Fork swap

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Rick
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Fork swap

Post by Rick »

Hey yall. I was thinking about upgrading to a set of late 90's or so kx forks. I think they would work out better for me, since i do like to ride the track some, and get a little air. My current forks don't have rebound either. I was just wondering what all i would need to do the swap. I've found some good deals on e-bay for the forks, clamps, and stem. Would I also need the front rim, axle, rotor and caliper? My bike is a 91 250 btw. I know my axle goes through the bottom of the forks, where on the newer ones, they have the 4 bolt clamps on each side. So i'm pretty sure i would need the axle. Not sure if the axle would fit my rim though. What about my spacers? Thanks in advance for any advise, Rick.
Yes, they really do let me drive the Train!
1991 KDX 250 $Sold but not forgotten....
1996 Suzuki DR 350 $Sold!
2002 Honda CR 250 worth more than my house at this point........ :-)
2004 DR 650se Road Warrior
2002 DL1000 V-STROM
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m0rie
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Post by m0rie »

I would think the overall procedure would be the same as for the KDX 200 fork swaps. Try to look for a complete front end for the easiest install. Get to work shopping on Ebay and keep us posted!
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Jeb
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Post by Jeb »

Rick - When I did this I swapped out the forks/clamps, wheel, and axle. My KDX brake calipers fit. Of course, I had the KDX stem pressed out of the KDX triples and into the YZ triples (after the stem was knurled).

If you want, bring your bike down to La Grange and we could do some measurements etc. Since I won't be riding starting Thursday 'till next February and I'll have my forks off anyway (revalving), we could compare things, take the guess work out of it for ya
"No farmer ever plowed a field by turning it over in his mind" -George E. Woodbury

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Rick
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Post by Rick »

Sounds good. I was eyeing a complete set of 94's on the bay. A little older, but look nice, and they do have rebound adjusters. I know they will fit my clamps, but the axle is different. It comes with one, but i'm not sure if it will fit my rim. Do you think there is a big performance difference between say 94's and 99's?
Yes, they really do let me drive the Train!
1991 KDX 250 $Sold but not forgotten....
1996 Suzuki DR 350 $Sold!
2002 Honda CR 250 worth more than my house at this point........ :-)
2004 DR 650se Road Warrior
2002 DL1000 V-STROM
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2001kdx
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Post by 2001kdx »

BIG difference. I'm not too intellitgent with he forks, but they have much stronger bottoming resistance, more stability (99's are 46mm and 94's are 43mm) and there's less underhang with the newer model. The biggest difference is the money though. the 94 setup might be much cheaper allowing you to afford a revalve sooner, etc.
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Rick
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Post by Rick »

Good point 2001. I just want to get this thing up to my liking. Yes, I want to get the best deal possible, but dont want to sacrifice anything. If it cost a little more to do it right, thats what i'll do. Do you know what year they went to 46mm? Probably around 95?
Yes, they really do let me drive the Train!
1991 KDX 250 $Sold but not forgotten....
1996 Suzuki DR 350 $Sold!
2002 Honda CR 250 worth more than my house at this point........ :-)
2004 DR 650se Road Warrior
2002 DL1000 V-STROM
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2001kdx
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Post by 2001kdx »

1996 was 46mm tubes.
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Rick
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Post by Rick »

Ok. Are the 125's and 250's the same, as far as springs, valving and such?
Yes, they really do let me drive the Train!
1991 KDX 250 $Sold but not forgotten....
1996 Suzuki DR 350 $Sold!
2002 Honda CR 250 worth more than my house at this point........ :-)
2004 DR 650se Road Warrior
2002 DL1000 V-STROM
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2001kdx
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Post by 2001kdx »

The valving would be identical, so would everything else EXCEPT the springs. A KX125 can be anywhere from 10-20 pounds lighter than the same year KX250, so you get a lighter spring on the 125.

Even the 94's are big step up for you, heck '91 KX forks are even a step up because they have clickers on both ends.

My advise: Wait until you can swing a '96+ set and have leftover$$$ for re-valve and springs.
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Rick
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Post by Rick »

I hear ya! Mine are usd's, but no rebound. I'd like to find some 99/ 00's or something close to that. This bike will fly! Just wanna be on it when it does...... :wink:
Yes, they really do let me drive the Train!
1991 KDX 250 $Sold but not forgotten....
1996 Suzuki DR 350 $Sold!
2002 Honda CR 250 worth more than my house at this point........ :-)
2004 DR 650se Road Warrior
2002 DL1000 V-STROM
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