KX Riders
General => In General... => Topic started by: Motorrad on December 07, 2009, 03:38:42 PM
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So Honestly.... Really.... Are new forks that much better?!
Than my "prepped" 91 blue leg forks...
Getting the itch to fabricate and tinker...
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/KX250F-KX450F-KX250-Front-Forks-Suspension-Triple-Tree_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem5637583573QQitemZ370295715187QQptZMotorcyclesQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories
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Motorad,
On my 92 I could not get the forks to be plush and not bottom. To do that they needed internal revalving work. I would say that the new forks ARE better. My 07 forks are very nice stock. Heck I put a CR250 front end on my wifes CRF230. Makes an incredible difference and was a fun project. Cam.
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How did the 426 that you rode last week feel compared to the K5? I know thats what got you thinkin. The 07 and up are DLC coated, slicker yet. All the Kx450's are cartage forks so the dampening oil does not get contaminated by dirt and bushing debris, better yet.
JFAB
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I've ridden many hours on my uncle's 92 k5. First he had his stock forks changed by ?hlins, works good.
Later another stock(blue) set by www.technical-touch.com/ (http://www.technical-touch.com/). One of Europe's best suspension company's.
Worked even better than the ohlins rebuild forks, and the funny thing is they made it stock how the fork
would have come from the factory in 92!!!
Now he has 48mm Pure Ohlins forks on them, and that much and much better. Real smooth and progressif built up.
Only down side the offset wheel VS steeringstem is way of!!! on high speed it's now fun.
Maybe steering demper could work??
My AF has a kxf250 frame from 2007. And would say the forks works verry well in stock condition.
My oppinion is the newer the suspension the better.
Dutch
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How did the 426 that you rode last week feel compared to the K5? I know thats what got you thinkin. The 07 and up are DLC coated, slicker yet. All the Kx450's are cartage forks so the dampening oil does not get contaminated by dirt and bushing debris, better yet.
JFAB
you got it
but I like the geometry of the k5 for desert (new 450s are twitchy)
thinking I could have emig racing make me a clamp for a 04 k5 with new 450 holes. New suspension. Old geometry.
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I think they have the same offset. Someone else can conferm that in a min I'm sure. A simple stim change might be all it takes.
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On the same note I wonder how far off mounting and valving is on the rear shock. (newer bigger better)
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I think they have the same offset. Someone else can conferm that in a min I'm sure. A simple stim change might be all it takes.
The 06-08 kx450F is 24mm (I have read 24.5mm also)
The 09 Kx450F is 23mm.
What was the K5 over the years in offset??
Also anyone have any fork diameter measurements (lower clamp mounting and upper) off their 450's to share?
I also have wondered if they moved the fork spacing (distance between the forks) at all...
If we all measure somthing, we can work this out... there are enough of us with different bikes... This could be a very nice thing to do for those of us that prefer the geometry of the old steel frame, but want more modern suspension..
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And has anyone used different offsets what were the results. If you can post a before offset & after offset and what handling differences?
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It's like comparing an atari 5200 to an X-box.
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Okay..
04-08 kx forks
Any differance between the years?
Any differances between the 250 and 450 forks?
any of those years better than others?
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07 and up are DLC coated. Better for less stick.
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The KXF 450 has dlc forks from 07 and for 05 to 10 use 48mm KYB.
The KXF 250 used 48mm KYB in 04 and 05, 47mm Showa from 06 and in 09 they got dlc coating.
And if I'm correct they are al dual chamberforks, not sure for the 04-05 kxf250's
Ofcourse DLC looks factory and has is plus points. But KYB USA use chroom tubes, S?lva what Cairoli used to become WorldChampion.
How modern suspension would you like to have Motorrad???
Dutch
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And has anyone used different offsets what were the results. If you can post a before offset & after offset and what handling differences?
I would like to know the answer to this question if someone could help.
I bought an Emig off set tripple clamp set and forks on craigslist Dallas, $125.
Have not installed yet.
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Has anyone tried Racetech gold valves in there forks. I just bought a set and a set of springs for my weight for my 2001 kx5. The valves are home and just waiting for the springs has anyone else tried fitting them themselves and encountered any problems? And have you been happy with the results it looks a challege as never worked so indepth on the suspension before but the kit was cheap so giving it a go if its no good I would proberly like to change the yolks and fit the newer twin chamber forks.
