fork tubes rechrome or replace???

[mag2rick]

My zephyr 1100 front end has some pitting and could really do with replacing or rechroming there is also a very slight bend in the tube

so replace? (and if so any ideas on where to go?)

or rechrome (and if so any ideas on where to go?)


any help much appriciated

R

[scott]

Try "Philpotts" for re-chroming, very good service and a great job.....in the Luton area if i remember rightly

[Bruce Sexton]

Yes, Philpotts of Luton. I used them many years ago for my Z1A no problems or marks to date.

Bruce

[nealblath]

if it was just pitting I would say definitely re-chrome and recommend Phillpots too, however if one of the tubes are bent I would say replace as the bend will cause a tight spot and 'sticking' making the forks feel crap!
I tune motorcycle suspension for a living and I can always tell when a fork tube is bent even before I strip the forks!

[Ginger Bear]

Wemoto are good for replacement tubes.

[mattc]

Big thumbs up from me too for Philpots http://www.pittedforks.co.uk/
Their collection / return service works well, just make sure you pack 'em well for collection.

[Z903]

So out of interest while on this subject, what is the general opinion of the replacement type tubes?
On my A4 I had them re-chromed and ground, in Oz this cost $300 for both tubes.
Now I can buy replacements online for under $200 delivered to the door. How do these tubes stack up against re-built ones (assuming they are rebuilt to a high standard).
Do they last OK, or are they starting to pit and rust prematurely.

[kev edwards]

Replace far cheaper, i had a quote from Philpotts a couple of weeks ago silly money, sourced a pair of stantions for a third of the price.

[z2.john]

So out of interest while on this subject, what is the general opinion of the replacement type tubes?

I bought a pair from Z-Power about 2-3 years ago for a Z1P rebuild. They were about 90 quid I think. This compared to over £200 for a regrind / rechrome. Quality and finish I considered excellent and I have had no problems with them fitted since then.
Lots of pattern parts are rubbish, but these were good value.

[mikey]

Same here got a set on my Z1000A2 from Zpower, been on the bike over 5 years and no problems at all

[nealblath]

I think the ones done by Phillpotts are hard chromed and then reground back down to size and should last for years whereas the aftermarket tubes are normal chrome plated which could pit and rust easily!

I think it's all to do with the quality of the nickel plating underneath the chrome which actually stops the rust

[kev edwards]

All forks are hard chromed with a hv of about 1100, philpotts chrome directly on to the steel with a thickness of about 300 microns they are all ground back to size, i enquired about having a pair done and when they informed me they do not nickel plate them first, i went for aftermaket legs, as a former plating chemist i know chrome is not waterproof and needs a bit of nickel to protect the underlying steel, so aftermarket is the best way to go.

[mikey]

Couldnt agree more kev as i said had my repo forks over 5 years and not a bit of rust or pitting anywhere on them.

[Garn 1]

Rick, I think the big question is... Do they make after-market forks for the Zephyr 1100? I don't know of any!. If this is the case then the only option is a re-chrome & grind job or Replace $$$$$. Which was your initial query!
Perhaps they are interchangeable with the current after-market Z1 tubes.
RegardZ.

[mag2rick]

Sorted phoned z power gave me a real good deal on replacements

just waiting for them to arrive.

thanks