Fork Upgrade Apollo 250

Its_not_a_honda · 05-27-2018, 08:08 AM

Anyone here ever changed the forks out for a different brand? I have heard of using KX85 but can't find any info.

Weldangrind · 05-27-2018, 02:02 PM

According to https://www.kiwavmotors.com/en/faq/a...ube-size-chart , the '03-'11 KX85 uses 35mm forks. Is that a match?

Megadan · 05-27-2018, 02:17 PM

Can you get some measurements on the DB 36 forks? Diameter of the upper tubes where the triple clamps...clamp. Total length from top to axle center.

With that info, it wouldn't be too hard to find a set of forks to work with.

franque · 05-27-2018, 07:06 PM

Dan, do you know of/have a list of anything like that? Just wondering because I'm thinking about trying to get a set of triple clamps that will work with the Chinese USD forks that doesn't have an oddball stem size.

Its_not_a_honda · 05-27-2018, 10:28 PM

On my 2017 apollo 250 the upper fork tube in the triple clamp measures .985 inch. At the bottom clamp measures 1.005 inch. Total length is 33 inches.

franque · 05-27-2018, 10:48 PM

Uh, are you sure those numbers aren't about an inch shy? Those would be the smallest forks I've ever seen. You're not looking for the width of the clamping area, but the diameter of the circle.

Its_not_a_honda · 05-27-2018, 11:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by franque

Uh, are you sure those numbers aren't about an inch shy? Those would be the smallest forks I've ever seen. You're not looking for the width of the clamping area, but the diameter of the circle.

OMGosh. Hahaha! My eye site aint what it used to be. You are right. That would be some scary riding. Talk about pencil forks.

They are actually 1.985 at the top and 2.005 at the bottom triple clamp.

franque · 05-28-2018, 12:03 AM

That makes a bit more sense... I'd defer to Dan on this one (I don't have an exhaustive list of sizes of forks that might fit in your triple trees), but it might make a bit more sense to look at a CR80/85/CRF150R/RM85 front end, which are commonly sourced for CRF230s... They're closer to playbike size, rather than full on mx length. I'd measure the od of the steering head bearings and compare to the CRF230, and if they're the same, use the tool on all balls racing.

Its_not_a_honda · 05-30-2018, 07:29 PM

Are there any motorcycle junk yards near north carolina? All I can find is KX85 forks on ebay for $400 and something. Im not putting that much in it. I would like to be able to go somewhere and look and compare while holding up my original forks to another bike. That way I would have a better shot at getting what I need.

Its_not_a_honda · 06-09-2018, 11:49 AM

I did some experiments on my stock forks. I had already drained the original oil and put in 20 wt at 250ml a while back. I went riding on some of the roughest terrain I've ever attempted. I was following a guy on a Honda CRF450R. Notice I said following. I was really riding beyond what an Apollo 250 should be doing. 3 things to take note of.

1 Forks suck
2 Shock may as well be a steel rod
3 Engine is great

Since then I have drained the forks again. I got some 5 wt oil. I decided to start low and go up very slowly on the millilitres. Started with 150 ml. Smooth with severe bottoming. 170 ml. Smooth with severe bottoming. This went on until I hit the 245 ml mark. Now I have smooth and hardly any bottoming. Well I guess it still bottoms out but it doesn't sound like I hit it with a hammer. I took it yesterday to a much calmer riding area. Forks are so much better. Not Honda level but getting there.

Rear shock is going one way or another. I have ordered one for an X37 Apollo.

This engine is amazing! I have switched the carb to a pumper. Put on a 12 tooth front sprocket. That is it. It pulled and ran flawless while following the 450 honda. If it wasn't for the suspension, I think I could have at least stayed in sight.

Weldangrind · 06-09-2018, 01:19 PM

Do you intend to try a preload spacer? They're easy to make from PVC pipe.

Its_not_a_honda · 06-09-2018, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

Do you intend to try a preload spacer? They're easy to make from PVC pipe.

Yeah already have some spacers in there. Forgot to mention that. I made mine out of really thick washers. Approximately 15mm.

pete · 06-11-2018, 02:54 AM

And off topic....
We need pics of your DR370....

..

Douglass · 06-11-2018, 07:42 PM

Its_not_honda,. Could you do a write up with pictures next time you take apart the forks? I wasn't able to completely take mine apart to drain them. And I don't know anything about how to completely disassemble and assemble them.

Its_not_a_honda · 06-11-2018, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pete

And off topic....
We need pics of your DR370....

..

Sure will. i will them on here soon.

