A65 Front Fork Sleeves / Headlamp Brackets

[Kevev]

Hi all,

Can anyone tell me if there is any difference between the front fork sleeves on the 1967 and 1968 A65 Lightning, Spitfire & Thunderbolt models?

In the parts book they are listed as 68-5176 (LH) & 68-5177 (RH) for the 1967 year. For the 1968 year they are listed as 97-2510  (LH) & 97-2512 (RH).

The top yoke, bottom yoke and stanchion shafts are the same number for both these years.

I would have thought that the with the yokes and stanchions being the same on both years the fork sleeves would be interchangeable? So why the different part numbers?

[JulianS]

1968 has a lip to retain the gaiter so a clip is not needed.

1967 is plain and needs the clip to retain the gaiter.

[Kevev]

Thanks for that. I have confirmed they are interchangeable as my bike has one of each type fitted to it for some reason.

Can't believe I've never noticed it before but the right hand sleeve is the early type (68-5177) and the left hand is the later type (97-2510) with the lip. See attached pics.

They're in pretty good nick and looked ok with clips on both sides but I think I would prefer the later ones on both sides.

Just finding some is the hard part.

[ChrisG]

Probably irrelevant but the 1968 Firebird Scrambler had headlamp brackets that are different to the other models for 1 year only 1968. They were to suit the 5.75 Headlamp as opposed to the 7" headlamp. They all had the 7" for 1969/70.
Only reason I know is the headlamp on my Royal Star was offset to the left. After much head scratching I worked out a previous owner made the 7" headlamp fit by forcing one of the brackets outwards. Yet another bodge I discovered on this lovely bike!