Doing the conversion!

Questions and comments about converting to beefier forks..
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SS109
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Doing the conversion!

Post by SS109 »

Well, I got forks w/triple clamps, wheel, and axle (w/spacers) from a '96 off Ebay today! I know just about everyone prefers the '99 and newer forks but, from everything I read here, the '96 forks give me all that I'm looking for... stiffer, less underhang, and adjustability.

Anyways, I have been looking and can't seem to find the info on how much weight I should add when looking for KX125 springs. Was it add 40lbs to your body weight or ? Thanks!
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Post by Indawoods »

96 forks are great!

What do you weigh and what springs are in them?
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Post by SS109 »

I'm 150 lbs. and have no clue what is in them so I am assuming stock.
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Post by Indawoods »

I have a feeling they are going to be stiff for woods use for you.

I am using the stock springs in my KX 125 frontend and they are .43's... I am about 200-210#
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Post by frankenschwinn »

I also run .43's in mine and I am 180-185 with gear. They actually feel very good for my riding style. If I was 150 I would probably be looking for some .38's though.
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Post by SS109 »

I guess I will bolt them on, go for a spin, and see what I think of them. I ride a lot of tight stuff but I do some very fast fire roads so I should get a pretty good feel about whether I like them or not.

Man, I can't wait to get them on! :rolleyes:
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Post by SS109 »

Checking Racetech's website, it list the stock springs for the '96 KX125 as .384's. That should be pretty close to ideal by what you guys are saying. Funny, Racetech recommends .41's for a guy my size!
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Post by fuzzy »

Racetech's calculator is known to be on the stiff side.
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Post by SS109 »

Everything arrived today. Forks look good but the seals definately need to be replaced. The seller said they needed seals so no surprise there. The wheel is in excellent condition and is straight. I am very happy with my purchase so far.

Now, I need to do the fork seals and have never done them myself. Does the sticky above (http://kdxrider.net/Kayaba.htm) apply to the '96 forks? Also, where can I get some decent fork oil that doesn't cost an arm and a leg?
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Post by scheckaet »

links should work.
oil: I get maxima, not very expensive at cycle gear.
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Post by SS109 »

Edited!

The '96 forks, are they cartridge style or ??? Just want to make sure I'm reading the correct service info. Also, what fork oil should I start with? Is this the type of fork that ATF can be used in?
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Post by SS109 »

Can anyone share the torque specs for the forks so that I don't have to buy a manual just to get them?
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Post by Indawoods »

The clamps? 10-12ft lbs....
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Post by SS109 »

Just a little update.

I had Donnie at ZR1 Suspension (Tucson) replace the seals, oil, and give the forks a good looking over to make sure everything was in good shape. He said the forks look to be in good shape and he tested the spring and said that it is a .41. That spring seems as if it would be a little stiff to me but I'm going to try it out before changing it.

Also, didn't like the stem bearing after cleaning them up so I ordered some new ones from RMATV. They are the All Balls brand. Just waiting on them to get here before sending the clamps to RB. Just waiting...

Patience is not one of my strong points! :mrgreen:
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Post by Colorado Mike »

Why do you need to send the clamps? No one with a press in AZ. near you? It's a 15 minute job, unless Ron is doing something else to them, like if they need to be splined.
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Post by scheckaet »

you simply know he'll do the job right. that's it.
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Post by Indawoods »

There is little things he does that makes it perfect. Simply stated.
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Post by scheckaet »

could not agree more.
However, you ought to give a chance to the local shop every once in awhile, especially on "cheap" to replace things, if they screw up, well at least you'll know not to come ever again.
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Post by SS109 »

>|<>QBB<
scheckaet wrote:you simply know he'll do the job right. that's it.
That right there is why. RB will do it right the first time. I can't afford to have someone screw it up. Plus, he makes a cool little spacer for the conversion.
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Post by scheckaet »

reminds me that i need to get one of'em spacer.
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