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MXD
7/27/2016 1:37pm
7/27/2016 1:37pm
I'm looking to possibly retro fit a set of these to my 16 KX450. I love the way my TAC forks feel on the track but I'm getting a bit tired of checking and adjusting pressures before each moto and practice on race day. Last weekend, my inner chamber went from 178 to 184 just from sitting in the sun between motos. Anyway, a good friend of mine has a set of forks off of a 2007 YZ450. If I am getting them revalved and resprung for my weight and ability regardless, is there any difference between the 06-16 forks?
2010 250f/450f YZ is the new size same as 09/12crf form what i was told. Think even the KX450F 07-12 share that size.
Looking for some SSS forks to since no one is making softer balance springs for PSF forks
Edited. Applied racing list 06-16 KXF450 13-16 250 SLD FACT SET 20MM
The Shop
I used to check the pressure every ride...but it never moved...and after doing for months...I finally stopped and just ride the thing, no complaints.
With that said, those KYB SSS forks are great forks...if you aren't happy with the air forks, I hope you can figure out a way to make them work for you.
(I know of several tuners who are doing spring conversions on the new Showa air forks...and I thought that they were using the KYB SSS internals...could be wrong though.)
What's funny is that I'm just a lowly Vet B racer who gets 6 lap motos. 6 laps isn't enough time to build up enough heat to vary the pressure while I'm riding. They work perfectly and consistently during the motos. The pressure seems to be fluctuating from just sitting in the sun between motos.
As for fitment, the KX450F used to come stock with SSS's (called AOSS, they are the same thing). It would be an easier conversion.
It just comes down to settings... The person asking the question on forks would be better off getting a set of KX450F forks from 2010-2012 and bolting them up.
The 2005 YZ125 and YZ250 came with AOSS forks. This is the only year Yamaha sold AOSS forks that I'm aware of.
In 2006, Yamaha released the SSS forks which are 90% speed sensitive and they've been on the YZs with minor changes up until 2016. They are worth the upgrade in my opinion (which I've done recently to my 2005 YZ125).
The diagrams look similar, but there are quite a few parts that are different between 2005 and 2006.
I have no idea where else the AOSS forks are used for other manufacturers.
Pit Row
Okay, I take back that last sentence, I KNOW we can never all agree here!
Here's what I'm really trying to say (I think). I also have a 2013 YZ250. The STOCK 250 forks never felt as good as the STOCK forks did on the 125. I can only attribute that to the difference in the bike's weight, power delivery, etc. Slip has also worked his magic on my 250 and now they are a close second to the 125, but still not as progressive and plush as the 125 was. So I do think the difference in weight and chassis and power does make a minor difference in the way the fork feels. To me, the holy-grail of forks has always been the 1987 CR I had. Those forks were perfect right out of the box. I was disappointed my Yamaha forks - on both the 125 and 250 didn't feel as plush and progressive. However, after having them sprung and rebuilt with fresh oil, bushings, seals, I finally experienced a fork better than that 87 CR. The difference that I was not accounting for was how much more rigid modern USD forks are compared to that old Honda. The rigidity does take a bit of the "plush" out of modern forks, but they can certainly take a hard hit much better.
I also want to say that folks that have ridden AOSS/SSS suspension and found it not nearly as good as you'd heard - that's because it wasn't set-up for you, hadn't had an oil change, wrong springs, whatever. They are as good as advertised when sprung for you and maintained with regular oil and internal parts changes.
I have no idea why I just typed all that. I'm retired now...have lots of time.
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