Yamaha Forks on 2014 KX250F Will it work

[jsmith811]

I have a 2014 KX250F, curious if the 48mm forks from a 2011 YZ250F, Wheel & caliper will upset the geometry of the bike ? Basically I would be taking the wheel, forks and caliper/master cylinder from a 11 yz250f and mounting to the 14 kx250f.   I had the suspension re-done on the yzf and I'm also having front brake issues on the KXF.   The forks are about the same length, axle appears that it would be in the same position relative to the triple clamps.     Not interested in remarks about if I should or shouldn't...   Just reasons why it wouldn't work. 

[KPRacing]

Changing out the forks is no problem.

Measure up the fork tubes to confirm if they are the same diameter of the kawasaki forks. If so, it's a simple drop in. If they are NOT the same, you'll have to use the yamaha tripleclamps. You may have to install the kawasaki steering post & steering post bearings in the yamaha triplclamps. Do some measuring. It can be worked out. There may be a slight offset difference between the tripleclamps from the kawasaki to yamaha but it won't be a big deal.

Enjoy your hybrid!

[jsmith811]

Both bikes have 48mm forks, I was just concerned about the geometry, or the front axle ending up 10mm lower or higher than it was before.  I would assume it would make the bike unstable if it were lower in the front, the same way it does if you raise the fork tubes too high on a any other bike. 

[KPRacing]

A little change is not a big deal. As dust the forks up or down in the clamps. If you still feel the handling is off, get an adjustable rear linkage. I believe devol makes on for your bike.

Install them, ride it & see what you may want to do.

Ohlins forks are not built to the exact dimensions as oem forks. They are built to dimensions ohlins chose. They will work with your current bike but it is up to the owner to "setup" the bike to their own liking.

With the stock forks on the bike you have the option to move the forks uo ^ down along with the other adjust ustments availble. If you choose to do the swap, you will do the same type of adjustments.

It's not a big deal but if you are looking to be talked out of the idea...then don't do it. But in all honesty, you will be fine.

[soontoberacer]

Why would you do this? The bike has been tested and tested by the engineers to work how it should to their specification just like a cars' handling, you're basically destroying your factory ride/handling. Unless you plan on spending thousands to get it exactly right, don't bother.... Doing this is exactly the same as dropping a car, you can't just drop it and expect it to handle the same way. You have to have new springs, alignments, etc all done to get it to handle right. You'll be throwing thousands away if you actually do follow through and make it work correctly, unless you are a professional Kawasaki and Yamaha motocross engineer. I honestly don't want you to suffer all the work that will have to be put into this, I see too many problems.

Edited April 3, 2015 by soontoberacer

[KPRacing]

Having concerns is a good thing & alot of people make a mess of things. However, a simple fork swap is NOT as big of a deal as you presume. The bike will handle fine.

If done properly & with know how, lowering a car can improve the handling & help with the ride (for performance driving) Conversely, a choice in cheap parts & a lack of knowledge can make a mess of things.

Jsmith811 could get a revalve for his current forks or he could do the fork swap. An experienced tuner could go with either option & have positive results.

From a cost standpoint, i would go for the fork revalve. The fork swap will require the brakes, front rim, & tripleclamp. There could be a need of some machining to the clamps to fit the kawasaki steering post...again, more cost.

[fgrote]

the op said he wasnt intrested in hearing  opinions on how ''you think'' it might handle only if it will fit , but he did ask if it will upset the geometry , kinda contradicting himself

Edited April 4, 2015 by fgrote