[dougalthedog]

Hi
Been reading all the posts re front fork conversions, was looking at CR125 but might have a chance of buying a complete CR85 front end (conventional style - not upside down) are these a straight swap using the crf230 triple trees or do I need all the bits from the cr85 and will any other modifications be required.
Thanks
Tim

[Old Dude]

If you have the option of the 125 forks go with it. The conventional 85 forks although a probable up grade to the 230 forks would not be as much improvement as the 125 forks. The 125 forks are more appropriately sized for the weight of the 230. Will get you a link to the 125 conversion when the web site wherein it is posted, quits acting up. Here's my project 230.



CR250 forks CRF250X rear wheel and disc brake.
Can't wait to finish it up and recover enough from knee surgery to ride.
O.D.

[dougalthedog]

Hi
Thanks for the quick reply - since posting the original question I've been doing some more digging around and it seems the CR85 forks are not considered a good idea.
Would appreciate the link to the CR125 conversion you mentioned.
Thanks

[Old Dude]

dougalthedog,
I think this link will answer your questions...
http://www.thumpertalk.com/forum/showth ... r125+forks,
Good kuck ,
O.D.

[Asmith]

Old Dude,

your Hybrid 230 looks awesome!!!

I can't wait for the "HowTo" fully fleshed out. The preview you sent looked great, but you left out the all important "here's the finished photos".

They look great. I'll bet that becomes your favorite single track/rock crawling bike.

[Old Dude]

Patience, patience my friend. Dude its killing me too!

[ap3x]

If you're just looking for more hd suspension, then just get the bbr springs. It takes 15 minutes if you don't change your fork oil.

[Old Dude]

Went the spring route and fiddled with oil wt and height. Put on a fork brace and BBR upper triple clamp. All of which, as indicated, took just a few minutes time and in comparison was relatively inexpensive. Improved? Yes but still, in my opinion, under suspended. Considered the CR85 conversion but after much research opted for the 250 conversion.
O.D.

[Aussiecrf230]

With the machining of bearings I think it maybe a lot easier to machine up an adapter that presses into the stem and the bearing race goes into without machining.

Probably fix "the stem is too long problem" at the same time.

Something to look at.

[Old Dude]

Aussiecrf230
You are absolutely correct. Take the OEM 230 out of the triple clamps (it is welded in). Machine a closed ended "cup" bushing with about 3/8" thickness added to the bottom. Press it onto the 0EM stem. I used the OEM 250 stem to make the "cup". It required only machining out the inside of the "cup" as the OD was perfect for the 250 triple. A bushing was then machined to accommodate the smaller 230 stem through the upper triple. I Mocked it all up w/PVC pipe and fittings. I had to use 2 washers between the lock nut and the upper bearings. (I am working on another one just to see if I can eliminate the need for the washers. But until then... it works) OEM 230 bearings are thus retained.
'Cup/bushing' pressed onto 230 stem;

OEM 250 stem and modified 230 stem. Remove lower section of 250 stem to use for the cup/bushing;

Stem as described above;

Its amazing what you can do with your time while recoverying from back to back major surgeries and a machine shop next door.
I am anticipating a shakedown ride in So Cal the week of Oct 6th. Still in the planning stage but a very easy ride just to try out the new knees and the "new" 230.
AS check your PM
O.D.

[Aussiecrf230]

Old Dude,

I was thinking more to increase bore size of steering headstock.

In effect press a turned down barstock to fit into each end of the headstock and machine into larger diameter that is protruding a bore for the larger bearing races and use the 250 stem and clamp and bearings.

Can't wait till we see the whole article with pictures.
How does it go as far as steering lock and stops.

I believe late XR are same bearings as 230. The stem is longer but it will raise the bars nicely with a spacer on top of the bearing.

I feel for you I have not been able to ride since April.

April 2007 that is - seems my heart is now a bit dicky.

Hope to start again soon or I will die anyway.

[Old Dude]

That does sound like a pretty simple way around the too long steering stem issue. Adjust the length of the steer tube to accomadate the longer heavier duty 250 stem and bearings. Thats way simpler. If you did it correctly there would be no need for spacers
O.D.

[Aussiecrf230]

Old Dude,
How are things going.

Just a few quick questions
1. Are the blocks under the stand because the bike is now higher or just uneven ground.
2. Can you give us a bit more on the rear brake/wheel swap.

Thanks

[Old Dude]

Aussie,
The bike does, in fact, sit higher. The stance was raised significantly when I added the Works Performance shock and BBR shock linkage. It still supported ok without the wood blocks but out on the trail it leans over severely. I am going to have to lengthen the kick stand to compensate.
BTW since I did my front conversion Emig Racing has developed a stem for the 230 that presses directly into the 250/450 up side down triple clamps. Check it out!
PM me with an email address and I will send you my HOW TO on the disc conversion (step by step with pictures)
O.D.