fork spring spacers

[machinest]

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.

[Nessism]

Shouldn't matter what you use.

[hikermikem]

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).

[gshub]

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).

Pvc pipe is this a good idea if it breaks I would to think what would happen anyway
the orignal one are metal.

[reddirtrider]

There needs to be a hole in the center, it can't be solid.

[hikermikem]

Pvc pipe is this a good idea if it breaks I would to think what would happen anyway
the orignal one are metal.

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.

[hikermikem]

There needs to be a hole in the center, it can't be solid.

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?

[reddirtrider]

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?

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.

[hikermikem]

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.

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

Where is Westcliffe ?? My wife is from Louisville, I like CO a lot, especially in the Winter!!

[reddirtrider]

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

Where is Westcliffe ?? My wife is from Louisville, I like CO a lot, especially in the Winter!!

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.

[Rover]

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?

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

[gshub]

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.

[67fire]

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

Eric

[bwringer]

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.

[Clone]

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.