Tri Z front forks

**matt drover** · 04-26-2010, 11:35 AM

My forks are bent on my tri z and i cant seem to find them any where. Is their any other front forks that can be used on the tri z that are just as good if not better

**Xfile** · 04-26-2010, 08:40 PM

It depends on the year...I believe the 85 models used smaller diameter forks. Honda ATC 200X forks will slide into the 85 and 1985 1/2 triples, you would need to use the 200x brake caliper. I think you can use the Z wheel/hub/axle set up on the X forks, but I would use the X wheel and hub since it is an 11" wheel and IMO there are more tire options available for it. If you have an 86 Z, the forks are large diameter so the X forks won't fit....you could put an 85 triple on it to run X forks or 85-85 1/2 Z forks. Another option is to have your bent forks fixed by a machine shop. I have had it done and a good shop can fix them well....Just a side note: it's easier to find X forks or 1985-85 1/2 Z forks than to find good 86 Z forks.

**JohnR.** · 04-26-2010, 08:55 PM

I believe you might be able to run 1985-1986 250R front forks on an 86 Tri-Z. Of course you'll probably have to get the whole front clip (caliper, hub, wheel, forks) but like someone else said, it'll open up a lot more tire options and even the option of running a 10" front rim.

John

**matt drover** · 04-27-2010, 10:16 AM

Thanks guys I got a 85 so can i still put 85,86 250R front forks on her and if I put 200x forks on it will the bike be level and can you swap 86 for 85 tri z forks so long as you use the proper triples.

**Mosh** · 04-27-2010, 07:34 PM

Originally Posted by matt drover

Thanks guys I got a 85 so can i still put 85,86 250R front forks on her and if I put 200x forks on it will the bike be level and can you swap 86 for 85 tri z forks so long as you use the proper triples.

Yes you can swap to the 86 Z tripples and forks.
However, the 86 Z was raked back a little in the tripples, and it will handle better for racing and turning, but I prefer the 85 Z rake for trails and hills.
I have swapped the 85-86 Z front ends between the 2 years. It all bolts on.

The 86 Z tripples will hold the 85-86 R forks if you swap the whole R front end.
Or, there is plenty enough room IMO, to actually Bore out the 85 Z tripples to fit the R forks in there.
I have not done the R front swap on a Z, but I know it will work. The question that develops is this.
(What does the R front axle placement do for handling, vs. the Z axle set-up?)....When you fit the R front end on a Z.
In the years I have been on this forum, that question has never really been answered. I am not sure if it will make difference or not.

It is very hard to get 86 Z triples and forks. So these may be your only options.
And I agree with taking the Z forks to a machine shop. If they are not creased, straightening them will be very easy to do.
And from time to time, nice 85 Z forks pop up on Ebay, but 90 % of them are tweaked becuase they are so small in diameter.

**matt drover** · 04-28-2010, 05:56 PM

Thanks for all the info what are the diameter's of the 85,86 Z forks and the 85 and 86 R forks. If I where to bring my forks to a machine shop I would have to completly disassemble the forks right. The manual says you need a couple of special tools for reasembly do you know what these tools are and if their available (where can I get them).The manual says the part number for one of the tools but not the other.

**Mosh** · 04-28-2010, 06:47 PM

85 Z forks were 35 mm.
86 Z and 85-86 R forks were 39mm.

Depending on where the bend is in your current forks, the machine shop may not need them taken apart.

However I would suggest a fork rebuild with new seals and oil.
If you stay with the 85 Z forks, I suggest Progressive springs with 3 inch spacers (Available through Dennis Kirk)
And 10 wieght fork oil.
No matter what, only use OEM seals. Aftermarkets dont last as long.

The only tools needed are a some snap ring pliers, and you can cut a piece of long hollow tube, to knock the new seals in, or Motion Pro sells seal installers.
You have to cut the pipe to the fork seal diameter, or order the Motion Pro seal installers for the fork size you end up with..IE..35mm or 39mm.

**matt drover** · 05-01-2010, 10:08 PM

will the 85,86R tripples fit on the z.

**Mosh** · 05-02-2010, 08:50 AM

That I can't answer.
But I doubt they would bolt right on.

**3Z with Fangs!** · 03-03-2019, 05:11 PM

Old thread but if I can find 86 triples and want to keep my Yamaha getting wheel and hub is it possible? Or what other fork tubes could I use with 86 triples and still keep my 12" wheel. I prefer the look of the big wheel.

**oldskool83** · 03-04-2019, 08:52 AM

should be able to just order new tubes from forking by frank. if you have lower and internals if not, ebay or a custom set up.

I found 3 sets on ebay. new forks from forking by frank would be about $400.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1985-Yamaha...frcectupt=true
https://www.ebay.com/itm/85-triz-tri...frcectupt=true
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1985-YAMAHA...frcectupt=true

http://franksforks.com/

**Tri-Z 250** · 03-04-2019, 01:04 PM

Great link...I'm thinking BW tubes listed are a similar job for these guys. If you could get them from Yamaha you'd be over 2hundy a leg easy. So 400 is fare considering the work and treatments to make each leg.

**oldskool83** · 03-04-2019, 01:48 PM

no forks will be straight after 30+ years...i offer 175 for the entire front end then go buy new tubes, call it a day and have a nice front end for about $650-700 fully rebuilt. unless you don't find pitting then you could have shortline straighten the forks but normally everything pitted by this age. Seems no one keeps their toys inside.

Thread: Tri Z front forks

Thread Tools

Tri Z front forks