Which Fork Setup Would Be Best

[Chazz of Blades]

For my 84 200es Big Red, the options are a 250r front end(forks, tire/wheel, caliper), a set of 185 forks(just the forks), or how compatible would 225dx forks be? The R forks and setup are second generation. I'm wondering which would be easiest to swap out to, and which would function better.

[matt86200x]

Try to find a 84-85 200m front end, I put a 84r front end on my sx and it's great. But with your 200es model the kneck will not have the proper rake and will be a funky ride

[Chazz of Blades]

From what I've heard going with a 200x swap would be best, any comments on that?

[matt86200x]

the 200x front end will bolt right on, but the 200es neck is to not angled enough for the bike to ride properly.I have not tried it yet but try a 250es front end

[Chazz of Blades]

I was just going to say that I know of an ugly ducklin 250es, but it's a complete bike I could get for a bit o' coin. I wonder if it'd jack up the front too much though.

[oscarmayer]

Ok lets back up.
The 84 200es/e/s steering neck is not big enough nor long enough to put anything but a 185/200 fork set and of those the 200x will NOT fit.

The only way to upgrade is to do what I did to my 200e, cut the entire front steering tube off, and weld on one from a 200x or something. I then used a 250SX front and it was perfect. It was heavy duty, more travel, softer than the 200e/es and looked cool. I even changed the steering angle a little to push the tire out about 2" that helped with ride smoothness as well. To top it off the 250sx forks are easier to rebuilt for a shop and most places have parts!

So unless you have a cutter, welder and access to a trashed other frame, I recommend the the 200m fork setas they bolt right on.

[Chazz of Blades]

Well, I do have a metal fab/welder a minute or two away, with 40+ years of experience.......... I think I'll see about having the steering tube replaced.

[Ironbnder]

I second Oscarmayer- My 185 with a 200x front was done by cutting the neck. If you cut just the front half of the neck off your frame, the donor neck tube will sattle into it and everything stays lined up. Two vertical welds and it is good as new.

[Chazz of Blades]

So, would the front end from a 200s fit?

[dirtdemon]

So, would the front end from a 200s fit?

yes it will 200s 200m forks both work