Preface: Did a forum search, didn't quite find my answer.

Was just wondering what USD forks are best for a MC21 (my forks are slightly bent, need new tubes), other than RVF400 forks. I've heard of guys using CBR954/929 forks, RGV forks and RS250 forks. Any ideas?

I know the main issue is the bearings fitting but hoping someone may be able to provide some insight. Cheers.

(By the way, RVF400 forks are quite hard to come by in my area. People snap them up quick for similar conversions on MC22s as well).

take your pick mate,most of the new 600's forks have been used,ive got the r6 radials on mine now
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ive seen more tarts than mr kipling

silikesguiness wrote:take your pick mate,most of the new 600's forks have been used,ive got the r6 radials on mine now

Nice work. Did you have to mod the triples (or anything in that area) to fit the NSR frame? That's the bit I'm unsure about. I have a CBR600 that I could maybe test fit to the NSR. But I just eyeballed it and thought the bearings on the 600 for lower and upper triple clamps would be different (well, different angle etc).

we used the r6 forks/yokes and even the stem,just sleeved the r6 stem and used the later kx 500 headrace bearings
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ive seen more tarts than mr kipling

I've heard if a few people using ZXR400 forks.

Are you after better performing forks, maybe a different front wheel or something that looks different ?

mellorp wrote:Are you after better performing forks, maybe a different front wheel or something that looks different ?

Well it's mostly just to sort of upgrade the front end (newer everything) and also because the current forks a bench. eBay has new stanchions for $150 but the fact they come from Hong Kong doesn't instill much confidence. Otherwise, genuine stanchions I've found online 3-4 times the price which for me isn't really affordable (I'd rather straighten the old ones, they're only slightly bent, couldn't tell with them on the bike).

But I was mainly gauging which front ends would work best and to keep an eye out for a good deal. The MC21 I got had been thoroughly crashed so a restoration just wasn't practical. So I am going a more modern and custom 2 stroke bike route, hence thinking of USDs. I mean, nothing wrong with standard forks but they just look a little dated.

The CBR 400 NC29 forks are also a good contender for the used price.

Having done a conversion myself my advice is to pick up an entire front end. So no just the forks, but the triples, wheel, axle, discs, brake lines and master cylinder. Saves a lot of mucking around.

Then try find something with the same offset. Then you can respring the forks for the lighter bike, adjust them in the triples to match the std forks, and away you go.

KICKER wrote:

mellorp wrote:Are you after better performing forks, maybe a different front wheel or something that looks different ?

Well it's mostly just to sort of upgrade the front end (newer everything) and also because the current forks a bench. ***** has new stanchions for $150 but the fact they come from Hong Kong doesn't instill much confidence. Otherwise, genuine stanchions I've found online 3-4 times the price which for me isn't really affordable (I'd rather straighten the old ones, they're only slightly bent, couldn't tell with them on the bike).

But I was mainly gauging which front ends would work best and to keep an eye out for a good deal. The MC21 I got had been thoroughly crashed so a restoration just wasn't practical. So I am going a more modern and custom 2 stroke bike route, hence thinking of USDs. I mean, nothing wrong with standard forks but they just look a little dated.

The way the front turns is a big plus on the std 3" rim. Start going bigger and it slows down. These things are never easy and cost more than you imagine, unless you are a time served qualified engineer with access to your own tools. Would you trust/pay for machining these sort of parts to a self trained grease monkey ? I certainly wouldn't.

I would price up each option, in terms of cost, effort time scale and benefit

1 Genuine replacements
2 Fix the original
3 A complete front end off something else, plus the cost of revalving/springing plus making it fit your NSR

Make your choice and stick to it

Phil M
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MC21R ; MC21SP , plus some other none Honda 2t's