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Attack Performance's Richard Stanboli on Triple Clamps
Danger this may help, not promoting anything, basic explanation.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7rrjnVMk-4
Tuck\o/
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thanks friar, those clamps were off the hook.
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Searching around I found this http://www.rekluse.com/E-axles.html (http://www.rekluse.com/E-axles.html).
And the video give's a good explonation about it Fair-tuck.
Dutch
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Thanks Friar good video. The Rekluse axle is a neat concept and it explains offset very well. Thanks Dutch.
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Shot am email off to emig racing.
Hello Gary
I am in the process of converting 08 kx450f forks to fit a 1991 kx500
for desert racing
I know you do alot of press in stem change conversions.
Curious If you have one that will press into the kx450 triples To
adapt to the kx500 head tube.
If not. Is it possible to get a set of triple clamps made to the kx500
specs (offset and bar mounts). But with fork holes to accept the kx450
forks
thanks for everything
David Olsen
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Responce
David,
We probably have or can make you one quickly, ( I need to look on Monday) a stem with a top clamp bushing that will work for this conversion.
Conversion stems are $150 and bushing are $30.
Let me know if you need it...
Gary
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Forgot to ask
Jerry is this somthing you would like to try and make?? Should be pretty easy, just need a stem with the same press measurements at the lower as a 450 with the rest being the same as a 500.... and a bushing for the top to clamp... Right??
I am also worried about keeping the stock trail numbers... As I dont want to change the way it handles too much.
Here is what I have come up with... missing a few numbers you guys may have knowldege of to piece everything together. (dont know if the stock triples off the 450's will mess things up without the missing numbers) Need those to figure out if the axle location has been moved in or out...
Also if anyone has the numbers off a late Kx500 that would could help also (big fork version 03?)
I know that all the numbers are so close that if the triple offset is the same It will be a cake walk..
MY 1991 kx500
Trail: 4.57"
Head Angle: 27 Deg
Travel: 12.20"
Triple offest 22mm
06 KX450
Trail 4.6" (probly same)
Head Angle 27 Deg
Travel: 12.4"
Triple Offset 24mm
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David,
I just did a similar deal to a Triumph a few weeks ago. This guy shows up with a 1976 Triumph something and a Harley springer front end that he bought on E-bay. Harleys have a 1' stim and the Triumph had a 3/4 I think. Anyway long story short, he's going down the road now.
I would need to look at the two kaw parts but I think there is enough difference in the size of the stims that a bushing for both ends would be the easy way to go and just use the '91 stim. If not I could build the stim and upper bushing. The prices that you have do not seem out of line.
I will measure the offset on a 91 today and get back to you. I think if the trail and head angle are the same then the offset has to be the same, assuming the forks are the same length.
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Offset could still be differant.
Being larger forks the axle location could be moved further out and made up for in offset
I think an entire new stem is more kosher. (two bushings would always worry me while runnin 100 cross the desert)
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Y 1991 kx500
Trail: 4.57"
Head Angle: 27 Deg
Travel: 12.20"
Triple offest. 22mm
06 KX450
Trail 4.6" (probly same)
Head Angle 27 Deg
Travel: 12.4"
Triple Offset 24mm
Went ahead and ordered the stem from emig.
Now I just need a front end off a 06-08 kx450f
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Okay cant find it... Need the Triple clamp offset off the last rendition of the Kx500 (2003 forks, forget the year spread)
I have been told my 91 has an offset of 22mm, and the 08 triples I have are 24mm.... wrong direction for a K5 (dont want slower steering yet)... Need to find out if I need to go with the 09 23mm or? before I pop for a scotts damper mount.
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Crap... 22mm is stock for late Kx500.... This means Im 2mm in the wrong direction... To add insult to injury.. Just measured the fork length... the Kx450 fork is longer... hence making it even worse yet in the wrong direction... I can fake some of that by raising the forks in the clamps...
so stock trail number of 4.57
Ill be somewhere around 4.48
this is all assuming the kx500 clamps and kx450 run the same angle.... as I cant find those numbers to save my llife
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Now that I do some research... I may not be too bad.. as it may make the bike turn better... Not sure if the front end will try to wash out... we will find out.. I run a damper so it should counter the effects I was worried about (instabilaty at speed)... Or It will handle like garbage... any input is good input...
Am I right on that? Not sure im thinking straight.. My brain is toast at the moment. More offset will make it turn faster, yet less fast stability?
