KX250 98-99 forks top triple clamp

[Ringmaster Images]

Hi all,

Have looked at the parts interchange list (amazing!) is it just the upper triple clamp holes that vary due to the 1998 having O/D of 53.9mm and the 1999 having 54.9mm? They take same lower triple and stem from what I'm reading. Want to put 99 upper and lower clamps on my 98. If they fit the frame that's good, but might need 99 forks as upper O/D is 1mm wider than 98.

Any help appreciated, Craig.

[umberto]

They changed the fork size from 98 to 99-01 to a slightly larger upper tube, but same size lower tube (46 mm). The kit forks on my 2003 500 conversion are from Pro Circuit and were for the 98 bikes, but used the same size larger upper tubes which required a special aluminum triple clamp that came with the kit. Those clamps didn't come with my bike and the 98s wouldn't work, but the 99-01 fit perfectly. You can press the stem out of your 98 forks and use the entire 99-01 (or later for the even larger 48 mm bottoms) front end if you would like to upgrade, but I don't think the later clamp will get a good enough bite on your 98 forks, which can cause issues with the forks turning in the clamps when they shouldn't.  That can lead to crashes and shoulder surgeries, which is why I know so much about what fits my forks.  . They came in 2003 clamps which clamped closed before getting tight enough.

[Ringmaster Images]

Thanks Umberto appreciate the response and yep that has helped!  

Cheers, Craig.