Fork stanchion re-chroming

[rok-the-boat]

Just wondering if anyone has re-chromed their fork stanchions in NZ. I have contacted a few places that do chroming but none will my TS185 forks.
Does anyone know of a place that does it? I'm in Whangarei but travel to Auckland on occasion.
Cheers, R

[Grumph]

Just wondering if anyone has re-chromed their fork stanchions in NZ. I have contacted a few places that do chroming but none will my TS185 forks.
Does anyone know of a place that does it? I'm in Whangarei but travel to Auckland on occasion.
Cheers, R

You need hard chrome and they have to be finish ground.

Don't know of anyone currently doing it in NZ.
Tony Pole in ChCh used to but lost his grinder.

Couple of places in Aussie advertising.

[F5 Dave]

Check weemoto etc for pattern parts.

[HenryDorsetCase]

With my CB750 it was quicker and cheaper to buy repop stanchions than faff about.

[jellywrestler]

With my CB750 it was quicker and cheaper to buy repop stanchions than faff about.

yip, but who do you think is making them for 185's?

[jellywrestler]

I used rotorua electroplaters when i did my hesketh ones, not sure who is still doing them, someone will be as hyfraulic arms on diggers and shit need repairs over time. ask someone who does that stuff

[Laava]

I used rotorua electroplaters when i did my hesketh ones, not sure who is still doing them, someone will be as hyfraulic arms on diggers and shit need repairs over time. ask someone who does that stuff
They just replace the tubes with std stock. Much easier than a motorbike.
In my experience, it is easier and cheaper to comb the internet and order new inners internationally from where ever you can. This is what I did with my Honda Sl125 and GSXR750 restos

[HenryDorsetCase]

yip, but who do you think is making them for 185's?

CMSNL for one


https://www.cmsnl.com/suzuki-ts185er-1981-x-e01-e02-e04-e09-e21-e22-e24-e26-e30_model14187/tube-inner_5111029420/

Obviously it would depend on the model and OP didnt share what year his was but I chose that one because I had a TS185ER back in the day. Racing red. I fell off it a lot.

[jellywrestler]

They just replace the tubes with std stock. Much easier than a motorbike.
In my experience, it is easier and cheaper to comb the internet and order new inners internationally from where ever you can. This is what I did with my Honda Sl125 and GSXR750 restos
what were the cost comparisons please? who did you use to price up rechroming the originals to do the comparison? Why do hard chrome plating plants even exist in nz if all the people with hydraulics simply replace them?

[F5 Dave]

5 min Google, quote though

https://franksforks.com/SUZUKI%20-FORK-TUBES.html

[jellywrestler]

5 min Google, quote though

https://franksforks.com/SUZUKI%20-FORK-TUBES.html

they used to be called forking by frank, and were atrocious to deal with, almost demanding your fork sent to them, for comparison, and then they would put you on the list for when they make the next batch. . The rechroming process i have used more than once is price comparable, the finish isn't the same, a few minutes in a lathe polishing sorts it to almost perfection.

[Gremlin]

I tried a place a couple of years ago down in Onehunga I think, but as said, you need hard chrome, not decorative chrome.

Mate of mine did track someone down, but it was $500-$1000 or something for a quick job, and $1000-$1500 I think for a good job, for two fork stanchions. A pair was ordered from overseas for <$400 (both CB919s)

[Laava]

what were the cost comparisons please? who did you use to price up rechroming the originals to do the comparison? Why do hard chrome plating plants even exist in nz if all the people with hydraulics simply replace them?
OK to qualify, with all the forks I needed sorting, they had inserts of some sort that are rolled into position. These have to be removed for the hard chroming apparently, for example the GSXR insert are plastic. I had a rough price from a company in australia and it was deffo cheaper to get replacements. My comment about the hydraulics is based on what my mate who is a hydraulic engineer told me. Most if not all excavation type machinery uses a std size hydraulic tube. You cut it to length, stick it in a lather for threading and drill holes etc. Motorbike stuff is probably a bit lighter gauge in comparison?

[husaberg]

look for a company that does hydraulics like excavators on some they redo the hard chrome.

