Compatibility question.

Questions and comments about converting to beefier forks..
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grump99
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Compatibility question.

Post by grump99 »

Sorry if this has already been asked, I could not find a specific answer. I won a '98 kx 250 wheel on e-bay. I was hoping to win matching forks and axle, but was out-bid. My question is, which year forks and/or axles are compatible with a "98 wheel? I plan on using my kdx brake caliper if that matters. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Tony.
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Colorado Mike
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Post by Colorado Mike »

You need your forks to answer what axle you need. Some mount differently. I used an '01 KX250 wheel, '03 KX125 forks, '03 KX125 axle and spacers, with the KDX caliper. The '03 forks are a lot different than some of the earlier years. When in doubt, get the axle and spacers to match your forks, they seem to change more than the hub from what I've seen. Plan on new wheel bearings and maybe a tire too.
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m0rie
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Post by m0rie »

For the 98 wheel without any machining any fork from 96 thru 98 (kx125 or 250) should fit without any problems.
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grump99
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Post by grump99 »

Thanks for the info guys!
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canyncarvr
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Post by canyncarvr »

I know of no one that has had a problem using the KDX caliper on KX forks...as long as you run the KDX style (high) brake line routing.

The KX caliper has a bit different º of banjo fitting I believe, for running under the LH fork leg.

CM: The '03's are 'a lot different' how? I know some of the differences, but do you have a mostly complete 1st grade primer that even I could follow?

Just curious.

Tanks!
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Colorado Mike
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Post by Colorado Mike »

Well, I thought the way the axle attaches is different for one, but after looking at your bike profile clicky, your 99's look pretty danged similar. I somehow got the idea that some KX's used a simple through-hole casting for the axle (maybe cuz that's how my kids little KX is) and some used a clamp similar to the KDX.

The upper triple clamp has the bolts coming in from the back, that seems different than some years, and I've been told the tube diameters are larger on '03s , maybe '02s too. How's that for absolute factual info? :blink:

The thing I don't understand about all this fork bizniz is, All the Jap bikes have forks made by two companies; KYB and Showa. So I would think the fork tubes themselves would be near identical for Spazooki, Kawy and Yo'mammaha. I could understand each manufracturer tweaking the handling a little with different steering angles etc., but would think the same tubes would just slide into the unique triple tree's, maybe a little manufacturer-specified valving, and bingo! Your special unique Sukawaha forks are new this year, just like everybody else's...But no. Everybody has a different way of putting the lower guards on, different way to run the brake line, axles all bolt in different... And we get to pay a bunch of extra money to help these guys keep the inventory straight. Look at Kawasaki motocrossers. If they have a camshaft, they route the brake line KDX style. If they have a KIPS valve, well simple, ya gotta run the brake line under the fork leg. WTF? :roll:

They just don't Czech with me.
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Post by Green Hornet »

CC-Remember the air in Colorado is thin, thus depriving CM of vital O2. So it seems alot different to him, than the rest of us. :rolleyes: :wink:
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Post by kingsxjt »

Are the KX brakes any "better"?
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Post by Ryan »

not really any differnce to me. I have used both, i just have the kx brakes because i like the way the brake line routes.
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Post by kingsxjt »

I'm studying on doing the swap also. In the process of having a low mount Scott's setup done. Should the KX forks have the same bolt pattern as my KDX? I'm thinking they do.
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