diferent front end for my blackbird

[huskystormk9]

hi i was thinking of putting a diferent front end in my bird ...i want adjustable forks and better front brakes so thought it would be cheaper to get a 2nd hand complete front end ie wheel discs calipers forks yokes the heap ....has anyone else done this and what fitted or does anything fit into her handy enough.....i have test rode all big sports tourers this year including both the vfr 1200 models (auto and normal)and well there is nothing i like as much ...so instead of blowing ?6000 on a new bike i was thinkin of making the bird a bit more special....thanks in advance if you can help....it doesnt need to be a honda front end either as long as it has the same yoke size i will go from there ...

 

[huskystormk9]

thanks for the info

the brake lever just comes to far back after a few laps on track or a hard blast ...i am heavy the bike is heavy and just would like more stopping power all the time ....which model r1 is it and did you say that things can be found on here i am a novice to the site so any help would be great
regards wayne...
ps i am disabled with only 1 leg so no changing to a sports bike not an option and i am 6ft4

 

[madlandrover]

There are a few different options, I don't know of any modern ones that keep the Bird yokes though. SP1 conversions look nice, not sure what the parts availability is like though. I went with ZZ-R1400 forks and find them great - reasonably modern USD forks, radial brakes (either the ZZ calipers or CBR1000RR calipers with 5mm spacers fit nicely), and a reasonably simple conversion. It's been done a couple of times in the US so a lot more information on Bird forums there, I can take some pics in a couple of days if that would help though.

Another (relatively) common change is ZX-12R forks, as Lumps mentioned ericonblackbird's Kwakbird has had a few different sets of those. Also looked a nice conversion, especially since he's an engineer with a lathe and I'm an amateur with a hammer!

 

[Smix]

If you can work with the brakes, I was told that the 1200 Bandit fork tops fit and are adjustable ??

 

[Smix]

only for preload Girly, only for preload. Fitting fork tops with adjustable damping screws wouldn't make the forks adjustable for damping either Bless :k

But the 1200 Bandit fork tops do but why anyone would want to infest any Honda with bits of Rustzuki is beyond me, what next, Luggage?

LOL Oops :blush:

 

[radiobloke]

you can fit just about any front end that you like.

some will be easy ( i have a blade front end) some a tad more challenging.

its just a mix of bearing swaps, stem swaps or custom yokes.

so you can choose what you want then fit it. depends how compitent an enginer you are or the access to friends with skills that you have.

go for it...the fever for bike modding is contagious (sp?)

 

[ericonblackbird]

you can fit just about any front end that you like.

some will be easy ( i have a blade front end) some a tad more challenging.

its just a mix of bearing swaps, stem swaps or custom yokes.

so you can choose what you want then fit it. depends how compitent an enginer you are or the access to friends with skills that you have.

go for it...the fever for bike modding is contagious (sp?)

Couldn't agree more. SP1 is 'easiest' but good forks are like rocking horse s..t.
ZX12R for me. Used std yokes(inc a spacer) with ZX12R tapered rollers. Hardest jobs are getting the ignition and HISS gubbins looking good along with a good bar position - currently making Mk3 bars from Ti. Brakes I've fitted Brembo Monoblocs and 320 discs.
All conversions require lock stops to be modified to suit, half decent engineering skills are useful .......... along with the lathe and Mill I have in the garage.

 

[ceoils]

as lumpy mentioned
Have R1 upside down forks etc on my 1200 bird. paul (from this site) also made me a one off yoke nut to fit the yammy thread that looks the same a a bird one so looks a lot better.
Brakes and suspension are a lot better.
The bad bit is there is not a lot of steering lock to the right.
It is ok on the road but manouvering is a pain as those following noticed on the bash when we had to do a U turn.