R75/6 fork stanchion bent - OEM part or something else?

[72828]

Hi all,

I'm slowly working my way through my new (to me) R75/6 and while pulling apart the front end for rubber renewal, Progressive springs etc, I find that the left stanchion is bent.

I see that the per-stanchion price is ~$500.00.:bolt

I know that these come up on EBay from time to time but it's difficult to be sure that any used units will be straight.

I see that Bob's has some aftermarket units ("Frank's") that are priced much more realistically ~$250.00 per pair.

Does anyone have experience going with either the OEM or aftermarket parts? Any help/advice would be greatly appreciated!:p

Thanks,

Marley

[swall]

You mean the fork tube, correct?

[47512]

I would find a good used OE fork tube before I would use Franks. I have used Franks fork tubes in some of my British projects, the quality is so so. If your fork tube is not kinked or damaged where it goes through the bottom clamp I would try to straighten it. If it has a kink in it don't use it. Also check the bottom triple clamp, and the axel, as they may be bent as well.

Ken G.

[Na Cl K9]

Hi all,

I'm slowly working my way through my new (to me) R75/6 and while pulling apart the front end for rubber renewal, Progressive springs etc, I find that the left stanchion is bent...Does anyone have experience going with either the OEM or aftermarket parts? Any help/advice would be greatly appreciated!:p

Thanks,

MarleyYou can usually find a complete USED /6 or /7 single disc front end including tubes, sliders, internals, top and lower triple clamps and axel/fender brace for under 300.00. I got one that is straight and clean for $250.00 recently. Then, you have all the parts you'll ever need if there turns out to be something else bent on your bikes FE. NOTE: most BMW motorcycles in use have fork tubes that are slightly bent from normal use, minor spills and doing stupid things like putting the front wheel against a wall and slipping the clutch to smooth a wrinkled disc....without first pushing the bike down on it's suspension for maximum overlap of the tube and slider. Check out all sources and ask questions before you buy and you should make out ok...with parts to sell later.

Keep the bent tube to use as a cheater bar. A section of fork tube cut an inch or so longer than the steering stem gives you a steering head bearing installation tool too. If you decide to go with NEW tubes, I would replace both and make absolutely sure the top and bottom clamps and fender brace and axel are straight.
Otherwise, you'll waste your money.