Rake (steering head angle)

[mxaniac]

Trying to figure out the different Kawasaki chassis head angles.  The information I'm finding through Google seems pretty suspect, 27.7 on the 250f until 2013 then 28.7?  27.1 on the 450f then 26.7 in 2009 then 26.9 in 2013?  I don't think the publishers on the web are taking the time to get things accurate.  Does anyone know the correct numbers or can confirm these are correct?

Why I am asking is my 2006 KX450f based conversion even with the rear link update and 22mm offset forks turns like total crap.  Much better with those mods over stock but - not trying to be polarizing I know bike brands can be like religion but Kawasaki's just don't corner well.  Since I have to re-do my frame I'm wondering if I should switch to a different one that will have the potential to corner better.

I would appreciate if we didn't try and change this in to a discussion on suspension setup or riding technique, I'm aware of how those parameters affect handling.  I'm asking about frame geometry.

[Dutch-K5 Fan]

I have a AF with 250f 07 frame. And do feel it could turn better. In a couple of weeks I'll try 22.5 offset clamps and later wanna make a longer linkage.

If you start with a new frame I would go for a 450 11-up or 250f 09-up frame. Just for a sleeker feel, that makes it handel better.

Or if you want super handling use a RMZ frame.

Dutchie

[KXDINO]

I ridden most of the kx450 and the 12 on wards are better they have better flex design ,but you still need a longer link and 22mm offset clamp,the rmz that I ridden are tighter turners but are nervous in to corners and flighty on fast straights,pick your poison.Nothing perfect.

[mxaniac]

I think the RMZ is 25.5 degrees.

[Dutch-K5 Fan]

I ridden most of the kx450 and the 12 on wards are better they have better flex design ,but you still need a longer link and 22mm offset clamp,the rmz that I ridden are tighter turners but are nervous in to corners and flighty on fast straights,pick your poison.Nothing perfect.

.

The euro and US factory riders use the 22 clamps and longer links, Looks like a must.
Have you read the tests at MXA of 450f's and 250f's?

My brother has a rm125 04 and rmz250 08. I almost countersteer or you cut corner to tight.


Dutchie

[mxaniac]

The euro and US factory riders use the 22 clamps and longer links, Looks like a must.
Have you read the tests at MXA of 450f's and 250f's?

I have, they don't seem to think the KX ever started turning better until very recently.  What I'd like to figure out is the correct rake on each model.  It looks like the 09 450F is a completely different bike with next to nothing in common parts wise with the 06-08 so I would have to start all over if I wanted to address this issue.

My brother has a rm125 04 and rmz250 08. I almost countersteer or you cut corner to tight.

Lil more rebound damping on the front forks will help with that.

[KXDINO]

Here are some angles out of the kx owner manual I gathered over the years kx450 07-27.1   kx450 11-27    kx450 12-14 is 26.9  kx250f 09 27.7   kx250 11-28.2    kx250f 12-28.2    kx250f 13-14  28.7    kx250 04 2 stroke,27 with 112mm of trail kx250 05-08 26 with 105 of trail you see the last 2 bikes kawi decided to sharpen the angle by 1 degree without altering the clamps to adjust the trail and that's why they lose the front end half way around the corner it can be fixed .So there a lot more than just the head angle to work out ,here are some example lighter muffler for the 450 ,lower the radiators dr-d I think makes a kit for kx450 even the tyres ,the width the height of the tyres it all adds up little by little even lowering the suspension can help it turn better especially if your a bit on the short side, I hope that helps?

[mxaniac]

That's exactly what I was looking for.  Thanks!

Interesting that on the 250f the angle got larger while on the 450f and the 250-2T they decreased the head angle.  Then again, a 125 is very prone to head shake so perhaps they were having trouble with the 250f and head shake.

[KXDINO]

We don't have trouble with the kx125 08 with head shake,dont know about the early models I did ride a kx125 a5 1979 model when I was about 12 ,I didn't worry about headshake on it as the power was a handful ,my first kx I ever rode I wish me brother kept it you never see them things around here in oz.

[Dutch-K5 Fan]

Have ridden my Af with the 22.5(stock 11 250f) clamps and it turns alot better.
 Almost feld like a different bike.
And use a H#@da steering damper, don't know if it works, have no headshake so it could be.


Dutchie