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'89 kdx forks need help!
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Posted by: jimbo---------------------
What can be done to the forks of the
'89 kdx 200 to raise the level of performance?
Posted by: andy jackson---------------------
change fork oil to 7.5wt oil.either by mixing 2 bottles of 10wt & 2 bottles of 5wt to make 7.5. Run at stadard level in legs.in standard form to hard.or buy 7.5wt oil if available.Will soak up hits but not bottom unless major,going to 5wt is to soft.
Posted by: DEANSFASTWAY---------------------
Yeah those older forks might like a little thicker fluid . There is some talk on tis forum about using ATF in forks and its weight is usually between 7- 10 wt , some of the guys are talking about the new MOBIL 1 synthetic fluid , and its like $6 a quart . If youre servicing the forks its probably a good idea to check/replace the fork springs since theyve been holding the bike up and have been in service for a long time . Maybe try a little bit stiffer ones to suit your liking. There are other devices available internally but are more of an investment . GOOD LUCK DEAN
Posted by: dirt bike dave---------------------
Race Tech's 'cartridge fork emulators' make a huge improvement on the old style KDX forks. You will still want stiffer springs. I had the emulators on my '90 and my buddy used them on his '89 - one of the biggest improvements of any mod I have ever made to a bike. The stock forks are GRIM.
Posted by: JasonWho---------------------
jimbo, did you buy the bike new or used? Either way, how long has it been since you changed the oil in the forks? I think the stock weight is 10w, though I am not sure. I have a couple of '87 KDX200's and they have similar damping rod forks. Is there a particular area of fork "performance" that you are wanting to improve or are you looking for an overall increase in performance. What is your weight? What kind of riding do you do (simple trail riding, enduro racing, MX, etc.)? Some general recommendations would be to make sure you have the correct weight and amount of fork oil, as well as the correct spring rate (stiffness) for your weight and riding style. As dirt bike dave suggested, the Race Tech Cartridge Emulators have a good reputation.
dirt bike dave: Was there any change to how the fork rebounded after installing the emulators? I have a set that I have yet to put in and I am wondering how it is going to ride after installation.
Thanks,
jasonwho
Posted by: dirt bike dave---------------------
Jason,
I don't remember any problems at all with rebound after the change. Fork oil weight is usually the easiest way to adjust rebound if you don't like the way the forks behave.
On the older KDX stock forks, IMO there was too much high speed compression damping and way too soft springs. Occasionally the stock forks transmit a sharp jolt if you hit a rock or root because of the damping will not allow the fork to move super quick. Then the bike is all over the place in the whoops at speed due to the soft springs. With the emulators, the fork is much better (very plush) in rocks and roots but handles the higher speed terrain much more like a modern fork.
The emulator is adjustable, but you have to pull the fork spring out to do it. My buddy had already found a good setting, so I copied his exactly - can't remember if it was what RT recommended or not.
Good luck and get those emulators in! You will notice a huge difference.
Posted by: jimbo---------------------
thanks guys for all the help. the 89' kdxer belongs to a friend so i don't know all info about itn but will pass all this good knowlegde to him.
many thanks, Jimbo
Posted by: JasonWho---------------------
dirt bike dave, thanks for all the information. The stock springs were too soft for me.
jimbo, you're welcome
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