35mm Ceriani Triple Clamps

[StephenRead]

I have a 1975 250 Hare Scrambler Enduro I am restoring which has the 35mm Ceriani top taper forks.  I have installed both the forks into the lower triple clamp with no problems, but when I try to install the top triple clamp - they do not align properly. I can install one of the fork tubes easily into the top triple clamp, but then the other side does not line up correctly.  In other words, the top of the fork tube is not centered in the top triple clamp.  It is off-center rearward by about 5mm (1/4").  I know both fork tubes are not bent as that has been checked.

My question to the POG collective is this: Were the Ceriani triple clamps machined (manufactured) as a set ?  I ask because I know the lower triple clamp I am using was purchased by itself, and I am mating it up to the (my) original top triple clamp.

Thanks for any advice, information, clarification. I may be looking for a matched set (upper and lower) of 35mm tapered top triple clamps if anyone has a set for sale. I have a picture of the situation but I cannot for the life of me figure out how to post it to the message.

[thrownchain]

Check to see if the trees are tweeked.

[454MRW]

I have not heard of triple clamps being tweaked, but it is common for the tubes to be bent. Have you tried spinning the tube in question in the lower clamp and see if it changes the alignment at the top clamp? Also make sure the top triple clamp is seated in the bearing nut fully which would make sure it's on straight before pushing the fork tube up into the clamp from the bottom. I would not put the triple clamp on last, I would put the tubes in last. Mike

Michael R. Winter
I enjoy rebuilding and appreciating Pentons!
1974 250 HS Penton
1976 MC5 400
1978 KTM 78 GS6 250
L78-79 MX6 175-250 KTM's
1976-78 125-400 RM's
2007 CR125R Honda
1977 MC250 Maico
2017 KTM Freeride 250R

[G Ellis]

Bent fork tube.

[rob w]

Stephen said -
" I know both fork tubes are not bent as that has been checked "
...and
" the lower triple clamp I am using was purchased by itself "

The lower triple clamp may be from a steel-tanker. Measure / compare the two.

[454MRW]

Chances are then, the steel tanker lower triple clamp has a different offset than the top tapered triple clamp because steel tankers did not have a top Taper. Odds are that combination will not work together. Mike

Michael R. Winter
I enjoy rebuilding and appreciating Pentons!
1974 250 HS Penton
1976 MC5 400
1978 KTM 78 GS6 250
L78-79 MX6 175-250 KTM's
1976-78 125-400 RM's
2007 CR125R Honda
1977 MC250 Maico
2017 KTM Freeride 250R

[rob w]

I know the width between the two are different

[Richard Colahan]

Tweaked lower clamp...happened to me on an old set of Betors...similar to Cerianis.
I know this sounds stone-ax...but I was able to un-tweak it using a fork tube as a gentle persuasion lever.

Richard Colahan
1969 V1225
Upper Black Eddy PA