Front suspension questions, 2001 KDX220
- Indawoods
- Creator and Founder
- Posts: 9951
- Joined: 09:59 am Jun 12 2003
- Country:
- Location: Midwest
Add about 40lbs. to it then!
*** Administrator //***
****'95 KDX 200/****
"People ate cows a thousand years ago for the same reason we eat them now. Cause they are easy to catch.We're not savages,we're just lazy. A cheetah could taste like chocolate heroin. But will never know. Those bastards are fast!!! "
****'95 KDX 200/****
"People ate cows a thousand years ago for the same reason we eat them now. Cause they are easy to catch.We're not savages,we're just lazy. A cheetah could taste like chocolate heroin. But will never know. Those bastards are fast!!! "
- kawagumby
- Gold Member
- Posts: 927
- Joined: 10:09 am Nov 30 2006
- Country:
- Location: California
A lot of people here have spent the time to lead you to a solution. What have you done in response? Have you checked the sag? The fork spring rate/preload, ride height? A KLX (suuuueeee) will only turn and handle better than your bike if your bike is not setup properly or you have a blown shock, IMHO. Al Bundy could dust a KLX with his Dodge Dart.
1994 KDX200, Beta 200rr, yz125, yz250, kx100 modded for adult, gasgas contact 250.
- cleoent
- Member
- Posts: 295
- Joined: 08:25 pm Jul 02 2007
- Country:
- Location: San Jose, Ca
- scheckaet
- KDXRider.net
- Posts: 3740
- Joined: 12:09 am Nov 10 2005
- Country:
- Location: edmond oklahoma
Isn't that a bit high? I used 12 in rocky rides (doesn't happen very often) and 10 - 11 on dirt / mud...12-14 depending on terrain
02 KX 200 hybrid: RB head and carb
Sold ☹ DRZ 400 SM
bike build: http://www.kdxrider.net/forums/viewtopi ... ike+stable
bike profile http://www.kdxrider.net/forums/viewtopi ... 0709#30709
newb info: http://www.kdxrider.net/forums/viewtopi ... 57#p117919
jetting guide: http://www.kdxrider.net/forums/viewtopi ... 105&t=1156
Sold ☹ DRZ 400 SM
bike build: http://www.kdxrider.net/forums/viewtopi ... ike+stable
bike profile http://www.kdxrider.net/forums/viewtopi ... 0709#30709
newb info: http://www.kdxrider.net/forums/viewtopi ... 57#p117919
jetting guide: http://www.kdxrider.net/forums/viewtopi ... 105&t=1156
- kawagumby
- Gold Member
- Posts: 927
- Joined: 10:09 am Nov 30 2006
- Country:
- Location: California
I tend to run 13 both ends with HD tubes, so equivalent of 14 + with stock tubes and it works for me in really rough hard-pack stuff, and is OK for fireroad work too.
Cleoent, it might be your handlebar positioning too; you might want to experiment with getting further forward on the bike into turns, and bar position affects your ability to do so.
Cleoent, it might be your handlebar positioning too; you might want to experiment with getting further forward on the bike into turns, and bar position affects your ability to do so.
1994 KDX200, Beta 200rr, yz125, yz250, kx100 modded for adult, gasgas contact 250.
-
- Supporting Member III
- Posts: 1484
- Joined: 02:26 pm Jun 29 2005
- Country:
- Location: Alabama
I've never found a sag, clicker, or fork height setting on the Internet that worked for me.
I've always had to ride, adjust, and ride some more.
Of course, before I found this site and others, I was blissfully ignorant of such things and just rode.
I'm not sure I'm better off today!
I've always had to ride, adjust, and ride some more.
Of course, before I found this site and others, I was blissfully ignorant of such things and just rode.
I'm not sure I'm better off today!
'08 KTM200xc
'99 CR/KDX Hybrid with that RB stuff done to it
KX100 for the boy
'99 CR/KDX Hybrid with that RB stuff done to it
KX100 for the boy
- 2001kdx
- Supporting Member I
- Posts: 1522
- Joined: 08:36 am Sep 23 2006
- Country:
- Location: Town of Montgomery, NY
Nope, 12-14 is fine for rocky terrain, I'd go 12ish in muddy conditions. 10 is too low for me, I've got one of those 19" MX setups and I don't like changing tubes :)scheckaet wrote:Isn't that a bit high? I used 12 in rocky rides (doesn't happen very often) and 10 - 11 on dirt / mud...12-14 depending on terrain
HD tube will be on next time I get a flat though!
