Triumph Thunderbird / TT Legend, Forks Rebuild !

After a strip and repaint, time to rebuild them with new seals.. !
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[@golfmike131]

I come here to thank you for your videos. You have knowledge and can transmit it. I have a 2005 955i, here in Brazil it is very difficult to find a mechanic with knowledge on the bike. I have already solved many problems by watching your videos. Sometimes I watch it at 0.5x to understand everything. Thank you very much.

[@Moonfleet41]

Glad to help you out, and thank you for the kind words of support.. Good luck with your projects and always feel free to ask if you get stuck and need a tip or trick..!

[@SinnerSince1962]

Masterfully done! THIS is the guy I want working on my bike!

[@Shining_Whit]

Hi Del, making that tool reminded me of my old Gunsmith making a 25" flat ended screwdriver with an opening to go over an air valve at the bottom of an air reservoir. He used a scrap Anschutz .22L/R rifle barrel, drilled out the muzzle end to fit over the valve, turned it down into a flathead profile to fit the slot, hardened it then machined the other end to accept a socket so he could turn it. Took him 25 mins, only used it once but the correct tool from the manufacturers would have taken a week to arrive and cost £40 back in the mid 90's! I only wish that I had his vision when looking at a job/project. Loving this build! Atb Pyro.

[@Moonfleet41]

Sounds like a great project mate, nothing like making a cool for yourself, it's not just about saving the money and the time, it's the dignity of using craftsmanship to create what you need and creating unique tools from scrap! Thanks for sharing your story Pyro, keep safe and well there!

[@neebob2]

Seen this same damper rod set up on many of the big 4 bikes . Once made a tool using and old fork tube cap from a small off road bike . Always satisfying solving a problem with what you have on hand . Nice job ! To bad you couldn't find some black top caps with preload adjustment .

[@Moonfleet41]

Hi Robert, yeah 43mm forks aren't common, so not a lot about, but ill see how it rides, it was a bit squishy before, but it had thin 5W oil, ive upgraded to 10W which has made them feel better even plunging them on the floor... and if i need any preload, then i can soon make a slug to pop on the tops of the legs under the caps... (used to use coins back in the old days..! 2p's usually as i was skint.)!

[@kennethhume8628]

Having never seen motorcycle front suspension being overhauled before this has been extremely interesting , excellent video .

[@Moonfleet41]

Thank you Kenneth, Glad you liked it!

[@JDnBeastlet]

Very nice work, Del. You have a talent for showing all the steps that need to be shown, and explaining them well. Nice tool made, too!

[@Moonfleet41]

Thanks John, am glad it comes across, and thanks for your support!

[@dprider02]

I kinda doubt that Suzuki did this on purpose, but on my DR650 a piece of 1" square steel tube fits almost perfectly into the "socket" on top of the damper rod. All I had to do was square off one end of a piece that I already had lying around. :)

[@Moonfleet41]

Yes indeed, that's simple mathematics, a square fits in to a hex if it's the right size and likewise in to a 12 sided figure (whatever that's called!) , like I've always said, whatever works aye mate!

[@markwitham6784]

Yet again...another gr8 learning session for everyone. Wish i had a great selection of tools like you got,especially that pack away wash down bay, and sand blaster.Enjoy the weekend old mate👍

[@Moonfleet41]

Hi Mark, you too mate, have a great weekend, and those items arent expensive, you'll use them all the time once you get one, specially the parts bath, it makes life so much easier and you do a much better job of cleaning things too.. Take care mate and keep safe. D&Pxx

[@patrickcollingwood4613]

U make it look so easy putting all them bits back together 🤣nice job 👍🏻

[@Moonfleet41]

Thanks mate, as long as you got none left over, you got it right..!

[@patrickcollingwood4613]

@@Moonfleet41 🤣🤣🤣now u Sid it 😂😂

[@fredriksalmen5159]

This build is coming along so nicely! Will be fun to see how you treat those wheels!

