Identify these triple trees!

[T. Cotten]

bmh asked: " does you book really list 45700-58?"

45700-58A is the listing for the standard non-adjustable fork stem and bracket, in my 1955 to 1965 Parts Book. (-48A for '49 to '57 models.)


I asked: "So a '65 KCPD machine with a tankshift and hack forks should have the cut-outs?"
and Chris replied: "Only if it has 3.5 gallon tanks."

Wow Chris, you mean they made 1965 five gallon tankshifts! ? !

Now that's two more mystery '65 parts that I have never encountered, and do not show in the Parts Book.

....Cotten

[Rooster]

Obviously your '52 is not as it left the factory.

Oh, those parts are long gone....!

I was just asking why the forks still hit the tanks---- they are 3-1/2 gallon tanks, after all.

[cdndewey]

To add some more confusion I have two parts books covering different spreads...one pre AMF and the other AMF.
The pre AMF...covering swing arm lists them as:

45697-50A as the FORK STEM with fittings (adjustable fork)......50 to * FL, FLH
* in which this case is including 1965 models,
used with either
45708-50A FORK BRACKET (adjustable fork) ...........................50 to 64 FL, FLH
45708-50B FORK BRACKET (adjustable fork) ...........................65 - FL, FLH
45700-48A FORK STEM AND BRACKET....................................49 to 57 FL, FLH
45700-58A FORK STEM AND BRACKET....................................58 to * FL, FLH

The AMF era book covering 1941 to 1978 lists them as:

45697-69 FORK STEM (adjustable fork)..................................50 to * FL, FLH
* which in this case is including 1978 models
used with
45708-50B FORK BRACKET (adjustable fork) ...........................50 to * FL, FLH
45700-69 FORK STEM AND BRACKET......................................60 to * FL, FLH

I haven't checked any other parts books yet nor have I had a chance to compare my buddy's 65 ex Police bike to my 62 ex Police bike to my 69 - 71 adjustable front end.

[bmh]

None of the parts books I have here list the -58 variety. my 41-54 book lists 45700-48 for 49-54. the 50-57 book lists 45700-48A for 49-57. One difference between the two is the change in pinch bolts from 3/8-16 to 7/16-20 threads for the 55 model year. the next book I have is the 61-76 book and it lists 45700-60A for 60-76, but now that I think about it, that can't be correct as the bracket was changed for the 70 models with the addition of a tab for the padlock. So much for Factory manuals. The 45700-58 puzzles me though because the front end wasn't revised until the 60 model year with the introduction of the aluminum cowling. One of the changes to the fork bracket for the 60 models is that the mount holes for the former headlight bracket are no longer drilled and tapped as it was no longer used. So based on that a -60 part number seems correct, or perhaps a-59 number..... but I am unaware of any change to the bracket for the 58 models, so what's with the -58?.

[Chris Haynes]

I have is the 61-76 book and it lists 45700-60A for 60-76, but now that I think about it, that can't be correct as the bracket was changed for the 70 models with the addition of a tab for the padlock. So much for Factory manuals.

The factory manuals are not good for restoration information unless you are using the manual for the exact year you are looking for. The 1976 manual is showing the REPLACEMENT PART they are selling in 1976 that will fit and work on a 1961-'76 model. That doesn't mean it is that part that originally came on the machine.

[Robert Luland]

Just pulled out one of my patrs books. This one 58-68. No 58 number but for Chris's side #45684-65 Fork stem assy for 3.5 gallon tanks. Bob

[T. Cotten]

Upon review of my projects, I was delighted to find that my 'solo' '65 effort had a 'cutaway' bottom solo fork assigned to it.

Honest.

But none of my adjustables assigned to other '65 projects are cut-away, and adjustables are the logical match for post-'52 3.5gal tankshift applications (hack duty, y'know..)

So the implied conclusion from our discussion is that not only is this 'cut-away' bottom bracket and stem excluded from the Parts Book, but the adaptation was strictly for solo use.

Suddenly, after three decades of 3.5 gal tanks, they had to re-design the forks for 3.5 gal tanks,... just when they come out with 5 gal tanks.

Now I understand.


...Cotten

[bmh]

The factory manuals are not good for restoration information unless you are using the manual for the exact year you are looking for. The 1976 manual is showing the REPLACEMENT PART they are selling in 1976 that will fit and work on a 1961-'76 model. That doesn't mean it is that part that originally came on the machine.

So then why doesn't the 61-76 book list the -69 or -69A part number? That is the one with the tab for a padlock, and would be the one for sale in 76. Simply because the copy writers and proofreaders missed it I guess. Even books published for the year you are working on are often not complete. Off the top of my head my 41-54 book is missing a diagram for the new horn and makes no mention of the hard saddlebags, both new for 54 items. Both are in the 57 book however. And of course some parts that were only used for part of a year and then superseded never even made it into the books. That's why I try to use at least two overlapping books. And after all parts books were never published to use as a guide or blueprint to build a machine, they were put together as spare parts lists to keep machines in service.

[Zedder]

Would anyone happen to have a lower triple tree for a 65 with 3.5 gallon tanks that they would be willing to sell?

[upsrod]

I think all 58-64 lower trees have the notches. Actually it looks like my '65 5 gallon tree does too only they are welded up to eliminate the notches.

[Chips Place]

Well my guess some of you may say what!

But here goes, when you say in the middle of the boss - please explain.

And what is meant by adjustable fork?

I have a '65 basket and the challenge has just begun.

Chip

[Chips Place]

Hi,
I am some new myself. You say you and a 3.5 tank, dos that mean the shirt if on the tank (left side) and not the foot?

I have a triple tree and I think it is the wrong one for my '65. But I am not sure it is the correct one for that year of bike as well as a 3.5 gallon tank. There was a 5 gallon tank as well.

Chip

[Chips Place]

Mr. Cotton,
I am a new member and I have been reading a lot, actually overload and your name appears a lot.
I thought I read at some juncture that you are in Illinois, is that true?

I am from the Chicago area.

Chip

[Zedder]

Can someone please tell me what lower triple tree casting number I need for a 65 3.5 gallon tank shift with adjustable fork?

[Chips Place]

Chris,
So should I assume '65's that had a five gallon tank, had those stems (stops) stinking up on both sides but the did NOT have the cut-outs!

Thus did not make a tighter turn because the tanks were larger.

Chip