KDXRIDER.NET

I have a lead on a "complete" klx (bad motor) for $xxx, but wondering what would I spend on keeping the stock spaghetti forks and modify?

Trail riding only for a 55 yr old kid

What is your goal?

Any set of forks you use should have:

good bushings / good seals / mechanical condition
spring rate for the combined weight of rider / bike / terrain
proper valving for rider style / terrain

Do your stock forks need new bushings and seals to get back to normal, PLUS correct rate springs, PLUS could benefit from proper valving?

Usually, KLX or KX forks will need the same. The difference is the end product.

It's pretty much a wash cost wise. What really matters is having the setup that accomplishes what you need for your riding.

I’ve often wondered that myself. I did the shim stack mod, run 5wt oil in one leg and 10wt oil in the other and am quite happy with the stockers. I’m 61 and a light weight so the stock springs are working well for my type of riding which is mainly fire roads and a little single track.

I did find some .40 xr springs for $85, which may be an option. I'd hate to drive 6 hrs (round trip) top discover the parts bike has worn out, scuffed tubes, etc..
Well see. Need to call my local front end expert though.
Thanks for the input.

Does the seller not have pictures to send?

The klx part bike is a no-go. Thumpertalk parts show NEW xr400 OEM springs for $62 ea. Those, I've read, are a good option for what I'll be doing.
You guys have any experience with those? Spacers/inserts are no big deal, I can have some made at work.

Honda OEM XR400R fork springs in both rates show as unavailable.

What is your weight in full riding gear / water backpack / tools / spare parts, etc.?

Not sure exactly I'll have to swag it. Im 180, I guess loaded would be up to 210 if im geared up & carrying supplies?
Racetech offers .42 kg as the least available, but the calculator says need .38. Probably could work with .40 though.

I think you'd be happy with the 42 rate. Just for comparison, I have the '07 .37 klx forks on my 220 (175 lb ride weight with gear) and find it a little too soft still. It's great for trails until I'm going down something steep and rough. Have had the 02 xr400 springs on stock forks (there's some disagreement on spring rate, different sources claim anywhere from .38 to .41) and they were great, they felt even plusher because I went with minimal preload. Point being I think you can get a plush comfortable ride with the 42's for your weight.

That's good info, thanks! Im going to move on those 42s and get to riding this thing... not really worried about usd forks for my part time woods toy.
Guess I'll check threads for a good oil weight top go with.

last things first...

5-weight oil in the forks

Kawasaki sells a Kawasaki labelled can of KYB fork oil.

I think 0.42 Kg / mm rate springs will be OK unless you are going really slow all the time. For normal riding, I would say .42 is it.

Go with very little preload. Race Tech suggests 4 mm.

Look on eBay for a low price on new in the box fork springs from Race Tech. 3647 models

Read up on oil level also.

Thank you for the preload advice. I did find Ebay kit for 108 vs 129. Any shipping or returns issues?

Can you post a link?

Have you bought something from eBay before?

Haven't bought from Ebay in a long, long time, part # is accurate though.

After thinking and over thinking this, I'm going to continue to search for some .40s. Besides, my knee has started barking at me lately!
Thanks for the advice KDX players!

jjavaman wrote: ↑10:22 am Oct 23 2019 I’ve often wondered that myself. I did the shim stack mod, run 5wt oil in one leg and 10wt oil in the other and am quite happy with the stockers. I’m 61 and a light weight so the stock springs are working well for my type of riding which is mainly fire roads and a little single track.

Could you post a link or info to the shim stack mod please. What are the benefits?

.38 & .40 springs for this bike seem to be made from unobtanium !

Is the Fredett site gone?

Twinsig wrote: ↑10:36 am Nov 21 2019 Is the Fredett site gone?

https://www.frpoffroad.com/

Thanks for that , I sent a couple of emails but no response yet...maybe there's nothing to respond to with this old bike.
However, I'm on lunch break on my virgin run at highlands in cedartown. Front suspension is wearing me out! Buttomed out on the downhills transferring everything to my arms! Horrible.
Definitely gotta fix this!