[@Moonfleet41]

Thanks Fredrik, The wheels are going to look awesome, black and polished alloy with polished stainless spokes, should really set the bike off.

[@sam-ln6lt]

hi, yea thats nice but you can do tha esy with welding the same size nut ore a bolt on a thread rod very easy,

[@jasonshortphd]

That tool is a brilliant piece of kit. I don't think my Tiger has that, at least I don't remember it when I did the forks. I used the broomhandle method. :)

[@antoniomassey8328]

A really excellent job Del How easy you make it look with the right tools.Thank you Tony

[@kurtmccarthy6733]

Outstanding Mr. Delboy. Another great job with need a tool, make a tool ! The bike is looking absolutely beautiful !!!

[@Moonfleet41]

Thanks buddy, really appreciate your kind words, we're aiming to turn out a really good looking bike!

[@istvanvigh2367]

It already looks like it will look really good and it will work perfectly! Professional work !

[@Moonfleet41]

Thank you very much Istvan!

[@bielbills]

Nice one Del! A little bit of grease on the seals and dust cap prevents fork sticking 😉

[@pauljai7151]

Always avoided this job, but you have actually made it look like something I would now tackle myself. Great and informative vid cheers Del 👍🏼

[@Moonfleet41]

Glad to hear that Paul, it's only nuts and bolts mate, nothing complexed..

[@Giovanni1perez]

Thans to your video on the forks (seals &dustcaps) i managed to do my OWN because i realy taught it was impossible to do it myself,thans you big follower from the Netherlands.👌🏾👌🏾👌🏾

[@Moonfleet41]

Most welcome, Glad I could help!

[@joepie221]

Nice job Del. I was surprised there is no cosmetic cap over the top seal. Or is the part with the spring, the cosmetic cap?

[@Moonfleet41]

Yes Joe, It's a cosmetic cap, and also a secondary seal, the dust seal here looks a lot like a regular seal with that spring, it's the kind that usually goes under a Gater, like on dirt bikes, slightly slimmer, the spring gives a greater grip to keep the dirt out, and they work in conjunction with the seal itself to prevents leaks in harsh environments.

[@wobblysauce]

Yep that bits of extra safety, and easier to clean.

[@tom59able]

Hi Del At present I am stripping down the front forks on a 1998 GSF Bandit 600 using your much earlier video, during a break I was looking at this vid And to my surprise the internal parts of the TT are identical to the Bandit I have stripped including the socket set up on the damper cylinder so no more wood carving. What a lucky break, for me. Tom NZ

[@michaelevans1658]

That Leg-end going to look legend when its done ha, well done Del.

[@Moonfleet41]

Thanks mate, it's coming together nicely already, so i can see a lot of potential even at this point. Thanks for your kind encouragement.. and have a great weekend. Del.

[@bubbles1863]

That front end looks awesome del 👍

[@Moonfleet41]

Thanks buddy, you're very kind.

[@rsbharley4766]

Excellent job Del. It's coming a long great. Need a tool make a tool, the times we end up doing that lol. Hope it's starting to get better over there mate. Penny and you have a relaxing weekend. Cheers

[@Moonfleet41]

Thanks mate, we're fine, just keeping heads down and safe, but the government seem to be in a flat spin at the moment, saying infections are out of control, but that's to be expected with the winter coming and the weather getting wtter and colder now. just gonna keep out of the way and social distance from everyone..! Hope it's improving over there for you, what a mad mad year it's been so far aye.. Enjoy your weekend mate, and PP says hi.

[@glowiever]

I like a resourceful mechanic. fascinating!

[@stevie5141]

Great stuff again Del.. I got some of that tough paint and it’s great stuff.. cheers for that..👍🏻

[@howder1951]

Looking great Del, reminds me I should check the schedule on my Road /king, about 140k kms on them and only 1 oil change. Like that paint, cheers!

[@Moonfleet41]

Sounds like there's gonna be some nasty contents waiting in there for you mate... good luck with it.

