Fork Tube Interchangeability

twinegar · Post by **twinegar** » Sat Sep 19, 2009 5:20 pm

Will 79 fork tubes work with the 80 lowers? The 80 tubes were pitted and the ones I received are off a 79 even though I asked for 80 so will the air component still work. I am getting a little tired of asking for a part and receiving another especially when it costs a lot to return it. I guess some people don't understand the word, "restoration".

ericfreeman · Post by **ericfreeman** » Sat Sep 19, 2009 10:17 pm

Can't answer your question but I know your frustration with parts. My '79 had badly rusted tubes and I located a set of used forks from a motorcycle salvage place in the Midwest. Got the forks and found both of them obviously bent: all they had to do was look down the tubes to see the damage. Cost me $30 in shipping to return them for a refund but was never compensated for the shipping. Gets really frustrating sometimes!!

Eric

cbxtacy · Post by **cbxtacy** » Sun Sep 20, 2009 1:32 am

I don't know if the 79 tubes will work but I've been getting new tubes from these people http://www.frankmain.qpg.com/ for years. I have a set of their tubes in my Turbo and in my wire wheeled CBX which I roadraced for years. Never any problem.

alimey4u2 · Post by **alimey4u2** » Sun Sep 20, 2009 9:16 am

79 & 80 fork tubes are different...80 Has a lower slider bushing.. Fork lowers have different part numbers.

twinegar · Post by **twinegar** » Sun Sep 20, 2009 1:04 pm

....but will they hold air? The guy assures me that the 79 tubes work in the 80 lowers but didn't mention the air. I looked over the parts blow-up of both and it appears that the forks are naturally designed to maintain an air-tight seal.

See what happens when a seller ignores your specifically stated part needs and sends you the wrong part? I specifically asked for 80 uppers and mentioned the pain of returning parts. If this was an Ebay sale I would file with Paypal for a refund plus return shipping and after receiving the $$$ leave a negative feedback.

alimey4u2 · Post by **alimey4u2** » Sun Sep 20, 2009 5:13 pm

"If" they fit, with the 1980 top air collars they will not leak air...

daves79x · Post by **daves79x** » Mon Sep 21, 2009 5:14 am

No - they will not work. The fork tube has to have the bushing installed to fit in the '80 fork lowers and the '79 tubes have no provision for that. Sure, they will bolt in, but will be a very sloppy fit due to lack of a bushing on the '79 tubes. '80 tubes are a bit hard to come by. I have 2 complete '80 front ends that are in good shape, but I won't separate the parts. Let me know if you are interested.

Dave

twinegar · Post by **twinegar** » Mon Sep 21, 2009 11:43 am

Well, it looks like I will have to use the whole 79 forks and stick the air valve in the top as much as I hate to do it and wait for 80 tubes to turn up.

cbxtacy · Post by **cbxtacy** » Mon Sep 21, 2009 2:13 pm

The link I posted earlier can make '80 CBX tubes and he is aware of the differences. A pair of tubes is usually around $250.

FalldownPhil · Post by **FalldownPhil** » Tue Sep 22, 2009 11:26 pm

twinegar,
I have a pair of '80 PT# 51410-469-013 "pipe frt. fork" NOS still in their original boxes from mother Honda. Email me if interested.
Very Best,
Phil

Don · Post by **Don** » Wed Sep 23, 2009 11:56 am

twinegar wrote:Well, it looks like I will have to use the whole 79 forks and stick the air valve in the top as much as I hate to do it and wait for 80 tubes to turn up.

If you're not concerned with keeping it 100% stock, why not just do the obvious and upgrade the front end to ProLink forks? Major improvement (which is why Dave has a couple of complete '80 front ends laying around ;) ) and then you could also upgrade the front brakes to 1100F calipers as well?

Don

twinegar · Post by **twinegar** » Wed Sep 23, 2009 12:20 pm

Call me Mr. OEM, all of my bikes are either factory original or are on their way to it. I am compelled to return them. I am making on exception by replacing the tail piece / grab rail unit on my 79 with a 80 unit so I will have the storage compartment but I can return to original easy enough. Thanks to everyone for the suggestions and offers as I proceed into the abyss. I save all of these good ideas to fall back on in case I decide to customize my second 79. I am embarrassed to admit that prior to 2007 I didn't even know the CBX existed having parked my 72 350-4 in 1978 to raise a family. I returned to motorcycling in 2004 by buying a new Sportster as a retirement gift from me to me and in 2006 began picking up old Honda's. My father and hero passed away in '07 and with the money he left me I was finally able to add my first two "X's".
Thanks again.