CB900FD forks

[Murf]

Hi photo of the internals of the CBX forks, these are not antidive so maybe not much help, but what I would say normal setup, the internal tube goes in the stanchion from the top bolts to the slider and wide top part of the inner tube stops the  stanchion coming out.

I have also added a photo of the bottom of the new stanchion and as you can just about see it has the valve inserted, so as you suspect yours are missing. I feel the valve is definitely missing because you can see through the small hole in the side wall, which you can’t on my new stanchion. PO was probably intending to do a valve job but never did.

[Murf]

Next photo
Hole in side wall

[Murf]

BTW the stanchions for my CBX Prolink forks are 39mm the same as yours and from 1980–82

[AndyD]

Brilliant thanks Murf,
That looks / sounds exactly as I'd expect so I'm pretty convinced that the inside bit has been removed - absolutely no idea why anyone would do that or how easy it is but I can't see any alternative.
Frustrating as the bike is very low mileage and original with just a bit too much patina (rust) on the frame so I'd hoped for a quick tidy up and get her up and running without huge expense.
Looks like aftermarket stanchions are the only option so have to punish the credit card and move on!
Cheers,
Andy

[Bryanj]

Could you fabricate a washer that is a tight fit inside the tube with a hole the damper fits through, knock it down into the tube then have it spot welded with a mig

[Murf]

I think the part that is missing is part of the overall damping system which I never realised could be removed from the stanchion but guess it is possible pressed in! However as it is the only thing stopping the slider coming off when you do a wheelies it must be a very tight fit or held in somehow.  I don’t know if you could get a pair off some Stanchions that were pitted or damaged and fit them to yours, it would definitely need some research due to the safety aspect.

[AndyD]

Hi all,
Think I've finally got to the bottom of the fork leg mystery.
I really couldn't imagine that someone had somehow removed the inside part of the damper but it looks like that was definitely the case.
After much searching it proved impossible to find a pair of replacement used legs in decent condition so stretched the credit card and ordered up new TNK ones.
Photo hopefully shows new versus old ones - new ones with the internal in place.
I can only assume the PO had a major issue with the forks and butchered the legs in desperation / anger!
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A few small parts were also missing from the dampers so CMSNL did further damage to the home finances.
Just got to get the two bottom bolts and washers sorted now and can get on with rebuild.
Cheers,
Andy