[@billrothwell8364]

Really enjoy watching these videos Del,you make it look so easy .thanks for sharing your knowledge with others .can’t wait for next instalment m8

[@Moonfleet41]

Thanks buddy, this wasn't really a tutorial, just getting on with it and sharing a few tips, glad you enjoyed it!

[@bikebuilder8567]

awesome again sir' "need a tool, make a tool". excellent

[@Moonfleet41]

You got that right buddy! I must have saved a fortune over the years making and adapting tools for what I need!

[@garethburningham9467]

Looking good so far Del, enjoyed these last two videos mate...

[@Moonfleet41]

Thanks Gareth, having some fun with the wheels next, then back to the assembly, Thank you for your support my friend.

[@richardpearson4248]

Great video fantastic job del your looking forward to next job same her stay safe 🇬🇧👍🏻

[@Moonfleet41]

You too buddy, lots of stuff still to do and enjoying every minute... Thanks 👍

[@richardpearson4248]

@@Moonfleet41 same her 🇬🇧👍🏻

[@grahamfairclough2462]

They look (FORKING) Amazing Del, yet another great job ticked off 🏍👍 As usual, looking forward to your next video on the Triumph ⏳

[@Moonfleet41]

Thanks mate, like the pun there!, and yep, they came out really well! 👍

[@mikeopenshaw9128]

Looking fresh Del! Thanks as always for sharing!

[@Moonfleet41]

Thanks Mike, good to hear from you mate, hope you're having a great Friday.

[@lanesplitter8651]

Another fine job Del, attention to detail is superb.👍🏻

[@Moonfleet41]

Thanks mate, glad you enjoyed it.

[@paulthibodeaux1284]

Another great video! Love triumph and love your videos!

[@Moonfleet41]

Glad you enjoy it Paul, we obviously share a love for Triumphs!

[@edwardmaynard9447]

Very informative--well done!

[@cedre2274]

Fantastic, as you said...

[@martindavies8326]

Love the home made tool, your just like me, why buy it when you can make it, good job Del ⚙️🔩🔧👍

[@Moonfleet41]

Totally agree mate, you'll save yourself a fortune over the years! 👍

[@michaelneve3223]

That looks fantastic, what a great result. Love the black and silver, I would be proud to own that. Have to say I love these videos, the attention to detail is fab to watch, great camera work and editing 👌

[@Moonfleet41]

Thank you Michael, that's very kind of you, I'm continuing the black and silver theme with the wheels too, so when they are done it will really set it off.. The bike will be for sale at the end, so we're hoping it will attract a buyer who appreciates it. !

[@tinks43]

(P) Very handy of them to use a hex & simple for you to make the tool 👍🏻 enjoy the weekend.

[@Moonfleet41]

Thanks buddy, good to hear from you, hope you're all keeping well and safe, what a strange year it' been aye!

[@richardahola692]

I used a piece of threaded rod and four nuts. I think the rod was 20mm. The nuts fit the socket inside the fork. Put two nuts on each end jambed together

[@haroldwiser2641]

"Triumph thinking it out like they always do." Are you listening Harley Davidson? Nice video Del, everything is looking great! You and Penny have a great weekend!

[@Moonfleet41]

Hi Harold, I choose not to get involved in that politics myself, but can't deny, you're right... the Hinckley Triumphs for sure are covered in clever little common sense touches that just reflect a lifetime of integrity in quality bike building... you have a great weekend too, and thanks for your support, D&Px

[@madmarkuk1]

Fab job Del cant beat watching you on lathe making stuff, how nice did the forks come out 10/10 mate 👍love to PP as well

[@Moonfleet41]

Thanks Mark 👍, glad you enjoyed it mate... it was a lot of fun and great to get them back together... PP says Hi back, she's often in the garage, but sometimes at work too! Keep safe and well there!

