Zongshen 200GY-2: Lower Fork Protectors
 

My Zongshen 200GY-2 motorcycle arrived equipped with lower fork guards. However, I never liked their clunky design, so I have never installed them. ;) I have discovered if you aren’t following someone kicking up a lot of roost, the lower fork guards are less critical. I have now traveled over 22,500 miles on my Zong, and my lower fork tubes are in pristine condition. However, I do realize I might have been quite lucky to avoid any problems! ;) Therefore, I am experimenting with modifying some KTM, lower fork protectors to install on my Zong. ;)

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/q...kGuards006.jpg

My very practical, good friend Andy has suggested that I can attach the lower fork guards quite securely with hose clamps. However, for esthetic purposes, I am inclined to drill and tap several holes for some 6mm, button head screws. ;) What do you gentlemen think? Also, which color should I choose: KTM orange, black, or silver?

Spud :)

Ahhh.... I knew you would be modding something again soon! :) I think I would go for black, it would go nicely with your Clarke tank. I would also be tempted to go with Andy's idea of attaching them with hose clamps... You could maybe paint em to match the covers so that they don't stand out too much? Tapping and bolting would look better, but then if you decide you don't want the covers on you have holes in your lower legs... Up to you, but a great addition to an already awesome looking bike! 8)

Novel idea MICRider, I had the exact same thought. However, I particularly like the looks of the orange protectors in the photo.

My vote goes for orange.

Before I offer a colour preference, may we see a Photoshop version of both in a side view of the bike?

BTW, I like socket head cap screws. :D

Ask, and ye shall receive, WG. :)

First, I need to supply some preliminary information. KTM offers lower fork protectors in two styles. The newer style is a full cover fork guard, which is shown in the first photograph.

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/q...ds014-Copy.jpg

The second style is the older, half cover fork guard. I ordered the older, half cover style from the local KTM dealer; however, the parts supplier sent the full cover style by mistake. :roll: Therefore, I decided to experiment with the full cover fork guards, just to see how they looked, and fit. ;) As I suspected, the full cover guards are too big, and would need to be trimmed quite a lot. :( Therefore, I am returning them in exchange for the half cover fork protectors I originally ordered. ;) The retouched photographs below approximate the appearance of the older, half cover, fork protectors I plan to install. ;) First, a side view of the KTM Orange fork guards.

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/q...sKTMOrange.jpg

Next, a side view of the black fork guards.

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/q...uardsBlack.jpg

Here is a front view of the KTM Orange fork protectors.

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/q...kGuards006.jpg

Here is a front view of the black fork protectors.

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/q...ds006Black.jpg

I didn’t get good results trying to photoshop the silver protectors. In any event, I would prefer either black, or KTM Orange. ;)

Spud :)

Thank you, Stew. :)

Spud :)

Thank you for your input, Vash. :)

sound like a good mod for your zong! i know my gy-5 fork tubes would not be in good condition without mine. 8)

when are you going to throw in a high comp piston or a racing cam? :lol:

Thank you, WA. :) I would rather install an XT225/TT-R225 engine; it should bolt right in. ;) Do you know where I can get one at a good price? :lol:

Spud :)

I vote for black. But for the sake of saving time and effort, orange looks good, too. 8)

My vote is for black.

Thank you for your input, gentlemen. :) I enjoy polls, so I think I will add one to this thread. If you have the time, please vote in the poll. :)

Spud :)

Spud, if you move forward with a 225 engine anytime soon, I'd like to place dibs on the Zong engine.

End of hijack. :D

You have first dibs, WG. :) However, I don't anticipate making the change; I am happy with the 200cc engine. ;)

Thank you for voting. :)

Spud :)

looking at the pictures . i think i'd like the orange . posted orange in the poll.