Xr400 forks on an e series KDX200

Questions and comments about converting to beefier forks..
Post Reply
Friedom
Supporting Member I
Supporting Member I
Posts: 803
Joined: 08:46 pm Nov 22 2015
Country:

Xr400 forks on an e series KDX200

Post by Friedom »

As the title says, I picked up a good condition ready to bolt on xr400 front end with applied racing triples. They've had some valve work done, and have heavier springs in them. But they're 43mm, will slide right into the kdx triples (If the applied racing triples don't work), and I have an axle, wheel, and caliper that will fit.
Should I throw them on and see what happens? They're 43mm showa cartridge forks with full compression and rebound damping adjusters. I would need to put it some lighter springs, as I'm maybe 160# geared up and they're sprung for about 220.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk
User avatar
SS109
KDXRider.net
KDXRider.net
Posts: 5770
Joined: 05:11 am Aug 23 2009
Country: USA
Location: Tucson, AZ, USA
Contact:

Xr400 forks on an e series KDX200

Post by SS109 »

If they have had that much done to them and they have full adjustability then they gotta be better than the stock forks. I say just slide them in the KDX triples and run them and see how you like them. If they're better then maybe pay the expense to use the Applied Racing triples.
Youtube Channel: WildAzzRacing
AZ State Parks & Trails OHV Ambassador - Trail Riders of Southern AZ
Current KDX: '98 KDX220
Old KDX: '90 KDX200 -White/Blue
'11 GasGas EC250R
Friedom
Supporting Member I
Supporting Member I
Posts: 803
Joined: 08:46 pm Nov 22 2015
Country:

Re: Xr400 forks on an e series KDX200

Post by Friedom »

SS109 wrote:If they have had that much done to them and they have full adjustability then they gotta be better than the stock forks. I say just slide them in the KDX triples and run them and see how you like them. If they're better then maybe pay the expense to use the Applied Racing triples.
Thanks K. I don't know what the stem bore sizes are on the triples, but I have a press so maybe it'll all magically line up and fit. I don't know if these forks are longer, but as you said it will probably be better. I have to address the spring issue though. How universal are springs? Can I swap in the stock springs from my kdx? I've got a pair of stock springs from a dr350se around. I guess some measuring is in order.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk
User avatar
SS109
KDXRider.net
KDXRider.net
Posts: 5770
Joined: 05:11 am Aug 23 2009
Country: USA
Location: Tucson, AZ, USA
Contact:

Xr400 forks on an e series KDX200

Post by SS109 »

I'm not sure what year of XR forks you have but on Racetech's website it shows a 98 KDX uses the same springs as a 98 XR400 so it looks like it might work.
Youtube Channel: WildAzzRacing
AZ State Parks & Trails OHV Ambassador - Trail Riders of Southern AZ
Current KDX: '98 KDX220
Old KDX: '90 KDX200 -White/Blue
'11 GasGas EC250R
User avatar
KDXGarage
KDXRider.net
KDXRider.net
Posts: 14047
Joined: 06:45 am Nov 01 2004
Country: United States of America
Location: AL, USA
Contact:

Re: Xr400 forks on an e series KDX200

Post by KDXGarage »

I say masure preload on the XR400R springs and adjust if need be, then ride it like it is. Maybe a little too stiff would be better than way too soft? Stock E springs suck (insert favorite color, such as GREEN) (favorite pack animal, such as DONKEY) (insert favorite sports items, such as BALLS).
Thank you for participating on kdxrider.net. :bravo:
To post pictures from a device: viewtopic.php?f=88&t=24128
Friedom
Supporting Member I
Supporting Member I
Posts: 803
Joined: 08:46 pm Nov 22 2015
Country:

Re: Xr400 forks on an e series KDX200

Post by Friedom »

SS109 wrote:I'm not sure what year of XR forks you have but on Racetech's website it shows a 98 KDX uses the same springs as a 98 XR400 so it looks like it might work.
Xr4 used same equipment across the production run AFAIK. But do E series KDX use the same springs as H series? (USD notwithstanding)

