Ok I got my new CR150, and yes it had the Kayaba units on it. However Halls had a new set of 50mm Marzocchi twin chamber forks on the shelve along with triple clamps, and since my WR125 (with 144 kit) had the Zokes (and Iv'e had Zokes for years) I asked if I could have those forks instead (revalved to my liking of course) Jay being the great guy he is said yes. Which fork works better and why (for OFF-Road riding NOT Moto) Was the jump to Kayaba just a marketing device because of magizine winers or what?? Was it a stupid move?? I am happy that I have the Zokes, just want to know which fork really is better and why?????? Thanks
Interesting question and Halls sounds very good to swap the forks ... Probably just personal perference on the forks ... Seems like the Pros go ~more for the Zokes ... ZipTy uses them I think and I saw a pic of a EU 449 SM racer with them also.... The 250 TCs being raced in MX2 in EU have the KYBs ... Most riders here seem to always like the KYBs best right out of the box ... Most reports say they are a more cushioned ride where the Zokes are stiffer ... KYBs are also reported to be the same forks from the asian bikes from a few yrs back ... Not sure why the change but everyone seems OK with them ... If you are gonna re-valve them, probably don't matter which way U go .... I have the closed chamber Zokes ... No revalving and I just change the oil level and play with the stack some to get a ride I like or at least can deal with ...
I have had several pairs of both. Like them both about the same. The open chamber 48 KYB are very good off road forks. The TC Zokes are also very nice and more controlled at higher speeds but maybe a little less plush for trail work. Kind of a toss up IMHO. Both very good. The KYB's seems to keep seals longer. Thats a tough one.
its all about set up and dial in. and personal preference to what works for you. all these modern forks are good. I think ZipTy uses the 48mm works forks from marzocchi, they are not as stiff/harsh as the 50mms. Also Ty is suppoeted from suspension by Pedro (Pietro) who is the suspension tuner to the stars of MotoGP,WEC,MXGP, when you have a tech like that you are really good to go.
i have had the marz twin chamber 50 and now have the kyb 48 twin chamber forks.i liked the marz alot but not till they were well broken in which took a long time.the kyb forks at first seemed not as impressive as i expected.kind of missed the zokes but after about a dozen rides i am now comfortable with the kyb units and would tell you to keep them.seems like the zokes need about 100 hours to work smoothly.just my opinion.dan
thanks for the input. I already had Halls do the swap when I got my bike, so the zokes will do. Worked well on my revalved wr144. Just was curious if I made a mistake switching to them (zokes are all I have ever had) Sounds like a coin toss!! Thanks everyone
