KDX220R vs KDX220A /Unstable Front End

[mattj]

I own a 98' KDX220 on occasion I will order parts listed for a220A model not a 220R (sometimes I have no other choice) and have not had a problem yet well I'd like to avoid any problems that may come up So Whats The Difference ????

As well my frontend feels quite unstable is it the stock springs?? I have just serviced the forks and they felt a little better.(w/ Mobile 1ATF @ 100mm) I don't know but maybe it is tire related, problem is the trails I ride can be riding sand and 5 minutes later I am riding through rock faces and roots ??;)

Thanks
moab

 

[Sage]

Could be the tire but most likely its the springs and / or a lack of compression damping in the front.

 

[spanky250]

You didn't say how much you weigh, but the stock fork springs are too soft for anyone over about 140 lbs. If you replace the stock fork springs with some .41kg/mm or .42 kg/mm springs, it will bring the forks into a much better balance with the much stiffer stock shock spring. Your handling and comfort will be tremendously improved. Conversely, if you weigh 140 or less, the stock shock spring is too stiff, so you need a softer shock spring to balance the suspension. My 250 came with .35 kg/mm fork springs and a 5.1 kg/mm shock spring. The suspension was very unbalanced front-to-rear, causing the bike to be very twitchy and unstable, and allowing the forks to bottom just hitting a turn hard. Swapping the fork springs to .41 kg/mm made a dramatic improvement in the handling, and also gave a much plusher ride because the forks stayed up in their stroke better.

I also run my oil at 95mm, but that may not be correct for a 200/220.

 

[sixstring4137785]

What Spanky said.
I saved up about $550 and had suspension re-sprung, revalved, oil wt change and new seals. Along with one piece top clamp for the bars and Fastaway aluminum replcement cones ($100)
The suspension is now solid and raceworthy. It was the best mod for the KDX along with pipe and reeds.Money well spent.

 

[acutemp]

mattj,
Good to see another local KDX'er on board:) I've probably seen you up at Browns camp as I ride there often. I know what you mean about the varying conditions there. Roots rocks and mud!! At 180lbs some .40s in your forks should work great up there. Your shock spring should be fine for your weight. I'm lighter at 145 lb's and run 38s up front and a lighter than stock 4.8 in the back. I run gold valves front and rear also but getting the suspension balanced from front to back is the most important mod you can do IMO.

 

[mattj]

Fastaway aluminum replcement cones ???

sixstring

I an not sure what cones you are talking about do you mean the handle bar mounts in the triple calmp and do you have a source for these??



acutemp

Any interst in a ride this upcoming weekend oct 6 and 7 ??


Thanks for all the input I am right around 180 w/o equipment. I am still wondering if anyone knows the difference between the 220A and the 220R

Thanks
Matt

 

[acutemp]

Mattj,
Right now my KDX is stripped down and attached to a dyno but we should be done with this round of testing soon. I"ll be up for a ride for sure after that, I can't wait to try out the new jetting setups that we have been working on.--Dan

 

[mattj]

I dont know maybe there is no difference between the 220R and the 220A is there a reason knowbody will touch the subject?? ;)

 

[sixstring4137785]

Well here goes.....
My KDX is listed as ------ KDX220R-A7
It should be the same on your manual.
maybe it designates the year or internal changes. ???
when I order parts they are usually under KDX220 or 200
Or maybe part numbers are different from different suppliers.