KX forks

[jkindt]

I bought a set of blue anodized usd forks for my newly acquired 89 K5. Upon receiving them I noticed a few things. First of all they are genuine Pro Circuit tuned forks used by Sheak when he was on the team, it has his name and settings still on both tubes. Second of all, unfortunately, they are off of a KX125, not a KX500! I was hoping to have usd forks for this bike, but now it seems it isn't happening with these forks. The question I have is, what are these things worth? And, how much is a set of proper usd forks worth for my 500?

[SHLEPY]

Were you at exactly i have a set of forks for a 89 500 you could have for nothing just extra parts from my 500af build

[jkindt]

I got a good set of '89 forks, just wanted to upgrade to the USD forks like on the newer models. What I would really like is a set from '97+ with the larger diameter. But in reality, my stock '89 forks are fine. I will likely sell these KX125 Pro Circuit forks on ebay or something, just wondered if they are worth much. I bet they were back in the early '90s!!! 

[sandblaster]

I usually get 100-150 for them in good shape.
It takes a while to sell them as there is not a big demand for them.
The better the blue anodize the quicker they sell.

[Polar-Bus]

I got a good set of '89 forks, just wanted to upgrade to the USD forks like on the newer models. What I would really like is a set from '97+ with the larger diameter. But in reality, my stock '89 forks are fine. I will likely sell these KX125 Pro Circuit forks on ebay or something, just wondered if they are worth much. I bet they were back in the early '90s!!! 

'89 was the last year of "conventional"  piston valve forks. In '90 kawi switched to the 1st gen USD forks. Your '89 triple clamp won't work. In '94 kawi switched to the current 2nd gen USD forks.  Those 90-93 USD's are an odd duck I wouldn't waste money and time on them. If you really want an USD upgrade try to find a complete 94+ setup.

[jkindt]

I figured I was doing good. I found the blue anodized forks, with both triple clamps and handlebar clamps. The picture showed Pro Circuit stickers, but I figured those were just something someone put on. It wasn't until they showed up at my door that I realized they were the actual Pro Circuit tuned forks, but also that they were from a KX125. What I thought would be a bolt on swap isn't gonna happen. Anyone wanna buy some KX125 forks? They are in Southern Alberta, so I have no idea what shipping would be, I would have to find out. Just a little discouraged, thats all.

[81cr450]

Just my odd ball thinking here but couldnt you just buy heavier springs & use those 125 legs? I mean, where you have them, & odds are you'd wanna set up whatever forks you get for your riding style/type.

If you are going to start from scratch though , I'm thinking that someone ought to guinea pig a 2008 & up 450f frontend on their bike. I talked to a guy at one of the triple clamp makers & he said that you could do it by pressing in the stem from tthe k5 if I remember right. It would change the geometry, more turn friendly, which is what I was after as welll as those new sweet forks. If anyone has done this it'd be great if they could chime in.

[Motorrad]

Just my odd ball thinking here but couldnt you just buy heavier springs & use those 125 legs? I mean, where you have them, & odds are you'd wanna set up whatever forks you get for your riding style/type.

If you are going to start from scratch though , I'm thinking that someone ought to guinea pig a 2008 & up 450f frontend on their bike. I talked to a guy at one of the triple clamp makers & he said that you could do it by pressing in the stem from tthe k5 if I remember right. It would change the geometry, more turn friendly, which is what I was after as welll as those new sweet forks. If anyone has done this it'd be great if they could chime in.

My bike runs 08 kx450 front...  Search.. There is a thread on it

[jkindt]

Just my odd ball thinking here but couldnt you just buy heavier springs & use those 125 legs? I mean, where you have them, & odds are you'd wanna set up whatever forks you get for your riding style/type...

At first, that's what I figured. I thought, oh well, so I end up with a solid handlebar mount instead of rubber mount. I would respring them anyways (which is almost a shame since that's part of the work Pro Circuit did to these forks). But then I got measuring and my front wheel won't fit, brake caliper won't fit, too many extra parts to get just to make the 125 forks work. And, after all that I would end up with smaller diameter forks than what I already have, although they would be the USD forks vs. the conventionals that are on it. I may consider the '07 and up KX500 forks with their larger diameter, or possible the '08 KX450 conversion if I can convince myself that I need to spend that much money on an old bike. Likely I will just rebuild and respring the stock '89 forks and call it good. It is mostly for mountain riding, not a lot of track use, although I have a friend that only rides track and wants me to come play next spring. 

[1989kawasaki]

the 89 kx forks were boss and far superior to anything back in the day. just something to consider..
but if you want a newer front end then by all means

[jkindt]

In order to avoid putting more money into this bike than it is worth, I am just going to keep the stock '89 forks. Where is the best place to get heavier springs for them? Also, how heavy should I get? I am about 240lbs and ride mostly mountain trails, not a lot of motocross, but some. 

[1989kawasaki]

In order to avoid putting more money into this bike than it is worth, I am just going to keep the stock '89 forks. Where is the best place to get heavier springs for them? Also, how heavy should I get? I am about 240lbs and ride mostly mountain trails, not a lot of motocross, but some. 

go to racetech.com

front spring=  .50kg

rear(to match) = 6.0 kg

i entered 240 lbs into their calculator and that is what i got

[jkindt]

Thanks for the quick response. Is there anything else I should do to the forks other than change the springs and standard service? Different fork oil? Or just keep them stock other than the springs? Also, I am going to have to post a pic of my rear shock once I get it removed, it is not stock, it has a remote reservoir hose clamped to the subframe... 

[1989kawasaki]

re-valving if you want the best performance

[jkindt]

What is involved in revalving? Is this something I can do myself? How do I know what it needs? I have never actually bothered changing anything, just change the oil and bleed the air. Of course I have never had a bike that I thought was worth setting up properly....