New member and new KLX250s owner!

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Old May 20, 2014 | 06:38 AM
  #11  
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Originally Posted by cmott426
Take a picture of the triple clamps. then post it here. Might be able to tell if it has been lowered that way.
Might take me a while to figure out how to post a pic. However, the forks have not been slid up in the triple trees. The forks are actually shorter than stock. I didn't have a tape measure with me, but the forks on my bike are approx 1-1/2" to 2" shorter than a new 2014 KLX250s fork, (with the bikes sitting, unladen).
 
Old May 20, 2014 | 06:41 AM
  #12  
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Originally Posted by ahnh666
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 ......
My links have 119.5 stamped on them
 
Old May 20, 2014 | 11:28 AM
  #13  
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Do you have a stand or any other means to allow you to unload the suspension? I would measure the distance of the lower stanchion from the seal to the edge of the axle clamp(the shiny part of the lower tube). I'll go and measure the distance on my '12S and we can compare.
The 06-07 models use a different fork compared to the 09+ models.

The only way to shorten the forks internally would require a longer top out spring or to physically shorten the piston rod on the cartridge that attaches to the fork cap. I think that they may have used a shorter spring and that the fork just sags much farther than the stock setup.
 

Last edited by GBAUTO; May 20, 2014 at 11:37 AM.
Old May 20, 2014 | 02:24 PM
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They could also be SF forks. I think they are shorter by an inch or so.
 
Old May 20, 2014 | 04:36 PM
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is the standard s rod tie that long?...longer will lower the bike and shorter to raise the rear....i'm just going off memory, but seems to be a lowering link (longer tie rod)...you can buy stock or raising links for cheap at 2009-2012 Kawasaki KLX250 S, SF Raising, Lowering Links - $21.50 : burkhartcycle.com, Motorcycle Parts and Accessories

sounds like you have a klx250sf fork (shorter spring...how is your gearing?...is it 14/42...42 teeth on the rear sprocket?....possible original owner put a lowering link and swamped with sf forks or sf springs...and, lowered the bike substantially...

Originally Posted by Burnt09
My links have 119.5 stamped on them
 
Old May 20, 2014 | 04:49 PM
  #16  
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Originally Posted by Burnt09
My links have 119.5 stamped on them
That's stock for a 2009 250S. Just checked mine.
 
Old May 20, 2014 | 05:01 PM
  #17  
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Originally Posted by GBAUTO
Do you have a stand or any other means to allow you to unload the suspension? I would measure the distance of the lower stanchion from the seal to the edge of the axle clamp(the shiny part of the lower tube). I'll go and measure the distance on my '12S and we can compare.......
Great idea. I do have a stand. I will get a measurement tomorrow.

Thanks
 
Old May 20, 2014 | 05:04 PM
  #18  
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guess my memory isn't great..haha...you can still get raising links if you want it little higher...

Originally Posted by ol'klx-er
That's stock for a 2009 250S. Just checked mine.
 
Old May 20, 2014 | 05:35 PM
  #19  
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If you just backed the preload all the way off does anyone have an idea of how much more static sag there's be?

Sounds like maybe it's just that. If there's a spacer in the fork tube shortening that will also lower it, it's essentially just backing off the preload a lot.
 
Old May 20, 2014 | 09:28 PM
  #20  
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Originally Posted by Burnt09
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?
Wussy! I got the 250 intentionally to do some single tracking! Just teasin' I understand. I'm only going on 61, just a youngster.

I just measured my 09 and got about 10 inches of exposed stanchion (chromed) tube at rest. I don't know if it would move up a shade more if I pulled up on it, it is on a lift waiting sprockets and chain, so I relaxed the tie downs and tried to push it up as best I could.

If the forks were done properly it won't be the springs. The way to shorten the travel is to put a travel limiting spacer inside the fork leg to reduce travel. It wouldn't be worth it to do a different spring, just use the compression of an inch or so as preload. If lowered, that is my bet, travel limiting spacer.
 



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