Fork Springs…Question
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Fork Springs…Question
New member...first post.
I hope to be the proud owner of a bone stock 2000 KDX 220 tonight.
I’m somewhat of a rookie when it comes to having only two tires under me. The bike will be used for trail riding…i.e. mostly as “chase” bike to my 6yr old son. Long story short…no racing, jumping, hare scrambles, etc…
One of the first items on my list is heavier fork springs from FRP. I weigh about 225 lbs. Several folks, including Jeff F., have told me the factory fronts are way to soft. They’ve also suggested the rear could be left as is. Suggesting it’s rated for 180-210 lb rider and with mild trail riding it would give a plush ride with no worries.
This leads me to ask about the different spring rates available for the forks, from FRP. By FRP’s published data I should go with the .40 spring to accommodate my weight. That said, again considering my intended use of the bike, would these be considered too stiff? If I was to opt for the .38 springs it seemingly should give the same plush ride and I would then have a balanced spring rate from front to back…in theory.
Any advice would be appreciated.
Toby
I hope to be the proud owner of a bone stock 2000 KDX 220 tonight.
I’m somewhat of a rookie when it comes to having only two tires under me. The bike will be used for trail riding…i.e. mostly as “chase” bike to my 6yr old son. Long story short…no racing, jumping, hare scrambles, etc…
One of the first items on my list is heavier fork springs from FRP. I weigh about 225 lbs. Several folks, including Jeff F., have told me the factory fronts are way to soft. They’ve also suggested the rear could be left as is. Suggesting it’s rated for 180-210 lb rider and with mild trail riding it would give a plush ride with no worries.
This leads me to ask about the different spring rates available for the forks, from FRP. By FRP’s published data I should go with the .40 spring to accommodate my weight. That said, again considering my intended use of the bike, would these be considered too stiff? If I was to opt for the .38 springs it seemingly should give the same plush ride and I would then have a balanced spring rate from front to back…in theory.
Any advice would be appreciated.
Toby
- Slick_Nick
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Toby, the stock springs are .34's, I think. My suggestion is to just ride it the way it is, and see how you like it. I rode my 1996 200 for well over a year with stock fork springs and they were fine, even at higher trail speeds. The bike will turn super sharp, that's for sure. I just learned to ride around the soft springs, and kept the front end light when I encountered the rough stuff. For your intended purpose, they will probably be fine.
2004 Dual Sported KDX200
1999 Ninja 250 (Daughter's)
1996 DR 650 (stock, mostly street use)
1999 Ninja 250 (Daughter's)
1996 DR 650 (stock, mostly street use)
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^ +1
I also weigh about 225 and I rode my 2000 200 for a full season on the stock forks. Like said before just ride it and see what you need to do after some seat time. You may also want to save your money on springs and just do a fork swap next winter. The stock forks do leave much to be desired but they do work. I would make sure that the rest of the bike is good to go before spending money on fork springs, not that good suspension isn't needed also but with a new to you bike you don't know what you have until you have had it for awhile.
I also weigh about 225 and I rode my 2000 200 for a full season on the stock forks. Like said before just ride it and see what you need to do after some seat time. You may also want to save your money on springs and just do a fork swap next winter. The stock forks do leave much to be desired but they do work. I would make sure that the rest of the bike is good to go before spending money on fork springs, not that good suspension isn't needed also but with a new to you bike you don't know what you have until you have had it for awhile.
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Thanks for the responses guys!
Well it's official...I've joined the KDX family tonight. Bought the 2000 model 220.
I must say I'm excited. I've researched and researched and researched some more. I started my search from scratch. I believe I've read more in the past 3-4 months than I ever have...new vs. used, 2-stroke vs. 4-stroke, Red vs. Blue vs.Orange vs. Yellow vs. GREEN, trail vs. track, wide ratio vs. close ratio, light vs. heavy, etc...etc...etc...
At the end of it all I think I made a great choice and I think I found one heck of a deal on what seems to be a well cared for bike.
Paid only $800...
- Compression (cold) 150 psi…plug looked perfect.
- Started (cold) on 2nd kick…was able to immediately remove choke for idle
- Brake pads looked to be 75%...both rotors looked great
- Wheel bearings had zero play
- front fork seals looked great…sliders in perfect condition
- Rims look as close to new as possible for being 11yrs old.
- Factory rear tire was worn…I see this as good as I get to pick what I want
- lower shock mount bearings had no play
- all factory plastic was intact with no major wear…normal wear/tear…few scratches/scuffs
- Decals are a little tattered…looks like someone got carried away with a power washer.
- Renthal bars & grips
- steering stabilizer
- Acerbis hand guards
- stock pipe & silencer (great shape)…also good as I can pick what I want as my experience grows
- o-rings in chain looked to be deteriorating...some broke, falling out…new chain needed
- rear sprocket had a little wear but seller gave new factory replacement with sale
Always risks when buying a used bike but I don’t think I got hurt.
Toby
Well it's official...I've joined the KDX family tonight. Bought the 2000 model 220.
