I'm screwing around with a project bike - basically building an airhead entirely from parts. Since it was never a whole bike, I don't feel too obligated to stick to anything that could be described as "original." I had planned on using 1981-1984 forks with heavily modified internals because I'd like to run wire wheels but I want the stopping power of the Brembos. But then I stumbled across a good deal on a straight /2 Earls front end - missing the shocks and the wheel. I love the way my stepdad's R60/2 rides with the Earls fork, and am thinking that might be fun to play around with, but I still want the braking power of dual Brembos. I've seen them in the past so I know it's been done. Anyone out there have good photos of a BMW Earls fork front end modified to run dual calipers? Better yet, has anyone done it and can give me an idea of the level of fabrication required, beyond just welding the tangs for the calipers on the bottom of the swinging arm? Maybe nothing comes of it, but I'm having fun thinking outside of the box. Thanks! Andrew 1970 BMW R50/5 project bike 1971 Moto Guzzi V750 Ambassador 1972 BMW R75/5 2000 Honda XR650R dual sport 2003 Suzuki Burgman 400 wife's bike 2005 Yamaha FJR1300A
perhaps not the solution you are looking for, but see this? http://www.bmwgs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=330310
Actually, that's very helpful. I was thinking of using Brembos from a post-1980 airhead, but it's basically the same idea. What that shows me is that the Earls will fit up to a /5 headstock and that a later wheel (I'm thinking a /6 hub with dual discs) will fit, albeit it with possibly some futzing (technical term) with the axle and bearing preload. Thanks! Andrew
I've got a single disk on mine, and the wheel just barely fits. You really only need one, but if you're dead set on 2, check these guys out; http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/slash2conversions/
The calipers will hit the spokes, unless you find a rare 100CS wire wheel, some R65(?) hubs or those from a G/S. The /6 and 7 hubs won't work.
Check with Nathan from Boxerworks http://boxerworks.com/message.phtml They have set up for disk on Earls Forks and everything else you may need.
Have just completed doing this Disk Brake conversion. Not that difficult, just not to be rushed. If you need some pointers, I can help as there are many ways to skin this cat. Happy Trails, My email is : tony.collett@shaw.ca
