opinions on this front end please

[diymirage]

just getting all my ducks in a row here
i have struck a good deal (i think) on a complete 99 KX 125 front end
both tripple clamps, both forks, wheel, caliper and and master cylinder

now, i know i need to swap the stems but im a little lost on the "spacer" i need
this is because the KDX bearing has a smaller OD then the one on the KX right ?

so i need the spacer to fill in the gap between the KDX bearing and the KX stem correct?


here are some shots, let me know what you think

[B737driver]

Looks like a good setup. I have '01 kX forks and had the same questions. I believe '99-'03 are identical. As I am sure you've read, not enough good things can be said about RB's work. Email him and he will walk you through the process of swapping the stems and getting the spacer. Money well spent in my opinion.

I kept the kdx front wheel, brake line, etc. If you keep the KX "stuff" you will not have to modify the axle. More $ to spend elsewhere.

[rbates9]

so i need the spacer to fill in the gap between the KDX bearing and the KX stem correct?

The spacer is to make up for the difference in the stem height. The KDX has a taller and narrower stem so when it is swaped to the KX triple clamps you need to space the upper clamp up a little and fill in the gap in the upper triple clamp with the spacer.

The easiest way to get it done is to send both triple clamp set ups to RB with a money order to have them swaped and the spacer sent back with them.

[diymirage]

thanks

i actually just shot Ron an email asking if i could order just the spacer since i have acces to a press at my job

so (trying to envision this here) the spacer will make up for the narrowness of the KDX stem, the extra height on it will be adjusted by sliding the bottom clamp down further over the forks, correct?


(stupid question, but do i retain the KDX bearings?)

[rbates9]

You will have to reduce the size of the stem down at the bottom because the KX triple is thinner than the KDX and when you press your KDX bearing back on it will not go tight up against the t clamp. some people have left it like that but I think you get a more secure fit with the bearing tight to the clamp.

When you put the clamp back on (with the KDX stem pressed in and the bearing pressed on) you will put the KDX bearing back on the stem as usual then the nut then the spacer then the upper triple then the second nut.

If it is not clear now you need to start reading the fork swap section.

[diymirage]

thanks RBtes

i actually spend a few hours readin the swap forum and decided to leave it up to the profesional and send the triples into Ron to let him do his magic

(i just have a hard time visualizing this since i havent pulled it off yet, im sure it will make sence once i have it tore apart)

i also set up a pick up date for this weekend to go get the forks

$180.00 for both forks, triples, wheel, caliper, brke line and master cylinder sound like a good deal ?

[rbates9]

$180 sounds good. A good front rim alone tends to go for around $100. When you get there take a good look at the lower tubes. Make sure they aren't scratched or gouged up. If they are the seals wont last long, no matter how many new sets you put in. Also look at the upper tubes and make sure they aren't dented as this will also be a problem.
Depending on what you are using for a speedometer (if you are using the hub driven stock odo drive) you may want to also look into the axle mod that RB does. If you have a trail tech or simular than you will be fine with the KX wheel.
You will find that the KDX has a larger caliper so you may want to stick with the KDX brake system. The hose routing will also be easier to get around the headlight. It is a direct bolt on.

[diymirage]

definatly planning on using the KX rim
the odometer on the KDX doesnt work as of now any way so no big loss there

KDX has a larger caliper you say ?
is the rotor the same size ? I.E. can i run the KDX caliper on the KX rotor or do i need to bolt the KDX rotor onto the KX rim ?


i have very high hopes for the KX front end, from the pictures it looks brand new (just look at the fork gaurds)

anything else i need to look for ?

[diymirage]

http://kdxrider.net/forums/viewtopic.php?f=104&t=12391