Race Tech KLX Fork Springs Question

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VTMTcowboy
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Race Tech KLX Fork Springs Question

Post by VTMTcowboy »

What is everybody running for KLX fork springs on their KDX? I just bought the KLX front end and race tech suggest .44 kg springs for me (novice C enduro rider @ about 185#). Seems like some heavy springs compared to KDX spring rates, but that is the lightest rates race tech offers. Before I order them I just want to know if anyone else has similar stats and positive results. I'd rather them be softer than harsh. Thank you.
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Re: Race Tech KLX Fork Springs Question

Post by KDXGarage »

Are you 185 or are you 185 in full riding gear with water backpack, tools, spare parts, etc.?

Are you looking at what it says for 185 when riding a KLX? You have a KDX correct? You have to look at the KDX.
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Re: Race Tech KLX Fork Springs Question

Post by VTMTcowboy »

Probably 190-195 in riding gear with tools. It is for a KDX. Does the KDX springs fit in the KLX forks? I figured they'd be different so I'd have to look up KLX fork specs. Based on Fredette Racing I am in between .38 kg and .40 kg, but they suggested .38 kg. That was why I was questioning the .44 Race Tech springs.
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Re: Race Tech KLX Fork Springs Question

Post by KDXGarage »

No. The KDX springs will not work in KLX300 forks.

No matter which forks one puts on a bike, one must look up the bike for spring ratings. Looking up the spring part number is on the page of the bike they came from. In your case, a KLX300 is going to weigh more than a KDX200, so the rate needed would be stiffer.

You have no clue what rate springs are in the KLX300 forks you bought. We all know what they came with from the factory, but who knows what was done since then. It may have the stock .38 springs or it may have some that are softer or stiffer. You can slap together a rate tester or just ride them and see.

If .44 is as soft as they sell, then you can make do with what you have or go with .44.

What criteria did you put in to get a .44 recommendation on a KDX??
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Re: Race Tech KLX Fork Springs Question

Post by VTMTcowboy »

The .44 was for the KLX on Race Tech's website. The criteria was weight, skill level, terrain ridden. The .38 (standard KDX forks) for the KDX was from Fredette Racing. I reached out to Fredette via email and asked whether the .38 or the .40 was appropriate based on my stats of weight, rider ability, terrain, etc. They suggested .38. I might just end up bringing the whole thing to the local suspension shop. Figured I'd try to be proactive but may be best to let them take it all the way.
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Re: Race Tech KLX Fork Springs Question

Post by KDXGarage »

Stock KLX springs are .38. The most likely situation is stock springs.

.38 is wrong for 190 andKDX. I disagree with him on fork spring rates.
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Re: Race Tech KLX Fork Springs Question

Post by VTMTcowboy »

Yeah I have no knowledge of spring rates. Kind of defer to others or the experts at those companies. Was hoping other members would chime in with their setups and experiences.
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Re: Race Tech KLX Fork Springs Question

Post by VTMTcowboy »

When looking at the 98 OEM KLX 300 parts fiche, it states stock springs are .36 kg with optional .35 or .37 kg. If they were .38 kg I'd probably just keep them as I would opt for a more plush suspension than rigid.
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Re: Race Tech KLX Fork Springs Question

Post by KDXGarage »

Well that sucks. I thought they were .38.
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Re: Race Tech KLX Fork Springs Question

Post by VTMTcowboy »

Put a couple questions out on a KLX thread on another forum just to get some opinions there as well. All good either way, will figure it out one way or another.
1997 KDX 220
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