That said be far easier to find a NOS pair.
there is a place in I think Italy that list sit tons of newly made weird stuff.
but maybe have a look at the parts fiche ad compare to the other Suzis like the TF's

Hi these also list the length


https://www.wrs.it/en/22913-fork-tubes
https://www.carpimoto.com/en-US/Suspension-Axle/Fork-Tubes/


The original list i belive came from here
https://franksforks.com/

[Grumph]

Very rarely now do hydraulic rams get replated. Much easier to cut the end fittings off and weld to a piece of thickwall hardchromed tube.
Particularly if the ram is bent....

Both tube and round bar are available hard chromed. I've used 10mm round bar to rebuild shock absorbers.

Endorse looking for NOS or pattern parts. Much easier.

[pete376403]

Same as TS125?https://www.ebay.com/itm/364915674294?_skw=fork+tubes+suzuki+TS185&itmmeta=01JFC8QHT4FJMVGH3FT9XGT16V&hash=item54f6ab4cb6:g:3IwAAOSwPLBmAwYl&itmprp=enc%3AAQAJAAAA0HoV3kP08IDx%2BKZ9MfhVJKktA4c hg0WsbcyDUZMw9YowCIB1%2BLXoycXWlekR0%2FPg%2F%2BIh% 2BVxDTHmbnbF0N5%2FmbI%2Ft3IB87XIbm3t%2BquYdaIp7rW8 bfOhT7I4lustqk4tjb5i3ELXrMTTdzjCJXn4DkwnTWYhRnDNx2 pN0JXU5ThfX69Vc5CSJczo39SUWMwmCuBbW%2FBVOZdxBbWCA4 ACaAy0vAYTw%2FPIy4SE63jcIwfHv5JfjjpZRLZ72IdO7ITrKp QAzSGup3ipEwKYKDW7mJLM%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR5yd3oj7ZA

[HenryDorsetCase]

they used to be called forking by frank, and were atrocious to deal with, almost demanding your fork sent to them, for comparison, and then they would put you on the list for when they make the next batch. . The rechroming process i have used more than once is price comparable, the finish isn't the same, a few minutes in a lathe polishing sorts it to almost perfection.

so getting it done locally means I have to get 3 phase power put on to my shed then purchase, ship and commission a lathe with a minimum 1200 between chuck and tailstock, then after I have given it a polishing we can call it done?

[Laava]

Sometimes it is a better search online with the part number as opposed to a description. Can take a bit of patience

[jellywrestler]

so getting it done locally means I have to get 3 phase power put on to my shed then purchase, ship and commission a lathe with a minimum 1200 between chuck and tailstock, then after I have given it a polishing we can call it done?

such a tough life when you have no friends that share your passion that you can ask for a favour. The finish is almost the same, so doesn't need polishing, but with the availability of 2000 wet and dry paper it was a job that was worth lookimg into

[jellywrestler]

Same as TS125?https://www.ebay.com/itm/364915674294?_skw=fork+tubes+suzuki+TS185&itmmeta=01JFC8QHT4FJMVGH3FT9XGT16V&hash=item54f6ab4cb6:g:3IwAAOSwPLBmAwYl&itmprp=enc%3AAQAJAAAA0HoV3kP08IDx%2BKZ9MfhVJKktA4c hg0WsbcyDUZMw9YowCIB1%2BLXoycXWlekR0%2FPg%2F%2BIh% 2BVxDTHmbnbF0N5%2FmbI%2Ft3IB87XIbm3t%2BquYdaIp7rW8 bfOhT7I4lustqk4tjb5i3ELXrMTTdzjCJXn4DkwnTWYhRnDNx2 pN0JXU5ThfX69Vc5CSJczo39SUWMwmCuBbW%2FBVOZdxBbWCA4 ACaAy0vAYTw%2FPIy4SE63jcIwfHv5JfjjpZRLZ72IdO7ITrKp QAzSGup3ipEwKYKDW7mJLM%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR5yd3oj7ZA

185, but no year was mentioned

[jellywrestler]

OK to qualify, with all the forks I needed sorting, they had inserts of some sort that are rolled into position. These have to be removed for the hard chroming apparently, for example the GSXR insert are plastic. I had a rough price from a company in australia and it was deffo cheaper to get replacements. My comment about the hydraulics is based on what my mate who is a hydraulic engineer told me. Most if not all excavation type machinery uses a std size hydraulic tube. You cut it to length, stick it in a lather for threading and drill holes etc. Motorbike stuff is probably a bit lighter gauge in comparison?

so you haven't actually done it like I have then?

