Hey guys, sorry i haven't posted in a while, but I haven't done much with the Sporty as of recent save ride her. I bought a Honda CBR6, and all of my money has been dumped into that. Now that i have that bike how i want it, and we're coming up on winter time.... Time to show the harley some love.

I'm thinking of going Roland-sand style on the Nightster. I've got a set of CBR front end laying around, but I don't even know where ot start as far as putting this thing together.

The forks are damn-near the same length at the stock rake, but the only thing I can come up with as far as putting them on is an XR1200 triple tree. The XR has 43mm forks, the CBR forks are 41mm. I guess that's as easy as machining a sleeve to drop in, but how different is the rake angle? And if it won't work... what would you guys suggest? Machining a new triple tree? Also, where do i find an xr1200 triple tree other than the harley shop (ie- a used one, preferably)

Obviously i'm still very much in the planning stages... but what are your thoughts? My goals are to make the thing stop better, and maybe give it a little more comfortable ride. (I know with my 11" progressives in the rear... there's only so much you can do, but those are the goals i'm setting out with in mind)

Thanks for any help!

 

Don't WideGlides and others have 41mm fork tubes?? Why couldn't you use those trees??

 

If you are going to keep the 11" Progressives in the rear then I would put a Progressive Springs, Race Tech kit, or Ricor Intiminators in the front and call it a day. Any of these would be cheaper than trying to make the CBR front end work.

If you are upgrading the rear suspension to match the CBR forks then I would contact Howard at Motorcycle Metal for professional advice and some Ohlins for the rear.

 

Just found the motorcycle metal website... I think he's the guy i want to talk to. Seems like his triple tree is the way to go assuming the CBR stuff is managable. If not, he builds a kit for it.

 

I think it would look pretty cool. I'd say get the CBR trees & neck cups for your bike to adapt it.

BUT...that CBR is 100 lbs or so lighter than a Sportster. You will most likely need to respring the forks.

There are plenty of Sportsters with CBR type front ends out there. I'd say a web search would land some decent info if not some contacts.

There's a guy in my town here that just put a Suzuki SV600 front end on his SPortster. Looks slick.

 

I talked ot howard this morning for about an hour. He felt like the better option would be to do the VR conversion, and he's probably right. I already have most of what i need though, so I'm gonna keep digging and find out what this is going to cost. Either way, thanks for the help.

MReed, I'm thinking about that, too, as i have a cbr triple tree. I need to get my front end off and see if it will work. Time will tell.

Thanks guys, any other suggestions are welcome.