KDXRIDER.NET

Finally getting around to sorting out my entire suspension. I have had the '00 KX 125 forks for a few seasons now and am ready to fix it all. What is everyone doing about the rear shock. Leaving it alone with just clicker adjustments, revalve the KDX stock or install the RM125/250 Showa shock? Can't decide what to do before next years Harescramble season starts. Need some advice!

I don't think to many people are aware of the benefits of the showa rm rear shock mod and how easy it is. If you don't ride high speed stuff I would just revalve the stock but if you have some high speed whooped sections I say do it. You are only looking at maybe an extra 100 bucks total over a revalved stock shock

I made a KTM Ohlins shock work on mine and man-o-man was it a plush ride. It was perfect for the trails but I had to revalve it for motocross. I also had to make my own dog bones. Travel was 13 inches!

I don't really need it riding around with my boys since they are still very young and slow (for now). On the other hand, for harescrambles I'm thinking the Showa could begin to shine over the KDX stock if pushed hard. I'm having a hard time trying to decipher what is what with the RM shocks. I find conflicting information everywhere I look. I'm a little worried I'm going to run into some unknown complication besides just shortening the travel and adding a washer or two, especially if I don't end up picking the exact right shock off eBay.

as long as it came off 01-or 02 rm 125or250 it will fit , same shock. There is one on ebay for 65.00 or best ofer and one for 75.00 right now

osobad wrote:as long as it came off 01-or 02 rm 125or250 it will fit , same shock.

I've been looking also. I found some specs that showed KYB shocks on the 250 for 01 and 02. Everything I have seen shows Showas for the 125s, but looking at OEM parts listings they have two different complete shocks for 01 and 02 (E3 and E28 if I remember correctly). Looking at Suzuki parts listings/schematics are so confusing. My luck I would pick up one on eBay and it would be a basket case needing everything replaced and costing a small fortune. I know my KDX shock is 100% ok. I really need to just pull the trigger on a Showa and then there is no going back.

No issues on the top mounting bolt diameter and the Showa shock? Washer is easy but don't want to deal with bearings and sleeves.

When I first started looking in to it I was told by a suspension guy that the 125 and 250 were the same . When I got the shock it was said to come off a 250. I have herd that KYB was on some 250's so I know there is some confusion. I think I read an artical about some one several years ago that did the same mod but I don't know where it was. I know my shock is a showa, would a KYB work prob but it will need to shortend also but if it does not have the high speed circuit it wont be any better, If in doubt and you want to do the mod just get the 125 as I have never heard of them having the KYB in 01 and 02. I do know the showa off my 03 honda would not fit and neither would the KYB off my 07 yamaha. IF Ican find the artical or post of the mod I will pass it along but it has been awhile

Sorry for so many questions but the top shock mount is what is puzzling me. What did you use?

RM bearing and seals with KDX bolt and nut (plus washers)

KDX bushing with KDX bolt and nut (plus washers)

RM bearing, seals, bolt, nut, etc.

Just wandering how it all went together at the top shock mount?

There was another member here who also swapped a RM Showa shock but the last time he signed on was over 6 months ago. Can't remember the login off hand, "bradf" maybe?

washer on each side of top of shock .

Talked to my suspension guy by phone today and explained what I was looking at doing. He stated he had never heard of or done that swap on a KDX but that the return on the Showa would be worth the effort if I knew it would work without a lot of fabrications. I am planning on having it shortened 1", the KX forks shortened 0.75" and then both resprung and revalved for my weight and riding area. Looks like it's time to go eBay shopping. Hopefully I end up with the correct Showa shock and one that does not turn out to be a basket case. Wish me luck!

Good luck and report back with details!!


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2002 Suzuki RM125 Showa shock is inbound for a grand total of $68.99. Looks a little dirty in the pics but otherwise good...as far as I can tell. Stated "A" condition, no leaks, etc. Hopefully it is a suitable candidate. I would post the eBay link but I'm not sure it would go over very well here. We'll see what shows up at the house in however many days.

No worries with posting eBay links, that's totally acceptable. Hope the mod works out!

I'll be curious to see how that shock works out. I have just gathered the parts to put 98 rm showa conventionals on my H series.

you are gonna love the 98 showa front forks . the swap is no harder than kx fork swap. the combo of that rear shock and the front forks is unreal on the Kdx

Link to the shock I picked up. Hoping it's just a little dirty.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/121378969346

it should be fine as you your gonna have revalved and serviced anyway

Shock arrived today. Looks good as far as I can tell. It just needs a good cleaning. It appears through a very quick "close enough for gov't work" type measurement that it does need to be shortened by 1.0". Both ends will mount up but I can't mount it now because it is too long with the swing arm and linkage still in place. Hope to get it cleaned up over the next few days and then I'll post a pic of both side by side.

I know it has been a long time coming, but I am finally getting back on my RM shock conversion project. Cleaned up the Showa shock and just wanted to post a pic comparing it to the stock KDX shock. I hope to drop it off at the suspension shop fairly soon to be shortened, revalved and sprung (along with the forks) to have an awesome handling KDX for later this spring and summer.




larger pic in my gallery

I think you are going to love it ,especially in higher speed whoops ect. I love the RM Showa stuff on both ends