My son age 12 has just got a KDX200 and would like feed back on what lower link to put in the bike, he is tall for his age so will need it only for a year or 2 and is a good rider and stand-ups 90% of the time only need the bike lowered a little to help him kick it easier on hills etc.
I understand there is 3 different lengths of link and any experience in what one is best and how much to change the front forks in the tripple clamps will be helpful.
You Sir, are so in luck! I am in the South Island and have both the Kouba 2 and Kouba 3 lowering links for a KDX which are about to be for sale!
E-mail me at beardslc AT hotmail DOT com if you are interested?
EDIT: I changed it to not show a full address or phone number. Spam bots love catching those.
Thanks for the feedback unfortuantly i have just bought the number 2 how did it go on your bike how much did you adjust the front forks any issues using the links. cheers
I had to make some because I couldn't find any. That being said I have the drawings for anyone that has the skills to make them. So if the size doesn't turn out right let me know and I can make custom/give you drawing for new links.
dc2012 wrote: 01:59 pm May 19 2020
I had to make some because I couldn't find any. That being said I have the drawings for anyone that has the skills to make them. So if the size doesn't turn out right let me know and I can make custom/give you drawing for new links.
Hey mate I realise this is an old thread but would there be e any chance I could get those
Drawing details you mentioned? Thanks a, Mick..
No drawings are necessary, what year KDX do you have?
Stock are 112.5 mm length, 115 mm will lower the bike about a half inch, 117 mm will lower the bike about 7/8 inch.
I would not recommend using lowering links any longer than really about 116 mm. If you do, you may want to remove your upper chain roller guide. The suspension will cause the chain and swing arm to bottom out against the roller.
The best thing to do would be internally lower the shock with some internal lowering spacers the diameter of the shaft on the inside hole. Race Tech.com sells these. It basically requires a shock rebuild though. Great excuse to put in a Race Tech Gold Valve and their recommended custom tailored shock valving per your specifications inputted.
Easy enough to make. The important dimension is the distance between the hole centers. As Chuck said 112.5 is the stock length, longer distance gives more drop. I would also not recommend not going longer than about 116 for the same reasons, plus you will start to alter the steering geometry and must compensate by dropping the fork legs in the triple clamps to make up the difference. Just use the existing ones as a template and drill the holes at the appropriate distance apart.
A quick tip - use KLX250/300 links + their matching bolts. They are 117mm length, but slightly thicker steel, or some used significantly thicker aluminum links. The length of the bolts must be matched to the thickness of the links, and the steel KLX are a bit thicker than the '95-'06 KDX's, & the aluminum KLX300 are even thicker.
Also, with the stock shock, the tire may aldo potentially bottom out on the fender if using 117mm or longer links. I have not trsted this, but with a slightly longer RM125 or DRZ400 shock, & 117mm KLX links, my swingarm was able to press the chain tightly against the upper chain roller before any fender to tire bottoming... So if you do this,be mindful of that potential, and don't try to run 120 rear tires, stick with stock as it'll also keep the ride height lower.
Chuck78 wrote: 10:07 pm May 20 2025
A quick tip - use KLX250/300 links + their matching bolts. They are 117mm length, but slightly thicker steel, or some used significantly thicker aluminum links. The length of the bolts must be matched to the thickness of the links, and the steel KLX are a bit thicker than the '95-'06 KDX's, & the aluminum KLX300 are even thicker.
Also, with the stock shock, the tire may aldo potentially bottom out on the fender if using 117mm or longer links. I have not trsted this, but with a slightly longer RM125 or DRZ400 shock, & 117mm KLX links, my swingarm was able to press the chain tightly against the upper chain roller before any fender to tire bottoming... So if you do this,be mindful of that potential, and don't try to run 120 rear tires, stick with stock as it'll also keep the ride height lower.
I'm using klx250 lowering links on my kdx200, as you say they are thicker and also need the klx bolts, I'm pretty sure they are stamped 119mm but I will check again
Shorter rear shock from the kdx220sr is the best option but impossible to find
