fork extensions

I have an 82 KZ440, looking to stretch it out a bit. I have found a plethora of information regarding the trail of the bike and how to safely mix the length of the forks with the angle of the rake at the tree. My question is what is the best way to lengthen the forks? I've heard I should buy longer tubes and rebuild the forks, but I'm unsure of what kind to buy and in what diameter I should buy them - upper or lower section, what have you. I've got a VERY experienced welder who has agreed to help me with this, but I've also heard conflicting opinions about whether you should weld in an extension piece. Anyone already done this on an '82 440?

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I suggest a little more research on the forks you have now.
As in length,diameter and bolt holes.
Like what Martin said, review the pdf and Forking by Frank.

Click

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> Frank's Maintenance and Engineering

Ok, all helpful replies - thank you. When they list the fork as a "33" I'm assuming they mean in millimeters. Is it possible to just find some steel tubing of sufficient strength and replace it, rather than hunt down actual forks, or is there some reason why that would be a terrible idea? I have no problem with improvising a bit and doing some fabricating as far as bolt holes and seals go, I would just really not like to go out and spend hundreds of dollars on some tubes I could make myself for much cheaper. With that said, I'm not trying to make something that's unsafe.

get_awesome wrote: Ok, all helpful replies - thank you. When they list the fork as a "33" I'm assuming they mean in millimeters. Is it possible to just find some steel tubing of sufficient strength and replace it, rather than hunt down actual forks, or is there some reason why that would be a terrible idea? I have no problem with improvising a bit and doing some fabricating as far as bolt holes and seals go, I would just really not like to go out and spend hundreds of dollars on some tubes I could make myself for much cheaper. With that said, I'm not trying to make something that's unsafe.

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don't weld on your fork tubes.

they are not just tubing.
you need to make sure that you use fork tubes,they are centerless ground and have machine work inside.the easiest thing would be to find a longer front end(250cc or up dirt bike forks have been used)and swap it onto your frontend.
forks by frank can build you new upper legs any length you want.

or get your welder dude to fab you up a girder.





leon