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forks stiffer?
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Posted by: SOMISSONE---------------------
to make my forks a little stiffer all I do is screw the screw on top of the forks all the way in, and back out so many clicks is this right?:think
Posted by: Mac---------------------
The screw on top of your fork is an air bleed, keep this fully clockwise. To make your forks stiffer you should install heavier springs if your weigh more than 130lbs. Adding a little more oil will help too.
Posted by: Lutz---------------------
Like Mac said, if you want your forks physically stiffer you need to install stiffer springs. However, if you just want more compression damping (meaning the forks wil not compress as quickly when you hit a bump, but the forks will not actually be any stiffer), you turn the screws on the BOTTOM of the fork all the way in, and then out some number of clicks. The further out you turn the screw, the less compression damping there will be.
Consult your owners manual, if you have it. Good luck!
Posted by: TMKDXER---------------------
Need to replace my seals soon and I'm planning or replacing my springs. What do you guys reccomend for a 160+ lbs. rider. I jump some stuff, usually no bigger than 8ft or so. Yeah i know i shouldnt on a kdx but i still do.
Any way, I thought i remembered someone mentioning something about late-model Xr400 springs. If so what is the rate on them and can I use them w/o the spacers?:think
Thanks
Posted by: Lutz---------------------
TMKDXER,
Don't feel guilty about jumping your KDX, I do it, and I think everone else does too.:D Anyway, I can't make any specific recommendations, but if you go to the Fredette place on justkdx.dirtrider.net, you will be able to find some good recommendations. Also, I went to Race Tech's website (I forgot the address, do a search) and there you can enter all kinds of variables (riding style, weight, etc.) and they will produce a full list of suspension recommendations...very nice!
That's what I know, good luck.
Posted by: Mac---------------------
TM
Doubles are not a problem for KDX with the right springs. I got mine from Fredette (708)946-0999, just tell him your weight and riding style and he will send you the right springs for $60.00.
Posted by: andrew---------------------
TM, I'm about 170 lbs.
I put in a set of eibach springs to suit an XR400 and they're great. I chose .41's, but I like a firm front end; if you like it a bit softer go for the .39's. The eibach's are longer than the stock spring, but they ship with a length of PVC pipe for you to cut your own spacers.
Do it, you won't be sorry !
Cheers,
Posted by: canyncarvr---------------------
Late model ('00&'01 anyway) XR 400 springs are .40 kg/mm springs. They are about 530mm long as opposed to the kdx 470mm.
My riding buddy is 162#. He uses them, likes them just fine. He also uses a 4.8kg/mm shock spring, though (oem is 5.0).
The point to using XR springs is a bit more than getting the XR TYPE from some 3rd party. Honda's springs are hot wound. Aftermarket springs are cold wound. Cold wound springs have a higher failure rate than hot wound springs.
Talk to jeremy @ mxtech if you want an expert's point of view on hot/cold wound springs.
Lutz: Fork compression damping adjustment.
Don't think so.
Turn your clickers all the way in (count the clicks to get back to where you were). What changes??..
re: bleed screws (on top of the forks). Depending on the type of oil used you' get more/less pressure build up over time. Good idea to release whatever pressure there is on a regular basis..say at the start of each ride.
Posted by: Lutz---------------------
Quote:
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"Turn your clickers all the way in (count the clicks to get back to where you were). What changes??.. "
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Perhaps I wasn't clear. I didn't mean turn the clickers back to where you had them. I meant maximum compression damping is when the clickers are all the way in. As you back the clickers out, the compression damping gets progressively softer. So, to increase your compression damping, you turn the clicker in from where it is at. The only reason to turn the clickers all the way in is so that you know how many clicks out they are.
Posted by: canyncarvr---------------------
Lutz:
Seems we disagree on a lot of things.. 'Don't think so' meant, 'No' in this case.
The question:
Quote:
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Turn your clickers all the way in (count the clicks to get back to where you were). What changes??..
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was meant to get you to actually TRY it. What DOES happen is the REBOUND damping changes. [b]NOT[/] compression damping.
KDXs don't HAVE compression damping adjustments for the forks.
You are making NOthing stiffer compression-wise on the forks by turning in the clickers. You'll just make the REbound slower (more damping).
ps. I'm right about air box covers, too
somissone: If you HAVE clickers on the top of your forks, you don't have OEM kdx forks, and you likely DO have compression adjustment.
Much more likely you're looking at the bleed screws, though. 
Posted by: Lutz---------------------
canyncarvr,
Yeah it does appear that we disagree alot. That's not a bad thing, it just helps people to learn.
As far as the compression damping adjustment, you should know your bike better! KDX's have ONLY COMPRESSION DAMPING ADJUSTMENT externally. They DO NOT HAVE REBOUND DAMPING ADJUSTMENT externally. The clickers on the bottom of the fork adjust the compression damping. READ your owner's manual. It says so, Kawasaki says so, Race Tech says so, EVERYONE says so. And I have actually tried this...EVERY time I have needed to change my COMPRESSION DAMPING! Have you ever tried it? At least you got the part about the screws on top of the forks: they are the air bleeders.
As far as the airbox lid issue goes...you are partially right, and so was I in my first post there. However I looked into the issue further, and clarified myself there. Check that thread for my last post. Like Mac said:
Quote:
to sum up
more air=more power=
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Until next time, we'll have to just agree that the KDX is a really good bike.
Posted by: canyncarvr---------------------
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Oh-oh...
Lutz is completely correct on the valving function, I am not.
I remembered it backwards, and was foolish enough to trust what I remembered.
See main forum for complete and abject apology!!
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