M900 triples/forks interchangeability

[sunbum]

I've got a 1996 M900 that I've ridden for a few years. I've also got a CycleCat triple/risers that I'd gotten for my 2003 M1000 (which is slated to be sold to make room in the garage come springtime, thus, I removed said triple to keep it). I want to put the CC triple on the M900, so I machined a bushing that would allow the inner diameter of that triple to mate to the smaller stem diameter of my M900's lower triple. The forks are the same diameter, so all was looking great as I pulled things apart this afternoon. It wasn't until I dry fit the CC triple that I ran into a hurdle: there is a different offset on the M900 compared to the M1000, so the CC triple's center hole is positioned about 1/2" farther back than the stock M900's.

My question now is whether I can just get a used lower triple from a 2003 M1000 and put it into my M900. Is the M900 head tube going to work with the M1000 lower? 

My ultimate goal is to upgrade to adjustable forks as well, so if there is an option to allow for that, I'd entertain suggestions that would position me for doing all the work in one fell swoop. I understand that some fork swaps may require a different front wheel due to axle size differences?  I've searched, but couldn't find any hits that touched on all the above.
Thanks for any info you can supply me,
Myron
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[Howie]

The forks are not the problem.  '96 steering head is completely different from your '03.  '96 is based on the 851 Superbike frame, '03 is based on the ST frame.

[2001cromo]

In addition to what Howie is saying above.

You can:
- almost directly swap in fully adjustable forks from a 99 or older SS (this will use your triples, fender, brakes and wheels)

Or, swap to the newer 25mm axle front wheel and (all of the below will need new brakes, fender and front wheel) FYI about the front wheel swap, make sure you get the ones that have the speedo drive/spacer unless you plan to change the guages.
- Swap in fully adjustable ST or SS legs into your triples.
- Use SBK legs (early 748 & 916's will use your brakes) newer 748,996 & 998 these will not require special spacers or brake rotors on the front wheel. ** you will have to shiim your lower triple and either bore or replace your top triple (no you can't use the SBK triples)
- Use 749/999 legs which also require bore/shim triples like the above, but also require special spacing for the brake rotors.

Regardless if which route you take, I HIGHLY recommend rebuilding the legs while you're doing this...

HTH

[sunbum]

Thanks guys! The info about the steering head is what I was looking for, as I *really* wanted to be able to utilize the Cyclecat top triple because it is a gorgeous piece.  I've never removed the lower triple from the head tube, and wasn't sure if any options existed that would allow/mimic the geometry of the 2003 lower triple on my 96.  I can't shake the feeling that there must be a way... Worst case is that I use the CC clip-ons on my existing legs, mounted beneath the stock m900 triple.  It's not as upright a riding position, though.

Rebuilding the legs is good advice I'll follow when I get to that path.

Any additional info is appreciated.
Myron

[2001cromo]

If the CC top triple is what you're after, I believe there's a gent selling one in the parts for sale section  that will be a direct fit for your bike with the stock size legs (50/54) top/bottom.

And I agree, it's a gorgeous piece. I have one on mine as well.

[sunbum]

I've already got the CC triple/risers/clip-ons that fit my 2003 M1000, but thank you for the heads up.  I'll give that a look.

If the CC top triple is what you're after, I believe there's a gent selling one in the parts for sale section  that will be a direct fit for your bike with the stock size legs (50/54) top/bottom.

And I agree, it's a gorgeous piece. I have one on mine as well.

[Rudemouthsky]

I might be willing to swap triples with ya...I'm the guy with the brand new CC that you need.

[sunbum]

Hmmm, that's an intriguing option - the one I have is black.  I'm looking on the CC site and it looks like that triple doesn't integrate with the CC risers that mine utilizes.  I want to keep the CC risers so that I'm not dependent on having enough forks sticking above the triple to mount the clip-ons.  Does your model allow for the risers? and which of the two models is yours?

I might be willing to swap triples with ya...I'm the guy with the brand new CC that you need.

[Rudemouthsky]

Hmmm, that's an intriguing option - the one I have is black.  I'm looking on the CC site and it looks like that triple doesn't integrate with the CC risers that mine utilizes.  I want to keep the CC risers so that I'm not dependent on having enough forks sticking above the triple to mount the clip-ons.  Does your model allow for the risers? and which of the two models is yours?

They are the DTC-2...No way to fit risers on these that I'm aware of...they're meant to be paired with the DBR-3 clip ons which I also have a NOS pair of...

Oh wait, when you say "risers" you're referring the the clip ons? or handlebar risers?

[sunbum]

Right, I'm referring to the CC riser adapter pieces that attach to the top of the triple, that the DBR-3 clip ons are secured to (I got the complete CC bar mounting system).

They are the DTC-2...No way to fit risers on these that I'm aware of...they're meant to be paired with the DBR-3 clip ons which I also have a NOS pair of...

Oh wait, when you say "risers" you're referring the the clip ons? or handlebar risers?

[Rudemouthsky]

Ah, ok, gotcha. Nope, these are meant to be installed below the triple.

The trade seemed appealing to me because, if I were to own a 2nd Monster it would make more sense to buy or build a gen2 based on the ST frame, since I'm already building my dream 851/888 carby Monster. And these Cycle Cat pieces are so epic, and soon to be virtually unobtanium that I'd rather not sell for the instant gratification of paying a cell phone bill or an expensive night out on the town.