Hi,
I've got 35mm forks on my '87 Sportster and was thinking of going bigger. I don't want inverted because I'm going for the '50s cafe look. Does anyone know what diameter the forks on the 1999 M2 Cyclone were? There are usually some in that year range for sale on Ebay and I think they might work for me.
Thanks,
Sportyrider

don't know the size, but you may need to pick up a whole front end for the swap to make it easier.

What I'm looking at would be complete from the handlebars to the axle. Triple trees and all.

The main things are: Will it bolt into the Sportster's tube and is it a bigger diameter than the 39mm of the later Sportsters.

I think the inverted ones are 42 or 47mm but I don't think the M2's are bigger than 39mm. Might check here:

http://www.motorbike-search-engine.co.uk/buell_history.html

Might give the sizes.....:geek:geek:geek

OK, according to Aztec, makers of dual headlights (think Speed Triple), the M2 Cyclone had 43mm conventional forks. Thats cool for me. Now, are the stems and bearings the same?

Just stumbled across this thread, how's your project getting along?

I think, the stem length may be more of an obstacle; I think, bearings are available in diameters to address most applications...

The M2 front end is adjustable for compression and rebound. Very Nice. Plus, it's set up for dual disc appliction.

Depending on the outcome of some near future suspension changes, I may be following your path. The stock M2 forks are stout 'mutha's' and ride real nice!

I think, the stem length may be more of an obstacle; I think, bearings are available in diameters to address most applications...

Just press out your Sportster stem and press it into the M2 lower triple. I believe that the stem length on a M2 is 8 7/8" long. I don't know how long an 87 Sporty's is, but my 2001 was 9 1/4". I can't imagine it would be different, but use whatever stem gives you the correct length.

The steering head bearings for tuber Buells and XLs are the same. Also, the only difference between the upper/lower triples between the M2 and the inverted fork tubers is the size of the hole the fork legs go in.

Pirate,

Thanks for the info, one step closer.

Kevyn, any updates??? I'm really interested in seeing how this turned out for you.

If you go for the accutronix triples offered on Ebay,the M2 fork installation will be a bolt on thing.You can stay with your 1" handlebar,controls,risers,etc.Otherwise you have to change to the Buells handlebar clam´s diameter,which is 7/8"
Ralph

If you go for the accutronix triples offered on Ebay,the M2 fork installation will be a bolt on thing.You can stay with your 1" handlebar,controls,risers,etc.Otherwise you have to change to the Buells handlebar clam´s diameter,which is 7/8"
Ralph

It is relatively easy to bore out your handlebar perch to 1" from 7/8" if you have the right tools, I did. A good shop can do it as well.

Justin at Two Bit Choppers does it for about $50. He does that quite a bit, so he's got the equipment all set up for it.

Just an idea. One way to do it cheaper than the new triples if you want to save some cash.

I've done this front end switch on my 87 and it's pretty much a bolt on but you'll have to trim your fork lock from your frame. I stayed with the 7/8"s bars and I used the Buell front brakes and controls along with Buell clutch cable.
http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t133/sportster121/Picture016.jpg