KX450F Fork Options

Markus422
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236
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4/5/2018
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Seattle, WA US
4/8/2018 3:56pm
KTM Guy here considering a KX450F. Really don’t want to deal with the air fork everyone seems to hate on it and I was wondering what the best options for replacing it are. Thanks in advance!
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kzizok
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AS US
Fantasy
1859th
4/8/2018 3:59pm
Thank you for the “Thanks in advance”!
mx317
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4531
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4/1/2008
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TN US
4/8/2018 4:05pm
Markus422 wrote:
KTM Guy here considering a KX450F. Really don’t want to deal with the air fork everyone seems to hate on it and I was wondering what...
KTM Guy here considering a KX450F. Really don’t want to deal with the air fork everyone seems to hate on it and I was wondering what the best options for replacing it are. Thanks in advance!
Find a set of 2010-12 KX450F KYB spring forks and install them. They bolt right on and are the same basic fork as the Yamaha SSS fork, just valved different. Enzo or Factory Connection can valve them if needed.
Lightning78
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12/12/2007
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Huntington Beach, CA US
4/8/2018 4:08pm
Markus422 wrote:
KTM Guy here considering a KX450F. Really don’t want to deal with the air fork everyone seems to hate on it and I was wondering what...
KTM Guy here considering a KX450F. Really don’t want to deal with the air fork everyone seems to hate on it and I was wondering what the best options for replacing it are. Thanks in advance!
You could go the Race Tech fork spring conversion kit, itz like $500 and makes those crap air forks into pretty dam good spring forks! Its super easy to install even for the average weekend mechanic. Its a helluva lot cheaper than buying a new set of forks of any kind. Not to mention the potential for having to buy new clamps etc.

Imo that would be your best most logical option unless you have "eff-you" money and dont really care about cost....if thats the case, just get a set of A-Kit forks from ebay or straight from Showa or whoever is their American importer/distributor brand new.

The Shop

mx317
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4531
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4/1/2008
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TN US
4/8/2018 4:13pm
I gave $600 for the forks like I described above off eBay. They were already done by Enzo and were awesome.
zehn
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7214
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1/15/2013
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Anchorage, AK US
4/8/2018 4:29pm
mx317 wrote:
Find a set of 2010-12 KX450F KYB spring forks and install them. They bolt right on and are the same basic fork as the Yamaha SSS...
Find a set of 2010-12 KX450F KYB spring forks and install them. They bolt right on and are the same basic fork as the Yamaha SSS fork, just valved different. Enzo or Factory Connection can valve them if needed.
This is my suggestion as well
Markus422
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236
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4/5/2018
Location
Seattle, WA US
4/8/2018 4:35pm
mx317 wrote:
Find a set of 2010-12 KX450F KYB spring forks and install them. They bolt right on and are the same basic fork as the Yamaha SSS...
Find a set of 2010-12 KX450F KYB spring forks and install them. They bolt right on and are the same basic fork as the Yamaha SSS fork, just valved different. Enzo or Factory Connection can valve them if needed.
zehn wrote:
This is my suggestion as well
Seems like a solid option, I’ve always really liked any KYB stuff I’ve had on any bike. Did they same thing with KTM actually by going back to twin chamber when they released 4CS. If I end up picking up a KX450F I’ll give it a shot!
4/8/2018 5:16pm Edited Date/Time 4/8/2018 5:21pm
The Showa SFF TAC is a great fork when set up properly; even better than the Ohlins RXF48 i tested in comparison. I'm running SKF oil and dust seals, SKF glide kit, and RaceTech gold valve and valving. In stock form i had a traction problem; the fork had a significant amount of stiction and was stiff in the first 1inch or so of travel. After getting it set up like this, it was a night and day difference. I can charge through braking bumps with confidence, point the front end wherever i want to, and have great bottoming resistance when I overjump or case something.

I'm 190lbs naked.

SKF oil and dust seals
SKF Glide kit
RaceTech gold valve
RaceTech valving for intermediate rider
180psi inner
10psi outer
185psi balance

Just make sure you check/set the pressures in each of the 3 chambers with the fork cold before you ride for the day. Its not really a big deal setting the pressures, and you have the flexibility of messing with "spring rates" for free.

BTW: If you get a KX450 and want to get rid of the TAC fork, let me know! I'm trying to source a clean set to put on my KX125 Smile .
coastie44
Posts
545
Joined
1/19/2013
Location
NorCal, CA US
4/8/2018 6:31pm
I had Johnny at TBT racing in Arizona covert mine to SFF Spring forks with all showa components. They work great!
jsmi33966
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217
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3/25/2018
Location
Port Isabel, TX US
4/8/2018 7:57pm
They are not as bad as people say. The thing you will need to do is a significant amount of learning. I am happy with my forks and I will probably get race tech stuff when the seals leak. They are very versatile and can feel very close to kyb
smit9722
Posts
178
Joined
12/4/2007
Location
Medford, OR US
4/8/2018 8:08pm Edited Date/Time 4/8/2018 8:09pm
Racetech spring conversion still sucks. Look on Ebay for a set that has springs in both sides. After struggling with them I sold my 17 and got a ktm.
Markus422
Posts
236
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4/5/2018
Location
Seattle, WA US
4/8/2018 9:28pm
smit9722 wrote:
Racetech spring conversion still sucks. Look on Ebay for a set that has springs in both sides. After struggling with them I sold my 17 and...
Racetech spring conversion still sucks. Look on Ebay for a set that has springs in both sides. After struggling with them I sold my 17 and got a ktm.
Yeah honestly as much as I'd like to switch it up, the 450SXF has never let me down and I have really liked that AER fork from what I've tried. Hard to change sometimes...
K-Dub613
Posts
41
Joined
3/8/2017
Location
Lompoc, CA US
4/8/2018 9:35pm
I have a 2017 KXF450 and I love the bike. I couldn't get around to liking the air fork so I turned to PC Spring Conversion. I loved the forks. A noticeable difference in handling. Then I had a wild hair to burn money in my pocket and I am glad I did....I bought A Kit and there is a major difference over the spring conversion...its almost like cheating.

Anyways, look at PC, Factory Connection, or JGR Spring Conversion. I think you will like it.

cody41
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518
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4/25/2013
Location
Miami, FL US
4/9/2018 6:06am
My buddy has cone valves by Enzo and they work really well
billyp330
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416
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4/3/2017
Location
Dorset, OH US
4/9/2018 6:38am
Markus422 wrote:
KTM Guy here considering a KX450F. Really don’t want to deal with the air fork everyone seems to hate on it and I was wondering what...
KTM Guy here considering a KX450F. Really don’t want to deal with the air fork everyone seems to hate on it and I was wondering what the best options for replacing it are. Thanks in advance!
Wait for 19 kawi to hit dealers....

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