by Old Dude » Sat Apr 26, 2008 1:37 pm
0neoldfart,
When you say you had the steering stem shortened what exactly did that entail? Were you able to use the same bearings and races or did you use the Super Hunky (Sieman) approach by machining the races from the 125? I have gleaned a lot of info from a couple of knowledgable guys on Thumper Talk regarding these conversions and one of the things that they agree on is that you will have to shorten the forks.
I am currently in the process of converting my 230 with CR250 forks and converting the rear drum to a disc set up. I am hoplng to post a pictorial 'how to' for those who may be interested.
Eric Oliver Ebay was my source for the parts. Be sure to do your homework as to what is and is not interchangable and expect to buy something that you think is a good deal only to find it cheaper somewhere else. The solution there is, buy it if it's a good deal then quit lookin. I also found that the 'BUY IT NOW' process usually ends up cheaper than getting into a bidding war with somebody.
What I got off of ebay:
Forks, triple clamps & fat bar mount.............. $199.00
Front wheel (near new) w/disc and tire...........149.00
Front caliper (new)............................................45.00
Front axle (new) w/spacers...............................25.00
There is some dicussion on TT as to what rear shocks will interchange. If you go there to do research, wade through the BS and you will get some good info. Most agree that the Works Performance shock, expensive as it is, is the best bet. I am very pleased with mine.
If you are interested in the rear disc conversion:
Again ebay:
CRF450X R wheel/disc/sprocket/tire
(new new).................................................... $225.00
CRF450X R Caliper/master cylinder/
brake line (new)...............................99.00
I pirated the floating disc tab that mounts on the swingarm and the bracket for the master cylinder off of a '98 CR80.
I modified the 450 rear axle and the 230 swingarm to accept it.
You will need a machine shop and someone to weld the aluminum swingarm and the steel frame. I am very fortunate to have these resources readily available.
Now, if I could just find the time.........ebay? I am having both knees replaced next week so should have some time to dedicate to the project while I rehab.
Hope to have it all together for a fall ride.
Why? You ask, do I spend this kind of money on a 230? Well, I already have a really bitchin 250X so why not have a really bitchin 230? Besides these are the things that Old Dudes do and the things young kids wish they could.
O.D.