Bullitt OG2 Front End Transformation
Who said learning from past experiences was necessary? Despite the previous challenges I encountered swapping the front end on the Bullitt OG, the lure of a better ride proved too tempting. It’s funny how a great deal on some forks can quickly spiral into a complex, costly venture. But that was then. This time, it’s different. Or so I hoped. Let’s dive into this Triumph Scrambler fork swap adventure!
After enduring the Biltwell 100 on a near-stock setup, I was determined to transform the OG2 into a bonafide desert sled. Inspired by a friend’s impressive Triumph Scrambler fork swap on his Bonnie, I started piecing together my own upgrade. My journey took me to British Customs, where I fell for a project bike sporting CRF forks—a setup that looked just right.
I wasn’t able to photograph the BC sled in development but there was plenty of other eye candy
As fate would have it, just as I was about to purchase a pair of forks online, I received a timely call. My friend was reverting his Bonnie to its Thruxton Cup setup and offered me his complete front end assembly, including the wheels, a Cyclops halo headlight, ProTapers, and upgraded rear suspension. This offer would ease some complexities, like wheel spacers and extended brake lines, but I knew my work was still cut out for me. With the next Biltwell 100 looming, I urged him to send over the parts as soon as he could.
Don’t mind the messy garage
After an agonizing wait, the parts arrived. Dismantling was a breeze, but reassembly, as usual, proved more time-consuming. A particular stumbling block was removing the old steering bearing from the headtube—something I tackled without the proper tool until the legendary builder James from British Customs crafted a bespoke bearing removal tool for me. He also engineered a custom bearing press that perfectly seated the new lower bearing. Thanks to James and Jason for the constant support and guidance.
With a few moto buddies lending their hands, we managed to complete the Triumph Scrambler fork swap in a day. Just seeing the OG2 on its wheels again was so exciting—the bike had never looked meaner.
The pics above are from the first time getting to experience the new stance. Safe to say that’s one happy camper right there. With the new setup nearly complete, the next step was fitting the new aluminum tank.
