KTM fork conversion

[jonala]

This is to help in the knowledge base for fork conversions. They will not work.

I tried to put a 2001 KTM 200 front end on my 99' KDX.

The installation was that hard, but I have a machine shop to do the work. The KDX stem required removing .0015" off the OD that presses into the KTM clamps.

A spacer and a steering stop were required. The forks were to long, and because the KTM top clamps hit the gas tank, the lock to lock angel is reduced. I had the top of the fork just about touching the bottom of the handle bars.

I tried to ride the bike around my backyard and the turning radius was so different I couldn't make it turn properly.






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[factoryX]

What about putting in some steering stops if not add to the existing ones?

[jonala]

I had made a steering stop. It would stop the upper clamp just before it would hit the tank.
It looked good on the bench. Not so good when riding.

Steering stop


Clamp against the tank

[SS109]

Maybe an aftermarket top clamp would give you the needed clearance? As for length, I'm sure it is really no different than doing a KX swap. Get some bar risers so you can slide the forks up in the clamps or have the forks shortened.

[factoryX]

Well either way, yet another conversion that's doable. Good job.

[Slick_Nick]

Too bad those bolts weren't on the other side, looks like you could get an extra 1/2" per side easily if they were.

[Julien D]

Are those the 43mm WP's? I understand you can tweak those a little and make them into some awesome trail forks. If it were me, I'd heat up the tank with a heat gun and dent it a bit on either side so you can add back some turning radius. If you're careful you can make it look good, and still make it more functional.

[jonala]

Yes they are WP 43 forks. Heating up the tank was a option. Along with a aftermarket upper clamp that would relocate the bolts. The ride height would of still been a problem.
To solve that problem I could of modified the extended length of forks.

After thinking about what still needed to be done, the costs and my riding skill level, I felt it was time to stop and go back to stock. I've only had the bike for two months. I had the time and was lent the KTM forks. I like to tinker, so this was a project just to see if it would work.

I've bought springs for my weight for both front and rear shocks. Next is to put more time on the bike with the correct springs and see if I'm happy with the bike.

[SS109]

Like I mentioned above, bar risers would have allowed you to raise the forks in the clamps enough to fix the geometry. It is a really simple, cheap ($30-40), and quick fix especially when compared to having the forks shortened.

[factoryX]

http://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/p/43/ ... BAR+RISERS

[jonala]

I'm not tall enough to use bar risers. The stock setup bar height is perfect for me. Thanks for the advice.

[Julien D]

I'm not tall enough to use bar risers. The stock setup bar height is perfect for me. Thanks for the advice.

Unless you're like 5'2" or less, I highly doubt that. But, whatever works for ya!