Finished my showa fork conversion. Followed in (foots) steps

Questions and comments about converting to beefier forks..
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RTSinDallas
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Finished my showa fork conversion. Followed in (foots) steps

Post by RTSinDallas »

I finished my fork conversion today. It went smoothly. I picked up a complete 1998 RM125 front end. These are the Showa 49mm twin chambered conventional forks, similar to the DRZ/Klx 400's. The KDX stem needed to be knurled and installed with green loctite. Total time at the machine shop was a half hour ($40) and included greasing and pressing on a new bottom bearing, that I provided. I spent about three hours doing the swap, which included some putzing around and picture taking. The installed height, with the tubes flush with the top triple clamp, is the same as stock. These are like foots said "sleeper forks" they look very stock, but might have been the pinnacle for conventional fork design.
I chose these over the 97 Kx250 forks, because the Twin chamber design has better seal and oil life (less maintenance), and only give up a 1/4 inch of under-hang to the 97 kx usd's. Plus, I like old school!
The most difficult part of the conversion was finding a machine shop, that would do the machine work.
I've got some good pics, if I can figure out how to post them. I'll give a ride report, once I have some dry weather to get out. We have had record rains and flooding here in Texas for two months now.

RT
Last edited by RTSinDallas on 11:17 pm Jul 06 2007, edited 1 time in total.
2000 KDX 200
1993 XR600R
1992 WXC 360
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m0rie
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Post by m0rie »

Sweetness! Let us know how they work out for you.
1989 KDX 200
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2001kdx
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Post by 2001kdx »

Those forks are supposed to be legendary for off-road riders... give us that ride report Asap.
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skipro3
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Post by skipro3 »

Photos too please!
Jerry

I'd rather be a smartass like carvr, than a dumbass like.... well, you fill in the blank!
RTSinDallas
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Post by RTSinDallas »

Pictures are up in the gallery.
Last edited by RTSinDallas on 06:46 pm Jul 09 2007, edited 1 time in total.
2000 KDX 200
1993 XR600R
1992 WXC 360
RTSinDallas
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Posts: 23
Joined: 09:46 am Mar 17 2007
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Location: Carrollton, TX

Post by RTSinDallas »

Pics are up in the gallery. I had my pop up blocker on, and it wouldn't let it work before.
Last edited by RTSinDallas on 10:42 pm Jul 08 2007, edited 1 time in total.
2000 KDX 200
1993 XR600R
1992 WXC 360
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Jeb
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Post by Jeb »

'Always good to see those who don't mind doing something a bit different. CR, YZ, and Showa (USDs and conventionals) have all been done successfully by members, and I'm probably missing some . . .

'them some beefy forks!!

So you get the same geometry with the tops of the forks flush with the clamps? Even so, if you notice some understeer when you start nailing the curves, try raising the tubes in the clamps 10mm or so.
"No farmer ever plowed a field by turning it over in his mind" -George E. Woodbury

CLICK FOR PICS!
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