I must say I'm excited. I've researched and researched and researched some more. I started my search from scratch. I believe I've read more in the past 3-4 months than I ever have...new vs. used, 2-stroke vs. 4-stroke, Red vs. Blue vs.Orange vs. Yellow vs. GREEN, trail vs. track, wide ratio vs. close ratio, light vs. heavy, etc...etc...etc...
At the end of it all I think I made a great choice and I think I found one heck of a deal on what seems to be a well cared for bike.
Paid only $800...
- Compression (cold) 150 psi…plug looked perfect.
- Started (cold) on 2nd kick…was able to immediately remove choke for idle
- Brake pads looked to be 75%...both rotors looked great
- Wheel bearings had zero play
- front fork seals looked great…sliders in perfect condition
- Rims look as close to new as possible for being 11yrs old.
- Factory rear tire was worn…I see this as good as I get to pick what I want
- lower shock mount bearings had no play
- all factory plastic was intact with no major wear…normal wear/tear…few scratches/scuffs
- Decals are a little tattered…looks like someone got carried away with a power washer.
- Renthal bars & grips
- steering stabilizer
- Acerbis hand guards
- stock pipe & silencer (great shape)…also good as I can pick what I want as my experience grows
- o-rings in chain looked to be deteriorating...some broke, falling out…new chain needed
- rear sprocket had a little wear but seller gave new factory replacement with sale
Always risks when buying a used bike but I don’t think I got hurt.
Toby
- scheckaet
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congrats on the new bike. 800 bux and with a stabilizer? hell of a deal
if you done your reading about the kdx then youknow about the stock 220 grenade piston, that's what I'd check and replace immediately.
if you done your reading about the kdx then youknow about the stock 220 grenade piston, that's what I'd check and replace immediately.
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
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You will need another website for hosting. Photobucket is what I use.
Youtube Channel: WildAzzRacing
AZ State Parks & Trails OHV Ambassador - Trail Riders of Southern AZ
Current KDX: '98 KDX220
Old KDX: '90 KDX200 -White/Blue
'11 GasGas EC250R
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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Welcome, Toby!
Another consideration to keep in mind is that your intentions for the present time are as a "chase" bike as you call it. But, in the not too distant future, your KDX will develop a mind of its own and will have you doing all those things you say you aren't planning on doing ... racing, jumping, hare scrambles, etc…
It just happens ...
Another consideration to keep in mind is that your intentions for the present time are as a "chase" bike as you call it. But, in the not too distant future, your KDX will develop a mind of its own and will have you doing all those things you say you aren't planning on doing ... racing, jumping, hare scrambles, etc…
It just happens ...
"If I were just two inches taller, I wouldn't be me." ~KDX Butterfly
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Here's a couple of pics. Not great pics but all I have right now.
Another thing...I had decided to put a few rides on the front fork springs before I made any changes but I'm not sure I should hold off. They are soft. Thus far I haven't had it on a trail...just a few test rides up and down the street. Running up through the gears, on the throttle a bit, I can feel them go to full extension as the front tire lifts from the ground. Off the throttle it really dives. I don't think it close to full compression but certainly enough to make me take notice. I can only imagine it would be much worse on some terrain.
It's getting a new pair of tires/tubes , sprockets and O-ring chain this week.
Anyone have any feedback on Dunlop MX51's? Also considering Bridgestone 403/404's.
Another thing...I had decided to put a few rides on the front fork springs before I made any changes but I'm not sure I should hold off. They are soft. Thus far I haven't had it on a trail...just a few test rides up and down the street. Running up through the gears, on the throttle a bit, I can feel them go to full extension as the front tire lifts from the ground. Off the throttle it really dives. I don't think it close to full compression but certainly enough to make me take notice. I can only imagine it would be much worse on some terrain.
It's getting a new pair of tires/tubes , sprockets and O-ring chain this week.
Anyone have any feedback on Dunlop MX51's? Also considering Bridgestone 403/404's.
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Heard the 51's are great but wear really fast. I know nothing about the Bridgestones other than the last one I had I absolutely hated it. Unfortunately, I can't remember what model it was.
As for recommendations, what area of the country do you live? You might check out the Maxxis line or the new Motoz. The Motoz have been some great reviews so I decided to give them a shot. Haven't mounted them yet as I'm currently starting my rebuild so no first hand knowledge just yet of how they do.
As for recommendations, what area of the country do you live? You might check out the Maxxis line or the new Motoz. The Motoz have been some great reviews so I decided to give them a shot. Haven't mounted them yet as I'm currently starting my rebuild so no first hand knowledge just yet of how they do.
Youtube Channel: WildAzzRacing
AZ State Parks & Trails OHV Ambassador - Trail Riders of Southern AZ
Current KDX: '98 KDX220
Old KDX: '90 KDX200 -White/Blue
'11 GasGas EC250R
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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Good tip...I have not been looking on Ebay. I've been shopping a few online stores and it may be they don't have current stock in 18's therfore they don't list them.Coop wrote:They definitely offer Scorpion's in 18". I put one on my '88 KX125 last summer and just now a quick check on eBay showed several sizes in 18".
Thanks.
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