86 - 88 KDX 200 Front Suspension;

MCKDX220 · Post by **MCKDX220** » 03:17 pm Sep 25 2016

Well I am finding it very difficult to find a donor front end, so am considering the stock 86 suspenders.

From what I can see from the parts schematic, this is a damper rod system vs. a cartridge system.

I find this very odd, as I rebuilt my buddies 84 IT200 front suspenders which had a combination of damper rods and and adjustable compression valve.

Any rate, from what I have read from Jeff Fredette, he stated the 86-88 front suspension initial travel is harsh and may need progress springs.

My educated guess, no one makes them, so one might to have source out some lighter 90-94 springs.

Can someone give some feedback on 86-88 stock front suspension, in case I decide to go in this direction.

I have the mechanical skills to rebuild the front and rear suspension, so in case anyone has modified their suspension, please share.

Many Thanks in Advance !!!

Michael

Post by **KDXGarage** » 03:51 pm Sep 25 2016

If you get the correct rate springs, which will be stiffer, it will be better. I put. 43 springs in mine, years ago. Using very light preload, the initial rate will be softer than the stock springs with the high amount of preload.

sarrant · Post by **sarrant** » 11:12 am Sep 26 2016

If your buddy's 1984 IT200 has an adjustable compression valve of any sort in it, there has either been a fork swap on the bike, or an after-market valve added (Gold Valve?).

IT200s came equipped with standard-style damper rod forks.

Post by **KDXGarage** » 11:21 am Sep 26 2016

The 1989 - 1992 KDX200 fork have a compression adjuster in them. They are damping rod style forks.

sarrant · Post by **sarrant** » 11:49 am Sep 26 2016

I stand corrected. Checked the parts sheets.

The 84 IT200 does have an adjustment high compression valve assembly. Oddly, later-model IT200s do not.

MCKDX220 · Post by **MCKDX220** » 10:33 pm Sep 26 2016

Ya, I want to say the IT 84's and 85's came with this adjustable feature, but the 86's came with a front disk brakes and no adjustability on the HS compression on the front forks.

Speculating that this was the demise of the IT line, which the KDX put out of commission as well as the Suzuki PE line from previous years, Honda survived with their XR line, Yamaha bailed and tried to compete against Honda XR line with their TT line, which failed.

Any rate, so Jason, on a scale of 1 to 10, how do you rate the 86-88 KDX rear and front suspension with the correct front spring rate for your weight ???

Thanks Michael !!!

BTW, good to see a local on the board(s) sarrant, I am in Roseville, not far from you.

Post by **KDXGarage** » 11:38 pm Sep 26 2016

I would rather have the more modern front end, even if it is only the equivalent of a set of 1988 KX forks. But cost, trouble, etc, can add up.

MCKDX220 · Post by **MCKDX220** » 08:57 am Sep 27 2016

Hi Jason,

I see they are 43mm conventionals via the RaceTech website with compression only adjustment.

The 88 KX 125/250 look very similar to the 95-04 KDX forks, are they pretty much the same - ???

Looks like the 125's come with .35kg springs, the 250's came with .37kg springs.

Thanks Michael !!!

Post by **KDXGarage** » 06:00 pm Sep 27 2016

1995 - 2006 KDX200 / KDX220R forks are VERY similar to 1988 KX125 / KX250 / KX500 forks. One big difference between KX and KDX forks is the travel and tube lengths.

Either suffer through with what you have or pony up for a KX USD front end (front end swap, NOT fork swap). No need to spend too much money on KDX front ends.

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