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Just got a reply from Destry abbott about what they ran on their 500's
"I'm 99% sure we changed ours to 23mm off-set."
So this means Im golden... Shweeeet. Always good news when your told you screwed up in the right direction ;)
Cant wait to pick up my forks and shock from Precision concepts tomarrow....
(was going to go racetech, till I found out they wanted $1600 for the custom rear shock I was planning on having them make)
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Motorrad,what is it your doing are you fitting new triple clamps for newer style forks. The reason I was asking was I am thinking the same but using the crf 08 tripple clamps as it has the possibility of using the crf stearing damper and the crf tripple trees are 22mm only the 2008 ones but its getting someone to make a new stem. I seen on this site somewhere some one else using a crf tripple trees.
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I have installed the entire front end off a 2008 kx450f.
Had emig racing make me a steering stem. So everything just bolted on. Easy as pie.
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Motorrad could you post some pictures of the new front end
Do the tripple tree stops still work
and have you had a chance to ride the bike if so how does it feel turning wise and stability.
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Motorrad could you post some pictures of the new front end
Do the tripple tree stops still work
and have you had a chance to ride the bike if so how does it feel turning wise and stability.
Had to make a new steering stop... very simple, tucks under the original... if I ever choose to go back to stock, or? I can take the bolts out, and it works as original (no wider than stock)
(note picture is before I welded it on)
Havnt ridden yet, All the suspension (forks and shock) are at Precision concepts being revalved and sprung for desert racing. and to play nice with eachother (work with eachother)...
I figure it should turn better, and stability should be fine with the steering stabilizer... as destry abbott said, they ran 23mm and the pro-circiut rear link... so 24mm should be very similar... If not, Ill get a set of 2009 triples (23mm)...
Here are the only two pictures I have at the moment in mock up stage... Ill take more when I get it all back and put together for good. Sorry they are taken with my phone
(http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb275/Motorrad2/1db362c0.jpg)
(http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb275/Motorrad2/49b465ec.jpg)
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Cheers for that it looks really good, Thats a good idea with the stops. Look forward to hearing how it rides and turns
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hay motorrad, how much did the steam cost?
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Stem was 150. Bushing for top clamp he wanted 30. I made my own bushing.. Easy if you have a lathe..
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picked my suspension up today... Forks feel great (off the bike, bounce test)...
Front end is On for good (need brake pad Pin.. dumb part)..
Need to mount my Baja Designs Dual sport kit. (Yes, Dual sport Kit. (evil laugh))
Rout all cables wires etc etc..
plastics just hung on for end of night motivation...
Wow The different colored wheels Bothers me... Need to do somthing about that ASAP...
(http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a289/Motorrad/KXmotor/DSC_4108.jpg)
(http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a289/Motorrad/KXmotor/DSC_4118.jpg)
(http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a289/Motorrad/KXmotor/DSC_4122.jpg)
(http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a289/Motorrad/KXmotor/DSC_4121.jpg)
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Looking really good must get something done with mine now. But I must admit not sure I want to just yet as I have just got my frame powder coated and it would be a shame to start welding on the front of it just now. I wonder how hard it would be to get an enginering firm to make new tripple clamps that you could just install the kx5 stem. As for the wheels I thought the front wheel was interchangable with the Kxf. it is with my 2001 kx5. But the Blacks wheels look great on the bike I made a set up with excel rims with stainless spokes on the standard kx5 hubs.
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Emig racing was going to make me clamps for $800... thats clamps/stem all pretty billit...
The way this is welded on, you can cut it off, and never know it was done...
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Forgot to add..
For the Record.
We decided to go with the following springs
Front (stock 2008 Kx450) .47kg
Rear. 5.6 Eibach
Will update how it feels as soon as I get it out to ride it.
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Motorad, How does the new front end ride?
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Motorad, How does the new front end ride?
Rides good...
The front is setup to kx450 desert race valving. and it is CLOSE.. very very Close.. tHE REAR... he did lots of magic on to make it keep up with kx450 front end goodies.. (helps when you have a good friend that runs a division of precision concepts)..
Last trip out I hit a DITCH at about 65mph... and If it was stock KX suspension I would have been on the ground bleeding... instead I just bottomed out and kept on going..
Ill give a better indepth of how it works what I want to change etc after this weekend.. as I will be able to get some HOURS on the bike... (No more 2 gal motor wonders)
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I think I have forks done by ZR1 racing but I'm not sure. I can't get it to bottom at all. I've flat landed 4th gear triple jumps and dropped off ledges that would've blown up my old 99 CR250 forks. I've said on a number of occasions that my k5 handling murders my old cr- by a long shot.
