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So I’m still pleased with my recent purchase of an X3. Been looking for a Kangu or Camel and it was close by and the right price. It’s sporting Aprilia Pegaso forks and front brake. Don’t suppose anyone knows the bike? The forks seem to do what they are supposed to albeit - not been off road yet. So a nagging doubt is creeping in - what was wrong with the original 35mm marzocchi’s. I have them, the yokes and original front brake disc and caliper and they look OK. I’m not a stickler for originality but they will be lighter and the big Pegaso front disc designed for a 650 could be interesting if given a big handful. The Aprillia forks are also USD with no protectors so will be vulnerable unless I find some gaiters to fit. So what problem was the bigger forks trying to solve? Don’t think the original ones are bent. Are early 90’s Pegaso USD forks the holy grail upgrade?
I do get wanting to improve a bike and maybe if they were from a ktm, gas gas, honda crf etc I would not be wondering why? Perhaps to make a better road bike? Anyhow - anyone with any experience of fork upgrades and if this is a sensible one? Pegaso forks are Marzocchi - 40mm I think.

I don't know the bike you have and can only assume the swap was done for a better front brake for road use. The original was never very powerful so I guess the Aprilia kit probably has a larger disc or better caliper etc. Best to road test it and get a feel for whether it suits your needs. No real need for 40mm stanchions and yes they will most likely be heavier. If it all works well though I'd not worry about originality either!

Think that bike was near my old stomping ground of Wroughton. Did the seller say why he’d fitted Pegaso USD forks and how does it ride?

Yeah, it came from that area. Would have been white originally, now black. The fork change was made to ‘improve ride and braking’. I have not lived with the bike long enough to really comment too much as I managed to come off on black ice and still waiting on my wrist to heal up and fitting a new front brake cable and lever/reservoir which were damaged in the slide down the road. Can’t blame that one on the forks and not sure modern rider aids would have kept me upright. I’ll get a few rides in and update…..