question for guys running kx forks

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89kdx200rdr
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question for guys running kx forks

Post by 89kdx200rdr »

what springs are you all using? stock or aftermarket.
i was looking at the race tech website and for my forks (kyb 43u) they list the stock spring rate as .378 kg/mm. they recommend a .431 kg/mm spring for my weight. i was thinking of going with the .42 or .44 not sure which yet. the stock springs have worked well in the woods or maybe it was just the switch to the kx forks that i was so happy with. the thing that has got me thinking about this is i ran .42's in my kdx forks and liked them and i hit a jump last ride for some reason and the forks bottomed pretty hard. just wondering if i should leave the forks alone and stay in the woods or go with the .42's in the kx forks.
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Post by 89kdx200rdr »

skipro3 i know you have kx forks, what springs are you using?
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Post by Indawoods »

No experience yet... but mine are the stock 03 KX125 .42's... I'm told these are just about right for me (riding woods) and my 200# carcus. :?
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Post by 89kdx200rdr »

i weigh 175. i'm thinking about putting the .42's in mine.
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Post by skipro3 »

I'm pretty sure they are the race tech .42's. I've smacked some BIG stuff with them and never have I "felt" them bottom out. They are cushy at those hard hits.
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Post by bigal007 »

I have a stock 91 kx 125 front-end on my bike. Top and bottom clickers are set right in the middle. Works great for my weight 200 lb, and my type of riding, which is mostly trail riding. I do run an occasional hare scramble or enduro now and then. Think it would be too soft for motocross though. I spend more time with both wheels on the ground these days.
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Post by 89kdx200rdr »

ski, what do you weigh? if you don't mind me asking.
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Post by skipro3 »

183 in my birthday suit :butthead:

There's photos of me in my gallery. I'm dreamy, ain't I?
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Post by 89kdx200rdr »

he he. im not a good weight guesser. i was just wondering since you said you thought you had the .42 racetech's. i'm trying to decide what spring rate to go with. do know what weight oil and oil level you are running?
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Post by skipro3 »

5 wt oil. Not sure of the level but probably what ever the Race Tech site suggests.
The forks are slightly stiff for mild trail riding, but really come into their own when attacking anything. If you get them and think they are too stiff, then just twist the throttle and hang on. It's scary at first, but then you realize that the trail is much smoother as you go faster. Especially whooped out sections. When I get lined up to attack a whoop section, I just pin the throttle and hang on, hitting the face of the whoops is no problem, even though it seems that I should be pitched right off as if riding a bronc, it's like they aren't even there. Front wheel landings on longer jumps are also easy. I've had several guys who follow me, ask about why I always seem to land jumps on my front wheel. It really is the softest way to land and I'm back under steering control quicker.
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Post by 89kdx200rdr »

thanks ski,
i think i'll go with the .42's also
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Post by 89kdx200rdr »

skipro3 - would you mind doing me a favor and take a look at your forks? at the very bottom of the fork on the inside are there any markings?
i was looking at mine today and noticed x125-r and x125-l. i'm thinking i might actually have 91 kx125 forks instead of the 500 forks. the forks are the same part number but that would explain the springs being softer than what i thought they should be. on the other hand though i'm wondering if since the parts are the same if all the pieces werent marked x125.
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Post by skipro3 »

Never noticed that, but mine say:
(left fork) L and then right under it KX84
(right fork) R and then right under it KX84

I have no idea what that means but I know I have the KX125 1999 forks. I have a copy of the title and the Race Tech service tech concours. My guess: it has to do with assembly line production and refers to the side of fork the tube's endcap is for and it's production run. I can't see how it would refer to a model or year.
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Post by 89kdx200rdr »

:grin:
cool i just need to put the .42's in that way i will know whats in there
1989 KDX 200
2003 KX 250
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