- scheckaet
- KDXRider.net
- Posts: 3740
- Joined: 12:09 am Nov 10 2005
- Country:
- Location: edmond oklahoma
12 seems too high for me in mud, but I'm slow and lightweight
Haven't had any flat in awhile (and I just jinxed myself there ) but we don't have much rock/cactus and such where I usually ride
Haven't had any flat in awhile (and I just jinxed myself there ) but we don't have much rock/cactus and such where I usually ride
02 KX 200 hybrid: RB head and carb
Sold ☹ DRZ 400 SM
bike build: http://www.kdxrider.net/forums/viewtopi ... ike+stable
bike profile http://www.kdxrider.net/forums/viewtopi ... 0709#30709
newb info: http://www.kdxrider.net/forums/viewtopi ... 57#p117919
jetting guide: http://www.kdxrider.net/forums/viewtopi ... 105&t=1156
Sold ☹ DRZ 400 SM
bike build: http://www.kdxrider.net/forums/viewtopi ... ike+stable
bike profile http://www.kdxrider.net/forums/viewtopi ... 0709#30709
newb info: http://www.kdxrider.net/forums/viewtopi ... 57#p117919
jetting guide: http://www.kdxrider.net/forums/viewtopi ... 105&t=1156
- scheckaet
- KDXRider.net
- Posts: 3740
- Joined: 12:09 am Nov 10 2005
- Country:
- Location: edmond oklahoma
I run slime in both tires, I'm hoping it prevents any flats on the trail
02 KX 200 hybrid: RB head and carb
Sold ☹ DRZ 400 SM
bike build: http://www.kdxrider.net/forums/viewtopi ... ike+stable
bike profile http://www.kdxrider.net/forums/viewtopi ... 0709#30709
newb info: http://www.kdxrider.net/forums/viewtopi ... 57#p117919
jetting guide: http://www.kdxrider.net/forums/viewtopi ... 105&t=1156
Sold ☹ DRZ 400 SM
bike build: http://www.kdxrider.net/forums/viewtopi ... ike+stable
bike profile http://www.kdxrider.net/forums/viewtopi ... 0709#30709
newb info: http://www.kdxrider.net/forums/viewtopi ... 57#p117919
jetting guide: http://www.kdxrider.net/forums/viewtopi ... 105&t=1156
-
- Member
- Posts: 60
- Joined: 02:20 pm Dec 04 2007
- Country:
- Location: North Idaho
This sounds like me. I can do all of this stuff ( I even put a kx front end on my bike because I got bored this winter and you all said it was so much better) but I am not much of a tuner. I just ride and have fun and fix things as needed.KarlP wrote:I've
Of course, before I found this site and others, I was blissfully ignorant of such things and just rode.
1998 KDX 200
- 2000 KX 125 front end.
- Bills Pipe
- RB Head and Carb !!!
1987 Husqvarna 430XC
- Up-Tite Pipe
- 2000 KX 125 front end.
- Bills Pipe
- RB Head and Carb !!!
1987 Husqvarna 430XC
- Up-Tite Pipe
- cleoent
- Member
- Posts: 295
- Joined: 08:25 pm Jul 02 2007
- Country:
- Location: San Jose, Ca
- Indawoods
- Creator and Founder
- Posts: 9951
- Joined: 09:59 am Jun 12 2003
- Country:
- Location: Midwest
He's the PRO!
*** Administrator //***
****'95 KDX 200/****
"People ate cows a thousand years ago for the same reason we eat them now. Cause they are easy to catch.We're not savages,we're just lazy. A cheetah could taste like chocolate heroin. But will never know. Those bastards are fast!!! "
****'95 KDX 200/****
"People ate cows a thousand years ago for the same reason we eat them now. Cause they are easy to catch.We're not savages,we're just lazy. A cheetah could taste like chocolate heroin. But will never know. Those bastards are fast!!! "
- cleoent
- Member
- Posts: 295
- Joined: 08:25 pm Jul 02 2007
- Country:
- Location: San Jose, Ca
I could carry a screw driver, but my guess is i would mess things up, is there a place online where it explains what symtoms of too much compression/to little is?
What too much rebound/not enough feels like???
Right now all i coudl tell him is my front doesn't grip.
What too much rebound/not enough feels like???
Right now all i coudl tell him is my front doesn't grip.
1990 KDX200, 2007 KTM 200XC, 2004 TTR125L
- kawagumby
- Gold Member
- Posts: 927
- Joined: 10:09 am Nov 30 2006
- Country:
- Location: California
I think you're barking up the wrong tree. I assume you ride at Hollister since you are based in SJ?
A full hard compression setting is likely going to make the front end more skittish in turns because it will not follow the rough and slippery Hollister surfaces as well. If anything, you may be backing off that adjustment. Don't sweat experimenting with the compression damping, set it to center and if it feels too harsh on bumps click it out 2 (CCW) at a time, if it feels to soft click it in 2 at a time until you get the best setting).
Here's something to consider; the KLX300 uses either 37 or 38 fork spring rate depending on the year model, your buddy's bike would have 38's. You say you are using 40's in your KDX. Now, the KLX is about 25 lbs heavier than your bike AND it has softer springs. If the KLX has the stock springs in and turns/handles better, I'd say your 40's are too stiff for your riding style. The front end needs to drop in turns, and I bet it can't do that enough given your speed and body positioning profile. (Early on, I was thinking that unless you are a very experienced rider, even at 200lbs/full gear the 40's may be on the stiff side).
Check with your buddy to find out if his bike has the stock springs, if so, you know what to do!
A full hard compression setting is likely going to make the front end more skittish in turns because it will not follow the rough and slippery Hollister surfaces as well. If anything, you may be backing off that adjustment. Don't sweat experimenting with the compression damping, set it to center and if it feels too harsh on bumps click it out 2 (CCW) at a time, if it feels to soft click it in 2 at a time until you get the best setting).