[Kickaha]

Tony Pole in ChCh used to but lost his grinder.


When? They did a shock shaft for me about 3 years ago, delivery times got extended a few times though

[Grumph]

When? They did a shock shaft for me about 3 years ago, delivery times got extended a few times though

7 or 8 years back. He was set up to do it all in house. Then had a spat with the guy hired to do the grinding.
Afaik, any grinding required now is farmed out. Which has become more difficult as we've lost a couple of jobbing grinders in
the last few years.

If you do a shock again, I'd look at new hard chromed rod. Cheaper IMO.

[Laava]

so you haven't actually done it like I have then?
Awesome! Maybe you can give some advice to the OP on how and where to get it done?

[R650R]

A bit bigger than your Mc forks, in this vid he’s doing a re rod as even in Oz over four month delay to get chroming done. There’s less and less people doing specialist jobs these days…


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWjqTS3E1fs

[R650R]

A bit more engineering porn, obviously no good for forks but cool process


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTHJW8Lhd2E

[rok-the-boat]

Same as TS125?https://www.ebay.com/itm/364915674294?_skw=fork+tubes+suzuki+TS185&itmmeta=01JFC8QHT4FJMVGH3FT9XGT16V&hash=item54f6ab4cb6:g:3IwAAOSwPLBmAwYl&itmprp=enc%3AAQAJAAAA0HoV3kP08IDx%2BKZ9MfhVJKktA4c hg0WsbcyDUZMw9YowCIB1%2BLXoycXWlekR0%2FPg%2F%2BIh% 2BVxDTHmbnbF0N5%2FmbI%2Ft3IB87XIbm3t%2BquYdaIp7rW8 bfOhT7I4lustqk4tjb5i3ELXrMTTdzjCJXn4DkwnTWYhRnDNx2 pN0JXU5ThfX69Vc5CSJczo39SUWMwmCuBbW%2FBVOZdxBbWCA4 ACaAy0vAYTw%2FPIy4SE63jcIwfHv5JfjjpZRLZ72IdO7ITrKp QAzSGup3ipEwKYKDW7mJLM%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR5yd3oj7ZA

I saw already that and asked the same question. Still awaiting reply.

[rok-the-boat]

I can probably get some from Thailand. However, recently I bought $500 of stuff for my DT175 and DT125 and half of it didn't fit and some was no use at all. Then, my credit card got hacked and I had to cancel it. But it looks like Thailand has a few of these old bikes about.
Mine is a 1974 model TS185.

[SaferRides]

I had a TS185ER back in the day. Racing red. I fell off it a lot.
Same here. It was probably the most fun motorbike I've owned.



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[Kickaha]

If you do a shock again, I'd look at new hard chromed rod. Cheaper IMO.

It wasn't available in the correct size and also needed to be drilled through the centre for the adjuster, since then I believe a suitable seal head for the larger size has been sourced

[jellywrestler]

Awesome! Maybe you can give some advice to the OP on how and where to get it done?

indeed, did that yesterday, real early in the thread

[jellywrestler]

I can probably get some from Thailand. However, recently I bought $500 of stuff for my DT175 and DT125 and half of it didn't fit and some was no use at all. Then, my credit card got hacked and I had to cancel it. But it looks like Thailand has a few of these old bikes about.
Mine is a 1974 model TS185.

whats the part number?

[Laava]

indeed, did that yesterday, real early in the thread
Oh right, so you did, my bad!

[F5 Dave]

Same here. It was probably the most fun motorbike I've owned. .
Ahh youth. I had an XR250A with knobblies and 23" front wheel. It was a bit terrifying. A mate had an ER185. We thought it was a bit rank as sat down so low at the rear. All the cool kids had IT or PE175s. On knobblies, so would have been as bad as my XR but I was a few years behind them.