My problem is in the shock. It's fine for beginning type rides- like me after short hiatus, but once I start getting more comfortable and pick up the speed, there's a point when it starts to buck. If I were to hit a ditch at 65 it would buck me straight over the bars with authority and there's nothing I could do about it.
I'm happy with my forks per se, for my skill level, but I hate my shock.
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Bump to the top for JOKO
(http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a289/Motorrad/IMG_0137.jpg)
(http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a289/Motorrad/DSC_6663.jpg)
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i was wondering if you was able to run the k5 front wheel and brake setup, or did u have to run the 08 450 stuff???
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Just got a reply from Destry abbott about what they ran on their 500's
"I'm 99% sure we changed ours to 23mm off-set."
So this means Im golden... Shweeeet. Always good news when your told you screwed up in the right direction ;)
Cant wait to pick up my forks and shock from Precision concepts tomarrow....
(was going to go racetech, till I found out they wanted $1600 for the custom rear shock I was planning on having them make)
bringing this one back from the dead.
Im not happy with the way the bike handles.
front end is washy. and rear will just kick out when bombing a corner (perhapse this is the desert IT rebar tire)... not predictably.
Ive been faking this by running tubliss, with about 5psi in front tire, and 5 psi in rear. pump the front up any more than that and its a bitch to ride.
I believe its all in the offset of the tripples is where my problem is. suspension gurus? (ahem alward25)
MY 1991 kx500
Trail: 4.57"
Head Angle: 27 Deg
Travel: 12.20"
Triple offest 22mm
06 KX450
Trail 4.6" (probly same)
Head Angle 27 Deg
Travel: 12.4"
Triple Offset 24.5mm
Now looking for a 20mm or 22mm set of aftermarket clamps.
http://www.kxriders.com/forums/index.php/topic,14872.msg117025/topicseen.html#new
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Well the kx450-08 also has a tendency to wash out the front end, I know a lot of guys bought aftermarket trippleclamps with 22 mm or sometimes even 21 mm
From what I can remember the kx500 (stock) doesn't have the same tendencies, so less offset would be preferable... Mind you I can only speak from mx experience, no trail or desert riding for me :-)
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What is your rear shock high speed comp set at? Too stiff can cause that too. Front settings?
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What is your rear shock high speed comp set at? Too stiff can cause that too. Front settings?
ugh. Ill find out. all suspension was done by precision concepts local chaper for high speed desert set to me.
when I got it, I turned the damping up 2 clicks on the front. rear felt good.
side note. anyone ever run differant offset clamps on their K5? stretch I know...
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Back in 2006 thru 2009 when I was on my parts/bike buying spree I picked up
a fork set and offset Emig clamps. I put them in the container and have never messed
with them. I hope someday if/when I retire I will put them to use.
The p.o. said they make the K5 handle like a CR500.
My plan was to use them on my fat tire sand KX500, another project I haven't
gotten to. I have all the parts, bike, just lost interest. I have many projects like that.
I've been clearing out projects that I will never get to. Like the CR500 AFC bike.
I bought it in 2007. I rode the bike the day I bought it, brought it home, drained the
gas tank and it sat for 8 years. A friend started bugging me about the bikes I have sitting one day.
He wants to make a Super Moto so I sold him the Honda for what I paid for it.
He told a friend of mine, "Every time I touch that bike I get hurt on it".
I say "Welcome to the half liter 2 stroke world".
If you would like, I can dig out the Emig clamps and see if they have any i.d. numbers
or what the offset might be.
For those NOT in the know....A quick guide to motorcycle rake, trail and offset.
http://www.autoevolution.com/news/a-quick-guide-to-motorcycle-rake-trail-and-offset-part-1-83482.html
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Just in case any one wants to know, I have sent my 1990 250 triples to RSW racing to have a set of 13mm offset triples made. Knowing that they are the same for similar years 500s they could an option. My 250 is being built as a motard so I need reduced offset triples.
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Back in 2006 thru 2009 when I was on my parts/bike buying spree I picked up
a fork set and offset Emig clamps. I put them in the container and have never messed
with them. I hope someday if/when I retire I will put them to use.
The p.o. said they make the K5 handle like a CR500.
