KDXRIDER.NET

RB shipped my parts so I was on the bounce, to be ready when they get here. Forks cleaned up + new stem races installed.

Luckily my Yamaha speciality tools also work on the Kawi.

I went with the All Balls bearing kit 22-1004, $32.11 (Amazon). RB advised they are good kit if you choose non-OEM.

Are you sure that upper race is fully seated? The photo makes it look flush. I used the old race with a slot cut into it to drive the new one lower than flush.

It is just very slightly below, but worthy of 2nd look. I appreciate the tip and will give it a few more smacks that way.

Finally got back to the KDX. ‘Houston, we had a problem.’
Luckily, RB is still doing the axle mod, so I can revert to my KDX wheel. I now have spare 97 KX125 wheel assembly if anyone wants a good deal.

Big axel, small hole.

Finally! Sorry should have posted pic of the RB axle kit.
Notice the snazzy new odometer from old MXer.
I have some mini bike trails and 2 short gnar connectors in our woods.
I can tell (in my 2.4 mi test ride) these forks are not an improvement for super tight riding, first gear stuff. I hope I have not given up too much in the nasty.
I am very excited to see how they work when the MX track reopens. They make the bike feel “big”, if that makes any sense.

Two tire swaps w/o pinching the tube. I may have to buy an essential lotto ticket.

Nice looking custom brake line holder on the fork guard. I like the offset.

Thanks. I have to give the odometer cable some thought. It was not planned in, so currently uses some of that fine zip tie technology to keep it located (sorta)

One of the things to check is your lock to lock turning. On my hybrid the front end did not turn as tightly as the KDX. I was able to trim the steering lock a bit on each side to allow the front end to turn more while still not contacting the frame or tank. Made a world of difference, went from feeling like turning like a tank to turning on a quarter...still not dime territory like the old KDX, but much better.

You mentioned the Forks are not an improvement is the slow stuff. Did you revalve them for woods instead of mx? Also, I found I liked my KX Forks better raised 34mm in the triples from flush in tight stuff.

Also the offset is slightly different than the stock KDX units which will make it feel like it turns a bit slower

Man! Y’all have great info.
So far I have set the fork height at 15mm. I have maybe another 7 before I hit the bars or use risers. I don’t know enough about suspension settings yet to know if I need to keep the top fork nut accessible. I have not re-valved since I am trying to have my cake & eat it too. I hope this bike will see 50/50 time at MX/Gnar. I need some decent seat time & settings education to see if I can be happy at both. Ideally I’d like to determine 3 setting baselines: Gnar, Scramble, MX. But I have lots of learning to do.

I don’t think I have any side to side steering issues, since bump stops may have come Pre-smushed already on my kdx frame. For LH, I was already contacting the tank a hair and the new Top TT does the same, but in slightly dif spot. On RH I have about .090” to tank & about .070” to rad bracket. So maybe little to play with, but not much. Mainly I think I need to learn if the hard vs soft settings get me the range needed. I have a new buddy with straight up KX250 that kicked my ass in the gnar when I had the KDX forks. So I am probably just being a Nancy. I hope to catch up with him on settings recommendation.

Also keep in mind the KX forks are longer than the KDX units,which effectively changes your rake and trail, I would take a measurement of your KDX fork length and compare to the KX unit which will give you a good idea of how much you need to move them up in the clamps.

Looks like it is time to go for a ride! Remember front and rear work together so you might want to double check your SAG. Go enjoy!

Great ideas. I will do some kdx comparison. Not sure how far I had them up, but should be able to come pretty close. I went back to basics. Vented the tubes and reset them to the stock KX clicker recommendations. Seems much better now.... or maybe my balance is coming back after month of not riding. Either way it does not seem too bad now and if I drop them more, will probably get better.
I threw in some confidence builders on the mini bike paths and another gnar connector to try and help RE-grow a pair, and get my sea legs back.

Success! Bike felt pretty good after an hour or so of dicking around on the easier stuff. I tried a wheelie over 2 logs at once. Results were not surprising, but felt like a real challenge.