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KX125 Clutch Actuator

Posted: 06:20 pm Apr 22 2019
by ericr
I've searched the forums and have found mention that people have replaced their clutch actuator with one from a KX125 for lighter clutch pull. Supposedly, the arm is longer and gives more leverage.

Has anyone actually done this and knows the part number?

I ordered one and it does not fit. The shaft is too short.

I'm finding different part numbers for this item;

Rocky Mountain - 13236-1259, cross references with KLX's of various years.
Partzilla - 13236-1195, cross references with 89-91 KDX200.
ebay - Most listings for 1989 KX125 shows it fitting the KLX's.

I bought one off ebay for a 1989 KX125 that cross referenced to the KLX's and it did not fit. Does anyone know for sure what the correct part number is and cross reference? Thanks!

Re: KX125 Clutch Actuator

Posted: 10:36 pm Apr 22 2019
by bufftester
I've not heard of this particular mod, but doubt it will be easy to find a drop in replacement. The clutch pull on a KDX is already pretty light.

Re: KX125 Clutch Actuator

Posted: 12:35 am Apr 23 2019
by ericr
bufftester wrote: 10:36 pm Apr 22 2019 I've not heard of this particular mod, but doubt it will be easy to find a drop in replacement. The clutch pull on a KDX is already pretty light.
There's been a couple posts on this where people have done it and have claimed clutch pull lighter than bikes with OEM hydraulics. Unfortunately, they didn't leave details.

Even new, a KX125 actuator is about $25 - way less than a Magura hydraulic at $300. If someone has done it, and has a part number, I'll spend $25, or less, to have an effortless one-finger clutch.

Re: KX125 Clutch Actuator

Posted: 09:25 pm Apr 24 2019
by 6 Riders
I put one on. Great mod. I don't remember what year I purchased and I can't see that far back on my purchase history. I know it was pretty much a straight swap.

Re: KX125 Clutch Actuator

Posted: 04:11 pm Apr 25 2019
by bufftester
Did a little research, since the H series bike really spawned from the 92-94 KX125 a quick look at the 93 KX125 clutch actuator (13236-1230) may work. THey share the same needle bearing so the shaft diameter is the same, and appear to have the same length, though can't find any info on the length of the arm. Also they don't appear to be readily available at several parts houses, but maybe it gives you a starting point?

Re: KX125 Clutch Actuator

Posted: 04:16 pm Apr 25 2019
by ericr
6 Riders wrote: 09:25 pm Apr 24 2019 I put one on. Great mod. I don't remember what year I purchased and I can't see that far back on my purchase history. I know it was pretty much a straight swap.
Do you recall if it was at least a 1989 KX125 actuator? That might narrow it down to the other part number.

Re: KX125 Clutch Actuator

Posted: 04:29 pm Apr 25 2019
by ericr
bufftester wrote: 04:11 pm Apr 25 2019 Did a little research, since the H series bike really spawned from the 92-94 KX125 a quick look at the 93 KX125 clutch actuator (13236-1230) may work. THey share the same needle bearing so the shaft diameter is the same, and appear to have the same length, though can't find any info on the length of the arm. Also they don't appear to be readily available at several parts houses, but maybe it gives you a starting point?
Good detective work. If we can get someone to verify that they used an actuator from that year range, we have a part number. Thanks.

Re: KX125 Clutch Actuator

Posted: 03:11 pm Apr 29 2019
by 6 Riders
ericr wrote: 04:16 pm Apr 25 2019
Do you recall if it was at least a 1989 KX125 actuator? That might narrow it down to the other part number.
I think Buffsteter is right. I think the 93 is the year that I used. I got mine on eBay for cheap. That way if it didn't fit, I wasn't out a bunch of money.

Re: KX125 Clutch Actuator

Posted: 11:18 pm Apr 29 2019
by ericr
Ok, I'm going to watch ebay for a 92-94 actuator. We'll see if it works. I just realized that we had 3 members from WA discussing this. I'm going to Walker tomorrow for the first time in 20 years. Back then, it seriously kicked my ass. I have a better bike now so it should be ok, right?

Re: KX125 Clutch Actuator

Posted: 08:38 pm Apr 30 2019
by bufftester
ericr wrote: 11:18 pm Apr 29 2019 Ok, I'm going to watch ebay for a 92-94 actuator. We'll see if it works. I just realized that we had 3 members from WA discussing this. I'm going to Walker tomorrow for the first time in 20 years. Back then, it seriously kicked my ass. I have a better bike now so it should be ok, right?
lol...Rode the Kilted Duck poker run last weekend up there, lots of good trails, some technical stuff that can get quite ugly in the wet. First time I had ridden there, the impression I got was that not a lot of trail maintenance gets done and they ride it year round so it does get pretty chewed up. Still was a lot of fun! And burgers afterwards at the Conway Pub and Eatery make the drive worthwhile!