My plan was to use them on my fat tire sand KX500, another project I haven't
gotten to. I have all the parts, bike, just lost interest. I have many projects like that.
I've been clearing out projects that I will never get to. Like the CR500 AFC bike.
I bought it in 2007. I rode the bike the day I bought it, brought it home, drained the
gas tank and it sat for 8 years. A friend started bugging me about the bikes I have sitting one day.
He wants to make a Super Moto so I sold him the Honda for what I paid for it.
He told a friend of mine, "Every time I touch that bike I get hurt on it".
I say "Welcome to the half liter 2 stroke world".
If you would like, I can dig out the Emig clamps and see if they have any i.d. numbers
or what the offset might be.
For those NOT in the know....A quick guide to motorcycle rake, trail and offset.
http://www.autoevolution.com/news/a-quick-guide-to-motorcycle-rake-trail-and-offset-part-1-83482.html
If its not too much trouble. Im curious what they put on the K5. if going 20mm like I think would work is too radical.
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I was looking at a set of 2011 forks and triples for my 500. I think them are still 23mm offset though. When I get it all going I will tell you how that works.
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also didn't you say your 450 forks where longer? by how much? I just measured my 2013 kx450 forks and there roughly 943mm from the top of the upper tube to the center of the axle( I am not including the top cap) and my 500 was like 945ish. there within a couple mm of each other anyways. just curious..
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Just thought of something. Since my fork diameter change... Assuming all else was the same... Change my tail numbers. Since in theory the axle has to be further away from fork center. Hmm. Drunken midnight bench racing.. I'll measure if that's a factor in the AM...
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Just thought of something. Since my fork diameter change... Assuming all else was the same... Change my tail numbers. Since in theory the axle has to be further away from fork center. Hmm. Drunken midnight bench racing.. I'll measure if that's a factor in the AM...
Yes. this changes things also.
center of fork for the blue legs I have is roughly 28mm
center of fork to the axle center of kx450 is roughly 33mm.
just right there I gained +5mm in offset.
crap.
no wonder its handling like it is.
anyone have a good trail calculator?
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Just for testing purposes....trailing axle (-5mm) versus leading axle.
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Just thought of something. Since my fork diameter change... Assuming all else was the same... Change my tail numbers. Since in theory the axle has to be further away from fork center. Hmm. Drunken midnight bench racing.. I'll measure if that's a factor in the AM...
Yes. this changes things also.
center of fork for the blue legs I have is roughly 28mm
center of fork to the axle center of kx450 is roughly 33mm.
just right there I gained +5mm in offset.
crap.
no wonder its handling like it is.
anyone have a good trail calculator?
RE-measured this. not as much differance as when I quickly eyeballed it durring lunch.
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https://www.rbracing-rsr.com/rakeandtrail.html
MY 1991 kx500
Trail: 4.57"
Head Angle: 27 Deg
Travel: 12.20"
Triple offest 22mm
Axle offset (work backwards) = 21.7mm
Total offset (working backwards)= 43.7mm
06 KX450
Trail 4.6" (probly same)
Head Angle 27 Deg
Travel: 12.4"
Triple Offset 24.5mm
Total offset to achieve trail (working backwards)= 43mm
Axle offset (working backwards) = 20.6mm
Other.
Dunlop 80/100= 27.72” (704.088mm)
Dunlop 90/100= 27.99” (710.946mm)
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so. based on all those numbers. both bikes came with same sized front tire from factory. same head angle, only differance is .8mm in trail. but the tripple clamp offset of the two goes the wrong way to achieve this. so the larger 450 forks would have to have less axle offset to make up for these changes. 20.6mm working backwards to be exact........
Hmm. Need to go measure this tonight to confirm.
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Munching popcorn... :-o
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2014 kx250f came factory with 22.5 offset triples. Im thinking I will try the 250f forks would like to stay KYB but can get some 2008 250f forks cheap.
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2014 kx250f came factory with 22.5 offset triples. Im thinking I will try the 250f forks would like to stay KYB but can get some 2008 250f forks cheap.
Hi, I'm a total newbie here and have just bought a basically new 1989 500. What did you guys find was the easiest way of upgrading the forks. I see some are saying 2008 kxf450 some are saying 2013 kxf250. Can you help
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Did some axle offset measuring tonight... Found my handling issue. Will update with numbers and the fix tomorrow
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2014 kx250f came factory with 22.5 offset triples. Im thinking I will try the 250f forks would like to stay KYB but can get some 2008 250f forks cheap.