05-27-2018, 08:08 AM	#1
Its_not_a_honda Join Date: Jan 2018 Posts: 410	Fork Upgrade Apollo 250 Anyone here ever changed the forks out for a different brand? I have heard of using KX85 but can't find any info. __________________ 2020 Kawasaki KLX300R, 2018 Yamaha TW200 If you want more of something, tax it less. If you want less of something, tax it more.
	0

05-27-2018, 02:02 PM	#2
Weldangrind Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Sardis, BC, Canada Posts: 25,977	According to https://www.kiwavmotors.com/en/faq/a...ube-size-chart , the '03-'11 KX85 uses 35mm forks. Is that a match? __________________ Weldangrind "I figure I'm well-prepared for coping with a bike that comes from the factory with unresolved issues and that rewards the self-reliant owner." - Buccaneer
	0

05-27-2018, 02:17 PM	#3
Megadan Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Omaha, NE Posts: 8,053	Can you get some measurements on the DB 36 forks? Diameter of the upper tubes where the triple clamps...clamp. Total length from top to axle center. With that info, it wouldn't be too hard to find a set of forks to work with. __________________ Hawk Information and Resource guide: http://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=20331 2018 Hawk 250 - Full Mod list here. http://www.chinariders.net/showpost....62&postcount=1 2024 Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 https://chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=34124
	0

05-27-2018, 10:28 PM	#5
Its_not_a_honda Join Date: Jan 2018 Posts: 410	On my 2017 apollo 250 the upper fork tube in the triple clamp measures .985 inch. At the bottom clamp measures 1.005 inch. Total length is 33 inches. __________________ 2020 Kawasaki KLX300R, 2018 Yamaha TW200 If you want more of something, tax it less. If you want less of something, tax it more.
	0

05-30-2018, 07:29 PM	#9
Its_not_a_honda Join Date: Jan 2018 Posts: 410	Are there any motorcycle junk yards near north carolina? All I can find is KX85 forks on ebay for $400 and something. Im not putting that much in it. I would like to be able to go somewhere and look and compare while holding up my original forks to another bike. That way I would have a better shot at getting what I need. __________________ 2020 Kawasaki KLX300R, 2018 Yamaha TW200 If you want more of something, tax it less. If you want less of something, tax it more.
	0

05-27-2018, 07:06 PM	#4
franque Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Marseille, France -> Conakry, Guinea Posts: 1,481	Dan, do you know of/have a list of anything like that? Just wondering because I'm thinking about trying to get a set of triple clamps that will work with the Chinese USD forks that doesn't have an oddball stem size.
	0

05-27-2018, 10:48 PM	#6
franque Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Marseille, France -> Conakry, Guinea Posts: 1,481	Uh, are you sure those numbers aren't about an inch shy? Those would be the smallest forks I've ever seen. You're not looking for the width of the clamping area, but the diameter of the circle.
	0

05-28-2018, 12:03 AM	#8
franque Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Marseille, France -> Conakry, Guinea Posts: 1,481	That makes a bit more sense... I'd defer to Dan on this one (I don't have an exhaustive list of sizes of forks that might fit in your triple trees), but it might make a bit more sense to look at a CR80/85/CRF150R/RM85 front end, which are commonly sourced for CRF230s... They're closer to playbike size, rather than full on mx length. I'd measure the od of the steering head bearings and compare to the CRF230, and if they're the same, use the tool on all balls racing.
	1

06-09-2018, 11:49 AM	#10
Its_not_a_honda Join Date: Jan 2018 Posts: 410	I did some experiments on my stock forks. I had already drained the original oil and put in 20 wt at 250ml a while back. I went riding on some of the roughest terrain I've ever attempted. I was following a guy on a Honda CRF450R. Notice I said following. I was really riding beyond what an Apollo 250 should be doing. 3 things to take note of. 1 Forks suck 2 Shock may as well be a steel rod 3 Engine is great Since then I have drained the forks again. I got some 5 wt oil. I decided to start low and go up very slowly on the millilitres. Started with 150 ml. Smooth with severe bottoming. 170 ml. Smooth with severe bottoming. This went on until I hit the 245 ml mark. Now I have smooth and hardly any bottoming. Well I guess it still bottoms out but it doesn't sound like I hit it with a hammer. I took it yesterday to a much calmer riding area. Forks are so much better. Not Honda level but getting there. Rear shock is going one way or another. I have ordered one for an X37 Apollo. This engine is amazing! I have switched the carb to a pumper. Put on a 12 tooth front sprocket. That is it. It pulled and ran flawless while following the 450 honda. If it wasn't for the suspension, I think I could have at least stayed in sight. __________________ 2020 Kawasaki KLX300R, 2018 Yamaha TW200 If you want more of something, tax it less. If you want less of something, tax it more.
	1

06-09-2018, 01:19 PM	#11
Weldangrind Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Sardis, BC, Canada Posts: 25,977	Do you intend to try a preload spacer? They're easy to make from PVC pipe. __________________ Weldangrind "I figure I'm well-prepared for coping with a bike that comes from the factory with unresolved issues and that rewards the self-reliant owner." - Buccaneer
	0

06-11-2018, 02:54 AM	#13
pete Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: ChCh , NZ Posts: 2,262	And off topic.... We need pics of your DR370.... .. __________________ 09 XT660R ... 06 TTR250 ... 80 Montesa H6 125 Enduro... 77 Montesa Cota 348 MRR "Malcom Rathnell Replica"... Current resto projects.. 81 Honda CT110... 80 Kawasaki KL250A1... 11 Husaburg TE125 enduro... "sold" along with another 31... Lifan 125 Pitbike.. "stolen" ... KIWI BIKER FORUM...... http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/content.php All the best offroad rides in NZ... http://www.remotemoto.com/ E-mail... xtpete1@gmail.com
	1

06-11-2018, 07:42 PM	#14
Douglass Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 375	Its_not_honda,. Could you do a write up with pictures next time you take apart the forks? I wasn't able to completely take mine apart to drain them. And I don't know anything about how to completely disassemble and assemble them.
	0