Re: KX125 Clutch Actuator

Posted: 02:59 pm Sep 13 2019
by hrchins
ericr wrote: 11:18 pm Apr 29 2019 Ok, I'm going to watch ebay for a 92-94 actuator. We'll see if it works. I just realized that we had 3 members from WA discussing this. I'm going to Walker tomorrow for the first time in 20 years. Back then, it seriously kicked my ass. I have a better bike now so it should be ok, right?
Any update or review on this? Very interested in trying this

Re: KX125 Clutch Actuator

Posted: 11:18 am Sep 14 2019
by ericr
hrchins wrote: 02:59 pm Sep 13 2019
ericr wrote: 11:18 pm Apr 29 2019 Ok, I'm going to watch ebay for a 92-94 actuator. We'll see if it works. I just realized that we had 3 members from WA discussing this. I'm going to Walker tomorrow for the first time in 20 years. Back then, it seriously kicked my ass. I have a better bike now so it should be ok, right?
Any update or review on this? Very interested in trying this
I haven't done it yet but have been watching ebay for one to show up.

Re: KX125 Clutch Actuator

Posted: 12:36 pm Sep 16 2019
by K50X200
ericr wrote: 11:18 am Sep 14 2019
hrchins wrote: 02:59 pm Sep 13 2019
ericr wrote: 11:18 pm Apr 29 2019 Ok, I'm going to watch ebay for a 92-94 actuator. We'll see if it works. I just realized that we had 3 members from WA discussing this. I'm going to Walker tomorrow for the first time in 20 years. Back then, it seriously kicked my ass. I have a better bike now so it should be ok, right?
Any update or review on this? Very interested in trying this
I haven't done it yet but have been watching ebay for one to show up.
As an alternative, you can also add an extra 1/4" to 1/2" to your current KDX200 actuator arm to reduce lever effort...
This method is also mentioned here on the forum somewhere (I think 1/2" was mentioned as a maximum) - I've been meaning to try it but haven't got to it yet.

Re: KX125 Clutch Actuator

Posted: 04:17 pm Sep 18 2019
by hrchins
K50X200 wrote: 12:36 pm Sep 16 2019
ericr wrote: 11:18 am Sep 14 2019
hrchins wrote: 02:59 pm Sep 13 2019

Any update or review on this? Very interested in trying this
I haven't done it yet but have been watching ebay for one to show up.
As an alternative, you can also add an extra 1/4" to 1/2" to your current KDX200 actuator arm to reduce lever effort...
This method is also mentioned here on the forum somewhere (I think 1/2" was mentioned as a maximum) - I've been meaning to try it but haven't got to it yet.
Yeah I seen that but dont have access to a welder so... :/
... wonder if JB Weld or something similar would be strong enough?

Re: KX125 Clutch Actuator

Posted: 05:00 pm Sep 18 2019
by kdxsully
Doubt it.

Re: KX125 Clutch Actuator

Posted: 07:57 pm Sep 18 2019
by Kdxfan4130
Yamaha 450 owners use this easy mod to decrease lever pull effort, I’ve seen it done and it does work

Re: KX125 Clutch Actuator

Posted: 02:31 pm Sep 22 2019
by Slick_Nick
Am I the only one who thinks if the clutch is too hard to pull you just need to hit it with your purse?

Re: KX125 Clutch Actuator

Posted: 12:32 am Sep 23 2019
by SS109
Slick_Nick wrote: 02:31 pm Sep 22 2019 Am I the only one who thinks if the clutch is too hard to pull you just need to hit it with your purse?
Yeah, if it's hard to pull something is wrong with it or the operator!

Re: KX125 Clutch Actuator

Posted: 12:03 pm Sep 23 2019
by ericr
SS109 wrote: 12:32 am Sep 23 2019
Slick_Nick wrote: 02:31 pm Sep 22 2019 Am I the only one who thinks if the clutch is too hard to pull you just need to hit it with your purse?
Yeah, if it's hard to pull something is wrong with it or the operator!
Yes, there is something wrong with the operator. It's called aging, and it sucks. For me, it's given me arthritis in my hands which forces me to use two fingers on my clutch. Despite that, many of us old-guys are still out there hitting the trails. If I can add a cheap mod that will help me keep at it into the future, I'll do it. It's either that, or I should start shopping for a new wardrobe accessory, eh? :yawinkle:

Re: KX125 Clutch Actuator

Posted: 12:28 pm Sep 23 2019
by SS109
Maybe I'm still too young at 49 to notice how stiff it is! The only issue I have with the clutch pull is not being able to adjust the reach of it for my short sausages!