KDXRIDER.NET

Hi all,
Whilst my motors in bits I'm looking at the suspension. And have found a complete kdx with blue upside down forks. How good where these forks and why did kawasaki discontinue their fitment?

Are the upside down kdx as good / bad as the older model kx125 forks.

Cheers
Cymon

What year and models do you mean?

If they are from a 93/94 KDX then they are "OK", not great, but better than the standard forks. The forks will need to be "set up" for your weight and riding style. The only way to truly "tune" the forks is to buy gold valve emulators and they are $$. A fork conversion is almost cheaper than using the KDX forks, depending on how you go about buying the front end and it's condition.
I spent $250 on my 94 forks, if I wanted to make them a Really nice fork, I would have spent $500....so it's not worth the cost to me.

Honestly, u can get klx300 forks and clamp for cheap on ebay, so I'd go that route. Ease of install, and adds a great, precise feeling to the front end. Some will scorn the lack of rebound adjusters, but I don't think its a deal breaker. I installed them on my kdx, and I couldn't believe how much better they felt. As a matter of fact, my rm250 has those giant 49mm conventional forks and I'd much rather have a simple set of usd forks on it. (Open invitation to anyone with 99 rm usd forks on their kdx that might want to trade my nice conventional 49mms lol). I happen to have a spare set of conventional 49mm forks that are in great shape but the right fork rebound adjuster is missing it's slotted head. I'd take $50 plus shipping for em if anybody is interested lol).

location, location, location


UGANDA

Jason wrote:location, location, location


UGANDA

I'm in ky if you're asking me. Plus I lied: I want $55 for em lol. Yeah, he might not be able to have access to any other options. I didn't realize he was in Uganda.

well spotted Jason. yes Im in Uganda - been a task just getting the bore redone, which had to be sent to South Africa - so can imagine any fork rebuild will be a mission.

My machine - '96, standard forks which are / have been badly abused. (as with the rear unit) obviosly with local bush machanic getting at them, before i took it over. they are both 'almost" rock hard with little give.

Option 1
I have a set of KX 125 forks, tripple and wheel - year model unknown - is the conventional style fork.- but no caliper
A machined mount for the caliper is well possible.
but whilst there are no leaks - i dont know how the forks are, based aginst year model etc.

Option 2
The KDX i saw on Monday appears to be a 93/94 - with a blue seat / blue USD's - so would appear to be a std mount.
They felt good on the bike (stationary) as with the rear shocker.
The motor is badly duffed - so its going to be a donor bike only.

Ive read enough on this site on how to do the conversion to have no fear

So my query is which option of fork to go for to go for - unknown KX125 or 93/94 KDX USD.

Cheers
cymon

considering your options


Id go with the 93 94 forks. Definetly better and prolly what your gonna find there. Maybe something later on who knows. Just my opinion tho. Good luck.

I would go with the 1993/1994 KDX USD forks. You are basically going to need the whole front end, as the triple clamps are different than what you have now. Also, the front brake system is different, as well as the wheel mounts up.

Good luck with it.

All i needed to know.

Many thanks

You're welcome.

Good luck with it.

If the KX conventionals are the 46mm 89 cartridge models, they are widely considered really great forks. People loved those things to the point that they were tossing the USDs on their 90s KXs to bolt them up. They should bolt directly to the KDX as well.

The magazines loved those 46mm forks!

Jason wrote:I would go with the 1993/1994 KDX USD forks. You are basically going to need the whole front end, as the triple clamps are different than what you have now. Also, the front brake system is different, as well as the wheel mounts up.

Good luck with it.

Wheel on the 93/94 is the same as any KDX.

Actionman wrote:The magazines loved those 46mm forks!

So did I. I had 'em on an 89 KX250 I raced cross-country. It was over ten years old and I was still very competitive on it. Good engine, good suspension.

axle is surely different...haven't got time to research further, sorry