RD350R fork query

[jimblob]

Hi Guys,

I’m hoping someone with experience of working on the rd350r YPVS (1995 - Brazil) model may be able to offer me some advice on my fork rebuild.

I purchased some lc2 fork stanchions from Norbo so that I can fit renthal bars. However on trying to fit them back together I discovered both the fork springs, rebound springs and even the spring spacers are too wide to fit inside the lc2 stanchions. We’re talking 1-2mm too wide. Even the damper rods appear to be a tight fit. I know there are a few differences between the R model and previous models (The headset bearings are completely different sizes). I wondered if anyone knows if the fork internals could be different as well.

Does anyone know how wide an lc2 fork spring is.

Any advice greatfully received

Cheers

Jim

[crogthomas]

I and many others have mixed forks uppers, lowers and springs over the years without seemingly encountering this problem. It seems odd.

The LC2 spring is a different length and rate to the F2/R spring, so it is conceivable that it might have a different OD, but the damper rods should be the same. Damper rods did differ in the number and location of the oil holes in them on the different models, but I don't think the diameter was any different.

I don't have a LC2 spring to hand, but I do have:
F1 spring 28.3mm OD
F2 spring 28.3mm OD
'Progressive' brand spring 26.0mm OD

[jimblob]

Hi crogthomas,

Thanks for the info. I really appreciate it 👍

I’ve measured my fork springs and rebound springs (with a tape measure!!) and they are both a smidge over 28mm. There is no way they are going down the fork stanchion. The progressive spring width you’ve given looks like it will fit the stanchion though.

If anyone knows the width of a lc2 fork spring and the rebound spring that would be great.

If they are all 28.3mm I’ll have to get some narrower progressive springs and look at getting some rebound springs made by someone.

Thanks again

Jim

[mt]

Just measured a spare pair of LCII springs at 26.5mm. I had the same problem with the rebound spring and damper rod and ended up buying 2 scruffy pairs of LCII forks to get the rods and springs.

[jimblob]

Cheers for doing that mt 👍

I thought I was going crazy when the bits wouldn’t fit.

I’ll have a look on flea bay and may need to place a wanted add.

Thanks again.

Jim