XJ 900

I swopped a Honda Estorm 125 for a lovely Yamaha XJ900 1985 model. It was in a front end accident and only the forks got bend. I can get hold of GSX1100 forks or XJ 750 forks. Or I can buy a FZR or R1 front end and modify the bike but the shaft is integrated into the swingarm in the back and not much space for a wider wheel. I am scared to repair the forks as they are badly bent.What would you guys suggest.
Thanx in advance.
James from Johannesburg

 

Can you please post some pics?

If the forks are badly bent chances are the frame is also. I'd be stripping the tank, seat and other cosmetics and checking for any distortion or cracks around the joints in the neck area. Might be a good parts bike though if you can pick up another with a good frame. Not sure about what was shipped to your area but the 750's that came to Australia had the same frame. I started out with a 750 and bought a 900 as a parts bike for the frame and now am re-building the 900 because the 750 frame was dodgy.

The XJ4ever logo in the top right corner will take you to a whole lot of info on model numbers that will help you identify the bike correctly (sounds like an N model, mine is a 1Fx- but yours may be different) and this will help you find compatible spares. When you have that info please put it into your signature line.

 

Check this link out:
http://www.allballsracing.com/22-1004.html

It gives you the steering head bearing kit for your xj900 AND it gives you all the other bikes that have the SAME steering head kit. The same head bearings are a good indicator for a NEAR direct swap. As you'll see the GSX1100 has the same bearings as your 900. So half the battle is done, you've sourced a newer/better front end. The steering pin will need to be used out of the 900 lower triple tree for correct length to fit the GSX front end to the 900.

Also check out www.ohiocaferacers.com go under the technical link.

It gives steering head bearing sizes upper and lower for a lot of new and old bikes. But I think you are already in good shape with the GSX1100 front you have now. Another member posted this info a while back and I have used it for a few project bikes to swap front ends and it works in narrowing down what works. I hope this helps.

 

I posted another link about a Suzuki rear swingarm. Check the dimensions on the GSX1100 if possible. Also oneof the opther members ahs done a great job ona nasty VMAX swinger with a huge rear tire out back. HE is looking at building us a similar setup. I am going in a different direction with a SuZuki M50 swingarm. MAYBE?????