fork length

In the Shed
1

Hi all, I have recently acquired a VF100FF that has damaged chrome on the right fork leg.
Rather than try to find another fork leg, I thought it would be an ideal opportunity to upgrade the entire front end.
I am thinking of adapting newer forks and if needed, triple trees from another newer model Honda such as a VFR750 or CBR600.
Does anyone have a VF100FF fork leg that is not fitted to a bike that they could measure the total length from the top of the fork cap to the axle centreline?
Fork diameter and steering head bearings are the same, the only variables left are the steering stops (should I replace triple trees) and the overall length.
Any help appreciated, Tony

2

“Fork diameter and steering head bearings are the same, the only variables left are the steering stops (should I replace triple trees) and the overall length.”

And of course hub width/fork leg spacing!

3

hi there

some people in america have fitted honda firestorm (vtr1000 sp1 or sp2) forks to their vf1000’s, a modification i want to do in the future. read this post to see the results, it is more about fitting a single sided swingarm but you can see the forks on his bike: http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/index.php/topic/49908-time-to-rebuild-the-vf1000rit-lives/
if you decide to upgrade your forks keep us up to date with your progress as i for one would be very interested. good luck!

garyb

4

Thanks Gary, I’ll check it out.

5

I had a look at the link you provided and have discovered that the rc51 front ends, if available are very expensive here in Oz, I was hoping that the fork leg length would give me an idea of what else (less exotic) might fit.

Has anyone else used a more commonly available front end?

I don’t “need” upside down forks, but if there was a type that worked, I would not discount them, my main concern with them is the steering stops.
I don’t want to lose too much steering lock, or have them fouling the frame/tank.

Would late model VFR forks be a reasonable upgrade?

So if anyone has the free length of VF1000F forks, it would really be appreciated.

6

Vfr and cbr600 forks endup being about 50mm shorter than stock vf.To counter this and improve the brakes too I have opted for nc30 fork lowers on slr650 fork tubes.I am also using a cbr600 wheel with cbr1000 discs and fireblabe 4 piston calipers.Hope this helps some regards BIF

7

Thanks bif, they all sound like reasonably easy to source parts without costing the earth, except what is a SLR650? It doesn’t sound like a model we get here in Australia.

8

xl,xr and xrv650’s all use the same fork tubes I’m sure.You need a tube 725mm long.I was once called Mr no budget and old habits die hard,so I target easily available and reasonably priced parts.If you decide to go down this route contact me for spacer sizes.BIF