Setting up the E-Series for 250 lb. rider ?

[Keystone]

I want to set up my 1990 KDX200 E-Series as a spare for my 250 pound brother. Any riders here weigh over 250lbs (113kg)?

Currently the bike has stock front springs (0.30 kg/mm) and rear ( 4.7 kg/mm). This is according to the racetech spring rate guide: http://racetech.com/ProductSearch/1/Kaw ... DX200/1990 .
RaceTech recommends: front springs (0.46 kg/mm) and rear ( 5.6 kg/mm). Does this sound about right to you heavier riders? I don't want to go too stiff.

Also, if you are running stiffer springs, where else but race-tech do you find them? Is there a cheaper used alternative or something, besides spending $250 on new ones?

[GI_JO_NATHAN]

I would check and see if Cogent Dynamics does any for the KDX. They have super good rates for other bikes.

[KDXGarage]

He is 250 or he is 250 in full gear, with all extra water canteen, spare parts, tools, etc.?

Stock is supposed to be .30 and 4.6 on 1989 - 1994 KDX200 in the USA.

My 1994 KDX200 has .44 and 5.3. It seemed to work fine for me at 225-ish. .46 / .47 and 5.6-ish sounds about right to me.

On fork springs for a 1990 KDX200, may I recommend Eibach 996 series? If not those, then Race Tech used to make a 3750 model spring, as well as spring kit that had some smaller springs to make it .46 / .44 / .42, as best I remember.

I used to work on KDX suspension as a hobby, and for the 1986 - 1992 / 1995 - 2006 KDX200 and 1997 - 2005 KDX220R, in my opinion, Eibach springs were the way to go. I am not sure which rates they make now, but they used to make odd numbered ratings, such as .41, .43, .45, etc.

You may be able to find some used springs for sale, especially the shock spring. I have not test fit many other OEM springs on an E series, but Race Tech makes a spring that fits a TON of Kawasaki and Yamaha models. A used spring from another bike with a similar sized Kayaba (KYB) shock may work.

[sarrant]

I have not test fit many other OEM springs on an E series, but Race Tech makes a spring that fits a TON of Kawasaki and Yamaha models. A used spring from another bike with a similar sized Kayaba (KYB) shock may work.

I have. Kawasaki KX and Yamaha YZ KYBs of the same shock body diameter are exact fit.

Lots of heavier options there. Racetech has the body type and stock spring rates per model on their website.

[KDXWonder]

I weigh 235lbs and Jeff Fredette suggested .40 springs in the front and a 5.0 spring in the back. I purchased a used 5.0 from him for $75 a few weeks go. However the shop I took it to said that the diameter was too bad to fit under the retainer cups. I contacted Jeff and he said that it is a stock spring and it will work. I have yet to take the old spring off and try it. Anyone else had this problem? I ride a 91' KDX.

[KDXWonder]

Too big to fit...fat fingered it.

[KDXGarage]

There should be a spacer to take up the gap on E models, I believe. It is a stock part.