What cost to keep stock forks?

Questions and comments about converting to beefier forks..
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KDXGarage
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Re: What cost to keep stock forks?

Post by KDXGarage »

Butter springs show up on slow, steep downhills.

Enjoy Highland Park. It is a great place to ride!
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Re: What cost to keep stock forks?

Post by Twinsig »

I'll be ordering some .38 or 40 from cannon racecraft this week. They told me to measure the o.d. & length.. but I'd rather not dismantle just to measure.
Just how long are oem 220 fork springs?
O.D.?
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Re: What cost to keep stock forks?

Post by KDXGarage »

I suggest this:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Race-Tech-Fork ... Swb2hdVbH6

I have bought from them a few times.

I'd suggest the lowest oil level mentioned in the OEM service manual, then go up form there if need be. 4 mm of preload as Race Tech suggests. Cut the spacer included with the springs to get the proper preload. Don't use the stock spacers.

I do not agree with the Race Tech suggestions for the past few years. Somehow they changed a few years ago from what they said for several years.
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Re: What cost to keep stock forks?

Post by Twinsig »

Hmm, interesting. So you say 42s due to RT changing their calculations? Do you think they may have actually changed their springs?
I've seen those $103 ebay deals, that savings would "pay" for my seals!
Wipers look great, tubes great.
Guess I need those o rings and cu crush washers on the comp valves .. oh, and some oil. 5? 10?
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Re: What cost to keep stock forks?

Post by KDXGarage »

I used to work on a few people's forks and shock in this forum around 2005. I actually found a Digital Valving Search paper I printed out for someone who was 165 without gear. The rate was .41.

I raced MX a good bit a few years ago on my 2005 KX250. I was running .48's since I am heay. RT was saying some silly number. I raced with .44's and 46's before the 48's, so had practical experience.

I just don't believe they should deduct so much for non-MX / non-expert / age / etc.

I don't believe in a magic number for rider and weight of bike, but I don't think one should vary much from it, either. I hope that makes sense.

5 weight on the oil.

I have a friend (treelimb on this site) that races his KDX200 with KLX300R forks. He has .42's with his 196 pounds geared up weight.

Read up on replacing the inner and outer fork bushing pairs also.

Pour boiling water over the seal area before separating the tubes. They will slide apart more easily.
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Re: What cost to keep stock forks?

Post by Twinsig »

Dude, you are a big help! I was waiting on your next response before I order. After reading endless threads and (over) thinking this effort, my decision came down to. 38-.40. I'll do the 40 and be done with it..5w oil too.
The bushings look great, teflon is fine shape, tubes are disassembled on my bench. (Finished the rear shock service already)
It looks like RT gets their custom springs from cannon, from what I've read, they certainly use RT calculator, i called. $160 for the pair, 2-3 weeks out.
Ordering tmrw. Thanks for your invaluable contribution bro.
I'll be back!
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Re: What cost to keep stock forks?

Post by KDXGarage »

Hey. You're welcome. Good luck on it.

If you do the shim swap deal, be sure to flat file the peening on the base valve tops. DO NOT just try to loosen the nut. You can find more than a few threads on here where someone snapped the top off the aluminum base valves.
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Re: What cost to keep stock forks?

Post by Twinsig »

Just read a thread on that shim mod, sounds like a plan for rocks & roots... Since they are just sitting there on my bench.
I need to get all this done and then check the piston to see if it had been replaced already. I doubt it.
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Re: What cost to keep stock forks?

Post by Twinsig »

Well, Cannon's 2-3 week lead-time for custom order springs turned into 5 days!
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Re: What cost to keep stock forks?

Post by KDXGarage »

All right!
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Re: What cost to keep stock forks?

Post by Twinsig »

Completed the spring install, first ride/test in my yard/ditch was impressive ( fresh rear shock service as also)
One issue with cyclepedia comp damper torque spec 52ft lb.? I could swear I felt those aluminum threads begin to stretch so I stopped! Prob around 40-45, but do have some blue thread locker on it.
Not worried about that.
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Re: What cost to keep stock forks?

Post by KDXGarage »

You should be good to go. Congrats on getting it done.
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Re: What cost to keep stock forks?

Post by Twinsig »

Yep. I think it's good! Thank you for helping out bro..

And to answer the Title question....$250 +/-

Cannon Springs: $180
OEM seals, orings, cu washers, oil, etc: $70-ish
(Teflon bushings were in nice shape, if not add another 50)

So, for future kdx-ers, IF, your oem components are in good condition, you do your own work and don't think your needs warrant a full conversion, the cost is about $250 .. I know many here would rather upgrade and are capable, but this info could be beneficial to anyone who probably couldn't tell 100% of the difference and isn't gunning for the #1 plate.
I'll settle for the LP plate (Last Place) and try to finish without injury.
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