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fork spring spacers

  • Thread starter Thread starter machinest
  • Start date Start date
M

machinest

Guest
When making spacers for fork springs is it advantageous to have them hollow? I ask because working in a machine shop aluminium rod is a more common material than PVC pipe.
 
Most use a piece of PVC pipe... verify the diameter you need, either 1" or 3/4" OD pipe, as some of the front fork tube ID's are just a tad smaller (e.g., the "L" models typically have a smaller front fork tube).
 
hikermikem said:
Most use a piece of PVC pipe... verify the diameter you need, either 1" or 3/4" OD pipe, as some of the front fork tube ID's are just a tad smaller (e.g., the "L" models typically have a smaller front fork tube).
Click to expand...

Pvc pipe is this a good idea if it breaks I would to think what would happen anyway
the orignal one are metal.
 
There needs to be a hole in the center, it can't be solid.
 
gshub said:
Pvc pipe is this a good idea if it breaks I would to think what would happen anyway
the orignal one are metal.
Click to expand...

I'm running a couple of bikes with PVC pipe as spacers under the caps... no problems.

Why would they break? The load is compressive, not shear.

Yes, my OEM spacers were metal as well; just a semi-rolled piece of sheet metal - most likely the cheapest way to go back in the late 70's / early 80's.
 
Last edited:
hikermikem said:
Mine have holes in the middle because they're pipe, but I don't understand why they couldn't be solid??

What advantage do the holes provide?
Click to expand...
Maybe I'm thinking of the ZRX1200 forks I just rebuilt. I'm trying to remember if these Suzuki's have a damping rod attached to the cap. If not - nevermind. :lol:
 
reddirtrider said:
Maybe I'm thinking of the ZRX1200 forks I just rebuilt. I'm trying to remember if these Suzuki's have a damping rod attached to the cap. If not - nevermind. :lol:
Click to expand...

His '80 550L doesn't have rods under the caps... they're at the other end :lol:

Where is Westcliffe ?? My wife is from Louisville, I like CO a lot, especially in the Winter!!
 
hikermikem said:
His '80 550L doesn't have rods under the caps... they're at the other end :lol:

Where is Westcliffe ?? My wife is from Louisville, I like CO a lot, especially in the Winter!!
Click to expand...
We're about 45 miles west of Pueblo near the Sangre De Cristo Mountains.

Hey, I rebuilt my sons 83 GS750ES forks 2 months ago, I should have remembered that. Old age is catching up.
 
hikermikem said:
Mine have holes in the middle because they're pipe, but I don't understand why they couldn't be solid??

What advantage do the holes provide?
Click to expand...

Perhaps allow the fluid to move more freely,perhaps weight saving in the case of metal pipes.Just my guess.
 
pipe

pipe

maybe im just getting old and more thoughtfull or just wiser,but it takes alot
more than pvc tubing to save alot of weight on a Gs.
 
:D :D :D

Even without a rider, they are heavy pigs! Jenny Craig, can't even help! ;)

Eric
 
You could use aluminum rod if you want. It might weigh just a bit more than a hollow spacer, but just visit the restroom before you ride if you're worried about that small amount of weight.

The hole in the middle doesn't make a bit of difference -- it's just simplest and cheapest for most people to use a hunka PVC or metal pipe.
 
Just about anything that will fit inside the tube and allow the spring to rest on it completely. I found that class 1 hitch spacers are the perfect diameter and come in the perfect length.
 
The only thing I can think of is that a solid spacer may affect the volume of air in the top of the leg above the oil (effectively giving the same effect as a higher oil height in the leg) I think this would be the case anyway..... I very much doubt it would make even a little bit of difference in practice.

I have used Galve Water pipe before because I needed 4" & they sell them in that length... worked great.

Dan :)
 
A lot of bikes came stock with air caps, thus the reason for a hollow tube. ;)

Eric
 
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