2001 KX250 front end

Questions and comments about converting to beefier forks..
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javjacob
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2001 KX250 front end

Post by javjacob »

I am starting to get everything to do a 1999+ KX250 front end on my other KDX. I already have a 2001 KX250 triple I got for cheap.
My question is...
Will any forks from 99-02 125/250 work? Also is there any real difference from year to year and 125 vs 250? I noticed the part #s are different every year and 125 from 250 is different.
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Re: 2001 KX250 front end

Post by kdxsully »

I can’t imagine much difference between the forks for the 125 and 250 besides spring rate, but I know more about the YZs than the KXs from that era. Maybe someone else knows more
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Re: 2001 KX250 front end

Post by KDXGarage »

javjacob wrote: 09:02 pm Feb 13 2020 I am starting to get everything to do a 1999+ KX250 front end on my other KDX. I already have a 2001 KX250 triple I got for cheap.
My question is...
Will any forks from 99-02 125/250 work? Also is there any real difference from year to year and 125 vs 250? I noticed the part #s are different every year and 125 from 250 is different.
With the 2001 KX250 triple clamp, 1999 - 2001 KX125 / KX250 fork tubes will fit properly. 2002 outer tubes are larger since the inner tubes are 48 mm, instead of 46 mm.

Since it is 2020, I don't think I would worry too much about 1999, 2000 or 2001 vs. condition.

The difference between KX125 and KX250 forks during those years is the spring rate, I think. Check all the other part numbers.
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Re: 2001 KX250 front end

Post by javjacob »

Ok thanks, I will look for 99-01 then.
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Re: 2001 KX250 front end

Post by KDXGarage »

You're welcome. Be sure to read up on the axle, wheel and brake.
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Re: 2001 KX250 front end

Post by bufftester »

I have a 2001 KX front end on my hybrid...here's my findings from my build:

All KX250 uppers from 99-01 have rubber mounted bars (like the KDX), whereas the 125 uppers have the bar mounts cast into the upper (no isolation). From that standpoint I would always recommend using the 250 upper.

The lower triples are the same for both 125 and 250, but are not the same from year to year. Specifically, the 2001 forks have a different offset than the 99-00 forks. So you have to match upper and lower by year. Since you have a 2001 250 upper, you need a 2001 125/250 lower (they are the same).

The forks are basically the same but different spring rates.

You can use the KDX brake caliper and hose (with KDX routing) instead of the KX under-the fork hose and routing. But you cannot use the KDX front wheel without a custom axle/spacer set. RB used to sell them, don't know if he still does or not. Other wise you need a KX wheel/axle/spacers

The valving is going to be harsh in stock form for woods riding (it is a MX fork after all), but that is easily remedied by playing with shim stacks.
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Re: 2001 KX250 front end

Post by javjacob »

I got a 2001 KX250 upper and lower triple tree, 2001 KX125 forks, 1999 KX250 front wheel, axle and spacers. All off Ebay. I sent a message to RB and there is a racing suspension shop that will do everything to the forks.
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Re: 2001 KX250 front end

Post by KDXGarage »

2002 - 1990 (not 1989) and 1988 and older for a while KX125 upper triple clamps are cast.

1999, 200 and 2001 are all interchangeable, I think. 2001 is when they went with the tapered stem and 10 mm head bolts instead of 12 mm if I remember correctly. Aftermarket upper and lower clamps were sold as 99 - 2001. The bottom is actually 1998 - 2001. (info from part number on Part zilla below)


I had some new Pro Circuit clamps I sold a couple of years ago. They were labelled 99 - 01, I think

This Kawasaki 44037-1371 HOLDER-FORK UNDER Not Available fits the following models and components:

Kawasaki Motorcycle 1999 KX250 - KX250-L1 Front Fork

Kawasaki Motorcycle 2000 KX125 - KX125-L2 Front Fork

Kawasaki Motorcycle 1999 KX125 - KX125-L1 Front Fork

Kawasaki Motorcycle 1998 KX250 - KX250-K5 Front Fork

Kawasaki Motorcycle 1998 KX125 - KX125-K5 Front Fork

Kawasaki Motorcycle 2000 KX250 - KX250-L2 Front Fork
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Re: 2001 KX250 front end

Post by javjacob »

I already have a 96 KX250 front wheel and read that it will work on the 01 KX250 front end. So looks like I will have a spare front wheel.
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Re: 2001 KX250 front end

Post by SS109 »

Yeah, you can swap a lot of parts around. I have a '96 KX125 wheel mated to '06 KX250F forks on my '98 KDX220.
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Re: 2001 KX250 front end

Post by bufftester »

lol....every year there are fewer and fewer 100% OEM KDXs, sort of like evolution for dirt bikes
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Re: 2001 KX250 front end

Post by doakley »

I was lucky with my 01 KX250 forks. When my suspension guy opened them up to revalve for me he discovered a PO had installed Gold Valves. Hope you have such good luck!
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Re: 2001 KX250 front end

Post by javjacob »

Now I am just waiting on RB to start accepting work again. His site says he will be back and to keep checking back. I sent a Email last week and haven't heard back yet. Hopefully he will be back soon.
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Re: 2001 KX250 front end

Post by javjacob »

doakley wrote: 07:45 am Feb 15 2020 I was lucky with my 01 KX250 forks. When my suspension guy opened them up to revalve for me he discovered a PO had installed Gold Valves. Hope you have such good luck!
That saved you some money. I have 01 KX250 forks on my other KDX and the suspension guy did the gold valves and .41 springs. Stock was .43. What spring rate did you go with?
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Re: 2001 KX250 front end

Post by javjacob »

I heard back from Ron today so I will be sending out my lowers for the stem swap and spacer.
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Re: 2001 KX250 front end

Post by javjacob »

I got everything back today from RB. Now I just need to drop my forks off at the suspension shop.
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Re: 2001 KX250 front end

Post by SS109 »

Get'r done! :supz:
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