Hi all that's my first post (although I'm a long time reader)
I own a 2012 KLX250s and during my last off-road trip one side started leaking. now looking to order a new seal kit but not sure about the right size.
According to Athena the correct size is:

43x55.1x9.5/10 mm

https://www.tradeinn.com/motardinn/en/athena-p40fork455057-fork-oil-seal-kit-43x55.1x9.5-10-mm/138130706/p

BUT according to Moose racing it is:

43x55.35x9.5 mm

https://www.tradeinn.com/motardinn/en/moose-hard-parts-fork-dust-seal-kit-43x55.35x9.5-mm-kawasaki-klx250s-06-20/138385389/p?queryID=d2386028fceeb49f86c86f80d92e5091&buscado r_search

Which size is the right one to order?

Thank you

 

Personal opinion - Buying the actual Kawasaki OEM seals is the best bet. Bsed on my past thirty years experience and working in a shop and seeing shop experience, order the correct OEM parts or kit for your model/year KLX. They fit, they work without a question. I'd seen too many aftermarket seals fail to work well. Contact a dealer locally or online, get the actual Kawasaki part.

I like using a local dealer, that if the dealer makes a mistake they will fix it as close to immediately as possible, no parts return time.

 

What he said. Even when I send my forks off for a refresh, they use OEM seals.

 

That and OEM seals are not just the motorcycle manufacturer OEM part, they are the fork manufacturer OEM part. So you know it should work properly.


I will say there are times when there is reason for a change. Back in the days when most forks were 35mm tube and similar slider ID some fork makers were known for good and bad seals. Honda had good seals, Betor (Bultaco) had crap seals. The trick was to substitute the Honda CL 250/305 Scrambler seals for the Betor seals, adding a spacer to make up for the height difference. No more leaks. I ended up using them on my Moto Guzzi 850-T and again on my Yamaha SR500 forks. I think I may have used them in a fork rebuild for my neighbor on his BMW R90. If they fit they worked, a fact well established over the years by Bultaco owners. But again, an OEM seal. The mechanics at the shop got to the point where they would not install anything but factory seals, they had the old Leak Proof seals would leak immediately after a rebuild. It was factory or not at all.

 

I ended up getting the Athena 43x55.1x9.5/10 mm
During installation of the seals it felt like they are sliding much more easily up and down the fork tube, which is a good thing but I was afraid of leaks.
Fortunately everything worked out and now after some dirt riding im happy to report it is perfect. Still very soft front but that's our beloved KLX