Rear Spring Upgrade

[BlkDakDave]

Somehow over the holidays and colder weather, 20 lbs has attached itself to my old frame. That added weight has me now tipping the scales at 200 lbs and that's with my flip flops on. Doing some research it appears that the stock rear spring off an early to mid 2000, KLX300 is a 5.8 kg. Is this correct?

If it is, I'll start looking on ebay rather than pay $100 plus for a new one.

Thanks!

[KDXGarage]

Which model KDX do you have?

If it is a usual one, then 5.8 would be too stiff.

[BlkDakDave]

I have an '04 220. If it's too stiff for my 200 lb baby suit, would the 5.2 be better? I have read that the stock rear suspension is good for up to 180 lbs.

[KDXGarage]

What is your skill level?

What is your normal riding terrain?

Are you racing, riding or following the grandkids?

Which pieces of riding gear do you normally wear?

Do you carry a water backpack?

Do you carry tools and / or spare parts?

Stock sized fuel tank?



I would assume 5.2 to 5.4 would be correct, depending on several of the above factors.

How are the fork springs?

[BlkDakDave]

Skill level: intermediate, not really fast. At least not anymore.
Riding terrain: ranges from woods to high desert.
Just ride. I'm not following the grandkids, at least not yet.
Riding Gear: full riding gear, with elbow, knee and chest protection.
Water or backpack: yes, camelbak with a backpack on my tail rack with hygiene items, first aid and tools.
Stock fuel tank : 2.9 gallons??
Front forks are stock with fresh ATF. Next change could be 10 or 15w

I also just put some 2010 KLX dog bones which are 119.5 from the stock 112.5 for the KDX. Which I understand not only will lower, but soften the rear suspension.

KDXGarage, appreciate your comments and support for KDXRIDER.

[KDXGarage]

Thank you for the appreciation.

If you want a plush ride and are a little older, then .44 in the front and 5.2 in the rear.

I would suggest very little preload on the fork springs, 3 mm or 4 mm. Stock is .35 with a ton of preload (38 mm, if I remember correctly). Putting just a stiffer spring on the rear will make the already too soft front end feel even worse.

[BlkDakDave]

.44 in front and a 5.2 in the rear gives me a start on dialing in, or redialing in the suspension on my bike. Prior to the holidays it was feeling pretty good. I'll have a chance to ride after our "work day" next weekend and see just how much the "ride" has changed since my weight gain.

Thanks again for your insight and input.

[KDXGarage]

You're welcome. If you get stiffer fork springs, you will be quite surprised at what you have been missing out on.

Search the 15 years of threads on this site for people complaining about getting the correct rate fork springs. You may find VERY FEW compared to happy people.