85 forks on an 82 frame

Has anyone put the forks/triple tree from an 85 750 MaximX on an 82 XJ750 frame? The tubes are 36mm on the 85, so I'd have to changed it all. They are also about 3 inches longer, which is the reason I'm considering. Any thoughts?

 

I tried it tonight, it won't work. The 82 has ball bearings in the steering head, the 85 has tapered roller bearings.

 

It will work. The type of bearing dosen't matter. It's the inner diameter of the bearing that matters for fitment, and roller bearings are an upgrade for the older ball-bearing headstocks (I put rollers on my Seca).

The critical measurements are the outer bearing diameter (to fit the headstock), the inner bearing diameter (to fit the steering stem), and the length of the steering stem (to fit the headstock length).

The real big issue is the fork length. You will effect handling in a negative way. 3' of stretch without changing the rake will make the front end feel floppy at low speeds, more stable at high speeds, but also slow steering response in the curves.

 

Will the headstock accept the roller bearing properly? Would I just pry out the ball bearing races?
I have been reading about the geometry of the rake/fork length/trail. I am considering changing the rake to match the 85. I think it's about 21/2 degrees more.

 

K-moe, thanks for the info. I found the replacement kits online. There's also videos on You tube on installing them. But it will get more complicated if I use the 85 forks, different diameter stem. I might just stick with the original forks.

 

There are three solutions for the stem diameter problem.

1: buying bearings to suit the diameter change. Any bearing house will be able to sully what you need. all-Balls may already have a kit that is suitable .

2: cutting the welds and swapping the stems to suit. Use the 82 stem on the 85 clamps (you may need to have some machine work done)

3: have the 82 clamps machined to accept the larger diameter tubes of the 85 forks. This is the method that I would use as it's straightforward and relatively simple. At the same time I'd order the roller bearing upgrade from Chacal. They are a direct fit onto the 82 Maxim.

 

Looks like All Balls has a conversion kit for to put the 1985 XJ700 Maxim forks on the 1982 XJ750.(I have the 1985 750 forks). From the specs I can find, the 85 700 and 750 were the same forks/clamps. ) That might work!
I'd prefer that route because I really like the 85's handlebars/clamps, round headlight.
Great ideas, thanks!

http://www.allballsracing.com/index.php/forkconversion

 

The 85/86 xj700/750 are the same between the two years-- the 750's were generally not available in the states due to the Harley tariff at the time. The engines were different sizes but other than a very few cosmetic differences they were the same things those two years.

 

nevermind....misread.
Move along.


Nothing to see here.

 

Couldn't you slide the forks up the extra inches to restore handling? I know it can be done on the 85 itself. Dunno about the cross combo.

 

You could I suppose, but I'm kind of doing it for the look of longer forks. Do you think 2 1/2 inches will make the handling that much worse? It's not going to be for riding an obstacle course.