Bought 1987 VFR used with badly bent upper fork

I just took the front end apart and found the upper forks are bent to hell. The lowers appear fine. Any ideas for what would be compatible and where I could get them?

skuebert, Jan 29 2006, 06:34 PMI just took the front end apart and found the upper forks are bent to hell.  The lowers appear fine.  Any ideas for what would be compatible and where I could get them?

The '86-'87 VFR00/750 used a 37mm fork tube - not a common size. You might try AfterShocks for fork straightening or Forking by Frank, who makes fork tubes.

You could also try getting the forks repaired by Frame Straight System.

Keep in mind that if the forks have any creasing, they are probably not repairable.

Thanks for your response, Safe-T

I looked over the forks and I can definitely see some creasing. Also, I put a straight edge against the fork - in the center I have 3/8" clearance due to the bend... it's seriously bent. I guess I could try sending some pics to the shops you recommended and get their opinion.

But now I'm thinking....should I put my efforts into a simple swap out of the same forks OR find a compatible upgrade for the whole front end?

I've heard some folks touting the advantage of larger fork tubes and 17" front wheels (not '87 stock 16")

I'm not going to sink major $$ into this bike... any compatible upgrades that you can recommend that don't require significant customization? If not, I'll set my mind to working with the stock forks. Thanks!

skuebert, Feb 2 2006, 04:40 AMAny compatible upgrades that you can recommend that don't require significant customization?

You might check into a CBR600F ('87-'90) front end. The front wheel from this bike is supposed to be directly interchangeable with the VFR's, so you may be able to put your VFR wheel/rotors/fender on the CBR forks/triples.

The 600F used a 38mm fork compared to your VFR's 37mm fork, so if you are going to go this route you will need both the forks and triples from the CBR.

I saw some rebuilt 87 VFR Froks on Ebay a few days agoe?
then there is this place
http://www.williescycle.com/home.htm

SAFE-T, Feb 2 2006, 02:30 AMYou might check into a CBR600F ('87-'90) front end. The front wheel from this bike is supposed to be directly interchangeable with the VFR's, so you may be able to put your VFR wheel/rotors/fender on the CBR forks/triples.

The 600F used a 38mm fork compared to your VFR's 37mm fork, so if you are going to go this route you will need both the forks and triples from the CBR.

Thanks, Safe-T... from your info I was able to find some additional info on a fork swap at http://www.one-ring.net/vfrfaq/WheelFAQ.htm

<excerpt>
Question: What forks have been used successfully?
Answer: GSX-R1100, CBR600F2, and CBR600F3, so far. Read on�
<end>

I'll shop around for the stock parts... the CBR600F2 sounds like the easiest alternative.

Stay tuned.

skuebert, Feb 3 2006, 01:11 AMhttp://www.one-ring.net/vfrfaq/WheelFAQ.htm

That's where I found out about the 600F Hurricane wheel being a drop-in replacement...