Hi, I'm a total newbie here and have just bought a basically new 1989 500. What did you guys find was the easiest way of upgrading the forks. I see some are saying 2008 kxf450 some are saying 2013 kxf250. Can you help
89 conventional leg forks are awesome. I'd spring em and set them up for your weight and run them... Loved the 89 forks I ran on my 87.
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The fix.. And my bike should be faster since my wallet is lighter now
(http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb275/Motorrad2/Mobile%20Uploads/1437262952167_758957997_fa327975.jpg) (http://s208.photobucket.com/user/Motorrad2/media/Mobile%20Uploads/1437262952167_758957997_fa327975.jpg.html)
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89 conventional leg forks are awesome. I'd spring em and set them up for your weight and run them... Loved the 89 forks I ran on my 87.
I have a set of these. I've been on the fence about trying them on my 95. Maybe I should give them a try.
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Okay. Blue leg fork
Leg bottom= 43mm
Bottom to axle outer= 40.79mm
Axle diam= 21.91mm
Axle offset= (40.79-(43/2))+(21.91/2)
= 30.245mm
2008 kx450 fork
Leg bottom= 33mm
Leg to axle outer= 37.33mm
Axle diam= 24.88mm
Axle offset= (37.33-(33/2))+(24.88/2)
=33.27mm
So
Kx500 total offset= 30.245mm +22mm
= 52.245mm
Kx450 total offset= 33.27mm + 24.5mm
= 57.77mm
Difference of positive 5.525mm of offset change...
Yikes!
The fix.......
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2015 450 f forks
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2015 450 f forks
I would still have the same issue.... F-ed up geometry
And not sure how I feel about the new fork technology yet. Heck I still call upside down ones new fangled witch craft....
Here is my fix
Puts all my geometry back to stock... I'm in the process of pressing out my custom steering stem and pressing it into the new clamps...
(http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb275/Motorrad2/Mobile%20Uploads/20150719_132825.jpg) (http://s208.photobucket.com/user/Motorrad2/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150719_132825.jpg.html)
(http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb275/Motorrad2/Mobile%20Uploads/20150719_132836.jpg) (http://s208.photobucket.com/user/Motorrad2/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150719_132836.jpg.html)
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Next issue... Fork length......
To be continued....
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Okay. Blue leg fork
Leg bottom= 43mm
Bottom to axle outer= 40.79mm
Axle diam= 21.91mm
Axle offset= (40.79-(43/2))+(21.91/2)
= 30.245mm
2008 kx450 fork
Leg bottom= 33mm
Leg to axle outer= 37.33mm
Axle diam= 24.88mm
Axle offset= (37.33-(33/2))+(24.88/2)
=33.27mm
So
Kx500 total offset= 30.245mm +22mm
= 52.245mm
Kx450 total offset= 33.27mm + 24.5mm
= 57.77mm
Difference of positive 5.525mm of offset change...
Yikes!
The fix.......
Hey... You told me you didn't do millimeters.... :-P
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Okay. Blue leg fork
Leg bottom= 43mm
Bottom to axle outer= 40.79mm
Axle diam= 21.91mm
Axle offset= (40.79-(43/2))+(21.91/2)
= 30.245mm
2008 kx450 fork
Leg bottom= 33mm
Leg to axle outer= 37.33mm
Axle diam= 24.88mm
Axle offset= (37.33-(33/2))+(24.88/2)
=33.27mm
So
Kx500 total offset= 30.245mm +22mm
= 52.245mm
Kx450 total offset= 33.27mm + 24.5mm
= 57.77mm
Difference of positive 5.525mm of offset change...
Yikes!
The fix.......
Hey... You told me you didn't do millimeters.... :-P
Your right... Unlike the peanut gallery..... My wife likes INCHES
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I rode my k5 std with the 15 forks it handled and turned better than the std forks.
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I rode my k5 std with the 15 forks it handled and turned better than the std forks.
Very interesting. did you just slap them on? use the 2015 triple clamps? have you measured your trail numbers before and after?
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Slip forks and wheel in and rode it , just as that guy who won the 2 stroke race thing in usa , sean colliers , than mxa magazine tested it, our forks were fully gold valve as well , they were off my sons 15 450 , sadly they had to go on the 15 bike , as it up for sale to be replaced by a 16 , I did not worry about measurements , std k5 triple clamps , whole 15 front brake as well , one day I will switch to this front end when they become more available , at the moment I saw a set for 1k , to much for me , I wait and get a roller with a stuffed engine . We tested this set up at my own track against the 01 framed k5 to see how it went , the front showed no signs of washing out , held its line well and stayed up in the stroke better , impressed.
