what forks to use

[Eric K]

I put a set of '07 YZ450 forks on my '06 EC300. Stock valving and springs as far as I can tell. I cleaned them out, put in new oil and new fork seals.

The YZ forks are light years ahead of the 45mm Zokes. They are way more stable and track straight where I point the front wheel. The YZ forks work much better at any speed, under any condition, from riding rocks on 4x4 rock crawl courses to skipping across the tops of whoops. They absorb whoops and huge trail chop without any complaints or front end deflection. They rock!


This is what I did...

Installed Yamaha 2007 YZ450F 48mm forks and 2009 YZ450F triple clamps. The later year triple clamps (around 2009) had 2 bar mount positions. Please note that around 2010 Yamaha changed the upper fork tube outside diameter so you need to check on triple clamp & fork compatibility if you match from different years.

I welded on a steering rotation stop from a 1985 CR500 frame that was lying around. I left the old bearing race in when welding. However, it still distorted the bearing race housing in the frame that required some die grinder work to open up.

I used Bearing Connections steering head bearings for a 2009 YZ450.

I used the 2006 stock GasGas wheel and brake rotor. This required...
1) Installation of the smaller bearings. I used a Moose bearing set for a 2001 GasGas front wheel.
2) Install front brake Braking bracket POW13.
3) 2006 YZ250F axle

I also needed a YZ front fender.

These forks have spoiled me. It was well worth the cost and effort.