5.2 Spring - Holy Weaponry, Batman

Discussion specific to the 1995 - 2006 KDX200 (H Series) and 1995 - 2005 KDX220R (A Series) models sold in the USA
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Goat
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5.2 Spring - Holy Weaponry, Batman

Post by Goat »

The KDX just keeps getting better!
Either I magically got 20% faster in last 2 weeks, watching James Stewart rip a KX125;
Or my new shock spring is the coolest bolt on adder, ever invented.

The setup numbers didn’t really change that much. Race sag 100: old stock spring 19 static, new spring 23.
(I was using the Bufftester, “get the one for the weight you want to be” calculation method)
I figured I’d need a track day to really tell if the thing made much difference.
The new shock was about 2” longer, so figured there’d be some difference.

It was amazing!!
I was able to keep my buddy/dirt bike mentor within sight, on 2 of the trails.
And these are fairly nasty (Walker Valley) roots and rocks trails. I had never had him in sight for more than the first corner, ever before! He rides a decked out KTM300, and races B enduros regularly.
My KDX always could make the rides. But never before did I feel confident enough to push the speed like that.
I kept going just a little faster and little faster. Bike just did what I wanted like it could read my mind.
I was even carving corners on single track, to the point that if it had a bank (or wall) I was purposely trying to hit that instead of the trail.
One time he stopped to pull over, “Just checking to see if that was you (or if someone need to pass). You’re right on my ass. good job!”
To be honest, I wasn’t really right on his ass. I think he was just pleasantly surprised that I stayed within earshot, for first time.
Toward end of day, he even had me lead a couple times.
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Re: 5.2 Spring - Holy Weaponry, Batman

Post by Goat »

I also should add that all these past months my shock compression has been set a 1 (2 if you count first click).
With all that experimenting on fork settings, you’d think a guy might at least check where the rear was set. But, not me !
Anyway, the new spring is really pretty too.
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Re: 5.2 Spring - Holy Weaponry, Batman

Post by Goat »

And even better with some appropriate coating:
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Re: 5.2 Spring - Holy Weaponry, Batman

Post by Goat »

Pic
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Re: 5.2 Spring - Holy Weaponry, Batman

Post by KDXGarage »

Good job.

What is your current weight in full riding gear?
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Re: 5.2 Spring - Holy Weaponry, Batman

Post by Goat »

215, w/ gear.
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Re: 5.2 Spring - Holy Weaponry, Batman

Post by KDXGarage »

Thanks. Be sure to have the front springs correct.
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Re: 5.2 Spring - Holy Weaponry, Batman

Post by bufftester »

I've always said, the best bang for your buck money on this bike is suspension. Plus that helps get you a little closer to 5K lol
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Re: 5.2 Spring - Holy Weaponry, Batman

Post by bufftester »

Goat wrote: 03:12 am Nov 22 2020 ...I was using the Bufftester, “get the one for the weight you want to be” calculation method...
I've now settled on the "weight I was before COVID" calculation. :lol: :partyman:
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Re: 5.2 Spring - Holy Weaponry, Batman

Post by KDXGarage »

bufftester is CORRECT!
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Re: 5.2 Spring - Holy Weaponry, Batman

Post by EmKwynn »

Sorry to bump and old thread, but Goat, did you need any kind of adapter collar or washers? It doesn't look like you did.
I'm 6'4" and about your weight and am trying to keep the back wheel on the ground. Not sure if I should just order a spring or splurge on sending it to a proper tech... Did you do anything else to the shock besides the spring swap?
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Re: 5.2 Spring - Holy Weaponry, Batman

Post by Goat »

I just swapped the spring with what came in the box. It may have had a new washer in there. Can’t recall for sure, but for sure no extra parts were purchased.
…. At the success rate of my diet plan 5.4 may have been better move for me.
I will recommend lubing threads excessively when you adjust the collar. I did mine dry and clean and maybe goobered my shock threads a little.
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Re: 5.2 Spring - Holy Weaponry, Batman

Post by EmKwynn »

I was recommended the 5.4 by racetechs calculator, and since we're on the same Jenny Craig plan, I think that's what I'll go with..

cheers, and thanks for the quick reply..
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