Planet Minis

skyriver · 10-28-2009, 05:55 PM

Ok, I've seen some rumblings, but nobody has confirmed 100%. Has anyone seen (or done themselves) a JR80/DS80 with KX60/65 forks on it?
My boy is only 8, but almost 5' tall. I'd like to extend his riding days on the JR before moving to a KX85, but the front is soft and seems to ride real low by design anyway. Seems a KX65 front end would be the ticket to compliment the nice back shock. It actually has 5 different settings for preload. He's on setting 2 so could go 3 clicks stiffer if needed.
I could probably go with heavier oil in the forks, but I'm looking to get a little height increase as well. I actually won a KX60 stem and triple clamps for $1 + $12 shipping so I'll know if they bolt up very soon. I'll post what I find.
Thanks!

Luckystar64 · 10-28-2009, 06:33 PM

If you get a 2000 or 2001 set of 65 forks, it would probably work, but in all honesty, it would be alot easier to sell off the JR, and grab up a used KX60 or KX65. If you got $500 for the JR, you could get a nice used 65 for $800 or $1000, and a 60 for about the same as what you would get for the JR. I thought about matching up a rear shock for a JR before, and then using a KLX110 front end with damping rods and springs, then using it as a pitbike. ---L*64

skyriver · 10-28-2009, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luckystar64

If you get a 2000 or 2001 set of 65 forks, it would probably work, but in all honesty, it would be alot easier to sell off the JR, and grab up a used KX60 or KX65. If you got $500 for the JR, you could get a nice used 65 for $800 or $1000, and a 60 for about the same as what you would get for the JR. I thought about matching up a rear shock for a JR before, and then using a KLX110 front end with damping rods and springs, then using it as a pitbike. ---L*64

You're correct, but c'mon now... That's the kind of answer I'd get over on ThumperTalk.

You guys build crazy (I mean this in a good way) bikes all the time that are more work than just changing bikes.
Just gotta think with all the creativity on here someone has done it.

Anyway, the JR motor is a better trail motor and I love the oil injection. I ride a 2-stroke KTM, but the other kid has a TTR125LE so straight gas for 2 bikes is nice. Just looking for any swap info for a fun project that would also help my kid develop. In the end, probably just raise the bars and then next fall sell it to move up to a KX85. By that time he won't need it lowered so all it would need is a flywheel weight and spark arrestor.

Thanks

skyriver · 10-29-2009, 07:24 PM

Ok, stem/triple arrived today. They fit!! The stem is the same exact size. In fact, the head nut is the exact same nut. The KX triples are beefy compared to the JR's.

I wasn't real familiar with the KX triples, but they really put the tubes out ahead of the bars. More so than any bike I've seen. I had to do a double take to make sure I had them on correctly. The stops don't work since Kawi puts the stops on the front of the stem instead of the back like most bikes. So the stops are useless. The bar clamps hit the yellow Suzuki plastic that covers the black tank. Good news, not actually hitting the tank and the tubes can be brought way up in the clamps if need be. The bad news is it hits the plastic. Overall though, they fit very well. So now....

These triples are from a 97 KX60. Anyone know if all years of KX60/65 have the same size forks? They're all conventional forks, not inverted. Even 2009 65 is not inverted. Of course, if I go with 2001 KX65 or newer I get the disk front brake.

So now I think this project has some legs.
Here's some pics...
1st pic shows how the bar clamp hits the plastic on top of tank. Minor issue I think...

If anyone has some KX60 or 65 forks available please let me know. I have a paypal account so could do it that way.

Thanks!

racerx711 · 10-29-2009, 07:30 PM

the kx 60 and kx 65 upper fork tubes are different diameters.. so if you have kx60 triples the 65 forks wont fit in them.. also the 65 and 60 triples have different stems, so if kx60 bolts on i'd stick with them and go ahead with 60 forks and wheel...

side note 65 forks are around 2-3 inches longer than 60 forks, so 65 forks would most likely make your jr a chopper!

skyriver · 10-29-2009, 08:37 PM

Thanks racerx711!! I wondered about the length. Good to know. Guess no disk brake. Oh well, I'll still keep my eye out for 60 forks.

racerx711 · 10-30-2009, 09:24 AM

no prob.. also the problem with the top clamp, two brothers klx110 top clamp would move the bars up and forward some but would most likely clear the gas tank plastics.

just a thought..

