New member and new KLX250s owner!

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Old 05-19-2014, 07:46 AM
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Default New member and new KLX250s owner!

Hello from the Pacific Northwest. I am the proud new owner of a 2300 mile, 2009, KLX250s. My first ever Kawasaki. I have always owned dual-sport bikes, and I really like this KLX.

The bike does have an issue, though. The previous owner had the bike lowered about 1.5" or maybe even a little more. The rear was lowered by simply adjusting the shock spring preload nuts all the way to the top of the shock threads. This is easily fixable. The front forks, however, we're somehow shortened internally. They were not simply slid up in the triple trees.

Is installing shorter springs the only way of shortening the front forks, or is there another way of doing it. If I have to replace the springs, I think they are going to run me over $100.

I am looking forward to catching up on the forum threads. Thanks in advance.
 
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Old 05-19-2014, 02:08 PM
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Are you sure it isn't a klx250SF that is converted? I didn't know you could shorted forks by putting in shorter springs
 
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Old 05-19-2014, 02:20 PM
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Originally Posted by Burnt09
Hello from the Pacific Northwest. I am the proud new owner of a 2300 mile, 2009, KLX250s. My first ever Kawasaki. I have always owned dual-sport bikes, and I really like this KLX.

The bike does have an issue, though. The previous owner had the bike lowered about 1.5" or maybe even a little more.
The 2006-07 bikes are taller and have longer travel suspension than the 2009 bikes.

I have a 2007. I rode with a friend that has an '09 (I think) over the weekend. It feels a lot shorter. Much more like a play bike. If you'd ridden a 2006-07 before, the '09 will feel a lot shorter!
 
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Old 05-19-2014, 03:02 PM
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Welcome to the forums.
 
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Old 05-19-2014, 04:09 PM
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Originally Posted by RockabillSlapMatt
Are you sure it isn't a klx250SF that is converted? I didn't know you could shorted forks by putting in shorter springs
Pretty certain that it is an "S." I have the past couple of registrations. The previous owner left them in the tool bag. It was registered as an "S."

I had just assumed that shorter springs would shorten the front forks. I have never actually taken any front forks apart. I am also assuming that whatever was done to shorten the front forks was a not too expensive method. Just judging from the elcheapo way the rear was lowered.
 
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Old 05-19-2014, 04:26 PM
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Originally Posted by taxonomy
........If you'd ridden a 2006-07 before, the '09 will feel a lot shorter!
I am comparing it to a new, 2014, KLX250s. My bike is A LOT lower. I am estimating 1.5" to 2.0" lower. I bought the bike from a dealer, and it was right next to a new 250s. I tried them both on for size.

The last registered owner was a female. I suppose the bike was adjusted for her?
 
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Old 05-19-2014, 05:05 PM
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check the "dog bones"...are you sure you have stock "oem dog bone"...the oem is rounded and have the length engraved on it...i think the stock is 113.5 if remember correctly..

looks like a bone front of the rear tire and right below the swing arm..(this was not stock)
 
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Old 05-19-2014, 05:07 PM
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Take a picture of the triple clamps. then post it here. Might be able to tell if it has been lowered that way.
 
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Old 05-20-2014, 03:42 AM
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How much do you weigh? I have some stock 07 springs that I will never use again.
 
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Old 05-20-2014, 06:30 AM
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Originally Posted by durielk
How much do you weigh? I have some stock 07 springs that I will never use again.
I weigh 190, but stock springs would suit me fine. I am not a hard core off road rider. At 66, I will never see another single track. I learned my lesson last year. My off road riding is on improved dirt and gravel forest service roads.

First, I need to find out how the front forks were shortened. If the forks have shorter than a stock springs, I would pay you a fair price for those springs of yours. Thank you. Are the front forks the same on the 2007 and 2009 models?
 

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