The 1983 R80ST “project bike” came with both front fork legs, although a previous owner had painted the fork sliders blue. One leg is missing the yellow reflector and the black fork seal cover.
Front Fork Sliders Painted Blue By Previous Owner
I had the fork sliders vapor blasted to freshen up the forks and remove the paint.
Vapor Blasted Fork Sliders
Vapor Blasted Fork Sliders
I use a fork rebuild kit from Tom Cutter at Rubber Chicken Racing Garage and obtain the rest of the parts from Euro MotoElectrics who is donating parts in support of my goal to auction this bike with all proceeds going to support the Motorcycle Relief Project. I will install some of the parts in Tom’s fork rebuild kit and the new fork springs when I install the forks in the top plate and triple clamp.
In addition to rebuilding the forks, I replace the large Allen bolt that secures the fork slider to the damper rod (part# 07 11 9 919 778) as they got mangled a bit when I removed them. I replace the fork top cap bolts (part# 31 42 1 241 661) as they are in bad shape. I also replace the yellow side reflectors (part# 63 14 1 244 529) as one was missing and the other was cracked.
Rebuilt, Vapor Blasted Fork Sliders With New Reflectors
Here is a link to the document showing how I do this work and a YouTube summary video of the procedure.
VIDEO: 1983 BMW R80ST Rebuild Front Forks
Thanks Brook for another great video explaining in detail the process of rebuilding the forks. Sure helps us to keep working on our own beloved airheads. Thanks again for such a great project you are doing and letting us follow along!
Mike,
You’re welcome. I’m looking forward to the first engine start … but I can’t exactly predict when that’s going to be.
Best.
Brook.