KDX 220 fork swap newb questions

[abc_was_here]

So ive tried to beat the search option but I am coming up short on the information I need. I just acquired a 1997 KDX 220 for 600 bucks. Little rough but runs great. Anyway my bike ive ridden for the last few years has been a 99 RM 250. I think it is just time for a rebuild thats kinda why I bought the KDX something to play with and ride while I spruce up my RM the it'll be the KDX 220 turn if I enjoy it and let my Dad ride it. He's kicking himself for selling his CRF now.

Anyway my question, the forks on the 220 are way to soft! doesnt help that I snapped one of the bleed scres on it today. I was already looking into a Fork swap soo Ive read many times that the KX 500 forks and triple clamps bolt right up. Now my question I can I use the KX 500 triple clamps and use either kx125 or kx250 Fork tubes? ive read they are 46mm? I am just wondering if anyone has done this before?

Any info is appreciated.

[tommyd]

I'm not sure but I just got some 01' KX500 forks and clamps so I can measure anything you want me to before I install them in a couple weeks.

They were delivered last night while I was changing out my hot water heater so I didn't have much time to check them out. I did notice that KX250 was cast into the bottom of the upper. I will check out the lower tonight when I get home...

[dude541]

kx500 97-04 uses 46mm, 91-96 uses 43mm, 90 uses 41mm.

so whatever year triples you get will determine what forks you can use,kx 250 forks change to 48mm at 2002,same for the 125.

if it was me i would get forks from a 94-96,reason why? you can use your kdx front brake caliper and disc! save a few $$$$$,but you would still need the kx wheel,axle to complete it.
best regards
john

[tommyd]

kx500 97-04 uses 46mm, 91-96 uses 43mm, 90 uses 41mm.

so whatever year triples you get will determine what forks you can use,kx 250 forks change to 48mm at 2002,same for the 125.

if it was me i would get forks from a 94-96,reason why? you can use your kdx front brake caliper and disc! save a few $$$$$,but you would still need the kx wheel,axle to complete it.
best regards
john

since the forks have a taper in the legs the distance between the triple needs to be close as well as the diameter. I don't know if they are but my 2001 KX500 upper has "KX250" cast right into it so I suspect they are the same.

I also just bolted my 1995 KDX front caliper to the 01' forks so I'm not sure what will work with what.

[dude541]

the caliper and mount will be fine for your 2001 kx 500 forks.

the guy above mentioned that he may use 500 triples,then maybe 125 or 250 forks,most the kx 125-250 range use the same caliper mount,but the caliper itself changes,apart from 94-96 where you could use the kdx caliper also (125-250 forks)

best regards
john

[tommyd]

the caliper and mount will be fine for your 2001 kx 500 forks.

the guy above mentioned that he may use 500 triples,then maybe 125 or 250 forks,most the kx 125-250 range use the same caliper mount,but the caliper itself changes,apart from 94-96 where you could use the kdx caliper also (125-250 forks)

best regards
john

Ok... I got it now!

I'm glad I'm done with the conversion. There's a lot to remember