Full Showa USD fork/RM125 shock conversion

Questions and comments about converting to beefier forks..
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SS109
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Full Showa conversion

Post by SS109 »

Yes, it makes the stem fit the upper triple. It looks like this...

Image

Yes, I would contact Ron and ask him. Sorry, don't have an extra stem. Both of the ones I had/have ended up in KX conversions. You can find them on Ebay pretty cheap, though.

I have ridden with a lot of guys named Chris over the years! What bike does he ride? I think it's funny when someone says I'm fast! :mrgreen:

Lighter bike, yeah, the E-series feels heavier than it is because it carries more of it's weight up high. I noticed that the '95+ bikes feel lighter because of how they carry their weight yet are close to the same weight as the E's. Sadly, no real cure for that other than building a hybrid or getting a different bike. Just improve your skills by getting more seat time and, eventually, you will hardly ever drop your bike and it won't be an issue! That's how I dealt with it! :supz:
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Re: Full Showa conversion

Post by Friedom »

I'll send an email, then.

Chris rides a 99 Suzuki Dr350 dirt model. Same as me, currently. Comes in around 285#. The kdx will be a refreshing change of pace.

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Re: Full Showa conversion

Post by SS109 »

Friedom wrote:Chris rides a 99 Suzuki Dr350 dirt model.
Ah, ok, I remember him. Cool guy. I think he learned out at Marana that DR350's are not for singletrack!
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Re: Full Showa conversion

Post by Friedom »

Hah, they're good for what they are. Being able to do single track or the AZBDR on the same bike is nice, but comes with a price sometimes.

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Re: Full Showa conversion

Post by Friedom »

I was going to continue this conversation, but it seemed prudent to start a new thread.
I'd love if you guys can chime in, though: http://162.243.75.126/forums/viewtopic.php?t=18807

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Re: Full Showa conversion

Post by Friedom »

For the fun of it - http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/mcy/5394064813.html

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Re: Full Showa conversion

Post by TylerKuKu »

So what year Suzuki or Kawasaki suspension should I be looking for for a 99 KDX 200?
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Re: Full Showa conversion

Post by Friedom »

TylerKuKu wrote:So what year Suzuki or Kawasaki suspension should I be looking for for a 99 KDX 200?
As per this thread, the 96-99 RM (125 or 250) front end is a good swap. You'll need the steering stem from your KDX, though.
KX conversion is more popular, it seems, but I didn't go that route.

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Re: Full Showa conversion

Post by SS109 »

TylerKuKu wrote:So what year Suzuki or Kawasaki suspension should I be looking for for a 99 KDX 200?
Actually, you could use any front end from about '96 and up from any brand of bike. All would be major upgrades from the stock KDX forks.
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Re: Full Showa conversion

Post by Friedom »

Hey SS does that mean that the stock front end of your 220 would be an upgrade on my brother's 93 200?

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Re: Full Showa conversion

Post by SS109 »

Friedom wrote:Hey SS does that mean that the stock front end of your 220 would be an upgrade on my brother's 93 200?
No, not at all. Other than the '93-'94 forks, all KDX200/220's had the same forks from 1989 and up. The only difference that I know of is the '95+ forks have a different brake caliper mount. Otherwise, identical.
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Re: Full Showa conversion

Post by Friedom »

I guess we'll see how these USDs do, then. Have to get some guards for them. Meh, can I just slap on some gaiters?

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Re: Full Showa conversion

Post by Friedom »

Got my triples back! They knurled the bottom and bored the top then put in a fitted bushing on top. Also machined to match thickness on top and bottom.
One I get a frame (ahem) I'll fit it all up and see how it looks.


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Re: Full Showa conversion

Post by Banana944 »

Hey SS109, do you know what clevis they used on your rear shock? Id like to upgrade my rear as well, but like you, don't like the idea of shortening internally and losing stroke.
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Re: Full Showa conversion

Post by SS109 »

Banana944 wrote:Hey SS109, do you know what clevis they used on your rear shock? Id like to upgrade my rear as well, but like you, don't like the idea of shortening internally and losing stroke.
Sorry, I don't know. I'll get in touch with him and ask.
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Re: Full Showa conversion

Post by Friedom »

So I noticed that the rm250 forks hit the radiators before they hit the stops. Doh. What now?

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Full Showa conversion

Post by SS109 »

You have to extend the stops either on the frame or the lower triple clamp.
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Re: Full Showa conversion

Post by Friedom »

Is there a preferred method of doing that?

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Re: Full Showa conversion

Post by SS109 »

Friedom wrote:Is there a preferred method of doing that?

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I prefer to build up the frame stops using a welder.
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Full Showa conversion

Post by Silverfox »

I just drilled and tapped the triple. Couple of little bolts and washers and you are good to go.
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