Difference in forks question.

[John Schmidt]

I'd like to swap the forks from the old bike, '98 Tourer, over to the trike...a '99 I/S. I looked on the parts list and the assemblies have two different part numbers. I can't see any difference on the parts breakdown so does anyone have knowledge of what it might be. I rebuilt the forks on the Tourer in 2018 and they're also polished so would like to have them on the trike. Appreciate any input.

Thought I'd post this in both the General and Tech boards in hopes of more exposure.

[Warlock]

Not much difference. The IS takes more fluid because of the heavier fairing. As far as fitting the triple tree it should be no problem. I added a 5 degree triple tree on mine and installed Goldwing 1800 springs and added 2 oz less on both sides. Took the harshness out of the steering. I could feel ever pebble in the road before I did that. The reason for the Goldwing springs was to bring the forks up about 3/4 to 1 inch taller to make up the height I lost when I installed the raked on it. Forgot to mention that the rod and dampers are different in the IS vs the tourer and standard model but the outer tube and lower tube are the same. The rebuild parts are the same. seals and slider bushing and wear bushing


David

[John Schmidt]

Dave, the trike already has a 6 degree kit installed. As for the forks on the Tourer, I had Progressives installed about 2004. Not too long after that I modified a Harley fairing and installed it, have had no issues with it since mounting. Wondering if the Progressives would accomplish what your 1800 springs did. How much trouble is it to install the 1800 springs, I have no idea how the length compares to the Progressives? I just want the trike to handle and ride good. Just curious....how long did it take you to get use to riding the trike following the 2-wheeler for years? I only had the nerve to get up to 55 one time before freezing temps and snow. Guess I'm still getting the feel of a trike, it appears it takes more than I expected to tip it over. Not too many miles on it thus far, can't wait until spring so I can put some miles on it before traveling to InZane.  

An afterthought....the 6 deg. trees look like those made by Darrel at Xf6. I had a set on the Tourer for a short time, didn't like the feel so removed them. Part of the kit included spacers you inserted in the top prior to filling with oil and installing the fork cap. That brought the front end back up to level. The trike appears to be level so wondering if it might have spacers also. The kit was installed at the Roadsmith factory in Minnesota.

[Warlock]

It took me about 6 months before I got use to it. If it is level it might have the extenders in it. If you feel like whenever you hit a bump and it feel like it shocks your hand I would take about 2 oz of oil out of each side. I kinda wished I had put the 6 degree vs my 5 degree. I have run mine up to a 100 and was rock solid. But I really like running 55 on the back roads. If your is level and seems to handle the bumps ok the progressive will make it a little more stiff. Had to figure out on the front end playing around with the level of the fork oil. For some reason the trike with the rake front end doesn't need what the book calls for. Nothing will replace the 2 wheels, but I'm enjoying more ever time I get on it. Took me a while, I kept putting my foot down whenever I would stop. Old habits are hard to break. Don't miss holding up the Valkyrie at stops and slow turns. Just had to remember to park so I could push it backwards. Something else you might want to think about. If you park on a hill even in gear it will roll. I got me a piece of velcro to go around my front brake lever to help it stay parked. I had to learn not to grip the handle bars hard like I did on the 2 wheels. Use a relaxed grip. Also found that locking your elbow to make turns makes it a lot easier. I push with the lock elbow and pull with the other. Uses less muscles by locking the elbow.
David

[John Schmidt]

I was going to pull one fork to check for spacers, but after loosening the only pinch bolts I could find the fork still doesn't move. I've decided to tighten them back down, mount the front wheel and fender and leave it alone. It does have the trike level and seems to handle the road ok, guess I can't ask for much more. I also tended to put my foot down, it's a 60+ yr. habit that I'm not sure I'll ever break. 

[Warlock]

Should have a upper pinch bolt and lower pinch bolt. Here is a picture of where the forks slide thru.
David

[John Schmidt]

Dave, those appear to be a set of OEM trees of which I'm well versed and have never had trouble removing the individual forks on those. The aftermarket 6 deg. units, such as those made by Daryl at XF6c Custom, look much different. The top tree is totally enclosed, the bottom tree is similar. Scroll down to look at the Valkyrie unit.

https://vtxtreme.com/tag/raked-billet-triple-tree/

I've decided to leave them in place and today went ahead and swapped over the bar type grille and top chrome cover for the radiator. Then mounted the front wheel and torqued everything per specs. Then installed the front fender and flame fork covers, the fender has some Native American painting done by The Mountain Man back in 2003 during InZane in Zanesville, OH. Looks pretty good but think I might look for some laced on leather covers.

[Warlock]

My 5 degree look like the ones I posted. I know what you mean about the ones you have. It should still have a upper pinch bolt and lower ones. The top one should only have 1 pinch bolt. Can't say for the bottom one. Looks like they have just 1 pinch bolt on the bottom. Need to post some pictures of it.
David

[John Schmidt]

Yes...one pinch at the top and only one of equal size at the bottom. Loosened both and even tried spreading the area a bit with a large screwdriver. No go so left it alone, didn't want to remove the fairing to access the front of the trees and feeling in there didn't disclose any additional bolts. I'll try to take a couple shots later today.