Alternate 83-85 200x forks?

[Solid Snake]

Are there any other forks that'll fit on the 83-85 200x's? One of my fork tubes just got a crack near the bottom from something, looks like a piece chipped off from hitting a rock or something, not sure when that happened though. Anyway, it's slowly leaking oil now every time I go up to the garage there is a liitle puddle of oil on the ground beneath it. So I want to know if 86-87 200x or any year 250r forks will fit. I know 350x forks do but do you have to do any modifications? I really don't want to have to buy another set of tripples or a different axle or brake caliper or anything like that, just the forks themselves. Any help would be great, thanks.

[danteross77]

I think you should be able to find forks for a 83-85 200x faster and more inexpensive than any of the other bikes you have listed above. As far as fit, I think they all are the same diameter so you can use them all as far as the triples, as for changing the axle and what not, just make sure the brake disc is on the correct side, I know the 350x and later model 250r's had the brake disc on the opposite side than your 83-85 200x.

[Howdy]

250r & 350x forks are NOT the same as a 83-85 200x. To use them on a 200x you would be required to change ALOT more parts than just the forks. In fact you would have start with the tripple tree and would end with the wheel / axle.

83-85 200x forks can be found just about any day of the week. I have a set of silver and a set of Black sitting on the shelf. I know others have sets kicking around as well.
Howdy

[Solid Snake]

It's just that I want better forks, I know that I can easily get 83-85 200x forks but they're weak. So forget about the 350x or 250r, what about the 86-87 200x forks, I've heard those are better then the 83-85 ones...is that true? Will they fit? Thanks.

[ATCWRENCH]

well the 86-7 200X forks are the same size as the 83-5 200X forks. as for being better, I dont know. get you another set of 200X forks and rebuild them with new seals and swipers, add a set of progressive rate springs and maybe a set of 1" spacers in the forks to add stiffness. put a heavier weight fork oil in and you should have a nice set of forks to put on.

putting on "technically" better forks wont do a bit of good if they are not set up right.

[Solid Snake]

well the 86-7 200X forks are the same size as the 83-5 200X forks. as for being better, I dont know. get you another set of 200X forks and rebuild them with new seals and swipers, add a set of progressive rate springs and maybe a set of 1" spacers in the forks to add stiffness. put a heavier weight fork oil in and you should have a nice set of forks to put on.

putting on "technically" better forks wont do a bit of good if they are not set up right.

Yeh I understand that, it's just that a used pair of forks that are already stiffer are cheaper then buying the progressive springs and whatnot. Anyway, I'll see what happens, thanks for the help.

[blue27]

If I remember right, you can use 250r forks but you have to use the 250r tripple tree and press out the headset tube and use one from the 200x. I think thats right.

[deathman53]

I used a 350x tripple in mine 86 200x with a 84r front end.

[Curtis-Tecate3]

If memory serves.....
Back in the day the racers used to run 83/84 250R forks on their 83-85 200X.
Triples need to be bored minimally as the tubes are 35mm vs 33mm.

More travel was the result.

Curtis

[RacerRichie]

I agree
83-84 250r forks should work now go find a pair..