Author Topic: 2002 KX500 - Compatible top clamps  (Read 1142 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline Snjdriver

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 4
2002 KX500 - Compatible top clamps
« on: April 24, 2022, 11:49:48 AM »
Hi all,

Longtime lurker, new member. Just bought a nice 02 KX500. Came with an aftermarket top clamp, wanting to put an OE one on it.

Will a top clamp from a ‘96-‘98 KX250 bolt right up?

Offline Snjdriver

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 4
Re: 2002 KX500 - Compatible top clamps
« Reply #1 on: April 27, 2022, 07:45:53 AM »
Alternatively, has anyone successfully converted their front end with ‘96-‘98 KX250 clamps? What does the work entail?

Offline KXDINO

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 630
Re: 2002 KX500 - Compatible top clamps
« Reply #2 on: April 29, 2022, 10:32:04 AM »
I got a set of 97 250 clamps and forks spare , the forks on the 97 250 are the same diameter as k5 for the top hole so that good , i think the stem hole on 97 clamps are bigger so you have to machine a spacer to suit not a big deal , and without going over to pull parts off i think even the off set is the same on both bikes .

Offline Snjdriver

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 4
Re: 2002 KX500 - Compatible top clamps
« Reply #3 on: May 05, 2022, 06:30:22 AM »
Ok, update on this for any other interested parties. I’d read on the interwebs that some people switch to KX250 clamps for the quote on quote “more favorable offset”.  The ‘96-98 KX250 clamps are the same 22mm offset as the factory KX500, and are the same through 2002 if I’m not mistaken. The 2003+ KX250s are 25mm - perhaps someone would think the greater offset would be better for straight line stability, though 3mm seems a big shift for an already decently balanced bike. This is why we don’t trust things written on the internet  :-o

Anyways. The only difference for the KX250 top clamp that I bought was the size of the stem hole. We are going to machine a bushing to take the slop out, and run the 250 top clamp on the 500 lower with 500 bearings.

All this because some schmuck decided to cram a Honda top clamp on the bike so he could mount a modern front plate (It wasn’t an aftermarket clamp after all). The offset was certainly greater than 22mm, and the space between the stem and clamp was egregious. All this for aesthetics.

Come on folks. We’re better than that.
« Last Edit: May 05, 2022, 06:37:49 AM by Snjdriver »