KDXRIDER.NET

Has anyone done this specific swap? I recently acquired a 2004 KXF-250 parts bike with a complete front end. Trying to determine if stem will need knurling, or if it just presses in. Also, it looks like Ron Black doesn't offer the axle mods (to use KDX wheel/odometer) for this particular conversion... will I have to use the KXF wheel, or can I have a local shop machine an appropriate spacer or whatever? Are these (KXF 250) forks a decent performance upgrade over my stock '96 200 forks? Any help appreciated!


Fred B.

That stem will need knurling

Yep, I would bet it needs knurling. You have a complete wheel from the KXF so just use it. It's much simpler than trying to fit the KDX wheel. Lastly, yes, it will be a huge improvement over the stock forks.

I will bet 7 thousands of an inch of my soul that it won't work.

Jason, it won't work without knurling? Or it won't work at all?


Fred B.

I just checked the All Balls Fork Conversion tool (http://www.allballsracing.com/index.php/forkconversion) and they aren't showing any bearings that would allow the KXF trees to mount directly to the KDX frame.

I guess its all going to come down to how the KDX stem is going to attach to the lower tree. I'd try to take some measurements to see how close the stems are on both bikes and see if knurling will be enough to make up the difference. Knurling only adds a couple thousands of thickness. If more than that is needed, you could likely look into making some specially machined pieces to make everything work (don't know how savvy you are with that kind of thing, a couple of ideas popped into my head, nothing cheap or easy though)

For an easy swap, people usually go the KX125(knurling)/250(knurling)/500(direct bolt on, no mods) swap, or the KLX forks, which I'm pretty sure will mount right up with different stem bearings.

Hope that helps, good luck with your swap! I'm interested to see if you can make this work.

I had a sleeve made to mount the KDX stem into an RM lower. The three pieces then press together (stem, sleeve, lower triple) to make one very stout lower assemble. I'd recommend this route over knurling every time.

In short, you can mount the 04 front end onto the kdx, the question is how much $$ and modification will it take.
Use the KX wheel, forget about using the KDX wheel (just sell it, or keep it with the stock front end). If you MUST have an odometer, get one for a bicycle or a Trail Tech unit.

Just send the stem and lower to Ron Black and be done with it. Don't overthink it.

Yeah, I guess 88 bucks ain't a bad deal. Probably much cheaper than I could get a local shop to do everything (press, knurling, bearing fit, and spacer). I'm not sure I like the knurling idea though. I'd feel better with just a tight press fit. Maybe I'll sell the KXF front end and look for a KX 500 instead. Hmmm....

What year range for the KX 500 forks?

One more question... could I just buy a KX 500 triple tree set and use the KXF forks, wheel, brakes? Anyone know if the forks are the same diameter?

Knurling isn't an issue. Plenty of bikes have used it with absolutely zero problems. The '04 front end is a very good upgrade. Again, don't overthink it.

As to whether the KX500 triples will work with what forks, I don't know. Maybe check in over on KXriders.com as there are a lot of KX500 owners over there.

That stem is a touch too narrow. (besides the height concerns)

Didn't knurl mine, my buddy used a Loctite product that worked fine