How to tell 250R forks from 350x forks off the machine...

[wonderboy]

So, I have a line on a set of forks for my 350x. The seller isn't 100% sure if they are 250R or 350X... (the 83-84 250R and 350X forks upper tubes are the same diameter and will interchange).

I understand the lowers are different (trailing axle versus leading axle), but is there any easy way to tell from a picture of a fork removed from a machine which one it was from? I'm guessing there must be some detail of the axle mounting that can help distinguish them...

[Red Rider]

Both the 350X's & 250R's brake calipers mounted to the backside of the fork leg, so since the 350X was leading axle, it would have the axle mount on one side of the fork tube, and the brake caliper mount on the other side of the tube. And for the 250R, both the axle mount & brake caliper mounts would be on the same side of the fork leg. Now, distinguishing the other fork legs (ones without brake caliper mounts) between 350X & 250R may be a little more difficult.

[wonderboy]

Excellent, that should be easy enough. Thanks for the reply!

[Dirtcrasher]

83/84 R or 350X tubes are identical..............

The R fork had an R caliper which was a single piston caliper, The 350X was HEAVY and with a dual piston caliper.

I steal the guts from a 83/84 damping rod to fit in the 350X fork leg. And that duplicates the "Terry Kit": from back in the day which was a great improvement.......................

Post up the forks with all the measurements so we can get it nailed down for you.......................

Over all length and distance to the caliper holes ON CENTER, along with the caliper brackets center to center and we can get it figured out......

OEM axle spacers may not fit, but it most certainly, they can be made to fit. I have BOTH lower legs and can help figure out what fit what......

Te 83/84R guts in an 85/86 350X can fit and improve the fork action........IMMENSELY..........................

Take it care,
Steve
DC

[wonderboy]

Thanks Dirtcrasher!

That is exactly my plan! Right now, I have a bent tube on my stock 350x forks (not bad enough to keep them from working though). I figured I'd kill two birds with one stone if I get a nice set of 250R forks... rebuild my forks using the pistons and tube from the 250R forks. I've read in a few other places that the 250R guts are the way to go.

I have a few leads on parts. One guy isn't sure exactly what he has (thus the question here). If I can get better pics and even measurements, I'll post back.

Thanks all for the help!