Inner fork tube replacement.....

  • Salu8819
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Inner fork tube replacement.....

22 Apr 2016 17:41
#722432
So I finally got my 79 kz400 B back from the shop and it's running great and sounds great. The mechanic told me that my inner fork tubes don't have much life in them. What are my options for a set of new inner forks?
I've heard of Franks tubes and hear that they barely answer the phone which makes me think twice about them

Race tech tubes are way too expensive which doesn't make sense because for one side it cost $270.

Comptely new fork swap from another bike which is too expensive.

Are there EMGO tubes? Please include a link so I can check it out

Where can I get newly manufactured tubes for my Kz400? Don't want to over kill on the price bc I spent too much money on this kz.
Thank you in advance.
79' KZ400 Brat

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  • SWest
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Re: Inner fork tube replacement.....

22 Apr 2016 17:46
#722434
Like they say, if you have to ask how much, you can't afford it. There isn't a lot for the smaller bikes. eBay may be your only option if you don't want to pay full ripping retail :whistle: .
Steve

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  • 650ed
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Re: Inner fork tube replacement.....

22 Apr 2016 18:05
#722440
"The mechanic told me that my inner fork tubes don't have much life in them. "

Did he say why? Are they bent or pitted? Ed
1977 KZ650-C1 Original Owner - Stock (with additional invisible FIAMM horn)

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  • wrenchmonkey
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Re: Inner fork tube replacement.....

22 Apr 2016 18:16
#722443
Well, if it's any consolation, I was able to find several weBay listings for kz400 forks. Some were cheap, like under $50 bucks and the average was like $70:
[ These are clean where they need to be ]

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  • The_Proletariat
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Re: Inner fork tube replacement.....

22 Apr 2016 20:47
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650ed wrote: "The mechanic told me that my inner fork tubes don't have much life in them. "

Did he say why? Are they bent or pitted? Ed

Any pictures? They can't wear out. If they are straight and rust free they are fine.
1982 Kawasaki KZ550 LTD

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Re: Inner fork tube replacement.....

22 Apr 2016 20:58
#722479
They can wear out in the sliders. My question is how did he know?
Steve

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  • Salu8819
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Re: Inner fork tube replacement.....

23 Apr 2016 07:33
#722512
He said they are pitting, I'll take pics when I get a chance. The fork seals are ripped so that has to go
79' KZ400 Brat

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Re: Inner fork tube replacement.....

23 Apr 2016 19:28
#722612
swest wrote: They can wear out in the sliders. My question is how did he know?
Steve

The bushings ya but not the whole tube.

I'd buy the ones wrenchmonkey lined to, oil seals, and inspect the springs.
1982 Kawasaki KZ550 LTD

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  • SWest
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Re: Inner fork tube replacement.....

23 Apr 2016 20:13
#722615
Mine were worn out after 30+ years. Put in new ones, nice and tight.
Steve

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  • Salu8819
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Re: Inner fork tube replacement.....

23 Apr 2016 21:13
#722618
taking the kz400 to work tomorrow so I'll take pics of the forks. They are not bent or rusty, the fork seals are def ripped but he did point out some pitting on the forks but not major. He said he can clean the insides and put new fork oil and seal but it will only buy some time till I need to replace the tubes. The bike has a little over 3K original miles on and was just left sitting in the garage of the original owner until I bought it from the man lol
79' KZ400 Brat

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Re: Inner fork tube replacement.....

24 Apr 2016 14:59 - 24 Apr 2016 15:00
#722718

Attachment image.jpeg not found

79' KZ400 Brat

Attachments:

Last edit: 24 Apr 2016 15:00 by Salu8819.

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Re: Inner fork tube replacement.....

24 Apr 2016 15:01
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Best I can do from my phone. The attachments are included too
79' KZ400 Brat

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