[@ronalmon3319]

Awesome vid brother 👍 definitely jack of all trades 😁

[@Moonfleet41]

Thank you Ron, i guess is pays in the long term to have a basic knowledge of many things rather then a specialist knowledge of one thing... it'll certainly save you a lot of money in life with the day to day running of the homestead right?... Take care and keep safe Brother, and always good to hear fom you.. D&Pxx

[@zardportugal]

Good job as usual. Cheers.

[@garya3056]

That came out really nice, Del. Your toolmaking is very inspiring. On one of your videos in the future, I’d love to hear about how you acquired your front forks skills. Maybe others might enjoy that as well. I’ve been very intimidated about them myself. Hi to Penny! 🏍👍🏍

[@Moonfleet41]

Hi Gary, thanks again, I don't really see front fork skills as anything separate from general mechanical knowledge, they're just a spring loaded hydraulic ram with very few internals and a simple principle that goes back to the 1930's, it must have been a logical solution as we're still using it today! We always try to keep the format rolling of passing on simple housekeeping techniques to keep our fellow riders safe on the road.

[@garya3056]

@@Moonfleet41 ok thx, Del. You’re as humble as always! 😎

[@konr4d]

looking good, it fits the look

[@bikerdad1479]

Looks good with the black paint

[@johnktm950]

Could use an M20 bolt if you don't have hex bar lying around, file a hex on the threaded section to fit a socket, should do the trick .

[@Moonfleet41]

I used what I had!

[@_S_79]

Martin nice work, you have beaten me this time😏

[@Goldwing1500rider]

Really fantastic!! Hope my work come out easy like you did. I ordered tools to do mine, seals too.. getting ready to get my lift setup. Soon it snows here, in my shop I go..Now I’m wondering I need tool for that damper when I put it together?? Great video!!

[@Moonfleet41]

Thank you buddy, glad you enjoyed the video, and the very Best of luck with yours !

[@e_8ax138]

I’m in Cali. Just bought my first bike! A triumph legend tt thanks to del. Where do I buy parts though?

[@myz06rocks]

OK, you got me there buddy. I would have bet anything that you were going to plug weld the bolt into the hex HAHA Great progress Del. Hope you guys are doing great.

[@Moonfleet41]

I did actually consider that buddy, but given the low torque value, and the fack the bolt thread lived submerged in oil, it's never likely to be that tight, so some permanent red threadlock should capture it, but if it ever does break free trying to undo a bottom bolt, then ill spark up the welder for sure. Have a great weekend sir, and thank you for your kind support.. Del.

[@nickvinten7803]

Looks so bloody easy, mine would have been.....slip, scratch, poing..........AHH !!!!!! 🤭

[@arnybarmy]

Lovely work Del! It's looking very nice!

[@Moonfleet41]

Many thanks mate, much appreciated!

[@AnalogueInTheUK]

Next door neighbour has just bought a Harley. Consider yourself subbed.

[@Moonfleet41]

Great news, welcome aboard!

[@markadams3793]

That's Pretty Dang Cool!!!

[@JoeAndary]

Nice!!! Great job!!

[@richardwhittle2302]

Very nice Del. Intrigued what an Angle Grinder and Wheels have in common?!🤔

[@Moonfleet41]

As you'll find out, it's mainly a time saving thing, but I have to admit, 'm most certainly looking forward to it !! ;-)

[@richardwhittle2302]

@@Moonfleet41 👍

[@hhansen3551]

Allmost scared the .... Out of me when the fork legs were standing upright on the table

[@Moonfleet41]

Ha ha, i use The Force for that bit!

[@getoffmygrass6974]

Job done proper. Looks the balls Del!

[@MoonShine07]

£20 and 3 to 5 days delivery time saved waiting👍 And best of all self satisfaction you make it yourself and couldn't helps another make the same in a later date, good stuff 👍

[@tomaszk6283]

Doskonale !! Pozdrawiam

[@Moonfleet41]

Dziękuję Tomasz

[@bigfatpear]

you dun arf like your black. i'm a shiney sort of chap myself. great video's by the way.

