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Klx250 shock swap

Posted: 02:32 pm Jan 01 2018
by IceCold4x4
So I blew out the rear shock on the kdx the other day. After doing some quick reading and perusing ebay it looks like a klx250 shock should be a direct swap. Can anyone confirm this? I know it has a high spring rate but that's ok for me as I'm heavy at 270 lbs.

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Re: Klx250 shock swap

Posted: 02:38 pm Jan 01 2018
by KDXGarage
Why not just rebuild or buy another KDX shock?

Re: Klx250 shock swap

Posted: 03:48 pm Jan 01 2018
by IceCold4x4
big reason was that this one was 50 bucks on ebay and comes with a 5.6KG spring that i'm certain will swap over to mine worst case scenario so thats at least cheaper than a racetech spring.

also i didn't see any kdx shocks on fleabay when i looked. if this works cool, if not i can at least take the spring to fastlap and have them rebuild the stocker using it which while still not quite enough for my heft the plan is to lose about 50 to 75 lbs this year before the Tennessee hard knockout.

Re: Klx250 shock swap

Posted: 04:51 pm Jan 01 2018
by KDXGarage
Ok.

Is it old KLX250 or KLX250 dual sport?

Re: Klx250 shock swap

Posted: 05:10 pm Jan 01 2018
by IceCold4x4
09 Kawasaki KLX250T if the the ebay add is correct. should be here in 3 or 4 days along with all new swingarm and shock linkage bearings

Re: Klx250 shock swap

Posted: 12:23 am Jan 13 2018
by IceCold4x4
For future reference the klx250 shock will not work as the reservoir is too far forward causing it to hit the frame.

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Re: Klx250 shock swap

Posted: 02:39 am Jan 13 2018
by KDXGarage
Oops
Not good

Re: Klx250 shock swap

Posted: 07:53 am Jan 13 2018
by IceCold4x4
Jason wrote:Oops
Not good
Yup time to rebuild the stocker. Also after looking at. It closer looks like it's not the same. Length shock rod less travel.

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Re: Klx250 shock swap

Posted: 05:12 pm Jan 13 2018
by KDXGarage
Spring swap over?

Re: Klx250 shock swap

Posted: 01:28 am Jan 14 2018
by IceCold4x4
According to racetech they both use the same springs just different weights. Measurements say yes and it's def stiffer. Just ordered a seal head kit from msr and some oil and the swingarm bearing that wasn't included in the kit.

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Re: Klx250 shock swap

Posted: 06:26 am Nov 12 2020
by Goatfish
Old thread but I thought Id answer just in case some one else comes across this.

I ended up needing a kdx200 shock rebuild and while waiting, blew the klx250s piston and shrapnel dropped into crank. Needed to ride so last minute figured that a swap might be worth a try.

It kind of works but not recommended unless in a real pinch.

The klx shock has the reservoir on the otherside and seems to be ever so slightly shorter.
20201024_204117.jpg
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The connection from carb to airbox will not fit so the carb can be connected to a bent pitbike air filter that is exposed to the open air as can kind of be seen below
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While this did not strictly need rejetting, halfway through a ride, the airfilter simply got too dirty and the bike started bogging. If riding in a clean environment it might work better but woUld still need more frequent cleaning.

Also the bike sat lower and the suspension felt like it had trouble getting traction compared to stock even after fiddling with preload and damping, could not get it working as well as stock.

The biggest problem for me was that the springs have less coils that are thicker and these seem to resonate with the engine and shoot all sorts of vibes throughout the frame. Even with loctite, I ended losing an engine mount bolt, the chamber rattled lose and leaked and ended up losing the kick lever as it simply rattled off! My feet also got numb after about two hours.

Would not eat here again. 3/5.
Still gets a 3 because nobody got hurt.

Re: Klx250 shock swap

Posted: 06:38 am Nov 12 2020
by KDXGarage
Wow. Sounds like riding a jackhammer.

Re: Klx250 shock swap

Posted: 08:55 am Nov 18 2020
by treelimb
If it isn't too late, PLEASE splurge and install a race tech gold valve in your rear shock. I gold valved my klx300 forks and I was told at the time that guy did revalve my rear as it too was rebuilt. Perhaps a shim or three had been moved or taken out. Not know kimosabe.

Fast forward to last month, had my entire suspension refreshed and a gold valve in the shock.
Damn. Very well worth the investment. Plush,takes hits, and extremely stable during race conditions thus regular riding. I seemingly had to let my suspension do its job now and that took acclimation. It was literally that much difference in overall control. I had the issues now, not my bike. Letting go is now fun as I'm faster and more in control. Dropping down steeps much more quickly. Climbing steeps is now more controlled.

Money well spent.