2007 or 2009?????
#12
11-26-2008, 08:21 PM
If it is a case of linkage and spacers, why is the seat height the same as the older model?
Is the foam thicker?
has the frame been redesigned to make it higher?
I like the fact that the 09 can be made to have just as much travel. Is the fork and shock the same?
Is the foam thicker?
has the frame been redesigned to make it higher?
I like the fact that the 09 can be made to have just as much travel. Is the fork and shock the same?
#13
11-26-2008, 10:32 PM
I'm skeptical of that theory that all you have to do is remove the spacers and wala, you've got more travel. And with that, the bike would sit weird with the front way higher as it has more travel than the rear to begin with.
the seat is totally different which I think has something to do with the same height even though it has less travel.
the seat is totally different which I think has something to do with the same height even though it has less travel.
#14
11-26-2008, 11:42 PM
I'm skeptical of that theory that all you have to do is remove the spacers and wala, you've got more travel. And with that, the bike would sit weird with the front way higher as it has more travel than the rear to begin with.
the seat is totally different which I think has something to do with the same height even though it has less travel.
the seat is totally different which I think has something to do with the same height even though it has less travel.
"stock fork spring is 416 mm free length, 38mm OD (very odd length - short). Stock dogbones lower rear by using a 119.5 mm link.
You can get back your pre 09 suspension travel by installing 117 mm dogbones off earlier model at rear and remove spacers in cartridge of forks and use the 460 mm springs. Obviously your seat height will rise."
Probably makes more sense now.
#16
11-27-2008, 03:26 AM
Quote: Speedyjim.
"stock fork spring is 416 mm free length, 38mm OD (very odd length - short). Stock dogbones lower rear by using a 119.5 mm link.
You can get back your pre 09 suspension travel by installing 117 mm dogbones off earlier model at rear and remove spacers in cartridge of forks and use the 460 mm springs. Obviously your seat height will rise."
Probably makes more sense now.
"stock fork spring is 416 mm free length, 38mm OD (very odd length - short). Stock dogbones lower rear by using a 119.5 mm link.
You can get back your pre 09 suspension travel by installing 117 mm dogbones off earlier model at rear and remove spacers in cartridge of forks and use the 460 mm springs. Obviously your seat height will rise."
Probably makes more sense now.
so you're saying if I got it right- I need the '06/'07 stock lower linkage and some oem or better yet, aftermarket '06/'07 fork springs and remove this 'spacer' that kawi inserted in the forks and I'll have the same travel as the old model? please let me know if I'm off. I think that if some '09 owners knew this, they'd be all over it.
I have never delved into my KLX forks, but I did my sportster forks when I installed the lowering kit in it. You just unscrew the top cap off, dump the oil out and change out the springs, pour oil back in and put cap back on. I can't imagine how sweet the red '09 would look with the increased travel. I wish nobrakes would comment on the achievability of this. I need a second opinion to verify this would work.
#17
11-27-2008, 03:41 AM
Of coarse this is how the factory has lowered the bike - do you think they would bother using different parts (and who makes forks with that travel anyway!). Very logical.....
The spacers are in the cartridge, they are not at the top of the spring (because that just preloads the spring of coarse and does nothing to reduce travel) - It is actually the correct way to lower a fork and I had it done on many supermotards I owned in the past. So unless you are good at tinkering its best to leave that bit to your local suspension guy. So in summary to get back your travel:
Remove (or cut down to desired legth) the spacer in the bottom of the fork (at cartidge - it seasy to see it when you fully remove the internals), install the pre 09 spring (460 mm 38 mm OD racetech will do - 0.44 kg/mm for me at 82 kg is perfect).
Add 10 wt oil betwen 115-100 mm from top of fork without spring and fork fully compressed. Compression 6-9 clicks out work sgood.
Unbolt stock 119.5 mm dogbones, install 117 mm dogbones. They are marked as such from factory.
Revalving is always going to be worth it as well while you are there.
Im not sure on teh whole seat hieght thing as my bike definately feels lower sitting on it than a klx300 I rode a while ago, but I dont have it available to really compare. The seat foam does look a bit tall and you could get an aftermarket lower seat foam.
The spacers are in the cartridge, they are not at the top of the spring (because that just preloads the spring of coarse and does nothing to reduce travel) - It is actually the correct way to lower a fork and I had it done on many supermotards I owned in the past. So unless you are good at tinkering its best to leave that bit to your local suspension guy. So in summary to get back your travel:
Remove (or cut down to desired legth) the spacer in the bottom of the fork (at cartidge - it seasy to see it when you fully remove the internals), install the pre 09 spring (460 mm 38 mm OD racetech will do - 0.44 kg/mm for me at 82 kg is perfect).
Add 10 wt oil betwen 115-100 mm from top of fork without spring and fork fully compressed. Compression 6-9 clicks out work sgood.
Unbolt stock 119.5 mm dogbones, install 117 mm dogbones. They are marked as such from factory.
Revalving is always going to be worth it as well while you are there.
Im not sure on teh whole seat hieght thing as my bike definately feels lower sitting on it than a klx300 I rode a while ago, but I dont have it available to really compare. The seat foam does look a bit tall and you could get an aftermarket lower seat foam.
#19
11-27-2008, 04:11 AM
Of coarse this is how the factory has lowered the bike - do you think they would bother using different parts (and who makes forks with that travel anyway!). Very logical.....
The spacers are in the cartridge, they are not at the top of the spring (because that just preloads the spring of coarse and does nothing to reduce travel) - It is actually the correct way to lower a fork and I had it done on many supermotards I owned in the past. So unless you are good at tinkering its best to leave that bit to your local suspension guy. So in summary to get back your travel:
Remove (or cut down to desired legth) the spacer in the bottom of the fork (at cartidge - it seasy to see it when you fully remove the internals), install the pre 09 spring (460 mm 38 mm OD racetech will do - 0.44 kg/mm for me at 82 kg is perfect).
Add 10 wt oil betwen 115-100 mm from top of fork without spring and fork fully compressed. Compression 6-9 clicks out work sgood.
Unbolt stock 119.5 mm dogbones, install 117 mm dogbones. They are marked as such from factory.
Revalving is always going to be worth it as well while you are there.
Im not sure on teh whole seat hieght thing as my bike definately feels lower sitting on it than a klx300 I rode a while ago, but I dont have it available to really compare. The seat foam does look a bit tall and you could get an aftermarket lower seat foam.
The spacers are in the cartridge, they are not at the top of the spring (because that just preloads the spring of coarse and does nothing to reduce travel) - It is actually the correct way to lower a fork and I had it done on many supermotards I owned in the past. So unless you are good at tinkering its best to leave that bit to your local suspension guy. So in summary to get back your travel:
Remove (or cut down to desired legth) the spacer in the bottom of the fork (at cartidge - it seasy to see it when you fully remove the internals), install the pre 09 spring (460 mm 38 mm OD racetech will do - 0.44 kg/mm for me at 82 kg is perfect).
Add 10 wt oil betwen 115-100 mm from top of fork without spring and fork fully compressed. Compression 6-9 clicks out work sgood.
Unbolt stock 119.5 mm dogbones, install 117 mm dogbones. They are marked as such from factory.
Revalving is always going to be worth it as well while you are there.
Im not sure on teh whole seat hieght thing as my bike definately feels lower sitting on it than a klx300 I rode a while ago, but I dont have it available to really compare. The seat foam does look a bit tall and you could get an aftermarket lower seat foam.
#20
11-27-2008, 05:28 AM
I just looked at the parts diagram for the '09 fork at kawasaki.com, and did not see any spacer. can you see it or point it out?