350X front end on a Gen 1 200X

**dksix** · 03-19-2011, 07:28 PM

I have this 85 350X and it seems like I've read that the 350x forks are allot better than the 200x forks. Is swapping them a direct swap, are the head tubes the same size? While I making a thread, what about the the shock and or swing arm? If it's not allot of trouble I mught hold on to the 350X suspension for my 84 200X

**RapidRick** · 03-19-2011, 09:40 PM

I've done both. Steering stops are different. You'' have to cut off the old and weld on a new for the front.
For the back, if you can find an adapter which hasn't been made in quite a while you could use that, I've also seen where you need to reposition the stock bottom mounts on the swingarm. This is what it looks like on an 85.. there are a thread or two about this already.

Click image for larger version.

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**dksix** · 03-19-2011, 09:54 PM

nice trike, Rick. Thanks for the picture. Is the front and rear suspension from a 350X? Does it have the shock and swing arm or just the shock, if it does have 350X rear on it. How much did it raise the ground clearance? I've already got the frame powder coated and together. If I have to cut or weld on the 200X frame I don't think I would do it. I honestly won't ride the 200X I'm working on often. It will be more of a show piece to me, maybe take it to the track and ride a little MX with it but nothing that would scratch it up or get the plastic messed up.

**RapidRick** · 03-19-2011, 10:24 PM

Front is 85 350X, you'd have to change the steering stops. Just replaced the rear shock. Like I say there are no available custom dog bones to make the lower shock mount to the swing arm, you'd have to cut the mounts and reposition them which is what someone else was suggesting.

Try searching on Muddy200x then find his thread on How to put a 350X suspension on your 200x. I'm sure that will answer your questions.

**leevarnado** · 03-19-2011, 11:20 PM

i have a custom dog bone that i never used.if you can find someone to replicate the one i have,i will send it to you but in exchange i want mine back and another one.

**Dirtcrasher** · 03-20-2011, 02:21 PM

Since your already PC'd; You can always tig weld a stop on the 350X triple after grinding off the old one and adapt it to your 200X stop.........

**ironchop** · 03-20-2011, 02:41 PM

wow rick....that ground clearance is SO much better.

I was looking at one of mine on the milkcrate wishing it sat like that on tires...gonna search those threads

Do you notice any difference in handling? as in is it easier to tip?

**RapidRick** · 03-20-2011, 04:17 PM

Much better handling, better rebound and compression. If I had a +2 swingarm I'd put that on but alas I don't. It is well worth the time and effort.

**dksix** · 03-22-2011, 08:00 PM

I've decided to use the 350x suspension on my gen 1 200x. I'm looking at boring the 200x triple clamps to work with the 350x forks. On the back I'm going to look at just using the shock. It looks like I'll have to rework the mounts on the swing arm and will probably add a couple of inches to it when I do. Getting rid of several of the projects trikes will let me get to work on the couple of things I'm interested in and I'm not going to buy any more bargains.

**ironchop** · 03-22-2011, 08:12 PM

Originally Posted by dksix

I've decided to use the 350x suspension on my gen 1 200x

well I guess I can`t buy that frontend off you now from that CR-motored chassis...lol

**leevarnado** · 03-22-2011, 08:33 PM

i dont think you can bore the 200x triple that much to fit 350x forks...i do have a set of 84 250r triples and forks forsale if your interested dksix.

ironchop,pm me i also have 350x triples and forks that i might let go.

**dksix** · 03-22-2011, 10:23 PM

Originally Posted by ironchop

well I guess I can`t buy that frontend off you now from that CR-motored chassis...lol

Not while I'm thinking these thoughts, I have have a bigger and better idea tomorrow.

Originally Posted by leevarnado

i dont think you can bore the 200x triple that much to fit 350x forks...i do have a set of 84 250r triples and forks forsale if your interested dksix.

ironchop,pm me i also have 350x triples and forks that i might let go.

I was doing some measuring tonight and the 350X forks are 2mm bigger than the 200X forks. Taking 1mm off will leave plenty of meat in the triples. I'm not a jumper so I don't see it being a problem. Set up on the mill will be a chore but I don't see there being any issues with the strength and my riding style. I say trying to fit the 200x forks to my 225 will be the next step, I've always hated the wide front tire on the 225.

**oscarmayer** · 03-22-2011, 10:30 PM

me likes this idea lots!
so does the 250r or 350x front setup just bolt onto the 200x?
what if I just used the fork setup off the 350x. will the 200x stuff bolt on? (hub, axle, etc..)

**Dirtcrasher** · 03-23-2011, 11:45 AM

Originally Posted by dksix

Not while I'm thinking these thoughts, I have have a bigger and better idea tomorrow.

I was doing some measuring tonight and the 350X forks are 2mm bigger than the 200X forks. Taking 1mm off will leave plenty of meat in the triples. I'm not a jumper so I don't see it being a problem. Set up on the mill will be a chore but I don't see there being any issues with the strength and my riding style. I say trying to fit the 200x forks to my 225 will be the next step, I've always hated the wide front tire on the 225.

Your only talking .039 per edge, as you know, so I don't see an issue either. The problem with those castings is that near nothing is machined you can hold properly. Possible you could hold the stem, fly cut the lower and make a holding plate for it. The top, you may be able to use the bar clamp flats the same way.

Of course a dial indicator will tell you whether it will work or not. Keep us posted!

**dksix** · 03-23-2011, 06:36 PM

DC, I was thinking about it today and I though about adding the 200x style stop to the 350X lower. I don't have a TIG machine but I think I could machine a slot in the 350X lower triple and set an insert in it. I would use 2 dowels and 1 bolt from the under side the custom fit the stop on the 350X lower to the steering stop on my 200x frame. I would probably make the stop out of steel but like this I could get every bit a turn out of it without hitting my tank. That's basically what you said but without welding. Like I said, the set up is what would be a chore. I would about have to make 2 fixtures, 1 for the top and one for the bottom clamp. I was thinking I could hold with a post through one of the fork opening and the stem hole to bore 1 side at a time. I would have to have 2 post, 1 each size of both sets of fork tubes. But, with 2 side unsupported I'm worried about chatter and leaving a rough finish and not having a good clamping surface. It's just something else to add to the list. My tank has been sitting beside the booth for months, I can't work on my stuff for having to keep up with what everyone else wants done.

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350X front end on a Gen 1 200X