One of my favorite bikes was a CB750 former show bike I bought in 1980 or so. It was bored out to 900 with many customized features including a fork extension that resulted in a different ride and a different look that I've missed ever since. Lately, I heard that the fork extension wasn't difficult to do, so I started researching this site and others, I finding helpful comments like those shown further below, as well as this video that makes it look temptingly easy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HudyoizEDV8.
With very little effort and about $250 in parts, I have a nice, subtle custom difference you might notice in these before and after photos.
Since I already have the Cycle-istic V4 trim plate on the backrest, I went with the spike version instead of the V4 caps for the fork extensions.
As Terry predicted, yes, the handling is a little slower to snap into in turn, but that's sadly a rare percentage of my miles. Advantages include the instruments tilting up into your vision, greater foot peg clearance, and longer wheel base feels more stability. Disadvantages include the long wheel base equating to a wider turning radius, and when going from lock to lock, as in a figure 8, you have to get accustomed to the tree rising at each lock. Another disadvantage is the bike leans further to reach the kickstand – right now I'm occasionally using a wooden block and thinking about a better long term solution, like a longer kickstand or perhaps welding another foot onto the stock kickstand...
4" spiked for Honda $90+ shipping = $113 http://billskimods.com/Magna_Fork_Extensions.htm
** Note – it took 4 weeks before they shipped
Longer speedometer cable Honda part #44830-MAH-000 $20
43"Shadow universal brake hose Honda part#036445 $38
Two each 45 degree 10MM stainless steel banjos $29
Brake fluid $8
www.billskimods.com
His email is Billski182@comporium.net
MagnaMan in 2006
[thread =Crazyjoe link=topic=406.msg3403#msg3403 date=1148045799]
Quote from: MagnaMan
...WOW --- I didn't know you could get those for our forks. My suspension buddy (Magnafazer) never made me aware of that. He talked me into running 418's on the rear and -- to me -- they are awesome. I am running the 1" fork extensions and they are really great. Hardly no affect on handling but improved clearance." /quote]
And this 2008 reply from Terry,
Quote from: TLRam1 on June 03, 2008, 12:11:10 AM
I have finally figured this out!
...
These are Extensions, as in, the cap is longer. Once installed, you slide the fork tubes further through the triple tree, in effect raising the triple tree an 1", 2" or however long extension you ordered.
This would thus change the geometer with a stock setup and probably compromise handling, slower turn-ins, not as sporty as before. To counter this you would need the larger diameter rear tire which would take it back to a stock distribution of weight if the rear if the rear were raised proportionately. The same thing, depending on track conditions, is done on dirt bikes when racing. If you are doing woods racing with many sharp turns you lower the triple tree for quicker response.
How much this would affect the Magna, don't know.
....
http://www.magnaownersoftexas.com/forums/index.php/topic,2118.15.html
For about 10 times the $, there are chopper kits (last photo attached) for a more extreme look: http://www.chopper-kit-usa.com/honda-VF750_new.htm If you go this route, be sure it includes the speedometer cable and brakeline.
Marty
To clarify, the yellow bike is from the link for the $2000 chopper kit that I couldn't afford. The other photos are mine, the first two are the before and after and the third zooms in on the spikes. I like it a lot, especially for the $ and minimal effort, but a little disappointed that the change wasn't as dramatic as I expected. If I were starting over, I'd look for 6" or 8" but knowing that there's no way the kickstand will work without a block or a modificatino, and finding the speedometer cable could be a real trick. Brake line was easy to get, just tell them how long you want it, and of course having to bleed the brakes for any new brake line.
Quote from: TLRam1 on June 17, 2014, 09:07:28 PM
So how do yo like it, does it do and feel they way you want it to?
So far, but only 2 tame commutes to work so far as I'm now only 200 miles into degreasing my new front tire, so not leaning over very much. It looked so much better without the fairing that I rode it to work on Friday without the fairing, but at 75 mph normal traffic speed it was too much work to hang on against the wind. Saturday will be the first chance to ease into some twisties with the DRNT ride to Loco Coyote...can't wait.
I'm looking forward to seeing this one Saturday.
12" extensions are just too much for me.
You could cut the kickstand and weld an extension on it.
I like those spikes.