2012 YZ450F forks and front end on a 2008 EC200?
 

Hello everyone

I have been lurking here for a bit since picking up a used 2008 EC200 a couple weeks back. I have seen some threads here in the suspension forum regarding a swap of the front end from my 2102 YZ450F being possible. My GG has the 45mm Shivers, so I assume the Yamaha triples must be used also. Can anyone shed the light on this? By the way, I am 240 pounds with out gear on.

are your own forks that bad you need another set?
can't they be set up for your needs?

Hannes

When you ever rode the KYB front end in the gasgas, you know the the zockes is even worse.

I had Shiver 45mm Zokes on my 2008 Husky SM610. Their design and build quality is much less than that of the Yamaha forks I have from my 2012 YZ450F. Also, because of my weight I need to get one set sprung and valved for my extra heft. I would rather spend the money on the YZ forks if they will fit my bike.

Back to the question at hand: will they and the YZ triples work on my 2008 EC200?

The short answer is YES, at least as long as your YZ450F forks are similar to the YZ250F forks that I have on my EC200.

Some more details :
I have a '06 EC200 and used triple clamps off a '10 YZ250F and fork legs off a '08 YZ250F. Everything fits nicely, all you have to do is to replace the lower bearing on the steeing stem with a bigger one (the same size as used on the Yamaha if memory serves me right).

If you plan to use the Yamaha wheel, brakes, front fender and number plate, then you're done with it. If you (like me) want to use the Gasgas wheel, fender and brakes, then its some more work involved, but not very complicated provided you have some machining skills or someone with a lathe to help you.

I am approx 88kg naked and use the stock springs in the KYB forks (0.44 kg/mm according to Racetech's spring calculator). However, I have revalved the forks with a Racetech Goldvalve kit and installed softer pressure springs according to Racetech's recommendations.

For my use (slow & old) this setup works very well.

What did you do for a steering stop??
Im thinking about a fork swap

On my 2006 EC300 I installed Yamaha 2007 YZ450F 48mm forks and 2009 YZ450F triple clamps. The later year triple clamps (around 2009) had 2 bar mount positions. Please note that around 2010 Yamaha changed the upper fork tube outside diameter so you need to check on triple clamp & fork compatibility if you match from different years.

I welded on a steering rotation stop from a 1985 CR500 frame that was lying around. I left the old bearing race in when welding. However, it still distorted the bearing race housing in the frame that required some die grinder work to open up.

I used Bearing Connections steering head bearings for a 2009 YZ450.

I used the 2006 stock GasGas wheel and brake rotor. This required:
1) Installation of the smaller bearings. I used a Moose bearing set for a 2001 GasGas front wheel.
2) Install front brake Braking bracket POW13.

I also needed a YZ front fender.

The YZ forks are light years ahead of the 45mm Zokes. They are way more stable and track straight where I point the front wheel. The YZ forks work much better at any speed, under any condition, from riding rocks on 4x4 rock crawl courses to skipping across the tops of whoops.

These forks have spoiled me. It was well worth the cost and effort.

I'm a little embarassed to say "nothing". The Kyb fork legs hits the frame. Not a good solution, so I plan to weld up a steering stop ala the OEM Yamaha / nknudsen stops.
See http://www.gasgasrider.org/forum/showthread.php?t=14592

Gasgasman did a similar swap and ended up putting rubber stoppers on his frame. Dig around for pics.

I did the same, I stuck rubber bumpers on the frame that I got from Home depot. I think they were made for the bottom of furniture legs. I bought a package of 12 so if one falls off I just replace it.