350X Front Fork Question. Please Read, I Need Your Input!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[TennesseeATC]

First let me say that I did a search and went thru 15 pages of the results and didnt get an answer to my dilemma. And YES, I do have a Honda shop maunal. I am working on my 86 350X. Just going through it trying to get everything checked out and right before I start doing alot of riding. So, today I decided to change front fork oil, check seals etc. While my forks were still in the triple trees I loosened the clamp on the boots and slid the boots down. The upper fork tube color looked distorted, very weird. I was thinking that they looked like they had been heated up. Once off I comfirmed it, heated at some point in the past, to aid in straightening them is all I can figure. Needless to say they are still a little bent. Also you can feel that "something just aint right" on the surface where they have been heated. This does NOT interfere with them going up and down through the full range of motion. Called my Honda dealer, new upper fork tubes are discontinued and IF they were available they would be $174 each. So here are my questions: Can I use what I have IF I can get it to track and steer correctly?? Is the strength and integerity of these tubes compromised? Will 85 350X forks work? If so, direct bolt up or other modifications?? What other forks will work? Are there any upgrades you veterans would suggest since Im already in this far? I weigh 240 if that matters. Thank you all for taking time to read my post. This forum rocks because of all of you and your unique knowledge and experiences.

[Dirtcrasher]

I've unbent 50 forks, never used heat. They are too thin to compromise the structural integrity of them. You do an endo and that may be the end of them.

Yes, 85 forks/tubes fit. Any cheap used set can get you out of this. I see forks for 60-80$ all the time; Your bushings may be shot from someone running them bent. And they are probably out of round where they straightened them.

83/84R are another set that fit in the triples but caliper fitment and such come to mind.

I have 83/84 damping rods in my 86 (mimics the terry cable kit back in the day) and I have a pic somewhere but I think the upper tubes are a bit shorter I believe.

I must have a thread on it somewhere (good luck finding it) but I do have the 83/84 tubes I can measure........

[atc007]

I would def find a nice used set and get those off.

[Dirtcrasher]

http://www.3wheelerworld.com/showthread.php/110547-How-to-tell-250R-forks-from-350x-forks-off-the-machine...?highlight=250R+damping+rods+in+a+350X

http://www.3wheelerworld.com/showthread.php/130294-350x-250r-fork-mod-question?highlight=250R+damping+rods+in+a+350X

I stated the upper tubes were the same and don't think I was hittin the pipe that day :lol:

Also, see the mod you can do for more travel and better front end action.

[RIDE-RED 250r]

I agree, get that questionable fork outta there......

[Vealmonkey]

I have a set of nos fork assemblies if you need them.

[TennesseeATC]

Thanks for the feedback guys. Dirtcrasher, in your 1st post, the 2nd sentence, did you mean that they are already too thin from the factory? Or too thin to expose to heat when trying to straighten them? Or that once bent they are too thin to straighten and then continuing using? Both of them have been heated and are still a little bent. This sucks. Vealmonkey, Im interested to know more about what you have and what you would want for them. Thanks Everyone

[Dirtcrasher]

No, they all bend....... Just don't heat them to bend them back.

I have never had anyone tell me they broke after I bent them back.

NOS would be nice if your gonna keep it, I have a spare NOS set myself :D

[TennesseeATC]

I am now starting to think that both upper forks BROKE and have been welded back together. The more I look at them I think I can see marks where the weld was ground down smooth (well they tried to get it smooth). Not sure which direction Im gonna go yet. Gonna try Franks Maintenance and Engineering also known as "Forking By Frank" and see what he can do IF anything. I know where there is a 85 350X for sale. Guy says it needs rings and put back together and new plastic. I havent seen it yet but on the phone he said he wants $500. Have I mentioned that this sucks??? Thanks Again Guys....

[jays375]

Don't go to Franks,very exspensive to do.A friend did it and was very costly.Just pick up a used set of forks.Even if they have to be straightened.There is a guy here that will treat you right.

[Dirtcrasher]

I saw a good straight set today for 60$ BIN.........

From a good seller too!

[TennesseeATC]

Well, here's the lastest. Upon closer examination the forks have NOT been broken and welded. What I was seeing is the imprint made during heating from the lower triple trees. That "line" must have formed from the heating up of the forks while they were being straightened. I did call Forking By Frank. They want $269 for the pair plus shipping (about $25 to Chattanooga). They said that they were exact reproductions of the stock forks, same material and same thickness. May take a look at that 85 350X next week, just for the heck of it :)