KX 500 Front End Swap E-Series

Questions and comments about converting to beefier forks..
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KDX Max
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KX 500 Front End Swap E-Series

Post by KDX Max »

So I've been a reader on this forum for a little under a year now. I'm not 100% sure if this is the right place to post. Trying to restore a 1990 KDX 200 E-series and wanted to beef up the suspension after reading a bunch of posts on swapping the forks for KX models. Anybody know if a set of KX 500 forks will work with my E-series? The forks are from 1989 and come with the triple clamps, steering bearings, front and rear wheels, front axle, and the front caliper. I attached some pics of the parts below. I would just buy new springs for my E-series as I weigh 220 lbs, but the whole lot is around the same price as the springs and rebuild kit for the KDX front end. I figured I could rebuild this suspension and get better suspension overall?
Attachments
triple clamp.jpg
triple clamp.jpg (362.53 KiB) Viewed 2047 times
rear tire.jpg
rear tire.jpg (442.22 KiB) Viewed 2047 times
front tire.jpg
front tire.jpg (402.75 KiB) Viewed 2047 times
forks.jpg
forks.jpg (350.75 KiB) Viewed 2047 times
caliper.jpg
caliper.jpg (312.41 KiB) Viewed 2047 times
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Re: KX 500 Front End Swap E-Series

Post by KDXGarage »

Is the KX500 front end local to you?

It would be better, but maybe not as good as USD forks if you ride in rocky or rutted terrain.

They will swap over without stem swapping or other issues.
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Re: KX 500 Front End Swap E-Series

Post by KDX Max »

They are 4 hours away. I was excited to jump on the offer because I wanted to upgrade and the lot included all the front end parts. Will this be a marked improvement over my oem forks or for 350 is it not worth my time?
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Re: KX 500 Front End Swap E-Series

Post by KDXGarage »

$350, plus gas, plus they need to be rebuilt?
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Re: KX 500 Front End Swap E-Series

Post by SS109 »

Not worth IMO but only you can decide that.
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Re: KX 500 Front End Swap E-Series

Post by KDX Max »

Thanks for the advice I'm just excited to work and get this bike up for the spring. So something like this would be better? Off of a 95-97 kx250 for 300 plus shipping.
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Re: KX 500 Front End Swap E-Series

Post by Slick_Nick »

That's a MUCH better deal than that junk you posted at the top! Still, plan on at the very least doing a refresh with some new seals and fresh oil to get you some trouble-free enjoyment.
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Re: KX 500 Front End Swap E-Series

Post by KDX Max »

You think my stock tire will fit on that axle or will I need some mods?
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Re: KX 500 Front End Swap E-Series

Post by SS109 »

Now those will be some nice forks! I ran a set of '96 forks and loved them. You'll need the wheel and axle from the KX to bolt straight on. I know RB made axle adapters to use the stock KDX wheel but I don't know if he still is or not.
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Re: KX 500 Front End Swap E-Series

Post by KDX Max »

Will the t clamp fit or will that need to be modified? I just want to make sure I've read so many posts about this stuff it gets confusing.
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Re: KX 500 Front End Swap E-Series

Post by SS109 »

You need to use the steering stem from the KDX triples. You press it out and then press it in to the KX triples. Sometimes the stem needs to be knurled for a good fit. RB also did that work along with providing his awesome spacer for the top triple. I would check to see if he offers any of those services still. If not, I could press it for you but I don't have the equipment to knurl the stem or to make the spacer.
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