Here's something to consider; the KLX300 uses either 37 or 38 fork spring rate depending on the year model, your buddy's bike would have 38's. You say you are using 40's in your KDX. Now, the KLX is about 25 lbs heavier than your bike AND it has softer springs. If the KLX has the stock springs in and turns/handles better, I'd say your 40's are too stiff for your riding style. The front end needs to drop in turns, and I bet it can't do that enough given your speed and body positioning profile. (Early on, I was thinking that unless you are a very experienced rider, even at 200lbs/full gear the 40's may be on the stiff side).
Check with your buddy to find out if his bike has the stock springs, if so, you know what to do!
Last edited by kawagumby on 02:28 pm Apr 11 2008, edited 1 time in total.
1994 KDX200, Beta 200rr, yz125, yz250, kx100 modded for adult, gasgas contact 250.
-
- Supporting Member III
- Posts: 1484
- Joined: 02:26 pm Jun 29 2005
- Country:
- Location: Alabama
Go on, turn your clicker screws, you can't hurt anything but yourself.
When testing, pick a small loop and ride around it for a while. You need to go at least 10 minutes or so to get the suspension warmed up. If you don't like how it is feeling or turning, turn some clickers, take a few more loops.
Write everything down so you can go back to what it was.
Be cautious after each change, the bike may behave in an unexpected manner and toss you.
If you search you will find that there is a ton of information out here about what does what. Enough to make your head hurt.
When testing, pick a small loop and ride around it for a while. You need to go at least 10 minutes or so to get the suspension warmed up. If you don't like how it is feeling or turning, turn some clickers, take a few more loops.
Write everything down so you can go back to what it was.
Be cautious after each change, the bike may behave in an unexpected manner and toss you.
If you search you will find that there is a ton of information out here about what does what. Enough to make your head hurt.
'08 KTM200xc
'99 CR/KDX Hybrid with that RB stuff done to it
KX100 for the boy
'99 CR/KDX Hybrid with that RB stuff done to it
KX100 for the boy
- scheckaet
- KDXRider.net
- Posts: 3740
- Joined: 12:09 am Nov 10 2005
- Country:
- Location: edmond oklahoma
I think it also help to have another faster rider in front of you to set the same pace every loop. What might feel good at a given speed might not be so good when going faster. even better is someone videotaping you on the same section.
02 KX 200 hybrid: RB head and carb
Sold ☹ DRZ 400 SM
bike build: http://www.kdxrider.net/forums/viewtopi ... ike+stable
bike profile http://www.kdxrider.net/forums/viewtopi ... 0709#30709
newb info: http://www.kdxrider.net/forums/viewtopi ... 57#p117919
jetting guide: http://www.kdxrider.net/forums/viewtopi ... 105&t=1156
Sold ☹ DRZ 400 SM
bike build: http://www.kdxrider.net/forums/viewtopi ... ike+stable
bike profile http://www.kdxrider.net/forums/viewtopi ... 0709#30709
newb info: http://www.kdxrider.net/forums/viewtopi ... 57#p117919
jetting guide: http://www.kdxrider.net/forums/viewtopi ... 105&t=1156
- cleoent
- Member
- Posts: 295
- Joined: 08:25 pm Jul 02 2007
- Country:
- Location: San Jose, Ca
just as another FYI, i pulled the valves today and took out 2 shims as been recommended here. It's been 90+ the past two days too hot for me to go out and ride, i might try and sneak in a ride tomorrow afternoon
My friend's klx that i rode is also stored in my garage, the suspension feels a lot stiffer than mine was set to, now after the changes the guy made they feel closer with the klx being stiffer. I imagine the klx has more weight, and has different geometry so it should be stiffer, just making a comparison is all :D
My friend's klx that i rode is also stored in my garage, the suspension feels a lot stiffer than mine was set to, now after the changes the guy made they feel closer with the klx being stiffer. I imagine the klx has more weight, and has different geometry so it should be stiffer, just making a comparison is all :D
1990 KDX200, 2007 KTM 200XC, 2004 TTR125L
- canyncarvr
- Gold Member
- Posts: 6943
- Joined: 01:07 pm Nov 05 2004
- Country: US
- Location: The Mythical State of Jefferson
Is it tomorrow afternoon, yet?
Not generally a good plan to change too many things at once. IF your bike handles WORSE at this point, what is it? Clickers front? Shock rebound? Compression? Stack change?
Of course, if it's BETTER the same applies..which thing did it? Knowing that would lead you to more experimentation with THAT aspect of your suspension setup.
What is your fork spring preload?
Not generally a good plan to change too many things at once. IF your bike handles WORSE at this point, what is it? Clickers front? Shock rebound? Compression? Stack change?
Of course, if it's BETTER the same applies..which thing did it? Knowing that would lead you to more experimentation with THAT aspect of your suspension setup.
What is your fork spring preload?
Consider the source
Using a perceived level of knowledge to boost my self worth.
Non impediti ratione cogitationis
bike profile: !clicky!