1988 KDX200 Rear Shock Compatiblity Question

[luomo]

Hello, I have recently purchased a 1988 KDX200 that needs a little TLC. The biggest items on its hit list are the ignition source coil & the rear shock. I have a used stator coming so the bike should be running soon. Now I need to find a rear shock in decent shape or pay a couple bills to have the original rear shock rebuilt.

I have been doing some research and it seems like the 1986-1988 KDX200 rear shocks are compatible. They all share the same part number so they must be compatible I assume. I am now wondering if there are other shocks from any other year make or model of bike that can swap into the rear on these 1986-1988 KDXs. Does anyone have any info on rear shock swapping for these bikes?

Also if anyone has a rear shock in good useable condition to sell let me know. I may very well take you up on an offer.

Thanks for any info you have.

Here are pics of the KDX I just picked up. I named it the GREEN MEANIE LoL!

[luomo]

Let me also quick note that, "Yes. I am aware the front shock is on back@sswards." I just picked up the bike last night and have yet to remedy the previous owner's mechanical foolishness. Soon enough the fork will be on proper.

[sarrant]

Just rebuild the shock (or have a qualified suspension service shop do it).

The forks might be foolishness, or may be preference. I've known people who ran them that way to alter front trail for the chassis to their liking. Generally it's more done on bikes with front drum brakes (where the mount is symmetrical front to rear with regard to strength)

[luomo]

Interesting take on the front fork situation. I hadn't considered the front trail aspect. It seems kinda sketchy for a disk brake to slow the bike with the physics of the situation pulling the caliper away from the fork rather then being pushed in. I guess it would probably be fine on a dirt bike.

Thanks for the info on the shock. I am leaning towards a rebuild if nothing decent appears on fleabay for a lot less. There is a guy in town who rebuilds shocks and he says so long as the shock isn't rusty it shouldn't be too bad of a rebuild.

If I get the shock rebuilt are there any recommendations or modifications for better then OEM performance that I should consider?

[KDXGarage]

The shocks are not the same part number, but they ARE interchangeable.

Congratulations on your purchase.

Yes, I was freaking out about the forks.

If you get a shock off ebay, it will need a rebuild, too.

Just get it rebuilt and ride it a while before worrying about a revalve.

[luomo]

Yah that shock has got to be turned around proper.

You are right about the part numbers. I stand corrected. I was cross referencing diagram numbers on 86, 87 and 88 shock diagrams. The diagram numbers and diagram drawing number are the same but the actual part numbers are indeed different. I am new to the Kawasaki part and diagram number system. I mistook the diagram numbers for part numbers in my haste. I am used to Yamaha part system where everything is 1, 2, 3, ect in the diagram and then has a complex part number XXX-YYYYY-ZZ-00 relating the diagram number. Kawasaki's double complex number system with big numbers in the diagram and larger part numbers relating to those big diagram numbers through me for a loop.

Do you have any idea what makes these three years of shock different from each other even though they are compatible? Is it valaving or something? Is any year better then the others for any particular reason?

I had a few other question about these old shocks that I am wondering if someone can fill me in on too. Are theses shocks very difficult to disassemble and rebuild? Is rebuilding one of these shock something a good DIY mechanic can have success with? Is there a tutorial up somewhere for the rebuild procedure on these shocks?

My thought would be to pull the shock apart, rebuild it, fill it with fluid and then take it to be charged with nitrogen by a professional. I could save some bucks that way I figure. I just ordered a 1988 service manual that I am hoping will cover the procedure and any tools needed. I saw from a newer KDX service manual (1989-19XX) that disassembly and reassembly looked pretty basic for those shocks. I am hoping the 86-89 shocks are similar but I do understand that they are different due to the external reservoir which may complicate things.

[luomo]

The factory service manual arrived. It looks like a piece of cake to rebuild the old shock. I am definitely gonna rebuild the shock myself. The only difference between rebuilding the older shock with the remote reservoir and the newer shock is how the reservoir and the shock are filled with fluid. Disassembly and reassembly is pretty much the same.

[KDXGarage]

I "think" there was a very slight valving change in 1988, but I would not hesitate to interchange the shocks if need be.

Research drilling down into the peens a millimeter or two... JUST barely!! (on the compression adjuster assembly)

Good luck with it.