86 KDX with 02 KX125 forks
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86 KDX with 02 KX125 forks
Hi All,
Upgraded my 86 to 2002 KX125 48mm KYBs in early 2017 and got them working pretty good towards the end of the year.
I bought the KX rolling chassis for $100 and the conversion wasn't very difficult but getting the forks to work well was a lot of work.
I was really glad my helmet had a strap the first few rides or it probably would have flown off my head over small bumps they were so stiff.
I ended up with a really unconventional shim arrangement, basically inverted with very light low speed damping but it seems to work well.
Overall a great improvement and fun project.
Some details:
Stock KDX stem was knurled and pressed in with Loctite
Forks were shortened 33mm - measured unloaded axle to lower triple clamp and determine difference
New spring seat and spacer made to shorten forks.
Bladders gone
KX upper triple clamp was machined to accept conical KDX bushing
KX125 wheel, brakes , and fender
Some photos:
Upgraded my 86 to 2002 KX125 48mm KYBs in early 2017 and got them working pretty good towards the end of the year.
I bought the KX rolling chassis for $100 and the conversion wasn't very difficult but getting the forks to work well was a lot of work.
I was really glad my helmet had a strap the first few rides or it probably would have flown off my head over small bumps they were so stiff.
I ended up with a really unconventional shim arrangement, basically inverted with very light low speed damping but it seems to work well.
Overall a great improvement and fun project.
Some details:
Stock KDX stem was knurled and pressed in with Loctite
Forks were shortened 33mm - measured unloaded axle to lower triple clamp and determine difference
New spring seat and spacer made to shorten forks.
Bladders gone
KX upper triple clamp was machined to accept conical KDX bushing
KX125 wheel, brakes , and fender
Some photos:
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Re: 86 KDX with 02 KX125 forks
What a cool bike. I was always s partial to the C’s (86-88). Congrats on the air cooled monster.
Appears that you have quite the collection.
Appears that you have quite the collection.
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Re: 86 KDX with 02 KX125 forks
VERY COOL! Thanks for sharing. If you don't mind, how do you like the Craftsman Professional air compressor? I had thought of getting one in the past, but my Craftsman air compressor put out almost as much pressure. I never could pay that much just to be a little more pressure and quieter.
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To post pictures from a device: viewtopic.php?f=88&t=24128
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86 KDX with 02 KX125 forks
Great job , disc on the rear too.
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Re: 86 KDX with 02 KX125 forks
Thanks for the compliments!
the rear wheel is from the KX125 also.
No complaints on the compressor, it is the quietest I've had and it pumps up quick.
I need to do some spring cleaning.
the rear wheel is from the KX125 also.
No complaints on the compressor, it is the quietest I've had and it pumps up quick.
I need to do some spring cleaning.
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Re: 86 KDX with 02 KX125 forks
Thanks on the compressor report.
I like that you modified the upper clamp for the C cone. That's next level.
I like that you modified the upper clamp for the C cone. That's next level.
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Re: 86 KDX with 02 KX125 forks
I've got a 2002 KX125 front end on my '97 220. Love it!
Last edited by Jim B on 10:18 pm Feb 15 2018, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: 86 KDX with 02 KX125 forks
AH!! Always the question, do the clamps or forks hit the tank on the '87??
I have a Pro Taper upper clamp on my '94, and it took me forever to figure out why I had two little black lines on my tank top.
I have a Pro Taper upper clamp on my '94, and it took me forever to figure out why I had two little black lines on my tank top.
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To post pictures from a device: viewtopic.php?f=88&t=24128
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Re: 86 KDX with 02 KX125 forks
I have about 1/2" clearance to the tank so didn't need to modify the steering lock.
Jim, good to hear you love them they are still new to me but it is fun to look for big rocks and other things I used to avoid.
Jim, good to hear you love them they are still new to me but it is fun to look for big rocks and other things I used to avoid.
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Re: 86 KDX with 02 KX125 forks
Cool. That is one thing to consider on all swaps.
Do you have an '86 or '87? The seat is from 1987.
Do you have an '86 or '87? The seat is from 1987.
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Re: 86 KDX with 02 KX125 forks
always neat to see someone taking the time to make things fit perfectly. i had to look twice to see what you were doing with the triple tree. cool ! :-)
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Re: 86 KDX with 02 KX125 forks
Thanks, it helps to have machine tools! (And a buddy in the used machine tool business)
I just got the rotary table and this was my first use.
The bike is an 86, I got the seat from another basket case so it might be an 87.
I'm going to put that basket case together for the wife.
I just got the rotary table and this was my first use.
The bike is an 86, I got the seat from another basket case so it might be an 87.
I'm going to put that basket case together for the wife.
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Re: 86 KDX with 02 KX125 forks
I have a 1988 KDX I'm looking to upgrade the forks on. Your pictures aren't working, any chance you could repost them?
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Re: 86 KDX with 02 KX125 forks
I had trouble posting them before...see if these work.
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Re: 86 KDX with 02 KX125 forks
Freakin' sweeeeeeeeet!
Youtube Channel: WildAzzRacing
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Current KDX: '98 KDX220
Old KDX: '90 KDX200 -White/Blue
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AZ State Parks & Trails OHV Ambassador - Trail Riders of Southern AZ
Current KDX: '98 KDX220
Old KDX: '90 KDX200 -White/Blue
'11 GasGas EC250R
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Re: 86 KDX with 02 KX125 forks
That looks really good!
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