Aircooled conversion

Questions and comments about converting to beefier forks..
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s10gto
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Aircooled conversion

Post by s10gto »

My buddy wants to convert his 82KDX250 to a newer front end, He can't buy springs for his weight and would also like a front disk. What front end should we be looking for? If some machining is needed thats not a problem. Thanks

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Re: Aircooled conversion

Post by hbgod »

looks like the later air cooled forks would fit(front disk) Maybe the yz250f swap could fit. Theres a thread on that somewhere.
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Re: Aircooled conversion

Post by s10gto »

I think as long as he goes 86 and newer he can get springs. USD's would be nice.
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Re: Aircooled conversion

Post by hbgod »

actually if you can wait till spring i have my stock 86 forks if he wants to see if they will fit. I have 86kx125 forks on my bike right now. And if they do fit then he could either go with a set of those or do the yz swap.
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Aircooled conversion

Post by s10gto »

Cool! I appreciate that. :mrgreen:
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Re: Aircooled conversion

Post by hbgod »

No problem. Hell even if we just meetup for a ride he can atleast compare size and height and whatnot so he knows they will actually fit
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Aircooled conversion

Post by s10gto »

Now that sounds like a plan! :mrgreen:
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Re: Aircooled conversion

Post by KDXGarage »

I doubt it is any different than the other KDX-KX front end conversion threads??

Funny you should mention fork springs. A few hours ago, I was cleaning a set of stock KLR650 fork springs. They are 491mm long and 30.9mm OD. I bought them in case I ever got around to working on some KDX 38mm forks.

That is still a really nice KDX, tell your friend! :supz:

What has your friend found on springs? What is his weight in full gear? Did he check with www.cannonracecraft.com?

Would these work from Race Tech (FRSP 3055) They are 30mm x 550mm. They come in a rate as high as .52 Kg/mm.
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Aircooled conversion

Post by s10gto »

He call around and it is the Dia. that is the problem. He's about 250. after 85 or so the kdx got larger Dia. tubes and you can get springs. He would like USD's as he gets alot of flex. Most likely just going to find a set of later USD's and go for it. I got a machine shop in the family so I will make them fit.

His rear shock was blown and you can't get parts for the same reason. We fitted a later KDX200 shock that we rebuilt and sprung with a 5.4.

quote="Jason"]
That is still a really nice KDX, tell your friend! :supz: [/quote]

Thanks I will. :grin:

Bike was restored last winter.
Last edited by s10gto on 07:39 pm Feb 16 2015, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Aircooled conversion

Post by KDXGarage »

I think the KDX250 shock was rebuildable, just not easy to find parts for. I have to get around to dissecting one, one day. :grin:

I remember the thread on the rebuild. I asked about the spark arrestor.

Good luck on the rebuild.
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Re: Aircooled conversion

Post by s10gto »

Jason wrote:I think the KDX250 shock was rebuildable, just not easy to find parts for. I have to get around to dissecting one, one day. :grin:

I remember the thread on the rebuild. I asked about the spark arrestor.

Good luck on the rebuild.
Thanks!
Yup parts was the problem. looked everywhere for a head seal. Nothing for 85 and older. 86 and up 200 no problem. Got a seal from Allballs. After oil and a refill worked great. We just had to redirect the oil hose. Worked out better anyway as the 250 shock had no rebound adjuster and the 200 does.

Also what worked out well is he is 6+ft tall and the 200 shock was a bit longer. Made the bike a little taller and fits him nicely.

I try to ride it @5.7 and look like a little kid trying to ride dads bike... :? :grin:
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Re: Aircooled conversion

Post by KDXGarage »

Did you happen to take any pictures of that shock? I am curious to see the inside.

The piston on 1986 - 1988 is that odd-ball early - mid 80's kind instead of the modern style from 1989+ KDX. It looks so old. :oops: :roll:
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Aircooled conversion

Post by s10gto »

No pic but looked just like 86 200 shock. The 250's hose was just a little different. The 250 tube was larger and no one had a head seal.
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Re: Aircooled conversion

Post by KDXGarage »

Thanks for the info.
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