Vintage Dirt Bike Q & A

I was at the track recently and there was a 1978 cr250 with the front forks from a 1983 cr480. Has anyone done this mod? What is involved to make this swap?

working on this myself. The hot setup is to run 1987 (86-88) internals and tubes with the 83 lower legs. You will need to very slightly turn down the bottoming cones - about 1mm smaller. You will also need to have machined a stepped washer for the bottom of the forks - the hole in the 83 fork legs is larger than the 87 bolt diameter. Conversely, you could just run the stock 83 forks with Race Tech emulators.

You will need to run the 83 480 triple clamps obviously. Might have to swap out steering stem - not sure myself on this point yet. Or, Phil Denton sells a nice set of Billet clamps that will bolt right on, but they are pricey!!

You will want to use the 480 hub and brake backing plate - it uses a double arm brake which is stronger. Obviously use the 480 axle too.

Thanks for the feedback. I'm currently looking for a complete font end (triple clamps, forks, wheel, hub from a 83) to get started on this.

If you need a set of 87 forks I have some for sale . $100 shipped in US.

I'm finally getting back to this, still looking for parts.

Does a wheel / hub assembly from a 1983 cr250 fit on a set of 1983 cr480 forks?

Ok, I finally found and purchased a set of 1983 cr480 front forks. I'm looking for a good how to article or video to install new fork seals?