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Longer front forks

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Old May 31, 2008 | 05:09 PM
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kindle's Avatar
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Default Longer front forks

I believe I have a set of unusually large forks on the front of my 77 xlc. something like 8 inches. I was at a bike shop in my area and the owner specializes in older bikes. He said I should consider lowering the front end because it starves the front cylinder of oil. I like the way the bike looks but if it means my engine will blow up then back down she goes. Anyone heard of this / had experience with? Oh yeah what is the stock fork length? mine is measuring 29 " from the center of the axle to the lower tree. Thanks. Matt.
 
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Old May 31, 2008 | 05:17 PM
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Default RE: Longer front forks

mine. = 29 1/4 in.

[IMG]local://upfiles/16695/71B3671349D94D70B94F874712B73440.jpg[/IMG]
 
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Old May 31, 2008 | 06:53 PM
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Default RE: Longer front forks

Yes, it can result in scuffing the front piston, and the cure for that, of course, is a rebore.
I recommend you just keep running the bike until it is time to fit new pistons, then buy yourself a set of standard length fork tubes.

My Sporty had 8 over tubes on it when I bought the machine in 1973 and the front cylinder became scored by lack of oil. A very knowledgeable ironhead man told me at the time that the fork tubes did the damage.
I quickly went to new tubes when I bored the cylinders in 1975.............pg
 
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Old May 31, 2008 | 09:43 PM
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Default RE: Longer front forks

Thanks pinion gear. I get the feeling maybe you think the damage is already done and not to worry about it now. I am getting a little oil consumption and some smoke so you are probly right. Probly need to start looking for a factory manual huh? Appreciate the input!!
 
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Old May 31, 2008 | 10:10 PM
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Default RE: Longer front forks

You are correct!.......pg
 
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