The pre 93 XR 200R's were a whole different bike than the new XR 200's today. Longer adjustable suspension I think is the major difference. The motors, for the most part, are much the same, except for the 79's, and the RFVC model around 1994 with the 250 frame.
Is there any company with kits or plans to remake one of the new, existing 200 XR's into something like, say the 1990 XR 200R, which had 36mm leading-axle, air adjustable Showa forks with 10 inch travel, and a Pro-Link rear suspension with Showa shock, fully adjustable,with 96 inch travel. Or is there some better suspension choices than this? I still need to research what other changes I would need, and would be glad to hear any input.
I see what Thumper Racing is offering for the little XR--total fork and shock modification,but I don't know how good this is, ...and I know the other extreme is BBR, which would probably be the expensive route. Anything inbetween here? Or is it as simple as buying the parts somewhere and a simple install? (I am a bad to mediocre mechanic.)
I'm thinking that having a newer XR, with a newer engine, and then converting it to the old style XR, with better suspension, might be a better idea then just finding a pre 93 XR 200 in really good shape. I could get into this project if it is at a reasonable cost, and appears to make sense. The goal is simply to make a lightweight (and nostalgic) thumper for the woods that steers and suspends like the XR's of yore--or even better. Any ideas?