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'97 KX 250 forks - opinions?

Posted: 06:49 pm Jan 10 2008
by David_Moen
Hey all,

Someone is selling a front end for a KDX that is based on '97 KX 250 legs. Are these ones good ones to go after for for a KDX conversion?

Posted: 07:03 pm Jan 10 2008
by bradf
Yes they are good. They are going to be much better than stock. Try to get the triple clamps with them, and the wheel/axle.

Posted: 07:03 pm Jan 10 2008
by Indawoods
Yes... they are good!

Posted: 07:19 pm Jan 10 2008
by bradf
97's were the first year of the 46mm that were used through 02. Try em, you'll like em. You'll LOVE them.

Posted: 08:44 pm Jan 10 2008
by johnkdx220
97 are definitively good. I have this set-up on my 03 220.

In a nutshell: No knurling of the KX stem was required on mine, same lower steering stem bearing, reused the KDX brake caliper.

After 3 years, I'm still debatting which of the USD set-up or the EFM autoclutch was the best investment. Maybe the RB mods will put an end to that.

Good luck with your project David. You will not regret it.

Posted: 08:55 pm Jan 10 2008
by David_Moen
Apparently the whole shebang was already on a KDX. Sale includes clamps, wheel brake and stem, a bolt-on for my KDX. The price is $525.00 seem fair? I wasn't planning to do this mod this year, but it seems like a good chance to grab something ready to go!

Here's a link, let me know what you think

http://www.dirtrider.net/forums3/showth ... p?t=160056

Posted: 09:21 pm Jan 10 2008
by bradf
I paid $171 including shipping for my 01 fork assy (included triple T). I paid $143 for the whole wheel assy shipped including axle. $20 to get the stem pressed in.
$334 total.

Posted: 09:31 pm Jan 10 2008
by johnkdx220
The price seems fair and reasonable IF, somehow, you can ascertain that you will not have to spend a few more hundred bucks to change the springs, revalve for your riding style, etc.

I would certainly attempt to speak with the seller. Does he weigh about the same as you? When did he last change the oil? Where does he (or she) ride?


... remember, you will be able to off-set a fraction of the purchase price by selling your original front end. I my case, I almost broke even by selling the original KDX front-end piece by piece.

Posted: 09:52 pm Jan 10 2008
by Indawoods
One thing you have to remember... these forks would cost a few THOUSAND dollars if purchased from Ma Kaw. So, even if you had to buy new springs.... it's a deal.

Posted: 08:05 pm Jan 13 2008
by johnkdx220
>|<>QBB<
Indawoods wrote:One thing you have to remember... these forks would cost a few THOUSAND dollars if purchased from Ma Kaw. So, even if you had to buy new springs.... it's a deal.

My apolagies Inda: For a nano second I thought you were full of it. Then I checked cycle-parts.com. A set of said KX fork legs is listed at a whopping $1926. Outrageous! :shock:

Yeah...its a deal.

Posted: 07:33 pm Jan 19 2008
by garider
Those same forks didn't sell on eBay. The bid ended at just over $100 + $83 shipping (to GA). He didn't sell them...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayI ... 24330&rd=1

Posted: 07:51 pm Jan 19 2008
by Rick
Yep. I had a post about it in Parts and Bikes. Looked like a nice set up. It can be done cheaper, but if one is willing to spend a bit more $$$$, there you go!

Posted: 10:14 am Jan 20 2008
by krazyinski
a fair price is 350 for that set up, as you can see it did not get bid on so that should tell you something?

pm If you have 5-6 hundred to spend. I have a friend that is going to part out a new never started or even serviced in 05 rm 125. It is possible for me to get you first dibs on the front end. rim, axel, forks, gaurds, and triples.

Posted: 03:13 pm Jan 20 2008
by bradf
$83 for shipping is a money maker for the seller. You can ship forks half way across country for about $30 using UPS. I subtract those ridiculous shipping charges from my max total bid price in ebay. You should be able to get the forks AND shipping for less than $200

Posted: 07:11 pm Jan 20 2008
by saddletramp
My 97 KX 125 forks were less than $200 with a fresh re-build. The progressive .38 springs work great. The 93-97 125 and 250 wheels will work if I remember right.

Posted: 07:22 pm Jan 20 2008
by garider
Good info saddletramp. How'd you get away with $200 w/rebuild. Ebay, or another route? Did you purchase the wheel seperate?

Posted: 10:02 pm Jan 20 2008
by saddletramp
Strider 80 hooked me up with the forks, he even re-valved them for woods riding. He and Brad F seem very knowledgeable with the internals. I miss the stock odo though. I bought the wheel off c/l and had to have it re-laced to the KDX rim, most wheels that old are well used the hub is the main part. I would put a ad on craigs list listing what wheel you are looking for.

97 KX250 Forks on Ebay

Posted: 12:42 pm Feb 11 2008
by Routt County Rider
I noticed those same forks on ebay in December last year and when they didn't sell I emailed the seller and he stated that he wanted $500 for them from his ebay store. I noticed he started up another auction with a starting bid of $299 and I was able to get them for $317 plus the shipping of $83 for the entire front end. I am hoping I can sell my entire front end and re-coupe some of the cost. I am looking forward to putting them on and seeing what all of the hype is about!!!

Posted: 02:02 am Mar 09 2008
by HIKDX
I've been enjoying reading about these fork swaps, but still not clear if I can make a swap without doing anything more than standard remove and install. Is there a KX size and year that I can just bolt on without doing any pressing, machine work, mods or anthing? Thanks.

Posted: 12:34 pm Mar 09 2008
by scheckaet
don't think so, the stem are different. pressing it out and in is an easy job any good shopshould do for a cheap like 20$