Front forks

ajsm18 · Post by **ajsm18** » Wed Sep 07, 2011 10:00 pm

Hello,

I'm gradually acquiring the parts for a Model 8 AJS, having started with an engine and gearbox. What size fork legs were fitted to the 350s and do they differ from all of those fitted to the 250?

I have a set of wheels and yokes but no legs yet. I haven't measured them but the holes for the legs look to be the same size as those fitted to my 1947 Model 18.

Many thanks for any guidance

Mark

cbranni · Post by **cbranni** » Wed Sep 07, 2011 11:20 pm

1 1/8 forks were fitted to the 350, the standard 250 had james type forks, only the 250 cs or csr had 1 1/8 forks, heavyweights were fitted with 1 1/4 forks, hope that helps
Colin

ajscomboman · Post by **ajscomboman** » Thu Sep 08, 2011 7:25 pm

Not quite Colin. Early H/wts had 1 1/8 forks as well. Although the alloy sliders of the H/wt models look the same the end caps and the spindle cut out at the bottom of the slider is different on the L/wt as the spindle is a different dia.

ajsm18 · Post by **ajsm18** » Thu Sep 08, 2011 8:29 pm

Hello chaps,
Thanks for your help, I'll know what to look out for at Netley Marsh tomorrow!
Mark

cbranni · Post by **cbranni** » Thu Sep 08, 2011 9:36 pm

Thanks for the correction Rob, we live and learn, just finished a G2 rebuild, those James type forks and mudguard are a nightmare, horrid things to refit to bike, tried on my own, made so many scratches on them I gave up, I resprayed them and got a mate to help fit them, even then we got 1 or 2 scrapes on them.

Ozmadman · Post by **Ozmadman** » Tue Jan 10, 2012 11:03 am

On the subject of Model 8 front forks, I have acquired a nice set of new stainless steel sleeves and fittings (inc top nuts) for my model 8 350 front forks and wondered what is the minimum amount of work I need to do to fit them. i.e, can I do this with the forks in situ maybe? with a support under the engine of do I need to remove them completely and how difficult a job is this? The old fitings are sprayed silver at present and this would really finish the front end off a treat

Many thanks Paul

ajscomboman · Post by **ajscomboman** » Wed Jan 11, 2012 7:39 am

A complete front end strip one leg at a time is the only way to replace the seal holders, you'll also need a 1 1/8th fork leg puller to make the installation easier. The required tool is available from Jampot Spares 01536 511532

GOLDSTAR · Post by **GOLDSTAR** » Wed Jan 11, 2012 8:50 am

Or if your a cheapskate like me use an old top nut with the hex turned/filed/cut off amd a length of that threaded rod available from builders merchants, or a piece of broom handle, kind regards

paul knapp · Post by **paul knapp** » Wed Jan 11, 2012 9:36 am

quote: if your a cheapskate like

No, thats what we call 'being practical'

1608 · Post by **1608** » Wed Jan 11, 2012 2:53 pm

Well said Paul, special tools are often suggested and quite rightly so if needed for a regular job, but I'm a firm believer in adapting the many tools, spanners and bits of tubing and metal off-cuts collected over the years, especially the very versatile and ubiquitous broom handle !