[@Moonfleet41]

Cheers buddy, I think you'll rather like the wheels when they arrive then!

[@williamjones6478]

The journey can be more interesting than the destination

[@Moonfleet41]

I totally agree mate.

[@Mad109R]

It usually is 😊

[@bill_4359]

That was very satisfying. "WE" did a very good job of it! HaHa! O- Rings and gaskets; I have been using my small 1/8 inch flat blade screw driver. I wonder where I learned that disassemble trick from?

[@kevinhancock4064]

Good video I've watched a few vids if the method and I know most are about the same I'll ne doing this very soon among other things once I get the new strings etc thanks del top man great tool.abd milling machine which one is thar if I may ask buddy ?

[@iainduncan2363]

you just cant argue with that del outstanding m8 stay safe bud atb iain

[@Moonfleet41]

Thanks Iain, that's very kind, glad you enjoyed it, have a great weekend buddy, and keep safe both of you!

[@christianhewison8933]

Wouldn't an M20 bolt or set screw also work? They should have a 30mm head...

[@alisupra8172]

Perfectly done. 👌🏼

[@Moonfleet41]

Thank you so much 😀

[@DaveOasist]

Great work again Del 👍🏻😎

[@flaviobianchessi3528]

wonderfull job compliments

[@Moonfleet41]

Thank you so much 😀

[@Matt-ob3sn]

Nice job del Making spanner’s bend to strange shapes is a norm for me,could I ask you please what would I be looking for when trying to get one of those slide hammer things for your fork seals cheers mate have a good weekend

[@Moonfleet41]

Hi mate, this is the set I use, it's the most comprehensive for the price, Sealey do more expensive kits and you won't use all of it, and cheaper kits that leave you wanting as they're a it basic, and I always found this 716 kit bang on the money and I use it all ... here's a link for you buddy: www.sealey.co.uk/product/5637181335/blind-bearing-puller-set-12pc

[@Matt-ob3sn]

Delboy's Garage thanks del much appreciated

[@jonathanevans1305]

If you're keeping the bike, fork seals need to be done periodically, isn't it worth the investment of 24 quid? I guess though, it depends on how you value your time, and what fabrication equipment you have available. Yamaha have same dodecagon arrangement in some of their forks too - they also have a "special tool" available, but careful investigation of a photo of it revealed 22mm stamped on it. One 7 quid 22mm hex bit socket later, job done 😁

[@fader2701]

Thanks for the video

[@Moonfleet41]

Most welcome Richard, good to hear from you sir.

[@glaucolorenzetti1343]

Nicely done Del, as usual, and for those without a lathe and needing a tool other than than a broom stick here is an alternative that I have used... photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Motorcycling/i-TpbrdMp/0/45d4def1/M/DisTech's%20Fork%20Damper%20Tool-M.jpg

[@Moonfleet41]

Brilliant Glauco, that looks like the perfect solution, and costs pennies.

[@fantomrides]

Seires has been great mate on these, I'm in the stages of getting the harley ready for sale. All year rider so she need some tlc. 👍✌️🦇🎃👻💀Happy Halloween to ya both. 👍

[@Moonfleet41]

Thank you buddy, glad you're enjoying it, and good luck with the sale on the Sporty, hope you get all the money you want for it.. !

[@fantomrides]

@@Moonfleet41 brand new from warrs sw. Only owner. Ws gunna do hammer but... I'm thinking would sell better fully stock ya knok. 👍

[@EdgeDynamicsEnglishRazors]

Makes me wanna clean my bike..Cheers

[@gerrypowell2748]

Job well done❤️❤️

[@plageran]

nicely done man!

