 Front end Swap
|
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 64
Member
|
OP
Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 64 |
Does anyone know if it's possible to use a Harley front end without changing the neck on the frame. It seems like it would be a lot more economical to swap to a Harley front end with a 21" front wheel, rather than relacing a BA or TBS hub. I've been searching, trying to find out what the ID of our steering neck is, and I keep coming up empty handed.
|
|
|
Re: Front end Swap
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,244 Likes: 64
Fe Butt
|
Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,244 Likes: 64 |
I ran into 1 problem with my recent springer quest. The distance between upper and lower trip tree on our bikes is 9" and 8" on all Harleys since 1949 to present. If you were to make a longer shaft it could probably be done and at that point might as well have it machined for the stock bearings.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
|
|
|
Re: Front end Swap
|
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 64
Member
|
|
OP
Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 64 |
Aren't the lower triple tree and the shaft all one piece? It seems like you'd have to fabricate the whole lower tree.
|
|
|
Re: Front end Swap
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,244 Likes: 64
Fe Butt
|
|
Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,244 Likes: 64 |
Depends on the front end but no most are not 1 piece most have an aluminum tree and steel shaft attached in different ways. Last one I changed I cut the shaft and machined it out threaded the new one in and welded it under the lower tree. That one didn't have an alloy lower tree.
EDIT: I have been thinking about doing this with a springer. I will also have to machine 2 extensions , 1 for each side to extend what would be the fork tubes on a stock front end to accept the top tree.
Last edited by The_Dog33; 07/30/2007 5:12 PM.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
|
|
|
Re: Front end Swap
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 591
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 591 |
I might be mistaken, but isn't the Harley neck straight thru and the Trump neck tapered top and bottom?
Last edited by Larkfarms; 07/30/2007 7:59 PM.
|
|
|
Re: Front end Swap
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,244 Likes: 64
Fe Butt
|
|
Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,244 Likes: 64 |
That doesn't matter much it's a matter of bearings to fit the neck and the shaft. The problem arises with the distance between those outer bearing surfaces.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
|
|
|
Re: Front end Swap
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,823
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,823 |
well to be honest with you can get a 21" 36 spoke rim and get it laced to your hub cheaper.... any day then putting a HD front end on your bike....
BIKER
|
|
|
Re: Front end Swap
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,611 Likes: 1
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,611 Likes: 1 |
You'll have to dig thru the photopost - but its there somewhere - a BA with a sporty front end. Was a member here. Maybe one of the more senior members will remember who it was and point you in the right direction.
Stewart
.......
"It's outside your field of expertise."
"Poppycock normally is."
|
|
|
Re: Front end Swap
|
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 64
Member
|
|
OP
Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 64 |
Quote:
well to be honest with you can get a 21" 36 spoke rim and get it laced to your hub cheaper.... any day then putting a HD front end on your bike....
BIKER
Not in my case. I have a speedmaster with cast wheels. Also, I have already found a wide glide front end with bars, speedo, headlight, and 21" wheel for around $700.
|
|
|
Re: Front end Swap
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
|
|
"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
Misc info found: Quote:
04/15/2003 | 22:00:21 | bobscogin
I’ve certainly considered a complete WideGlide front. I fitted my 2001 Bonneville, built from a wreck, with a 39mm Harley XL front end. The WideGlide has the same 1" stem and the BA has the same neck, so I know it can be done. The tube diameter, as you point out, could be a problem. Before the "metrification" of Harley parts, the WideGlide tubes were designated 1 5/8" OD (1.625"). The later ones are designated 41mm (1.615"), so I need to go to the Harley dealer and measure the OD of a new WideGlide with a micrometer to see if they are a true 41mm. If they are in fact .010" larger than the Triumph’s tubes I could bore the holes in the trees. The Harley WideGlide front wheel has no provisions for a speedo drive but I might be able to use the narrow glide wheel which does, although the 2:1 drive ratio wouldn’t be compatible with the Triumph speedo. you’re right about the brake, fender, and wheel options. They’re nearly endless! decisions, decisions1
Bob
More from this thread in the archives...
http://www.bonnevilleamerica.com/message...amp;startat=121
I have pictures somewhere, just not online right now.
Last edited by FriarJohn; 07/30/2007 9:21 PM.
|
|
|
Re: Front end Swap
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,823
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,823 |
ok understand ..so i would say find a machine shop one that deals with bike's take every to them tell what you want.. all that you need is a longer stem and the bearing's that go with it and any good machine shop should be able to help you.. now i know yes there more to it then that ****** i made mine own girder front end.. but that the just of it and that is were you need to go...  BIKER
|
|
|
Re: Front end Swap
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,244 Likes: 64
Fe Butt
|
|
Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,244 Likes: 64 |
Yep I did quite a bit of research I would love to just slap a springer on my scoot but it isn't that simple. If it was just bearings it would be on there already.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
|
|
|
Re: Front end Swap
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,823
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,823 |
well i just went and looked at the front end brandon is talking about... looks like he would just have to have the old stem pressed out... a new one made of the right length pressed back in the bottom tree and new stops made.. also then have a slot put in the stem so you can still use the stock stem lock..get the bearings also.. but this all can be done..alot easer then most people think..
BIKER
|
|
|
Re: Front end Swap
|
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 386
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 386 |
I recently put a Yam XS1100 twin disc front end on one of my commandos a bit of fiddling ( new stem Mods to the top tree) but all went well & now it stops and does not bottom out every bump.
A springer on an America - Luv the notion.
Hoffo
2x Norton Commando Roadsters
08 Triumph America
|
|
|
Re: Front end Swap
|
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 144
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 144 |
Keep your Triumph a Triumph 
Phil C
If you dont believe there's a price for this sweet paradise
Remind me to show you the scars...
|
|
|
Re: Front end Swap
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
|
|
"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
Hey, it's his bike. If he wants to make it into a bastardized hybrid, that's his business. 
|
|
|
Re: Front end Swap
|
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 604
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 604 |
>you can get a 21" 36 spoke rim and get it laced to your hub cheaper
I think BA hub is 40 spoke.
Said Molly to James, that's a fine motorbike.
Richard Thompson
|
|
|
Re: Front end Swap
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,823
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,823 |
I Dont' think I know the front hub on the BA is 36 SPOKE ......FACT
BIKER
|
|
|
|
|
