83 frame or 76 frame?

mitemanx · New Member Joined: Dec 03, 2006 Posts: 7

I'm considering building a cafe racer. I have 2 frames. Would there be any advantage to using late 83 Special frame over early 76 Standard frame? How different are they? Will complete front fork from late Special bolt up to early frame? Swingarms the same? Would an early seat bolt up to late Special without too much work?

kingwj · Posted: December 10, 2006, 8:39 am Post subject: Re: 83 frame or 76 frame?

If you want a rear disk brake use the special frame. If you want a drum rear brake use the 76. Same criteria for spoke or aluminum wheels.

jetmechmarty · Posted: December 10, 2006, 1:55 pm Post subject: Re: 83 frame or 76 frame?

The 83 Special doesn't have a disc brake. The Special frame may require cutting the rear loop off to mount the seat depending upon what seat you use. The Special frame has the shocks mounted so that they are tilted forward while the 76 shocks mount vertically. Personally, I prefer the Special.

I believe you can mount the 83 forks and triple trees to the 76. Swingarms are the same on drum brake models which the 83 is. There isn't much else different in the frames other than mounting tabs, etc. If you're using the stock 76 seat, it will be easier to use that frame.

arty (in Georgia)

grizld1 · Posted: December 19, 2006, 10:55 am Post subject: Re: 83 frame or 76 frame?

Right, Marty--the 35mm forks and trees from the '83 is a bolt-on fit to earlier frames. And right again on the brakes--only SE, SF and SG models used the rear disc and swapping wheels isn't an issue.

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