Zongshen 200GY-2: Lower Fork Protectors

[SpudRider]

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.



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

[MICRider]

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)

[Vash]

Originally Posted by MICRider

I think I would go for black, it would go nicely with your Clarke tank.

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.

[Weldangrind]

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.

[SpudRider]

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.



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.



Next, a side view of the black fork guards.



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



Here is a front view of the black fork protectors.



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

Spud

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by MICRider

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)

Thank you, Stew.

Spud

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Vash

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.

Thank you for your input, Vash.

[Wild_Alaskan]

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?

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Wild_Alaskan

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?

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?

Spud

[BrianW]

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

[Weldangrind]

My vote is for black.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by BrianW

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

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

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

[Weldangrind]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

I would rather install an XT225/TT-R225 engine; it should bolt right in.

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

End of hijack.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

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

End of hijack.

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

[recracer]

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