1973 BMW R75/5 Rebuild: Install and Align Front Forks

So, now I’m ready to install the front forks and align them. You can read about how I did that work here.

Earlier, I rebuilt the front forks, refinished the sliders and replaced the steering head bearings. I also polished the steering damper knob and added a modern BMW emblem to the center of the knob. You can read about how I did that here:

It took me awhile (about 2 weeks) to complete the fork tube alignment process. I had to adjust the forks to get them parallel in both the X and Y Planes. And then they went out of parallel as I assembled the upper top brace and the headlight ears.  Some investigation showed that the rubber gaskets on the headlight ears changed the alignment of the upper brace. Small changes create misalignment, so patience is a virtue.

I’m pleased with the final product both in looks and improved alignment.

Here are a couple pictures from the write-up.

Steering Head after New Bearings Installed

Steering Head after New Bearings Installed

Fork Sliders, Top is Right Side, Bottom is Left Side with Axle Clamp Allen Head Screw

Fork Sliders, Top is Right Side, Bottom is Left Side with Axle Clamp Allen Head Screw

Forks Mounted and Lower Sliders Removed

Forks Mounted and Lower Sliders Removed

Positioning Glass on Fork Tubes

Positioning Glass on Fork Tubes for Y-Plane Alignment

Fork Alignment in Y-Direction

Fork Alignment in Y-Direction

X-Plane Measurement at Bottom of Tube

Fork Alignment in X-Direction

Clamping Forks Below Yolk to Adjust X-Plane Alignment

Clamping Forks Below Yolk to Adjust X-Plane Alignment

Lowers with Fork Brace Installed

Lower Slider with Fork Brace Installed

Steering Head Grunge & Damper

Original Steering Head Grunge and Scratched Damper Knob

Polished Damper Knob, Emblem and Polished Upper Brace

Polished Damper Knob, Emblem and Polished Upper Brace

Finished Upper Fork Brace with Damper and Handlebar Mounts

Finished Upper Fork Brace with Damper and Handlebar Mounts

Finished Upper Fork Brace with Damper and Handlebar Mounts

Finished Upper Fork Brace with Damper and Handlebar Mounts