CR85 Inverted fork convertion

DarkCRF · Posted: Sat Nov 26, 2011 8:49 am Post subject: CR85 Inverted fork convertion

So finally, the project start today with this purchase...

CR85R 2004 front end for 50$

to be fit on my girlfriend CRF150F 2011

So I've got a lot of question, if some can share his experience. Tone consultant give me a lot of answer, but if some do it otherways feel free to reply.

150F or 85R brake line, front caliper and disk?
Can I use the 150F steering stem bearing ?
Best way to fit the key switch (except a Regner top clamp) ?
Front fender and fork protector, 150R one gonna fit ?
150F front number plate still fit well?

For now, I know I must press out the steam shaft
Collar kit for my 150F wheels
Probably a caliper bracket
.40 Fork spring (My girlfriend is a novice 120 lbs)

I miss something ?

DarkCRF · Posted: Sun Nov 27, 2011 5:04 am Post subject:

nobody?

Old Dude · Posted: Sun Nov 27, 2011 9:14 am Post subject:

Here's what I did. First off I'm cheap and have done the modification 2 ways. Trust me, the easiest (not cheapest)is the Engineering way. Send the 85 triple clamps to Reger Engineering for modification to work in the 150F frame. They press out the stem, (and ultimately back in) machine the lower clamp so that the stem presses further up into it to make it stick out the top so that the top nut can be threaded on. I ordered their caliper adapter and axle sleeve kits. Then I went to Napa Auto Parts and got a Heli Coil kit (needed to modify the fork leg to accept the 150F brake caliper). Read the instructions (followed the instructions) and bolt it together using the 150F wheel, 85 axle and brake line. I used the 150F number plate and 85 fork protectors. You can move the ignition module from the steer tube (I put mine under the tank on the frame support) make a steering stop to bolt in the place of the ignition module (I made mine out of an 'L' bracket). I used the 150F fender. Re the springs. Go to Race Techs web site and using their calculator get the appropriate spring rate and buy them where ever you can get them cheapest. I used the 85 rear shock. Redrill the lower clevis (up approx 3/4") and bolt it on (does not work with the 06 and later 150Fs because of battery box interference).

O.D.

DarkCRF · Posted: Sun Nov 27, 2011 9:44 am Post subject:

Allright thanks for the great info...

The steering stem bearing seems really different than my 150F, can still use it with the 85 clamp ?

For the stem modification. I'm a mecanic and I have a 12 ton press at work. I only have to press it 1/4?

For the spring rate I used the Racetech spring calculator with this equation

CR85 2004 : 145 lbs
CRF150F 2011 : 230 lbs
Difference : 85 lbs

Riders : 115 lbs
Reference weight for spring calculator : 118+85 = 200 lbs

This give me something near .40 kg. With this info I plan to buy Honda 150RB optional spring .38 kg

It's ok for a novice female trail riders ?

Old Dude · Posted: Sun Nov 27, 2011 8:59 pm Post subject:

The 150F and CR85 use the same stem bearings. If you have a press and milling machine you can do the mod yourself. I'm not sure how much farther it has to be pressed in. The stem has a shoulder on it and the cup into which it is pressed must be machined deeper. 'm not sure of the depth needed or whether the shoulder is machined as well to maintain as much of the lower clamp as possible. It should be s a simple process to determine that. Before you do anything stick the CR85 trilpes in the 150 frame and see how much you need to machine.
Re the springs. I would contact RaceTech for their opinion on springs. They have always been very helpful. My wife is a beginner so I didn't do anything to the forks or shock. They work okay for her and frankly, I'm not sure she would notice improvement. When she gets better I will modify them for her Or I might just modify them for me and let her ride my little bike
O.D.

silstarnz · Posted: Sun Nov 27, 2011 9:46 pm Post subject: Stem Bearings

Thanks for that info old dude,

I was a bit worried as the cr85 forks i purchased bearings were a lot wider than the crf230f bearings although they seamed to have the same taper.

do i need to replace the racers if i use new bearings for an cr85?

in relation to the bike weight i was recomended .42's by reger engineering and thats what i brought in the end. my weight is 190LB and its for a 230 and i told i wasnted something firm but i guess we will see.

Is there anyway to verify the part numbers of the forks to tell what year they are the part number for the gold coloured part of the forks are different year to year

DarkCRF · Posted: Mon Nov 28, 2011 3:18 am Post subject:

See this picute, you gonna understand why I'm worried about stem bearing

CRF150F 2011

CR85R 2004

Old Dude · Posted: Mon Nov 28, 2011 6:49 am Post subject:

I see your concern. I would test fit the upper CR85 and 150 bearings on the 150 stem and put them in the frame to see if both are compatable.

silstarnz · Posted: Mon Nov 28, 2011 7:14 am Post subject: bearings

if you look for bearings for say 2005 cr85 i think you will find they are the same as a crf230f 2005

Old Dude · Posted: Mon Nov 28, 2011 7:59 am Post subject:

The issue is that he has a 2011 150F. However looking at Service Hondas online parts it would appear that there has been a superseding of the old part number to a new number and that they are compatable thru 2009 It may be just a slight change in configuration or materials, anything that deviates from the original unit will result in the original being superseded by the new part. A simple test fitting should give you your answer.
O.D.

DarkCRF · Posted: Mon Nov 28, 2011 3:25 pm Post subject:

The only matter it's the bike is store for the winter away from home and I have a big order for my CRF250R, but I'm gonna wait for the 150F

Hondacrfrider · Posted: Tue Nov 29, 2011 5:39 pm Post subject:

http://www.crfsonly.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=28811
maby this thred can help you