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I'd be interested to measure those forks. May go to the dealer this week to figure up their offset... I'd bet they do change the offset a positive amount, but it's less noticeable than mine due to running the stock tripple. Which I couldn't do.... Even mine took a while to really notice... But once I did.. It drive me crazy.
I also need to measure a later model set of k5 forks.. I'd bet they are different than my blue leg ones... And kawi never bothered to update the trail information in the paperwork, since it would have been a small change (+2mm axle offset if I had to guess
which If that is the case. a change to the later model 2015 forks from the later model K5 forks in stock triple clamps, would in all accounts feel like it handles the same, as it would only be a +1mm change in offset.
somone needs to measure axle offset on late model K5 forks, so everyone in the future knows what they are dealing with, when they just plug in a late model set of forks.
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Fork length............
Okay. at first I thought I had an issue. Since my 450 forks were so much longer than my blue leg forks....
So I called up MR Sandblaster to dig through his junk piles and measure some K5 forks for me.
Hmm. all his measure the same as my 450 forks... even his blue leg ones. :|
Being my forks were off one of wards bikes. Perhapse there is some team green magic in them to make them shorter for short jeff ward................
speaking of short.
Ive decided to remove the Emig dogbone in the rear of mine, to lower it back down (too d**n tall for me).... re-install the stocker. but to compensate, suck the forks up in the triple clamps.
The "FIX" that Procirciut originally made those bones for, was to fix the KX buck that you got due too too agressive of a linkage rise (emig link makes rear softer). But this was for stock suspension, all mine has been revalved etc, to do away with that issue already, so all the emig link is doing for me is raising the rear for better turning.... somthing I can achieve with fork hight.
Poking around the 450 forums The 450 guys seem to like 10-12mm up in the clamps (stock is 6ish).. so Im going to go for 12mm, and run a bit more sag in the rear.as I like my bikes with a wee bit more sag.. (will probaly run 105ish.mm in rear). If its twitchy, Ill lower the forks. But since I run a scotts damper. I bet its fine.
thoughts?
(http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb275/Motorrad2/Mobile%20Uploads/20150721_061114.jpg) (http://s208.photobucket.com/user/Motorrad2/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150721_061114.jpg.html)
(http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb275/Motorrad2/Mobile%20Uploads/20150721_061126.jpg) (http://s208.photobucket.com/user/Motorrad2/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150721_061126.jpg.html)
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The bike feels a mile and a half lower. holy Cow.........
its like sitting on my nephews KX65. :lol:
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The bike feels a mile and a half lower. holy Cow.........
its like sitting on my nephews KX65. :lol:
Just your size then!!! :wink:
When are we gonna get the families together and ride?
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Just measured the 2015 fork... Same offset as my 08.. (Rough measurement)... So the 2015 fork would change geometry. Based on my blue leg fork measurements.... Now my theory of kawi changing things with the later forks and never updating their propaganda still may hold true... Which of why perhaps no difference was noticed going from late forks to 2015... But mine was going from blue to 2008.....
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rode the bike this weekend. couldnt do the full high speed desert stuff as normal (its 108F out there right now)...
but low speed, trails etc. its MILES BETTER. holy hell. it handles awesome!!!!.. time will tell with the 5th gear WOT sand wash stuff....
current setting.
20mm offset clamps.
forks are 10mm up in the clamps (measured from top of fork, not cap).
Rear race sag set at 104.75mm
90/100 mx71 front with tubliss running 8psi
maxxis desert IT rear running ZERO PSI tubliss.
somone still needs to measure axle offset of the later KX500 forks for future peoples information......
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To give you an idea of how it sits now..
Before with emig bones.
(http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb275/Motorrad2/Mobile%20Uploads/20150103_100353.jpg) (http://s208.photobucket.com/user/Motorrad2/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150103_100353.jpg.html)
After
(http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb275/Motorrad2/Mobile%20Uploads/1438995382317_3121981853_fa327975_1.jpg) (http://s208.photobucket.com/user/Motorrad2/media/Mobile%20Uploads/1438995382317_3121981853_fa327975_1.jpg.html)
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Looks good, wish I had that kind of riding area.