Author Topic: Which Tonti forks will fit, and be correct for Mk1 Le Mans  (Read 2294 times)

Offline jas67

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • Posts: 5438
  • Location: Palmyra, PA
Which Tonti forks will fit, and be correct for Mk1 Le Mans
« on: October 23, 2018, 06:21:53 PM »
The forks on my '77 Le Mans are shot, the chatter front to back under braking.   The sliders (lowers) are likely worn out.

I'm I correct in my understanding that these lowers do not have bushings, and that the stanchions ride directly in the bore of the lowers?

If this is the case, I need new lowers.    Are the Mk1 Le Mans lowers the same as any of the more common Tonti bikes like T3, G5, SP, etc?

Anyone got a pair of lowers for sale that'll work?

Thanks,
Jay
2017 V7III Special
1977 Le Mans
1974 Eldorado
2017 Triumph Thruxton R
2013 Ducati Monster 796, 2013 848 Evo Corse SE, 1974 750GT, 1970 Mk3d 450 Desmo, 1966 Monza 250
1975 Moto Morini 3 1/2
2007 Vespa GTS250
2016 BMW R1200RS, 80 R100S, 76 R90S ,73 R75/5
76 Honda CB400F, 67 305 Super Hawk, 68 CL175

Offline Antietam Classic Cycle

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • Posts: 14724
  • Happily stuck in the past.
    • Antietam Classic Cycle
  • Location: Rohrersville, Maryland
Re: Which Tonti forks will fit, and be correct for Mk1 Le Mans
« Reply #1 on: October 23, 2018, 07:03:27 PM »
The forks on my '77 Le Mans are shot, the chatter front to back under braking.   The sliders (lowers) are likely worn out.

I'm I correct in my understanding that these lowers do not have bushings, and that the stanchions ride directly in the bore of the lowers?

If this is the case, I need new lowers.    Are the Mk1 Le Mans lowers the same as any of the more common Tonti bikes like T3, G5, SP, etc?

Anyone got a pair of lowers for sale that'll work?

Thanks,
Jay

I've never seen lowers so worn that the tubes fit sloppy in them, but yours could be the first.  :wink: Are you sure it's not loose steering head bearings?

T3 lowers are the same as T and Convert - they have different fender mounting tabs. G5 lowers are closest, but have a different part number for some reason. SP, CX100/Le Mans II have the calipers behind the forks.
 
« Last Edit: October 23, 2018, 07:06:12 PM by Antietam Classic Cycle »
Charlie

Offline jas67

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • Posts: 5438
  • Location: Palmyra, PA
Re: Which Tonti forks will fit, and be correct for Mk1 Le Mans
« Reply #2 on: October 23, 2018, 07:20:18 PM »
I've never seen lowers so worn that the tubes fit sloppy in them, but yours could be the first.  :wink: Are you sure it's not loose steering head bearings?

T3 lowers are the same as T and Convert - they have different fender mounting tabs. G5 lowers are closest, but have a different part number for some reason. SP, CX100/Le Mans II have the calipers behind the forks.

Thanks, Charlie.

When the craziness that is my life currently settles down, I'll be pulling the whole front end apart to check things out more thoroughly, and service/repair/replace whatever needs it.   The chattering sure seems to be just the lowers, and not the whole fork, though, I could be wrong.
2017 V7III Special
1977 Le Mans
1974 Eldorado
2017 Triumph Thruxton R
2013 Ducati Monster 796, 2013 848 Evo Corse SE, 1974 750GT, 1970 Mk3d 450 Desmo, 1966 Monza 250
1975 Moto Morini 3 1/2
2007 Vespa GTS250
2016 BMW R1200RS, 80 R100S, 76 R90S ,73 R75/5
76 Honda CB400F, 67 305 Super Hawk, 68 CL175

canuck750

  • Guest
Re: Which Tonti forks will fit, and be correct for Mk1 Le Mans
« Reply #3 on: October 23, 2018, 07:38:53 PM »
You may want to check with Curtis Harper, he provide me a NOS set of black fork lowers for the 1977 Le Mans I rebuilt and the cost was reasonable.

If you strip the forks you may want to consider replacing the dampers with FAC units and fit progressive springs, the stock dampers are similar to screen door closers.

***Wildguzzi Official Logo High Quality 5 Color Window Decals Back In Stock***
Shipping in USA Only. Awesome quality. Back by popular demand. All proceeds go back into the forum.
Best quality vinyl available today. Easy application.
Advertise Here
 

***Wildguzzi Official Logo High Quality 5 Color Window Decals Back In Stock***
Shipping in USA Only. Awesome quality. Back by popular demand. All proceeds go back into the forum.
Best quality vinyl available today. Easy application.
Advertise Here