Steering stem nut torque

Questions and comments about converting to beefier forks..
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wanaride
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Steering stem nut torque

Post by wanaride »

I learned today that the 2004 KX125 (supplier of the front end on my bike) has a steering stem nut (on top of the upper clamp) torque value of 58ft-lbs. I can't remember the KDX value, but 58ft-lbs seems WAAAYYY strong to me. Matter of fact, that is the same torque value as for the front axle.

A KX swap usually involves the KX triple clamps with the KDX stem and bearings, so what torque value did YOU use for your steering stem nut??
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2006 KTM 250XCW
2003 KDX200
2006 CRF70
2006 KTM 50 Mini Adventure
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Colorado Mike
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Post by Colorado Mike »

the KX stem is aluminum, and the KDX one is steel. If I was gonna bet on which one could take more torque, it would be the KDX one. Anyway, I torqued mine to the KDX spec, and I'm too lazy to look that up after digging out of 3.5' snow drifts. Gonna be a white Christmas! :supz:
Mike

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Post by skipro3 »

Hey Mike,
I'm flying into Denver Saturday night. Skiing at Winterpark Sunday. Is that anywhere near you?

Oh, yea. The thread question. It's got to be pretty tight or else your fork tubes will tweak every time you crash. Bearing tension is set with the spanner nut I think, but that top nut should be pretty dang tight. I recall really cranking on that thing but never used a torque wrench after the first ride. I crashed and had to hold the front wheel between my knees to straighten things back out. Several times. I crash a lot!
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wanaride
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Post by wanaride »

I used the KDX spec while tightening last night; 33ft-lbs.
I love someone with autism!

2006 KTM 250XCW
2003 KDX200
2006 CRF70
2006 KTM 50 Mini Adventure
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Colorado Mike
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Post by Colorado Mike »

SkiPro,
PM sent.
Mike

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berto2us
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Post by berto2us »

wanaride,

so you did a 2004 front end, i am trying that, may have trouble finding the 2003 or newer wheel and axle to fit, where did you find it, also what year wheel you using.....anything special on the 04 parts.....
thanks

rob
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2002 KDX 200
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wanaride
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Post by wanaride »

I got a deal on an entire 2004 KX125 front end that had never been in the dirt. Everything bolted up exactly like the posts describe, especially Skipro's writeup in the "sticky". I need to post some pix of how it turned out; I also need to measure the bike to see how the geometry worked out.
I love someone with autism!

2006 KTM 250XCW
2003 KDX200
2006 CRF70
2006 KTM 50 Mini Adventure
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