RZ Fork Swap

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Bare
Posts: 1196
Joined: Sun Jan 29, 2006 2:18 am
Location: vancouver

Re: RZ Fork Swap

#16 Post by Bare » Wed Apr 11, 2018 7:10 pm

Here I thought that the Longer (non Waisted) RZ fork tubes were designed to protrude from the triples... to fit the "clip ons' .
No fixing that one.. without swapping for waisted Fork tubes which are shorter Or bodging up a spacer to bolt on regular handlebar clamps above those protruding tubes.
Suppose one could safe Eff it ...and fit the tube ends flush , at the price of messing the front geometry.

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JonW
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Re: RZ Fork Swap

#17 Post by JonW » Wed Apr 11, 2018 7:35 pm

Yes the later legs are longer for clip ons... thought that was understood. The OP posted that he was using 'early model RZ' forks.
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83 RZ350 Resto
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paulincayman
Posts: 17
Joined: Mon Oct 31, 2016 9:02 pm

Re: RZ Fork Swap

#18 Post by paulincayman » Sat May 26, 2018 9:22 am

I seem to recall someone posting a trick for shortening the later forks by adding a spacer to the stantion inside the fork slider. Saves hacking off the top and is reversible. Called it old school method.
I was thinking of trying this on my hybrid build..if I ever get started.
Would there be an issue with the reduced travel?

hondaror
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Joined: Mon Mar 03, 2014 8:44 pm
Location: Alberta, Canada

Re: RZ Fork Swap

#19 Post by hondaror » Sun May 27, 2018 3:06 am

Just swap out tubes with the earlier model.
Rory
2 1984 RZ350s
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Hooligan
Posts: 1966
Joined: Mon Aug 20, 2012 1:37 am
Location: Calgary, Alberta

Re: RZ Fork Swap

#20 Post by Hooligan » Thu Aug 09, 2018 2:43 am

JonW wrote:Yes the later legs are longer for clip ons... thought that was understood. The OP posted that he was using 'early model RZ' forks.
There were two reasons I needed to use the early RZ forks.

1. The need to retain the LC style top of triple clamp bar mounts

2. I have a pair of very expensive NK racing brake caliper conversion plates that fit the narrow bolt spacing of the LC forks. Later model RZ forks use a much wider spacing for the caliper mount bolts.

While later model forks do accept modern Triumph 4-piston calipers, I already have a complete brake setup featuring the NK plates and lovely Yam blue-spot calipers that I wanted to retain and save the cost of going to an entirely different set of brakes.


One issue I did run into that I wasn't aware of is the RZ triple clamps are just slightly wider than the LC triple clamps. Where this becomes and issue is at the wheel and front axle. I had to make custom wheel spacers to fill the space left by the OEM spacers and LC wheels. I also had to slightly modify the LC axle to ensure the nut screwed all the way on to it. Sometimes its nice to have your own home machine shop. :smt003
'82 RD350LC in '81 colours, OEM pipes, UNI filters
'85 FZ750

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