KDXRIDER.NET

Well I don't know if this the correct forum so I'll try here for some guidance.

I just picked up a semi-complete 96 KX250 front end, save for the front brake caliper and caliper holder and master cylinder for $80.

They are going to need a complete rebuild, so figuring this going to be somewhat expensive and perhaps I should have thought this through better, here is where I am at.

It will need new bushings, new seals and needs to be dropped at least 1" if not 2" to have the same geometry of the 86 KDX 200 10.2" vs. 12.2".

I don't think I could pull them that far up the triples without some serious handlebar risers and it would probably look a bit funky. I will have to get the upper and

lower bearings to the KDX specs, still have to do some research on how to swap steering stems. Will have to revalve and potentially respring, stock is .41kg and

I am 165lbs on a good day. I am looking at close to $500+, which I don't know if I would ever get back out of this bike. Resell for the C series bikes are actually

quite poor here in Nor Cal, speculating it is pretty much the same around the country.

Any input, or guidance is appreciated !!!

Michael

Only you and your wallet can decide if it is written the price.

Pretty much any set of old used forks is going to need new bushings, seals, etc.

I don't think you can pull them up two inches. Getting them shortened seems the way to go. Whoever is doing it will have to cut the springs. Cutting the springs makes them stiffer. Maybe that would put the rate in the ball park for your riding weight.

Throw in a revalve, too.

The stem hole is a fair amount bigger on 1996 KX125 and KX250. Out will need to be knurled and matched at a machine shop. It is not a swap in/ swap out easy swap.

Thanks Jason,

I appreciate the reply, I am going to drain the forks from both and do some weight measurements. The only advantage of the air cooled motors

vs. their LQ counterparts is weight, if the weights are comparable, then I think moving the set I just acquired is the correct course of action and

working some type of magic to the original conventionals are in order. If the weight difference is leaning towards the USD's, then it is time to

pony up. Several posters have claimed a 5 lb difference, between the KDX stockers and the USD's, so stay tuned.

Michael

I think the main difference is the performance.

Just for the record, drained both sets of forks, the stockers are 18lbs, w/o oil and the 46mm USD's are 17lbs, not much of a difference. The 96 KX250 stem is aluminum, the 86 stem is steel, so there is some weight savings there. This is somewhat of an unofficial weight, as this was used with my bathroom scale in .5lb increments.

I will take to work where I can weight within oz's, vs. 8 oz increments to get a more accurate measurement. I have seen several posts where KLX 300 forks vs. H series forks were 5 lbs lighter, but no feedback as to how they were weighed and no confirmation either way.

Michael

Just in case you did not know, one can't use the 1996 KX125 / KX250 stem (or any 1992+) in a KDX / KLX / KX500 / 1991 and older KX125 / KX250. Generally, the KDX stem and KX clamp are paired together.

Again, the weight isn't why anyone does the swap, it's the much improved front suspension performance and adjustability.