1982 VF400F Japanese import >> I was recently in a low speed head-on collision which slightly bent the front forks. I'm wondering what my options are. In the exposed fork cylinder there is no crease, can I get it straightened and reassembled? Is there a problem with metal fatigue if I do this? If I need to replace them, did they change over the years? Would VF500 forks fit, VF500 parts are a lot easier to find here in Canada. Thanks.
I don't believe so. The VF400F has different fork brace dimensions, which usually means it has different forks, different calipers, different wheel and/or spacers, etc. The VF500F had TRAC, I don't believe the VF400F did (which would mean different fork bottoms at the very least.) http://pmiusa.net/FFTP/fork brace dimensions.pdf You can try looking up some part numbers, but I don't think they're the same and they do not look the same. Here's a pic of my VF500F when I Got it to roller stage.
You can get them straightened but not many people know what they are doing when it comes to straightening them. There is a guy near me that has 20+ years of road racing and mechanics experience with motorcycles and last year he was able to straighten a bent fork for a friend of mine which was promptly taken out for a track day with zero problems. As long as it isn't bad, you should be good. Give Ruben a call and talk to him to see what he can do for you. 35 Motorsports | Motorcycle servicing, motorcycle service, motorcycle set-up, motocycle engine builds His contact information is on there. I'm not sure how things will work out for you since you are in Canada but I would imagine the only difference will be that shipping would be a tad bit more to send the forks over to him. Tell him that Zac referred you to him. The worst thing he can do is tell you no but I would imagine that he will be able to at least give you some options.
I had a fork tube straightened for an old Norton years ago, and never had any issues with it. If Meatloaf's contact doesn't work out, try finding a shop that specializes in older European bikes. If I remember correctly, fork straightening was a semi-normal practice for them, as parts were expensive and took a while to get.
Be sure to inspect/replace the headset bearings and wheel bearings becuz they took a hit when the fork did......
Thanks for all the advice everyone, I appreciate it. Meatloaf, I'm going to see if there is someone local here in Vancouver with some experience straightening forks, if that doesn't work out I'll contact Ruben, Thanks again.
ouch i would try find used or new change triple clamps to match diameter straighten out bend forks makes them weak
Just a quick update for those interested. I was able to verify the part number on the Fast From The Past site with a Japanese shop here (the big Honda dealer refused to deal with it, being an import and all). Thanks very much Fizz for the FFTP link. For anyone with a VF400F here in Vancouver WindBell on the north shore is the place for info and service. Cheers.
Ruben is a great guy, and very knowledgeable... +1 Note that on that bike (and any bike of that era) it is pretty much impossible to bend the forks without bending the frame at least a little. If you're really interested in making it right, find a frame straightening place (GMD, Frame Straight Systems, etc.) and get it checked after Ruben fixes your forks. Hell, talk to Ruben about it...he'll set you straight (he's at VIR this weekend, so maybe call him on Tuesday).
A fair number of machine shops should be able to straighten fork tubes (as long as there are no creases). It's not something that only a bike dedicated shop can do. I've seen one post of a guy straightening his forks using a bottle jack, a bike chain, and a 2x4. I guess if you know what you're doing, that's ok. But a well equipped machine ship that is accustomed to bending tubing will be able to do it with less risk of crinkling a tube, as well as having the measuring equipment to verify that it's true.
