120mm fork on a 1997/8 King Kahuna - is it safe?

[Monkeeee01]

Hi all, I’m currently gathering parts for my KK build (mock up pic below with my SID team which I’m not sure if it’s a 80mm or 100mm travel).

I want the bike to be a rider so putting modern parts and bigger tyres on it but my question is ‘can I safely put longer travel forks on it’?

I’ve got my eye on a pair of Fox 120mm Factory Series forks, which are obviously beefier than the SIDs and I think would make it a much better ride. But I’ve read that longer travel forks can put more stress on the frame - I am assuming that the Ti KK frame would be fine but wanted to check with the experts on here?

(I know it would make the steering a bit less responsive, but I’m cool with that as I think the slacker head tube angle and longer travel would enable me to ride it a bit harder - not that I would be riding it really hard as I live in the South of the Uk and it’s mostly all just single track around Stanmer Park and some XC across the South Downs)

What’s people’s thoughts please?

Thanks

 

[Monkeeee01]

Help?

 

[Takingabreak]

My thoughts are to go with it as the KK has the reinforced downtube where it meets the head tube, however, that's easy for me to jump in and say that because it's not my bike...

 

[d8mok]

In 98 I had a new Zaskar LE which I fitted a Z1 Bam with a wopping 100mm. This was classed as being over- forked back then and I was told by my LBS that if i snap the headtube off don’t come knocking.

Anyway my point is ….. back in 98 a 100mm was too much. As time passes we get used to higher travel but the frames remain the same.

Personally I wouldn’t risk it. I’d go 100 max.

 

[longun]

It'll be safe but will affect geometry and handling to a point

 

[Takingabreak]

You should probably follow D8moks advice. When I had a Hei Hei the most fork I ever used was an 80mm Manitou R7, but the Hei Hei didn't have the gusset

 

[Monkeeee01]

In 98 I had a new Zaskar LE which I fitted a Z1 Bam with a wopping 100mm. This was classed as being over- forked back then and I was told by my LBS that if i snap the headtube off don’t come knocking.

Anyway my point is ….. back in 98 a 100mm was too much. As time passes we get used to higher travel but the frames remain the same.

Personally I wouldn’t risk it. I’d go 100 max.

But a Zaskar is Aluminum right?

 

[Monkeeee01]

You should probably follow D8moks advice. When I had a Hei Hei the most fork I ever used was an 80mm Manitou R7, but the Hei Hei didn't have the gusset

Anyone know off hand what travel on a 97/98 KK?

Assume it was 80 or 100mm?

 

[Monkeeee01]

@al-onestare do you have a view on if the KK would be ok with a 120mm fork?

 

[Takingabreak]

Anyone know off hand what travel on a 97/98 KK?

Assume it was 80 or 100mm?

have you looked at the catalogue in the archive?