race tech emulators for 84 kx125?

Mike P.
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2/6/2016 4:41am
I recommend you call Race Tech. They are not all that difficult to install but if this is a new bike you may also and likely need new springs, therefore i would call RT to discuss your needs, but they do make them. These mid 80s KX's came with 43mm forks (if I am not mistaken), so fitment should not be a problem.
MaxPower
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2/6/2016 8:24am
I think you'd do better getting an entire front end from a 88 KX
They are cartridge forks and the top triple clamp positions the bars more forward instead of that goofy back sweep
450exc115
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Hebron, CT US
2/6/2016 1:37pm
Emulators are a good upgrade. Cartridge forks are a great upgrade. If you stick with the disk brake find a set of cartridge forks. Smile
bad juju
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2/9/2016 12:41pm
How where the 88 kx forks compared to the say 87 Honda forks? I have a set of 87 cr250 forks in the garage. Also, I thought I had heard something about a cartridge kit for the kx forks. Thanks guy's.

The Shop

Mike P.
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2/9/2016 3:22pm
If you do stick with the disc brake then I recommend the 89 KX125 forks. Once set up they were magic (46mm). I have a set of 46mm 89 RM125 forks on my 80 RM125 and other than heavier Race Tech springs, they are stock and work unbelievably well (better than a set of mid 80s 43mm forks with Gold Valves in them)...
bad juju
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2/9/2016 4:52pm
this is my concern with the 46mm forks. the 84 frame is prone to cracking. would the larger diameter forks put more stress on the already questionable frame? or its not to significant of a change to cause an issue?
bad juju
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2/9/2016 4:54pm
also, was the frame fixed in the 85 model?
Mike P.
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2/9/2016 6:06pm
I did not know that frame was prone to cracking. You might look into reinforcing the headstay maybe, or maybe there's factory tech manuals or old articles on a fix from back in the day. I don't know if the larger forks would make a difference or not, but I'ld defintetly look into reinforcing the headstay for sure.
fookyoo
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Dallas, TX US
2/10/2016 11:48am
Do not change forks, to a later model, abd end up with some mutant, morfed bike
Just buy the Race tech triple rate springs for your weight, and install the gold valves,

Keep the bike original
Mixon848
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Oakley, CA US
2/12/2016 7:40am
I will be going to Race Tech Emulators route with my 1984 KX125 Forks (will be a few weeks off, as money is tight), and I will give back reports when I do.

Not sure which route I will be going with the Shock yet, as the previous owner (very nice 17 year old kid) put a Suzuki RM 125 Shock on the bike, so I need to source 1984 and 1985 KX shocks and performace mod options.
woodSMITH29
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Erwin, TN US
2/12/2016 11:52am
I have a question related to this era of KXs, my 85' 500 has the same linkage/strut set up. I understand proper ride height/sag on modern bikes but how do set these up? the strut length and preload will both change frame geometry, fighting against each other persay. Also, I've heard rumor of these frame being week before, if I were to look for cracks and preimtivly decide to do some gusseting, where would be the area most prone?
Mixon848
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2/12/2016 12:27pm
I have a question related to this era of KXs, my 85' 500 has the same linkage/strut set up. I understand proper ride height/sag on modern...
I have a question related to this era of KXs, my 85' 500 has the same linkage/strut set up. I understand proper ride height/sag on modern bikes but how do set these up? the strut length and preload will both change frame geometry, fighting against each other persay. Also, I've heard rumor of these frame being week before, if I were to look for cracks and preimtivly decide to do some gusseting, where would be the area most prone?
I got really lucky as the 17 year old kid that had my 1984 Kawasaki KX125 before me put a DMC solid strut on it. The kid upgraded to a 250 because he said he was getting too fast for a 125, yet this bike has no frame cracks, stock frame paint is barely worn anywhere, and the foot pegs aren't even sagging. Oh yeah it also had finally worn out the "stock" (yes stock) Piston and that is why it stopped running. He had obtained it from an Old Lady. It was her bike.

Sorry for the ramble. Strut should be set at 205mm (8 1/16 inches) Center eye to Center eye.

Also here is a wonderful post showing exactly where the Frames need to have Gussets added:
http://www.vitalmx.com/forums/Old-School-Moto,22/83-kx125-build,1270103
bad juju
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2/12/2016 8:13pm
I have a question related to this era of KXs, my 85' 500 has the same linkage/strut set up. I understand proper ride height/sag on modern...
I have a question related to this era of KXs, my 85' 500 has the same linkage/strut set up. I understand proper ride height/sag on modern bikes but how do set these up? the strut length and preload will both change frame geometry, fighting against each other persay. Also, I've heard rumor of these frame being week before, if I were to look for cracks and preimtivly decide to do some gusseting, where would be the area most prone?
ebay has a Kawasaki race setup and tuning manual for your bike. its gonna get you what you are looking for, for cause and corrections.
woodSMITH29
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Erwin, TN US
2/15/2016 8:45am
I have a question related to this era of KXs, my 85' 500 has the same linkage/strut set up. I understand proper ride height/sag on modern...
I have a question related to this era of KXs, my 85' 500 has the same linkage/strut set up. I understand proper ride height/sag on modern bikes but how do set these up? the strut length and preload will both change frame geometry, fighting against each other persay. Also, I've heard rumor of these frame being week before, if I were to look for cracks and preimtivly decide to do some gusseting, where would be the area most prone?
bad juju wrote:
ebay has a Kawasaki race setup and tuning manual for your bike. its gonna get you what you are looking for, for cause and corrections.
Great! Just ordered it, never seen one before. Im a sucker for literature and keepsakes related to a build. Very cool.
Beast666
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Englewood, CO US
2/16/2016 3:19pm
I have a question related to this era of KXs, my 85' 500 has the same linkage/strut set up. I understand proper ride height/sag on modern...
I have a question related to this era of KXs, my 85' 500 has the same linkage/strut set up. I understand proper ride height/sag on modern bikes but how do set these up? the strut length and preload will both change frame geometry, fighting against each other persay. Also, I've heard rumor of these frame being week before, if I were to look for cracks and preimtivly decide to do some gusseting, where would be the area most prone?
bad juju wrote:
ebay has a Kawasaki race setup and tuning manual for your bike. its gonna get you what you are looking for, for cause and corrections.
Great! Just ordered it, never seen one before. Im a sucker for literature and keepsakes related to a build. Very cool.
On my 85 KX500 I snapped 3 rocker arms and broke the left rear downtube about 3" above the swing arm pivot.

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