what forks to use

[Eric K]

I put a set of '07 YZ450 forks on my '06 EC300. Stock valving and springs as far as I can tell. I cleaned them out, put in new oil and new fork seals.

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. They absorb whoops and huge trail chop without any complaints or front end deflection. They rock!


This is what I did...

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.
3) 2006 YZ250F axle

I also needed a YZ front fender.

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

[gassergrant]

hi Eric thanks for your input mate ill start looking out for the bit and build it up, the bike is a bloody good bike old or new. its just the zokes that let it down

[gassergrant]

what about wheel spindle did you use eric

[iamovru]

Originally Posted by Jacob 'Berg

+1 Get them tuned. My zoke 45's perform as well if not better than the WP forks on my Husaberg and the berg is 3 years newer.

+2 Mine are also pretty good

[Eric K]

Originally Posted by gassergrant

what about wheel spindle did you use eric

2006 YZ250F axle

[djroggen]

I sent my forks to Drew Smith WER in PA and he turned my 45 Zokes into some very good forks. Very good in the rocks and roots still to be desired on an mx track.

[(F5)]

Well I've taken the plunge & bought a set of local '06 YZ250 sss forks, axle & triples. I'm probably going to try mod the triples to get steering rotation stops but we'll see. Biggest thing to do first is machine up a caliper mount as I'm too cheap (out of funds) to buy the braking one.

Thanks for the ideas esp Eric.

[nknudsen]

Originally Posted by (F5)

Well I've taken the plunge & bought a set of local '06 YZ250 sss forks, axle & triples. I'm probably going to try mod the triples to get steering rotation stops but we'll see. Biggest thing to do first is machine up a caliper mount as I'm too cheap (out of funds) to buy the braking one.

Thanks for the ideas esp Eric.

On my 08' SSS forks (different caliper mount than your 06) I used / modified the oe GG caliper mount. One mounting hole lined up and I just welded one mounting hole shut and drilled and tapped a new one. Just get crafty if you need to. I did shim it out from the forks with a couple shim washers to center it on the disc.

[Elvis74]

Every caliper mount for Yamaha for over sized discs (260mm) fits!

[(F5)]

Originally Posted by nknudsen

On my 08' SSS forks (different caliper mount than your 06) I used / modified the oe GG caliper mount. One mounting hole lined up and I just welded one mounting hole shut and drilled and tapped a new one. Just get crafty if you need to.

Cool, yeah I'd read that post during my research. I've done a few brackets for road & roadrace bikes so I'm not that scared of it, but I could do without $80 & shipping added onto the conversion cost. Better spent on bearings for which I'll need steering & smaller ID front wheel by the looks.

I usually dummy up plates in plywood to get the holes aligned & then transpose to allly.