As some of you guys already know I'm workin' on a fork swap with RC51 fork legs and I've got some info that I'd like to pass along so no one makes the mistake I did by thinking SP-2 top &/or or bottom triple will work

The problem with the SP-2 triple tree is that the stem measures approx. 34mm in dia. compared to the OEM SH stem which is approx. 24mm in dia. (I'll post pic ASAP).

The SP-2 stem goes through the frame nice enough, but there's no room for bearings up top

Some folks believe that the top triple (Handlebar Bridge) will work form an SP-2 mated with 954/929/SP-1 lower triple, but it WONT The 34mm hole in the SP-2 top triple for the stem is too large for a smaller dia. lower triple where it mates above the frame leaving a lot of room for play=BAD

Hope you all learn from my mistake and I'll post picks ASAP...

Thanks,
Rick C.

 

Don't give up just yet Rick in so far as pressing inanother stem is concerned. After all, the stems are pressed in at the factory to begin with so what can be pressed in can be pressed out.

Regarding the top triple, that is why I mentioned the caveat to you on a couple of occasions. The part numbers are the same on Ron Ayers (at least on the two years I had checked) but it seemed very odd that they would be identical given the different size stems.

 

Thanks Micky, I'm not giving up I just wanted everyone here to know the facts for their own projects...

The local Honda shop said they'd done stem swaps before, but wouldn't anymore cuz of liability, but I'll find a cycle shop that will do it or I'll find a machine shop with a hydraulic press and get it done there...

Either way I will still need top triple with 24mm stem hole, so got my eye on two now...wish me luck!

 

Here's a pic of the SP-2 triple tree...very nice, but wont work

 

Just to make you feel better I have an SP2 upper triple in a box in my garage that I need to sell from doing my front end swap. I also have a SP1 upper triple, but it is on my hawk.

Dennis

 

Same here!

 

Thanks guys, it's no biggie cuz RC51 parts are worth their weight in gold

I also fount that the SH ignition switch is 32mm and wont fit through the 28mm hole in the SP-2 top triple so you couldn't even use it if you wanted too w/o replacing your switch...

Hope this helps the next guy
RC

 

Not true about the ignition. It bolts right up but is just a little short. I bought the little plastic cover anyway. I'll be posting some pics here shortly in my fork swap thread.

 

I have a 929/954 upper triple I bought of EBAY when I was doing my swap, but went with the RC (SP1) upper in the end... they both have the same stem opening, and are pretty much interchangable although the CBR triple is "gull winged" a bit at the end and grab the forks approx 13mm lower than the RC unit which is "flat" across. The opening for the ignition lock is also bigger in diameter, but will allow you to bolt the ignition up... If you need it, LMK... (PM me).

J.

 

Greg, I see what you're talkin' bout with the ignition switch you just don't run it up through the triple, but instead bolt it up and pit the RC51 plastic thingy in there with the switch position labels on it

However, there's one question that leaves me scratching my head

What did you do about the larger diameter stem hole in the SP-2 top triple? The hole is 34mm and the stem is 24mm...

Thanks,
RC

 

PM sent bro!

 

Greg, where'd you find the little plastic ignition switch cover? Can't find it on Ron Ayers:
http://fiche.ronayers.com/Index.cfm/...BAR_TOP_BRIDGE

Thanks Bro,
RC

 

It comes with the top triple if you buy one new I think?... Haven't found one as a single part tho... I went to the local wrecker and found one of a Honda triple of unknown model...

Both Greg and me used the upper triple of a 954/929 and that solves the problem with the stem hole... In your case with RC-51 fork legs and a 954/929 upper you could possibly use the stock clip-ons from said bike and mount them above the triple and have stock height... As Greg and I used CBR 1000RR parts we have shorter forklegs with the need for custom clip-ons...

 

Thanks Tweety!

That confirms my "Plan B" as I was thinking the 954 top bridge would be a good fit However, "Plan A" includes a flat top bridge so I can mount Superbike bars that is unless I can get Killer to make me some of those nice gull winged riser/adapers for the 954 top triple

The saga continues!

Thanks,
RC

 

Yup, Tweety's all over it! The plastic ignition part is actually off of a 929.

 

Thanks Greg, when I said the ignition switch from the SH wouldn't fit I was referring to the Top Triple off an RC51 SP-2. I think you were referring to 954/929 top triple when you said it would fit just a little short. Just to clarify cuz I don't want some other poor schmo making the same mistake as I did and buy an RC51 SP-2 triple tree cuz it don't fit

 

Gotcha! I understand now. With all this SP1, SP2, 929, 954, 1000RR, and VTR talk I guess I got a little cornfused!

 

You wouldn't be the only one...

 

Thanks Slowhawk for a smooth transaction for that triple, it'll work great
RC