Fork replacement

[James Whitney]

Gentlemen, I desire to replace the factory forks on a 1978 Yamaha XS400-2E. If I could get some directions on the best forks and triple tree for the least amount of money I would appreciate it. Also, where would I get the bearing conversion for the new forks into the stock steering head? I will sincerely appreciate any and all help given to me.

 

[XSLeo]

When you say bearing conversion kit I assume you mean the tapered roller bearing kit. If so I would buy the kit to put the tapered bearings on your stock trees.
This will give you a set of races that fit your frame. Once you have those races installed in your frame most any trees with the right length stem can be used.
Once you find the front end you want to use, find a set of tapered bearing that fit that stem. These bearings will match up to the races in your neck.
If the front end you want to use already has the tapered bearing on it then your ready to bolt them on.
Most ant set o trees can be adapted to your frame. It may be as easy as just a straight up bolt on or you may need to swap the stem out of your tress into the other trees.
Leo

 

[James Whitney]

Thank you Leo, you guys are great! If I can ever help you in any way please do not hesitate to ask. My engineering experience runs from being a welding & materials specialist to designing hi-tech fluid power (hydraulic systems) for front line fighter jets & motion based flight simulators for the US Navy & Marine Corps. Not only did I design these and other systems I had a complete metal fabrication shop and built many types of systems. In conclusion I was a propellants engineer at Kennedy Space Center Florida designing and directing the fabrication of fuel systems for the Apollo Soyuz & the Space Shuttle program. Motorcycles have been my passion since I was fourteen years old. Unfortunately the next bike I choose will be my last motorcycle.

 

[NewHavenMike]

Aftermarket fork tubes can be found if yours are no good. The springs can be replaced and make a big difference. You can use modern Apilia upside down forks too but you have to get them overseas.