2005 CB600F Hornet - Suspension Swap

[troyedige]

Hello. This is my first bike and I am fairly new to bike parts and maintenance, so please excuse my potential ignorance.

I would like to replace the front suspension on this bike with a USD fork from one of the newer CB600 models (2007 on). For purely cosmetic reasons...

How straightforward would this swap be? I'm assuming I will need to find a yoke that is compatible with the new forks as well?

[A100man]

Expect nothing to be transferable to be on the safe side. In my admittedly limited experience, its never as easy as the bloke down the pub makes out, although since you're going Honda Hornet - Honda Hornet you're in a better starting postion.

First check if whether the headstock height and bearing sizes are the same between themodels - If yes you then need to find a complete
'front-end' Forks, yokes, mudguard, brakes and possbly wheel. If no you're into custom yoke stems etc..

TBH you're far better off just trading the bike in for a newer one with the desired look.
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Then: Fizz, RS200, KL250, XJ550, Laverda Alpina, XJ600, FZS600

[stinkwheel]

It's a bit of a waste because it already has excellent suspension and brakes. You risk downgrading your bike to poorer suspension. If it was me, I'd be fitting a set of linear springs appropriate to your weight and riding style, setting the sag and riding it.

In answer to the question, you are looking at a full front-end transplant and need to hope the length and diameter of the stem are a close fit.
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[troyedige]

Appreciate both responses.

[sickpup]

[troyedige]

[Easy-X]

You like the USD forks - feels more "modern" regardless of actual performance - I get that.

Run by me again why it isn't simpler and safer to sell the older model in exchange for the newer one? "It's a load of hassle!" and swapping a front end isn't? I've partially swapped the front-end of my Husky with a manufacturer supplied kit and it definitely goes in the category of "non-trivial work."

Factoring in time = money I can't see how you'd save much doing the swap. Front-end assemblies from previously written off bikes rarely go for a song in my experience.

If it were some classic bike you wanted to resto-mod I'd be more understanding but with all due respect the bike is in the land-fill category of age at the moment.
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Husqvarna Vitpilen 401, Yamaha XSR700, Honda Rebel, Yamaha DT175, Suzuki SV650 (loan) Fazer 600, Keeway Superlight 125, 50cc turd scooter

[stinkwheel]

[sickpup]

Thought the Mk2 came out in 2007 with the USD front end and that picture isn't a Mk2. Rear shocks are different so front will likely be sprung different.

May well be wrong, not much interested in modern bikes.

[sickpup]

Had a little look around and it looks like the 2005-2006 Hornet had USD forks and the 2004 had RWU forks so potentially yours is a late registration 2004 model and the one you have a picture of that says its a 2007 is a late reg 2006.

[redeem ouzzer]

As per the above advice, you’d get better results having the current forks valved and sprung for your weight and riding style. The standard fork is a decent cartridge design despite not having external adjustment. I can assure the only bike I have where the external adjusters get touched is my race bike. Everything else gets left alone once the set up feels right.
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