Can anyone tell me how to tell or what the difference is between a Kaybe and Showa fork i need to put in new tubes but do not know what to buy.

Thanks in advance for all replies

 

There is very little outside difference. The Kayaba forks were made from 73-75 (according to my motor manual). The internal part are where the difference is. The Kayaba dampener comes completely apart with a roll pin going thru it near the top. The Showa dampener is more or less a 1 piece component with a coupla 'wear rings' that fit into grooves at the top. On the Showa's some say that a small "Showa" will be stamped somewhere near the axle hole on the wheel side of the slider.
I gave away my 75 front end other wise I could tell ya for sure by lookin at it.
Good luck!
jim

 

Pretty sure the 77 had Showa forks .

 

Thank you all for your responses i have confirmed that they are Showa forks