Looking for a couple of suspension measurements.

Discussion specific to the 1995 - 2006 KDX200 (H Series) and 1995 - 2005 KDX220R (A Series) models sold in the USA
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jackbombay
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Looking for a couple of suspension measurements.

Post by jackbombay »

I know the rear shock on my 2006 KDX200 was shortened at some point in the past, and I think the forks were shortened as well, but I'm not sure so I'm hoping somebody with a bike that has non shortened suspension can measure theirs so I can compare my measurements to theirs.

Here are mine, with the wheels off the ground and the tape flush with the bottom end of the fork to the top of the fork leg (not the cap, but the chrome leg) I get a measurement of 40 1/2", here are a couple pics so you can see where I measured from to,

Tape at top of fork leg,

Image

And tape at bottom end of fork leg,

Image


Also, if someone could measure the rear as well that would be great, just so I know how much lower my bike is, if I hook the tape on the the end of the subframe and measure to the center of the axle I get 23 1/2", here are a couple pics,

Image

Image
jackbombay
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Looking for a couple of suspension measurements.

Post by jackbombay »

Bump!

I'll paypal $4 to the person that provides the measurements :yawinkle:
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Re: Looking for a couple of suspension measurements.

Post by KDXGarage »

Somebody with an H handy get off your tail and do it. :prayer:
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MaverickAus
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Re: Looking for a couple of suspension measurements.

Post by MaverickAus »

My suspension is away getting refreshed, sorry
John_S
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Re: Looking for a couple of suspension measurements.

Post by John_S »

I'll take the same measurements you did when I get home from work tonight and post.
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Re: Looking for a couple of suspension measurements.

Post by John_S »

With my bike on a stand, I get 40 3/4 to the top of the fork (bottom of the cap) and 26 1/2 to the center of the rear axle hooking the tape on the subframe like you did. My suspension is stock.
jackbombay
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Re: Looking for a couple of suspension measurements.

Post by jackbombay »

John_S wrote:With my bike on a stand, I get 40 3/4 to the top of the fork (bottom of the cap) and 26 1/2 to the center of the rear axle hooking the tape on the subframe like you did. My suspension is stock.

Thank you!

Seems that I need to look into shortening the fork o m bike,,,,
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G22inSC
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Looking for a couple of suspension measurements.

Post by G22inSC »

The way of measuring in the initial post will not work correctly. The measurement on the forks (from bottom of fork to top of upper clamp) will be dependent on how far up/down the forks are in the clamps. I stand corrected...I re-read your post and noticed you were referencing the tube leg itself and not the top of the clamp. The two just happened to coincide in your case.


The rear measurement from the rear fender "brace" to the ground will dependent on the rear shock spring and amount of preload. These are not vary accurate forms of measurement if you are wanting to know if your suspension pieces have been altered in any way.
'05 Kaw KDX200 ('00 KX125 forks / '02 RM125 Showa "K2" shock)
'14 Yam YZ125(x) (oldest boy's)
'22 Yam YZ125X (youngest boy's)
'17 Yam YZ85 (soon to be FOR SALE)
'10 Honda Recon (wife's)
'08 Kaw KX65 (Sold)
'07 KTM 50SX Sr. (Sold)
'09 Yam PW50 (retired)
'97 Kaw KX250 (Sold)

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2005 KDX200 Bike Profile
jackbombay
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Looking for a couple of suspension measurements.

Post by jackbombay »

G22inSC wrote: The rear measurement from the rear fender "brace" to the ground will dependent on the rear shock spring and amount of preload.
If the rear tire is off the ground when the measurement is taken the preload/sag doesn't matter though, unless I've understood you incorrectly.
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Re: Looking for a couple of suspension measurements.

Post by KDXGarage »

You need to get someone with Kouba links or homemade links to measure his and report.
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jackbombay
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Re: Looking for a couple of suspension measurements.

Post by jackbombay »

Jason wrote:You need to get someone with Kouba links or homemade links to measure his and report.
I think the rear shock linkage is stock, here is a pic,

Image
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Re: Looking for a couple of suspension measurements.

Post by KDXGarage »

Perhaps you could also try to determine if your spring collars are in the same spot as most people with normal length suspension?
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jackbombay
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Looking for a couple of suspension measurements.

Post by jackbombay »

So it turns out my "dog bone" linkage parts are notably longer than stock, which lowers the bike, the stock piece, from center of hole to center of hole, measures 112.5mm, mine measure 128mm, this is a HUGE difference, and accounts for about 3" of lowering, which is confirmed by my measurements and the measurements thaT=t JOHN_S posted.

you can make your own dogbones with 1/4" steel plate and a 15mm drill bit, which will be the cheapest option, but if I can get "the real part" quick from the local moto shop I'll do that...

I'll post some (non photobucket) pics if I make my own...
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Re: Looking for a couple of suspension measurements.

Post by KDXGarage »

WOW! That is a lot.
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jackbombay
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Looking for a couple of suspension measurements.

Post by jackbombay »

I got my 15mm drill bit from Amazon, and made my links. Stock is 112.5 center to center, I went 114.5 for just a touch lower than stock ride height, I then set the sag correctly (had to unload the spring two full turns) and the bike rides SO much better, better traction and I can lift the front wheel more easily, and the foot pegs are so much further off the ground, so my feet don't get punted off the pegs all the time now.
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Re: Looking for a couple of suspension measurements.

Post by KDXGarage »

EXCELLENT. Thanks for the follow up information. :bravo:
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jackbombay
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Looking for a couple of suspension measurements.

Post by jackbombay »

No problem,I always like to "complete threads"!

To make my links I welded two pieces of 1/4" flat stock together, then center punched the locations of the holes, and drilled with a 3/16" bit, then a 3/8" drill bit, (this pic has 3/8" holes as I didn't have my 15mm bit yet) then drilled with a 15mm bit.

Image
motogoalie1
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Looking for a couple of suspension measurements.

Post by motogoalie1 »

To hell with photobucket.
use imgur.
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