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk
User avatar
SS109
KDXRider.net
KDXRider.net
Posts: 5770
Joined: 05:11 am Aug 23 2009
Country: USA
Location: Tucson, AZ, USA
Contact:

Xr400 forks on an e series KDX200

Post by SS109 »

Racetech lists a different spring for the E-series conventionals which is odd. I was pretty sure the forks were identical from '89 up other than the USD '93-'94 forks. However, the alternate spring they list is the same for H and E-series. You might give them a call to find out what the difference is.
Youtube Channel: WildAzzRacing
AZ State Parks & Trails OHV Ambassador - Trail Riders of Southern AZ
Current KDX: '98 KDX220
Old KDX: '90 KDX200 -White/Blue
'11 GasGas EC250R
Friedom
Supporting Member I
Supporting Member I
Posts: 803
Joined: 08:46 pm Nov 22 2015
Country:

Re: Xr400 forks on an e series KDX200

Post by Friedom »

I recall learning that post-93 are cartridge forks.

I have gotten lost on Race Tech's site without gleaning much useful many times. The heat must be effecting my Google fu (It's over 100 outside just about every day now).
Last edited by Friedom on 12:24 am May 25 2017, edited 1 time in total.
User avatar
KDXGarage
KDXRider.net
KDXRider.net
Posts: 14047
Joined: 06:45 am Nov 01 2004
Country: United States of America
Location: AL, USA
Contact:

Re: Xr400 forks on an e series KDX200

Post by KDXGarage »

And now, for some first hand experience... :mrgreen:

FOR USA MODELS... :blink:

1986 - 1992 springs will fit in 1995 - 2006.

1995 - 2006 will fit in 1986 - 1992, NOT 1993 - 1994.

XR400R will NOT fit in 1993 - 1994.

Race Tech 3750 will NOT fit in 1993 - 1994.

Race Tech 3647 and the ones Fredette used to sell will work in 1989 - 2006.

Eibach 996 will work in 1986 - 1992 and 1995 - 2006, NOT 1993 - 1994.

Honda XR400R will work in 1986 - 1992, 1995 - 2006.



BADA BING, BADA BOOM! :drinkers:
Thank you for participating on kdxrider.net. :bravo:
To post pictures from a device: viewtopic.php?f=88&t=24128
User avatar
SS109
KDXRider.net
KDXRider.net
Posts: 5770
Joined: 05:11 am Aug 23 2009
Country: USA
Location: Tucson, AZ, USA
Contact:

Re: Xr400 forks on an e series KDX200

Post by SS109 »

Jason wrote:And now, for some first hand experience... :mrgreen:
Well, it's about time you chimed in, slacker! :mrgreen:
Youtube Channel: WildAzzRacing
AZ State Parks & Trails OHV Ambassador - Trail Riders of Southern AZ
Current KDX: '98 KDX220
Old KDX: '90 KDX200 -White/Blue
'11 GasGas EC250R
CFH6604
Member
Posts: 8
Joined: 10:29 am Dec 14 2015
Country: USA
Location: Cumming, GA

Re: Xr400 forks on an e series KDX200

Post by CFH6604 »

XR600R springs will fit too.
I had some (.41-42kg IIRC) in my H2. They were much longer than the stock springs, so it eliminated the need for a spacer. All spring.
It was super plush.
Friedom
Supporting Member I
Supporting Member I
Posts: 803
Joined: 08:46 pm Nov 22 2015
Country:

Re: Xr400 forks on an e series KDX200

Post by Friedom »

CFH6604 wrote:XR600R springs will fit too.
I had some (.41-42kg IIRC) in my H2. They were much longer than the stock springs, so it eliminated the need for a spacer. All spring.
It was super plush.
I see this science is as precise as I was hoping it would be.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk
Post Reply