Front end swapping

[twowheel]

I would like to get a better front end for the TLS. What other bikes forks bolt on. I know they are 50mm tubes right now. Or what front ends bolt on if I were to go that route. Does anyone have a good or bad opinion on swapping to a gsxr front end?

[Rupes]

There was a short thread about this a few days ago I'm pretty sure... I'd like to know too. I'd love a complete front end inc triples off a Gixxer1k 03'......hmmmm

[twowheel]

saw it

I saw that thread. I am kind of looking for a list to get a few choices. Just replacing the forks would be best.

[godslayer]

I know they are 50mm tubes right now

Actually the TL's use 43mm forks.

Your best option is to get the front end from a 98-99 GSXR750. These Showa's are arguably the best out there in terms of stock damping and adjustability. Plus they have the nearly the same geometry as the Kayaba's on the TL's so handling and responsiveness will not be too far out of whack. They are also designed for the same calipers/wheels/discs so you can just bolt up your stock TL stuff with no issues at all. I dont know about the fender mounting up but that can be jerry-rigged pretyy easily.

Newer GSXR front ends will work too (2001+ 750's or 1000's) but you will need the ENTIRE front end including rotors, calipers, spindle, clamps, etc. I think the wheels and spacers are the same size yet but not too much else is on the front. Plus I believe the newer GSXR's are raked slightly more so it could give your TL a slightly twitchier feel.

[oneeviltwin]

Originally posted by godslayer
Actually the TL's use 43mm forks.

Your best option is to get the front end from a 98-99 GSXR750. These Showa's are arguably the best out there in terms of stock damping and adjustability. Plus they have the nearly the same geometry as the Kayaba's on the TL's so handling and responsiveness will not be too far out of whack. They are also designed for the same calipers/wheels/discs so you can just bolt up your stock TL stuff with no issues at all. I dont know about the fender mounting up but that can be jerry-rigged pretyy easily.

you beat me to it ,well take it fro slayer he should know he has them forks

[Rupes]

Wicked thanks....sorry I hijacked this thread

[twowheel]

riser bars

My riser bars are sized for 50mm forks and fit perfect. Is that a different dimension when you say 43mm?

[RichardTL]

The 43mm refers to the inner tube (stantion). Why not revalve and respring the TLS front forks?

Though Slayer's suggestion, of those Showa's, sounds the business.

[twowheel]

50 43

Well it seems that I need to know what size the part of the tube that goes in the triple clamp is not what size the inner tube is. Is that a normal size that is given in specs or will I have to go measure a bunch of bikes to find out? I guess if they are not upside down forks the inner tueb is the right dimension. By the way. Why is upside down better or worse. Seems that they work pretty well on a lot of hondas just right side up.

[RichardTL]

The theory about USD forks is they are less like likely to flex because the outer tube is longer. Also the usprung mass of the inner tube is at the bottom improving suspension response.

Up until about 2000 Honda superbikes ran RWU (right way up) forks, no longer the case. It is also a market driven thing...racebikes run USD and therefore the market wants.

How about TLR forks?

RWU are lighter and easier to make.

I would also hazard a guess that the valving is more substantial in USD forks.

The measurement (theorectically) of the inner tube is important as wider inner tube is meant to have less flex.

You're right in that you need to fit your present triple clamps and need the outer tube measurement. You would need the clamps if you did something more substantial, refer to slayers note.