Inverts?

[200x newby]

Going to be putting inverts on my 85 R and trying to figure out the best fork option. I'm thinking either valved and springed KTM 85/105 for a 260lb rider or shortened cr125 forks. I've got the VTX trips already. Anybody WITH experience have any input?

[Evan Hagenow]

I have been looking into inverts as well. I believe the KTM forks need sleeves made for the triples so the forks can be tightened in them.

[200x newby]

I figure there will be some mods that need done to get the forks to fit.

[El Camexican]

No direct experience, but I doubt you will be able to get a set of KTM 85 Forks set up to handle the kind of weight you're talking about. You're likely going to end up with the CR forks.

[Evan Hagenow]

That is a good point. Decide whether to put some wizardry inside the KTM forks or go through the work of having the cr forks shortened.

[200x newby]

This is where I'm stuck.

[El Camexican]

I have a set of early 48mm KTM forks I bought by accident (thought they were 43's) They came on the 2002 SX 250 and take a 22mm axle. I paid $300, but would be thrilled to get $200 + shipping if you want to try shortening them. Not sure how much you'd need to go, but I've shortened a set 1.375" with no issues using spacers from Slavens that you could make easily enough. Then you just need to cut the springs to match the change in length. Shimming is another issue, but those forks were considered harsh for lighter riders, so they might be perfect for your weight as they are. These are the non cartridge type, so do it yourselfers can still take them all the way down with fairly basic tools. PM me if interested.

[kevin]

I'm slowly getting mine together have the vtx triples, KTM 85 forks, machined the sleeves to go between forks and triple also made up the bushing that you need the get the 250r stem to work in the vtx triple.
When I get time I'll install on the bike and see what I'm going to do for front brakes. Once that's all done and our dollar gets better I'm going to strip it back down and send the forks out to get resprung and valved.

[NeverLift]

I run CR125 forks. I have 1 set at full length that works good with my +3 swingarm. Then I have a set with 6" spacers and cut springs that go with a 4" lowering link for the rear, that I use for TT & ice racing. The spacers were very simple to make. You would probably need 2" or 3" spacers to get your ride height right. I also weigh 260, am running the stock internals with 20wt fork oil. after playing with my compression and rebound adjusters it rides like a dream. Oh and this is on a Z not an R.

[this old rz]

I run CR125 forks. I have 1 set at full length that works good with my +3 swingarm. Then I have a set with 6" spacers and cut springs that go with a 4" lowering link for the rear, that I use for TT & ice racing. The spacers were very simple to make. You would probably need 2" or 3" spacers to get your ride height right. I also weigh 260, am running the stock internals with 20wt fork oil. after playing with my compression and rebound adjusters it rides like a dream. Oh and this is on a Z not an R.

Hey..can you throw a Tri Z newbie a bone? If possible could you elaborate on your invert conversion. Can you tell me everything that I would need to know & purchase? What year VTX & model.? My Z has a + 6" swinger. What forks, dia etc..what hubs, brakes, stem modifications and spacers. Also any pros & cons to this conversion. ..anything that would help me or other Tri Z owners in doing a conversion.

I beleive my swinger & linkage to be a 85. I'm 6'0 ,195 lbs, I dont need the inverts.. Im not a jumper nor a racer. I just want them ;). Gives me something to achieve.

Any input/advice or help is appreciated.

[200x newby]

So after getting a smoking deal on an entire front clip from an 85SX that is the way I'm going. Now onto my next question, I have the VTX Triples but they do not look like the triples KASEY was using. His look more like Valkyrie Triples, I assume with all the talk both trips are very close to each other. So with that being said... who has used the VTX triples and what kind of machine work was required to fit the 250r stem in them as the VTX stem is HUGE.

[kevin]

You have to swap stems and make a bushing for the 250r stem to work in the vtx triple. Pretty easy if you have access to a lathe. I made mine press fit and used red loctite

[Matt85'350x]

You have to swap stems and make a bushing for the 250r stem to work in the vtx triple. Pretty easy if you have access to a lathe. I made mine press fit and used red loctite
Do you have a picture? What do you have to do for the axle and brakes and hub?

