

 

[mel3535]

Measure the length of both. Measure the width of both at the point they go in the triple clamps. If it's too short, you're fucked. If it is longer you might be able to push it up in the triples to get the same length.

Do you understand that you will need zx6r wheel, rotors, and calipers to make it work?

Yes, I need to check that and go from there.

whys that? he only want to swap his ohlins fg cartridges that he bought for his zx6r into his cbr600rr.

I assume if it does not work out swapping the forks straight, can I use the cartridges in the CBR forks since they are both the same size diameter on the inside?

 

[Hooli]

Why not check with an Ohlins dealer (Dan Kyle perhaps)?

 

[afm199]

Yes, I need to check that and go from there.



I assume if it does not work out swapping the forks straight, can I use the cartridges in the CBR forks since they are both the same size diameter on the inside?

No. Or rather, the chances of the bottom bolt and top attachment being the same are small. You can almost certainly convert them, but the chances of them bolting in are scant. Nothing is standardized.

 

[stangmx13]

Since the upper tubes are different diameters, the caps will probably be different sizes and won't fit. I bet Ohlins will sell you new caps, but there could be other issues. Check the overall length when extended and compressed. It's fine if the Ohlins carts r about 10mm longer than the stock CBR ones when extended, any more and ull prob have issues. Also, check the threads of the bolt at the bottom of the carts.

U might lose less $$ selling these and buying another used set that fits.

 

[Junkie]

tons of stuff. if you share a few more specifics , such as what make and model of the bike you want to put new forks on are, you'll get better answers.



41mm, for example, has always translated into the diameter of the top triple clamp fork tube holes aka the area that the clipons attach to, regardless of the fork configuration.

Plenty of USD forks use 41mm tubes, which is the lower section on them. For example, the 07 GSXR750 forks on my SV1000 are 41mm tubes, I think the upper triple is 50mm while the lower is 53mm (I'd have to double check to be sure). On my SV650 with 05/06 GSXR1000 forks, the lowers are 43mm, the upper triple 50mm, the lower 54mm.

 

[louemc]

AFM Ernie has answered all the questions...Trust Him.

 

[afm199]

whys that? he only want to swap his ohlins fg cartridges that he bought for his zx6r into his cbr600rr.

He changed horses in midstream and I was still riding my original one.:afm199

 

[channelcat]

Even if the forks are made for a bike of a different brand or model, I should be able to swap into another bike as long as the diameter is the same right?

For example if its 41mm fork diameter and another bike model has the same diameter fork, I should be able to straight up swap the forks without any issues correct? As long as the outer tube diameter is the same, I am good right?

Is there any other factors or variable that I need to take into consideration to make the swap work?

yes on both counts.

 

[mel3535]

Thanks boys and girls, I decided to just sell the forks/cartridges .

 

[EastBayDave]

Lots of the ZRX11/12xx contingent are doing this right now. There's a lot more to it than many think, but now that several members are making triple clamps/bar risers/speedo spacers/etc. many are doing it.

They are replacing stock w/ZX14x components. They are readily available on stealbay, where you can find an entire front end for ~$300-$700 highly dependent on condition/mileage.

Hell of a lot cheaper than Ohlins; & the guys are getting great results.

-ebd