I rode my Beta on the road with a dealer plate and euro legal tyres about 4 years ago. Felt like the 80s again.

[Kickaha]

Ahh youth. I had an XR250A with knobblies and 23" front wheel. .

I have one if you'd like to relive that youth, of course that would mean actually making it run first

[F5 Dave]

No, I think it is in its rightful state presently. :devil2:

[pete376403]

I saw already that and asked the same question. Still awaiting reply.

This chart indicates 125s and 185s use the same seal so should work https://www.vmx.co.nz/resources/how-to/size-forks-and-fork-seaks

[jellywrestler]

This chart indicates 125s and 185s use the same seal so should work https://www.vmx.co.nz/resources/how-to/size-forks-and-fork-seaks

really? I've been playing with bikes for near 50 years and didn't realise it was that easy!

[husaberg]

as the oP has said its a 1974 TS185


in the US they are 250 NZD each.

the part number is
5111028010
the fork stanchions are the same as.

TC125 1973 (K) USA (E03)TC125 1974 (L) USA (E03)
TC125 1975 (M) USA (E03)
TC125 1976 (A) USA (E03)
TC125 1977 (B) USA (E03)
TS125 1973 (K) USA (E03)
TS125 1974 (L) USA (E03)
TS125 1975 (M) USA (E03)
TS125 1976 (A) USA (E03)
TS125 1977 (B) USA (E03)
TS185 1973 (K) USA (E03)
TS185 1974 (L) USA (E03)
TS185 1975 (M) USA (E03)
TS185 1976 (A) USA (E03)

[pete376403]

really? I've been playing with bikes for near 50 years and didn't realise it was that easy!

Husas post seems to confirm (also been playing with bikes but in my case more like 57 years)

[jellywrestler]

as the oP has said its a 1974 TS185


in the US they are 250 NZD each.

the part number is
5111028010
the fork stanchions are the same as.

TC125 1973 (K) USA (E03)TC125 1974 (L) USA (E03)
TC125 1975 (M) USA (E03)
TC125 1976 (A) USA (E03)
TC125 1977 (B) USA (E03)
TS125 1973 (K) USA (E03)
TS125 1974 (L) USA (E03)
TS125 1975 (M) USA (E03)
TS125 1976 (A) USA (E03)
TS125 1977 (B) USA (E03)
TS185 1973 (K) USA (E03)
TS185 1974 (L) USA (E03)
TS185 1975 (M) USA (E03)
TS185 1976 (A) USA (E03)
it's a mine field out there
Part # = 51110-28010
Part Description = TUBE,FORK,INNER
Model Count = 8
TC125J 1972 123 TC125 PROSPECTOR DUAL SPORT
TC125K 1973 123 TC125 PROSPECTOR DUAL SPORT
TS125J 1972 123 TS125 DUSTER DUAL SPORT
TS125K 1973 123 TS125 DUSTER DUAL SPORT
TS125R 1971 123 TS125 DUSTER DUAL SPORT
TS185J 1972 183 TS185 SIERRA DUAL SPORT
TS185K 1973 183 TS185 SIERRA DUAL SPORT
TS185R 1971 183 TS185 SIERRA DUAL SPORT

[jellywrestler]

as the oP has said its a 1974 TS185


in the US they are 250 NZD each.

the part number is
5111028010
the fork stanchions are the same as.

TC125 1973 (K) USA (E03)TC125 1974 (L) USA (E03)
TC125 1975 (M) USA (E03)
TC125 1976 (A) USA (E03)
TC125 1977 (B) USA (E03)
TS125 1973 (K) USA (E03)
TS125 1974 (L) USA (E03)
TS125 1975 (M) USA (E03)
TS125 1976 (A) USA (E03)
TS125 1977 (B) USA (E03)
TS185 1973 (K) USA (E03)
TS185 1974 (L) USA (E03)
TS185 1975 (M) USA (E03)
TS185 1976 (A) USA (E03)

alpha sport quote $575 USD each,

[jato]

Its been a while now but previously rotorua electroplaters have done good work for me hard chroming and grinding at what i thought was a reasonable price. it might be worth a phone call to them

[husaberg]

alpha sport quote $575 USD each,

https://www.cmsnl.com/suzuki-ts185-1974-l-usa-e03_model35027/tube-fork-inner_5111028010/

just noticed mine item not available

is your inc freight?