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[Dirtcrasher]

I have a set of Halls clamps and he shortened the forks and supplied a "kit" so to speak. Very simple to install, just keep your wallet handy.

They are large and stout. I'm glad I didn't waste time on Aprilla or KTM forks although it was a genius idea!!

If you guys are trying to hold bushings in, do not use red loctite; Rather use "cylindrical loctite" which can take up to a .020 (twenty thousandths of slop)...

I've use it in industrial applications for decades.

[kevin]

I didn't use red loctite to take up any slop as I had to use a press to press everything together, could have done without

[200x newby]

I didn't use red loctite to take up any slop as I had to use a press to press everything together, could have done without

Would you be interested in spinning up another bushing? What forks did you use?

[Scootertrash]

Loctite green is for press fit applications:

https://www.etrailer.com/Tools/Loctite/LT37484.html

[kevin]

Yes I realize that but didn't have any green just some red kicking and so I thought what the hell I'll throw some on like I said it wasn't necessary but thought it wouldn't hurt. Trust me it's not coming apart very easily

[kevin]

I'm using KTM 85 forks, you'll also need to make up spacers to go between the triple and forks. Top and bottoms are different sizes

[Dirtcrasher]

I didn't use red loctite to take up any slop as I had to use a press to press everything together, could have done without

Blue - medium strength and Red - needs fire to loosen. Those are for threads ONLY.

Cylindrical loctite is used in areas such as a worn down axle journal right where the bearing sits. The stuff is expensive, green and works amazing in the right application.

EDIT - You guys draw the part and I'll make it. I use that lathe near daily; Even in the winter....

[kevin]

I would post pics of the bushings needed but can't upload them from my phone

[kevin]

239907
Here's one

[kevin]

239908
239908and another

[kevin]

239909239909don't have a pic of the stem bushing though as I don't want to take it appart

[kevin]

Pics aren't the best but gives you an idea

[Matt85'350x]

Nice job, looks great.

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[Red Rider]

Nice work on the bushings newby!

200x newby & kevin, I'm curious, what's the spacing center-to-center of the fork legs on these VTX triple-clamps?

[kevin]

10 5/16's a tad narrower than the 250r but should work fine

[kevin]

Thanks by the way

[Red Rider]

10 5/16's a tad narrower than the 250r but should work fineThanks for the info. I knew they were slightly narrower, but just didn't by how much.

[atcmatt]

What model vtx triples are being used?

[200x newby]

What model vtx triples are being used?

VTX1800 and I believe the Valkyrie Triples also.

[Dirtcrasher]

239909239909don't have a pic of the stem bushing though as I don't want to take it appart



Someone didn't sharpen their cutting tool or used a small diameter boring bar. It shouldn't have "chatter" markings in the bushing.....

[kevin]

Used a brand new carbide insert but only had a small diameter boring bar available at the time, the chatter marks will actually grip the fork better once clamped in place

[Dirtcrasher]

As if it were "knurled"??.... Surface area is surface area and there is less surface are because there are hills and valleys in that chatter.

No disrespect intended; When your grandfather makes you feel like a POS for not THE BEST!! you learn what he doesn't want to see :lol:

[kevin]

No worries just wanted to give the guys an idea of what they need.
As for the bushings I made for myself they'll suffice for what I'm using them for. Once all assembled you'll never see it. Sure if I was making them for someone or it's a part you'd see then yea I would have done it right with the proper tooling but it was one of those things where I wanted to get them made as I don't always have the time or opportunity

[Matt85'350x]

No worries just wanted to give the guys an idea of what they need.
As for the bushings I made for myself they'll suffice for what I'm using them for. Once all assembled you'll never see it. Sure if I was making them for someone or it's a part you'd see then yea I would have done it right with the proper tooling but it was one of those things where I wanted to get them made as I don't always have the time or opportunity

Kevin,

Any details you can give me on what needs to be done with the hub? I have had a VTX bottom triple for quite a few months and recently got some really nice CR125 forks. What do I have to do for the axle and hub portions?