[@Mad109R]

Great video again Del 👌

[@masterlordking]

love the channel just found ya I think ive watch about 30 video in just a few days' watch the harley video as my wife have a 04 sportster ,,I have a 09 king mountain indian ,you ever work on ant Indians

[@Moonfleet41]

Welcome aboard Earl, thanks for watching the videos, we're glad you're enjoying them! I've not worked on an Indian on the channel as we only have our own bikes to use as 'mules', we're not commercial or anything, what you see is just a hobby shop in reality, but would love to just the same, they look very well put together and very logically designed from an engineering stand point, and best of all, they're a stunning looking bike on the road, so we never say never, who knows where the future goes, I especially love the Chief!

[@ownyourworld]

Nice 👍🏻

[@andyturnbull]

I thought seals were meant to always be slid up from the bottom before tubes fitted and then seated.

[@Moonfleet41]

No mate, you can't slide the seals from the bottom, the tracks for the bushings would cut them up, I always fit them from the top, in the case of these forks, the chrome is flawless, but if there's any texture in the chrome, or corrosion from the yokes, then I slip a gasket under the seal made from some milk carton plastic just to protect it as I slide them down!

[@zx7rkawa99]

hello Del, do you have a video that shows how to solve the problem of the electrical harness that gets crushed in the handlebar head?

[@paulconnaughton6498]

Note to self next service on bike go to delboy garage

[@Moonfleet41]

... as long as you bring cake!

[@leighmarshman5575]

Nice job sir aye 👍👍

[@Moonfleet41]

Thanks buddy, have a great weekend yerself aye 👍

[@tonywaterhouse5291]

top class as always Del

[@Moonfleet41]

Many thanks Tony, always good to hear from you Sir, have a great weekend!

[@tonywaterhouse5291]

@@Moonfleet41 dont miss any of your vids mate ..stay safe you two

[@anupjagtap662]

nice

[@markmasztal2253]

The Ghetto version!

[@fredrikkhoffman]

I have installed cartidge fork emulators on my America and Bonneville, both 2002. Very happy with them. What is your thaughts on emulators? Cheers from Norway.

[@Moonfleet41]

I hear good things about them and a great way to improve handling!

[@fredrikkhoffman]

@@Moonfleet41 Yes, the front feels more planted and potholes are no longer a beating as the valve opens instantly. Do a video on them ! I got mine from TEC. (YSS)

[@fredriksalmen5159]

We have the same first name, both are Scandinavians (I'm Swedish), both ride Triumph and suggested the same thing (I did in last video on FB), WTF! Weird or what? 😂

[@fredrikkhoffman]

@@fredriksalmen5159 Ha ha! Delboy must think we have an agenda!

[@geneb5482]

I'm about to replace foek seals on a triumph legend for a friend, but in researching the seals it appears that triumph used 2 different manufacturers showa and kyb. They are different seals with different dimensions. I don't know what the manufacturer is so is there a way one can tell?

[@Moonfleet41]

Try ordering your seals by the exact model you have there, the change in forks would have most likely been a specific production change and that would be dated, also if you look closely at the lower legs, usually the brand of fork is cast into the alluminium, often on the inner face by the wheel / mudguard mounts!!!? .. Hope that helps you.

[@079565543]

1 st class J o b . As always ...🏍️

[@Goldwing1500rider]

Hey Del... some guys uses transmission fluid in their forks, care to share opinion on that?? Dunno if you answer on previous video...

[@Moonfleet41]

Yes mate, i've done it many times, it works just fine..

[@Goldwing1500rider]

@@Moonfleet41 .. thanks, maybe I do that in future. I was thinking use ATF-4 more purity ( cleaner) in other bikes. Will do more homework.

[@toby5710]

Is it really that common to just have 30mm hex bar kicking about?

[@Moonfleet41]

It is if you're a hoarder like me, i have a box of bar ends off cuts and use them all the time for things like this.

[@toby5710]

@@Moonfleet41 ah cool! I bet the things you could make out of offcuts are amazing!

[@MikeButler05]

you get better with age lol

[@Moonfleet41]

Thanks, I think... lol