Do the forks HAVE to come off to change the fork oil?

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edog600
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Do the forks HAVE to come off to change the fork oil?

Post by edog600 »

Hi. I have a new to me 99 KDX and I wanted to change the fork oil. I realize most say change the springs yada yada yada....but I am a rookie, this is my first bike and it's used so I want to ride it this year first before putting anymore $ into it. Is there a way to change the fork oil without taking the forks off? What oil should I use? I am about 190 pds. I have already changed the trans oil and coolant. Should the rear shock be rebuilt?Thanks
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ihatefalling
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Post by ihatefalling »

Yea forks will have to come off. No biggie. Use 10 wt oil if you have ths cash. If not use atf..... its 7.5 wt.
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turtle
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Post by turtle »

Yeah the forks come off super easy. Get a service manual and you will be all set, even if you have limited wrenching skills.
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KarlP
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Post by KarlP »

The forks come off easy enough. It'll give you a chance to check the front wheel bearings.
Pay attention to torque setting on the fasteners when you put it back. Some of those bolts are easy to snap!

Just take them off, take the top cap off, and let them drain over night.
'08 KTM200xc
'99 CR/KDX Hybrid with that RB stuff done to it
KX100 for the boy
hockeyboysomers
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Post by hockeyboysomers »

Be carefull tightening the clamp bolts on the tripple clamp. The aluminum is cast, and is more brittle than a forged tripple clamp. I overtightened one and it snapped.
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Fatherof2
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Post by Fatherof2 »

You may want to consider using cyclepedia.com

A subscription is like 25 bucks, and it will have detailed pictures on how to do all of the above. It is very helpful.

You will be surprised at how easy it is.
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edog600
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Post by edog600 »

How much oil do I need to do both forks? Amsoil shock therapy #10 ok?
tirebiter
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Post by tirebiter »

Here's the owners manual from Kawasaki.
http://www.kawasaki-techinfo.net/showOM ... &chapter=0
It covers your basic fork service.
If I can't do it, I'm sure someone else can!
edog600
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Post by edog600 »

Cool, Thanks! How about the rear shock? What has to come off to het that out? Don't see that in there. I got the top bolt out no prob. Look like 2 other bolts have to come off the bottom to pull off a part to be able to get the bolt out?
KarlP
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Post by KarlP »

Look like 2 other bolts have to come off the bottom to pull off a part to be able to get the bolt out?

You might as well take the rest of the linkage apart and get some fresh grease in it.
'08 KTM200xc
'99 CR/KDX Hybrid with that RB stuff done to it
KX100 for the boy
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