Front Suspension swap on '85 250 sx. 250r / 200x ????

[mayhem17]

Just picked up a 250 sx last night. Had planned on replacing the front setup later on, but noticed after I bought it that the left shock is busted where it mounts to the front axle. One bad bump and it'd break right off. My question is, I see a lot of people just swapping the 200x complete front end onto it. Is it also possible to use the front end of a 250r in this same fashion? I have access to a few old 250rs that I could snag parts from free or very cheap. Can I just purchase the shocks themselves from a 200x / 250r to keep the same width up front. My plan for this bike is a mud / river toy, so having the smaller front tire isn't something that I need.

What does swapping front ends do besides the different tire width and disc brake? I am looking for something more travel and height also. Thanks in advance.

[Jmoozy27]

All of the triples will swap over, the 200x forks and 81-82 forks will fit in the 250sx triple.

[mayhem17]

All of the triples will swap over, the 200x forks and 81-82 forks will fit in the 250sx triple.

Will replacing the shocks do anything for it?

[Jmoozy27]

200x shock has more travel and is just a better suspension in general. If you keep your wide front wheel you will lose the front brake. You can still put an aggressive tire on the front, keep a disc brake, and have a solid suspension. If you stay with the 250sx triple you will need to put spacers on the caliper bolts and get longer bolts. I can post pics later.

[mayhem17]

So what are the thoughts on the 250r front end vs the 200x front end? Complete vs complete. I think I can get a complete 250r front from a buddy of mine for next to nothing. Sorry for the lack of knowledge on my part.

[oscarmayer]

why not use the 350x front setup? heavier duty front forks and just sit them down in the triples more.
buy the triples and all on ebay for a good deal. plus the 350x is about the same weight as the sx so the springs and such will fit better..

[mayhem17]

Because it all comes down to money in the end, and there isn't much there for now. Lol

[Jmoozy27]

I say if you have it at your disposal, use it. All three gen 250r models have different front end setup. They gradually got better as you can imagine. What model do you plan on using? I think the 350x used 35mm forks, 250r goes as follows 81-82 33mm, 83-84 35mm, 85-86 is 38mm I think. I don't have a lot of experience with the LC models.

[mayhem17]

So found a complete 85 200x setup on ebay and have it on there now. About the steering stops. As it is now, will only turn one direction slightly, and the other way too much. Can't find the thread that had detailed pics on it anymore. Anyone have the link for that by chance?

On a side note, if I had a 200x frame at my disposal, could I per say just cut the stop off that and weld it to my sx?

[oscarmayer]

well I am about to sell off all my 200X suspension. the forks will be rebuild before sale.