Will 02-8 Crf450 suspension fit a 1999 cr500?

I did the same thing on my 500, the forks fit my triples just fine. As I recall, CamP had to shim his triples with a wrap of beer can aluminum. Try it without first, and see where you are at. If it needs shimming, do so. Not sure if you have the entire front end off the 08, or just the forks, but I had the entire front end. I just swapped it all, so I can't tell you if the 500 wheel, spacers, axle and brakes fit the 450 forks.

I did my swap a few years ago, and I no longer run my steely, but I'll tell you what I can, from memory. I put a fork from each bike, side by side, to get an idea of how to set the height in the clamps, for the new Twin Chambers. You want the dimension of axle center in the lug, to the to scribe circle on both, so you can set your height in the clamp. This affects your turning, obviously, but as I recall, I pulled mine up fairly high in the clamps. "Oversteer" is never a problem in a CR500. I just made sure the front wheel didn't hit the fender. As I recall, I think the TC's have taller stanchions, because I run a REAL tall bar mount, ""( I'm 6' 6" ) as in 4" taller, and I was glad I did, because protrusion was substantial.

Was it worth it? Damn skippy it was! The bike became so much more rider friendly, and I was able to push so much harder on a bike I already knew well, and the difference was amazing. Confidence went through the roof, and the TC's were valved by the same suspension guy I'd used for years, so it wasn't part of the equation. I wouldn't even blink, to do this swap, if I were you, especially if you have the whole front end.

I never did the shock, I put them side by side, and I think the 450 shock is shorter, so I didn't get involved. Having said that, I wouldn't be surprised if the 99 shocks performance would be all that bad in comparison, if it's fine mechanically, and valved for you. Shock technology hasn't progressed like the forks have. However, I'm on a CR500 FB page, ( a closed group ) and some guy did do the swap. I believe he lowered the top mount to make it work, but I think a custom made clevis might also work, if it's not too expensive. That, personally, is the route I'd go. Hope all this helps, good luck, and don't hesitate to do the front end swap. You won't regret it.

I do not, but I think I compared the offset of the two, and they probably looked close. In any case, I was going to do that swap regardless, and it worked out very well. Now bear in mind, and I forgot this until now, your fork lugs will have 2 mil less offset than my 04. That may necessitate having your forks lower in the triples, because your geometry will definitely be affected. I'd say throw them on, drop them low, and ride it. See what you think, and if you think it could turn better, with no handling issues at speed, raise them.

You might find that the 08 lug setting may mimic the 99 fork lug. Put the forks on, and go test the set up. Ride cautiously, get a feel for the set up, and go from there.