KDXRIDER.NET

KDX Guys,
I have an 86 kdx200 and I got a good deal on a set of 01 kx500 forks with the triple clamps, and stem. I also entered my frame into the allballs racing page to find the conversion bearings and got them. I see that most of this conversion is the easiest conversion to do, but does anyone know what else I might need? Wheel? Axle?
I'm not going to use the odometer/hour meter because its a little corroded and cracked up, so I was going to plug the thing on the hub, unless there is a reasonable way of getting rid of it with the conversion.
I have to admit, a big reason I want to update is aesthetic, but I really want them to perform well. I like how the stock forks perform as I ride off road stuff just with friends on whatever trails we find. I have plans on servicing them with new seals bushings and fluid before putting them on. So tips on basic offroad setup on mx forks?

DISCLAIMER! I am new to this so go easy on me. I've browsed the forums but can't find much on my old bike. I am very willing to learn and want a reasonable reliable well performing bike so any tips or pointers on this conversion or this bike in general is welcomed and encouraged.

Thanks!

You need the whole front end, then it's bolt.on. You might be able to use the kdx wheel, but I'm not sure.

Thanks! Then I'll work on getting the brake system and wheel and axle and all too!

Yes, try to think of it as a front end swap, not just forks.

Try to make an adjustment to keep the height the same, as the KX forks will have more travel and make the bike sit up somewhat like a chopper, if you think about it.

Gotcha. Shorter springs maybe? I've never opened up any forks but with the help of youtube I'm gonna pull them apart to freshen them up when I get around to getting the seal and bushing kit. If its worth it to change springs I'd consider it. I guess it'll depend on the wear on the springs at the moment and my weight too right?

I would lower the fork tubes in the trees first, before I worried about lowering it internally. I did the same front end swap on my last H-series that I had. I think the forks stuck up around 1/2" or so above the top of the top clamp. My front end wasn't high and it rode awesome!

Make sure you change the steering bearings as well. The bearing and race is a matched set and should always remain together. I figured I'd say something because I know I was thinking about how easy it would be to keep the races in my frame and use the tapered bearings that were sent with the new front end lol.

I looked at the all balls racing site where it lets you put in your bike frame and it gives you all of the compatible front ends you can use. I got the upper and lower bearings that the site gave me for my frame and the kx500 stem. These are the same as the steering bearings right?

The bearings are the same for the kdx and kx500. It is a straight bolt-up swap. You do not need to substitute your kdx steering head bearings for anything else unless, of course, they need replacement.

Ah gotcha. I've already got the bearings so I might as well go ahead and throw them in there when I have it apart. Would these 01 KX500 forks be compatible with all the KDX models?

Most all KDXs after '83 (excluding kdx50/80 etc) use the same stem diameter.