1200 to 1000 suspension questions

[elslimdiablo]

So, I'm working on my buddies 86 1200 Interstate, every wear item is stamped 1985.
It had the typical Mr.T starter set on it (rusty, non functioning Drag Specialties junk).
I talked him into stripping the garbage off and bringing it back to its former glory. He mentions he has a parts bike identical to it, which is super cool to have! When it shows up, it is un molested and perfect. The title is screwed, so he got it cheap. He said after I rob all the parts off it, that I can have it And... oh ya - it runs!.
Years ago I started a 77 project that went on the back burner. It now sits as a frame, soooo Im going to clearance the frame and slide the 1200 in it. I have seen them before and have read about putting them together. I plan on starting out just putting the engine in first and have fun as a 4 speed Sportwing.
Now for my question, what does it take to put the 1200s front forks and rear swing arm on the 77 1000 frame? I literally have a complete 86 1200, a complete 77 1000, and fabrication skills.

[ericheath]

The entire front end can be bolted on using the 1200 triple tree. You will need to make a different stop setup.

The 1200 swingarm is another problem altogether. It can be done by removing the bearings and removing as much material as needed to get it fit. The bearings will go back in, but the seals on one side will need to be modified. The pins and bushings will also need to be modified. The brake cylinder will need to be modified to accommodate as well. I did it. I do NOT recommend it. An 1100 swingarm is easier and probably the best fit and will keep revs down some compared to the 1000 final drive.

Keep in mind the 1200 swingarm will push the wheel 1/2” left of the front wheel. The swingarm has to be in pretty perfect position or the ujoint will contact the swingarm.
The 1200 frame is by far the best.

[elslimdiablo]

Thanks for the info Eric! That's exactly what I was looking for. If I go with the 1100 rear, can the 1200 rear wheel be adapted to fit or is the wheel offset on the 1200 swing arm?

[ericheath]

Wheel offset is in the 1200 swingarm. As mentioned there would be room to move it more to the right but the ujoint will hit in the box portion design of the swingarm. It maybe could be enlarged.

I don’t believe the 1200 wheels will work on the 1100 swingarm. Find an 83 and its rims are reasonably close to the 1200 in style.

[elslimdiablo]

Thanks Eric.

[BikeMaine]

Please take photos, I'm looking forward to following this.

[elslimdiablo]

I will be starting on it when I get my buddies Interstate back together. I'm pretty close to the top of the hill, so it should be sometime mid February.

[elslimdiablo]

Still working on my buddys 1200, so I havent started on my project. I do have other questions now that I have had more time to think.
If I use the 1200 front end, am I right in thinking I can run the brake lines like the 1000 is set up , with both front calipers linked with the front master cylinder?
The stock mufflers on the 1200 are in pretty good shape and I figured I would use them for the early stages of test and tune. Will the stock 1200 exhaust clear the 1000 center stand and are the mounts close to fitting the stock 1000 location?

[ericheath]

Brakes should work as you plan, but you may have to adapt something for the splitter where it attaches to the triple——probably a different bolt pattern. As best as I remember I think I used the Magna splitter and had to just ream the holes a bit.

No idea on the mufflers but I doubt it. Different length frames. Not saying you couldn’t shorten them where they attach to the headers and make it work. I lost the centerstand on mine. If the 1200 are in good shape and won’t work, you could probably sell them and put on a set of Sportsters and make money.