Been thinking- fork swap

[BrentMartell]

So I am kinda kicking around a few ideas such as swapping out the 45 zokes for a KYB, WP, etc. I did some quick searches and did not come up with a great deal of info. I am thinking to do this sort of thing I will need new triple clamps and possibly a front wheel assembly. Wondering if anyone has played around with this sort of thing and can point me in the right direction to get started if I choose this route. Thanks.

[gasgasman]

Here's some SHOWA forks for cheap. He also has a brand new front wheel that is complete.
http://www.gasgasrider.org/forum/showthread.php?t=10939

[rgranger]

Les at LTR suggested the 2006 forks on a honda 450x. I have not decided yet, mine still have some issues, or it could be me.

[Jakobi]

PM Keg. I'm sure he has a set of Showas on his 2011..

[MrBlah]

find a different tuner, these revalved 45's are the best forks I've ever rode on, I'm in love with them

[thumperrider1]

Randall. Ellison worked some magic on my 45s.

[MrBlah]

Originally Posted by thumperrider1

Randall. Ellison worked some magic on my 45s.

he did mine too

[thumperrider1]

I could see where you may want a 48mm cc fork if you ride fast fast stuff or are aa.

[nambo-trev]

i had the crf450 2006 showas before that were sprung and valved for me and they were awesome. but they are no match for my ttx, i find these much more capable. i would guess from the feedback ive read that the 48mm cc zokes would be very similar to the ttx(or even better!)

[coopernicus]

Brent,

I believe you are on the right track by looking for an upgrade on the fork. The 45 Marz's are fine for most and work fine with a "good" revalve for many racers. However, the heavier in weight and/or higher skill/speed you go and I believe larger diameter forks are needed to enhance steering precision. I've looked into it and the biggest issue is the steering stem. The GG stem is more narrow than the Showa or KYB units from the Japanese brands. Different wheels are needed to match the new forks, too. Personally, I would consider any KYB forks from Kawasaki or Yamaha as I believe these forks can work for fast folks without a revalve and will work great with the revalve. Also, there are relatively few riders who run Showa suspension off road so take that for what it's worth. Search for 2006 and up YZ forks to get the "SSS" forks or just cheap out and buy some 1998-99 46mm KX 250 forks and send them to STM or one of the other folks mentioned on this site and you won't be sorry! I got some of those KX forks because my 1999 KX works very nicely off road and you can find them for very little cost (I bought the Factory Connection KYB forks and clamps for $75 including shipping and they had just been serviced!!!). I need to modify the KX clamps to take the GG stem or I need to research different steering head bearings that have a smaller bearing surface to fit into the the GG steering head. As a side note, I have ridden a 2010 GG 300 with the 48mm Sachs forks and noticed a significant difference in steering precision over all types of terrain than a similar bike with 45mm marzocchi forks. Good luck!!!

Eric