KDX220 handling

[vchris]

Hey guys! I got my 2005 KDX about 2 years ago and I love it. I haven't had a lot of time to ride it, about 7 rides since. I don't know if it's just me but I find the handling to be loose (not anchored) so much. I recently had to chance to ride a 2020 KLX300R for 5 mins and it was amazing. I know it was only 5 mins but it was so anchored to the ground like on rails, power was good, clutch was amazingly smooth and easy. My KDX has Kenda tires with big knobs, none are broken off front and rear. So I'm wondering how could I get the KDX to handle like the KLX300R? Anything I could modify?

Really tempted to buy the new KLX...

[doakley]

Lots of things you can modify of course. IMO suspension is where you get the biggest bang for your buck, especially with a fork swap. However, by the time you get your KDX to ride and feel like a new bike, you will probably have almost as much money invested as that KLX costs!

[bufftester]

How much do you weigh with all your riding gear on? Stock the KDX front end is good for a 140 lb rider, the rear for a 180. It's very unbalanced and overly soft. Spring it for your riding weight and add fresh oil and it will make a world of difference. As Doakley said, suspension money is the best bang for your buck on the KDX and IMO should be the first money you spend (after a service manual and torque wrench if you don't have one)

[KDXGarage]

Hi. How many hours since the last fork oil and shock oil changes?

What is your weight in full riding gear with all spare parts, tools, exta fuel, water backpack, etc.?

What springs are you running and what are your front and rear sag numbers?

[vchris]

I never did a fork oil change. Bought it 2 years ago and the previous owner took good care of it.

My weight geared up... 210lbs probably, assuming 30lbs.

Springs are stock. Not sure on numbers, I never played with them but previous owner was about the same weight. Swapping forks is probably the best thing to do but seems very hard to find. For inverted forks, I can just buy from any KX? How about KLX 250?

I might just keep the KDX and get the new KLX.

[KDXGarage]

You may want to get fresh oil and correct rate springs on the KDX to properly evaluate it.

At 210, 5.2 and .46 would be in your neighborhood.

[MoonStomper]

Don't forget to play with your TIRE PRESSURES, even small adjustments can make a huge difference. A smaller profile tire requires a higher pressure and vice versa. I've found that Ultra Heavy tubes allow me to run 8.5 psi on the rear (110/100-18). Really sticks good, though if riding rockier terrain I might go up a couple psi to be extra safe. Definitely check your SAG settings front and rear - check out Jeff Fredette's recommendations on his site.

[vchris]

Sorry guys I've been busy. I was probably running around 15 psi on somewhat sandy trail and a dirt road. True 8 psi would help and I'll look into adjusting the forks to my weight.

Thanks for your input guy!

[KDXGarage]

If there are no rocks, try 12. The lower you go, the greater your chance for a pinch flat. How many miles do you want to push back to the truck if you can't change it on the side of the trail? :-)

[Goofaroo]

Maybe you should buy a KLX. Your KDX is a different animal. The light feel, lively handling, and two stroke throttle response of your KDX will never feel like a KLX.

[Twinsig]

https://www.cannonracecraft.com/

Gotta keep that suspension in the valving range with correctly sized springs. I'm 180 and left the rear alone except for rebuilding.
Bought some .41s for the front and that changed the entire riding experience!

[vchris]

Thanks will look into that.

[vchris]

So I'm buying some .42 springs. Should I be changing the dampers (smaller springs up top)? I remember the previous owner saying he swapped them with a KDX200, they are stiffer or something. What oil do you guys recommend? Maxima good?

[KDXGarage]

Are these stock KDX200 forks? If so, there are no small springs up top.

1995 and newer KDX200 and KDX220R fork springs are the exact same springs.

Maxima would be good, 5 weight. I like KYB oil. Kawasaki paid them to make the forks and they sell the same oil that came in them.

[vchris]

2005 KDX220 forks...

[Twinsig]

Have you made your fork/slider holder tool?

[vchris]

Nope no idea what you're talking about

[Twinsig]

The damper rod has internal hex shape.
You'll need to secure that with a damper rod tool, which can be made with items from the hardware store.
viewtopic.php?f=102&t=15393&p=142608&hi ... ol#p142608

[vchris]

Finally got around to look at the springs. Got them removed. I measured the spring rate to .399kg by inserting a rod inside the spring, measuring 50mm and measuring the force required to push it down to my mark (50mm). 46 lbs - 2 lbs for rod and spring weight ÷ 50mm. Got .399kg, if not substracting i get .417kg. Maybe my method or calculations are off.

[vchris]

Just noticed oil level with springs out is about 400mm from top...