HELP (compatibility question)

Would a 1982 Maxim FORK fit my 1982 SECA? (I found a local guy who happens to be parting out his bike!! PHEW!) My shop says that no OEM replacement parts are available, and my bike has rust and pitting that would shred new seals. I've looked into re chroming -- but I've been advised against this. Frankly, since the bike isn't diving forward and not too much liquid is leaking, I'm inclined to ride as is for now -- but finding a miracle like this merits asking y'all!

THANKS!!

 

HMMMMMM... the transplant part in question is from a 550 (!!!) Maxim. I have a 750 Seca. Does this radically alter the equation?

 

The '82 Maxim 750 and Seca 750 forks have the same physical dimensions (36mm diameter, 150mm travel); the major difference is the lack of anti-dive on the Maxim forks.

I'm not sure of the fork diameter on the 550 Maxim, but it has 13mm less wheel travel than the 750, and only has provisions to fit a single caliper.


As for re-chroming: There are a few reputable shops that will true, grind, and re-plate fork stanchions to a better-than-new standard.....unfortunately all of the ones I've heard good reviews of are in England. I'd start hitting up the classic brit-bike forums for suggestions if you want to go that route.
A simple, cosmetic, re-chroming won't do the job.

 

They are 36 mm tubes. Length ? and tire mounting ? 750 dual discs with anti dive probably a problem. I think if they are the right length the springs on the 550 will be softer because of the weight.


36 Yamaha XJ-650 G/H "Maxim" (80-81)
36 Yamaha XJ-650 J/K "Maxim" (82-83)
36 Yamaha XJ-650 RJ "Seca" (82)
36 Yamaha XJ-750J/K "Maxim" (82-83)
36 Yamaha XJ-750RH/RJ/RK "Seca" (81-83)
36 Yamaha XJ-550 H/J/K "Maxim" (81-83)

 

Contact Chacal. He can send you brand new aftermarket tubes and you can get on with your life.

 

Guys -- thank you!! It's such a pleasure to be part of such a knowledgable and active brain trust.

kmoe -- what do you mean it has less wheel travel?

Cutlass -- thanks - my bike definitely has the dual brakes - are you saying it's not possible?

Carl -- I contacted Chacal - thanks for the lead. Longing for those carefree days before life got all forked up.... wah wahhh

 

Not saying its not possible. Your 550 is single disc brake 750 dual you would have to use the wheel off the 750 as well as the brakes. You would more then likely have to use the triple tree off the 750 with master cyl. Not sure about the steering head brgs len could tell you. Also not sure how much longer or shorter the forks are. a lot of people are not crazy about the anti dive on the seca 750

 

The quoted stroke length for the 550 fork legs is 13mm less than the stroke length for the 750 (how far the lower legs move to reach full compression). I'm not sure if they are the same overall length or not.

 

I would advise against trying to use 550 fork parts on a 750.

 

Don't do it. The 550 forks are not designed to carry the weight/force load of the 750.

dave f