[F5 Dave]

Well, to channel Skidmarktm [circa 2014], if it doesn't have upside down forks it isn't a real bike. Perhaps something off a RM250 could be bolted on? Might raise the front a touch to about 6'.

[husaberg]

Well, to channel Skidmarktm [circa 2014], if it doesn't have upside down forks it isn't a real bike. Perhaps something off a RM250 could be bolted on? Might raise the front a touch to about 6'.
I would be looking at a TF125....

[F5 Dave]

Doesn't have upside down forks, unless you crash it.:crazy:

[jellywrestler]

https://www.cmsnl.com/suzuki-ts185-1974-l-usa-e03_model35027/tube-fork-inner_5111028010/

just noticed mine item not available

is your inc freight?

nope just googled part number

[F5 Dave]

https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/classic-vintage/suzuki/listing/5081554816

Knock yourselves out with the 185 love.

[rok-the-boat]

I shall continue to search for some decent stanchions. In the meantime, I'll clean mine up, fit new seals, and add slightly thicker oil.

[jellywrestler]

I shall continue to search for some decent stanchions. In the meantime, I'll clean mine up, fit new seals, and add slightly thicker oil.

did you find a part number?

[rok-the-boat]

did you find a part number?

Yes - and someone posted it above too. I have emailed a few places and await reply. Thailand is probably the best place for availability, but I got ripped off recently buying a few parts from there ...

[pete376403]

Yes - and someone posted it above too. I have emailed a few places and await reply. Thailand is probably the best place for availability, but I got ripped off recently buying a few parts from there ...
Buy through PayPal (not Family and Friends) and less chance of ripoff

[Laava]

Yeah you have to be a bit careful with some things. I have bought tank rubbers etc from asian places and they have been rock hard to the point of unusable. And some of the cable kits have been badly put together and hardly usable without a lot of faffing about.

[SaferRides]

Try Webike Japan.

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[jellywrestler]

Try Webike Japan.

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you're dealing with a model that is not desirable and financially worth a resto, and supply will for many parts be uneconomical here. those who are into them will be lapping up any parta some time ago with the help of the internaughty. I'm still waiting for his comments on electroplaters pricing, that will be interesting. Suzuki NZ used to offer old stock of some models to dealers around nz. they would retain part numbers and sometimes drsw back on them. I remember seeing all the TS185 stuff upstairs in a bike shop, looked impressive too. that stuff is well gone by the job jot too

[Laava]

Try Webike Japan.

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Webike was the only place in the world advertising a clutch basket(bell) for my ducati project. I could put it in my basket, and pay for it etc but thought I would ask the question first re availability. Hadn't had one for many years it turns out, no surprise. Shame tho

[SaferRides]

Webike was the only place in the world advertising a clutch basket(bell) for my ducati project. I could put it in my basket, and pay for it etc but thought I would ask the question first re availability. Hadn't had one for many years it turns out, no surprise. Shame thoI've only had that happen once and they emailed me very quickly to ask what I wanted to do. For Jap bikes, if they can't supply a part then you'll be lucky to find it anywhere else.

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[Pussy]

I have had a couple of sets done by Paciific Aerospace a few years ago. Not sure if they still do them.

[bad'rule]

Hiya,
a TS 185 74' year model would be 30mm diameter, there's lot of aftermarket for them here in Malaysia, closer than Thailand to ship to you. All of us TS 100/125C,N fans over here buy them . Nowadays lots of aftermarket for 30mm inners ,Taiwan,Thailand,China made over here.

On Quality ,I can't say much, until now its been 4 years serves me, I think .
I got mine changed in the past for my TS125N. No visibility wear at seal area, but some small pitted above triple clamp can be seen now.

Choose a seller who runs a shop instead of a person seller . It's the safe way for you.Stanchion it self is cheap if you convert to NZD.

Let me know if you want any help buying from Malaysia,I'm happy to be friends and help you .


Badrule

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