Luckystar64 · 10-30-2009, 11:03 AM

You could get a slightly wider stop welded to the JR frame pretty easily. This would keep the top clamp from hitting the plastic. KLX110 and KX60 forks are the same diameter. I'd think you could get a set of super cheap 110 forks with damping rods. They will probably be the correct length for the JR. Moreso than a 60 front. Another bad thing about 60 forks is the underhang below the axle. It makes more sense to use the KLX forks.

KLX110 and KX60 trees are the same except for the way the front # plate mounts up. You want to run the KLX trees so you can run the cooler looking KLX front plate. Very cheap on Ebay. You can also do a set of All Balls tapered bearings. A great upgrade.

You may also try and get a Works rear shock matched up to the front end. It would be a sweet pit bike. I thought about this bike myself before. --L*64

racerx711 · 10-30-2009, 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luckystar64

You could get a slightly wider stop welded to the JR frame pretty easily. This would keep the top clamp from hitting the plastic. KLX110 and KX60 forks are the same diameter. I'd think you could get a set of super cheap 110 forks with damping rods. They will probably be the correct length for the JR. Moreso than a 60 front. Another bad thing about 60 forks is the underhang below the axle. It makes more sense to use the KLX forks.

KLX110 and KX60 trees are the same except for the way the front # plate mounts up. You want to run the KLX trees so you can run the cooler looking KLX front plate. Very cheap on Ebay. You can also do a set of All Balls tapered bearings. A great upgrade.

You may also try and get a Works rear shock matched up to the front end. It would be a sweet pit bike. I thought about this bike myself before. --L*64

look at the pics Lstar, its not the width thats hitting its the bar clamps on the top triple themselves..
so the TB clamp idea is soley based on the position of the handle bar clamps and i was aware the 110 and 60 forks are same width..

skyriver · 10-30-2009, 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luckystar64

You could get a slightly wider stop welded to the JR frame pretty easily. This would keep the top clamp from hitting the plastic. KLX110 and KX60 forks are the same diameter. I'd think you could get a set of super cheap 110 forks with damping rods. They will probably be the correct length for the JR. Moreso than a 60 front. Another bad thing about 60 forks is the underhang below the axle. It makes more sense to use the KLX forks.

KLX110 and KX60 trees are the same except for the way the front # plate mounts up. You want to run the KLX trees so you can run the cooler looking KLX front plate. Very cheap on Ebay. You can also do a set of All Balls tapered bearings. A great upgrade.

You may also try and get a Works rear shock matched up to the front end. It would be a sweet pit bike. I thought about this bike myself before. --L*64

Well, the point of all this for me is to improve his suspension on the cheap. His JR forks are 25" axle to top of fork which I believe is an inch more than the KLX. The JR is a taller bike. Also, based on the fact it's a tame playbike, the KLX probably doesn't have any better forks than the JR. I'm willing to deal with the overhang issue. We ride single track, but I don't take him on gnarly stuff that would give him issues. I consider the overhang issue very minimal.
Thanks to whoever posted the axle to top of fork measurements. They said the KX60 is 26.25" which sounds perfect. And if it's too tall in front I can pull the forks up in the clamps a ton, especially since I've raised his bars a bit.
Thanks for the tip on the KLX forks as I'm sure they're cheaper, but I'm gonna stick to the KX plan. I found a picture of a guy in Austrailia that did what I'm trying to do. He also put a 400mm custom swingarm on it. Pretty sweet. I'll see if I can find the pic. I don't see putting a custom swingarm on the JR though. Too much money for just one season of riding. Regardless of what I do to the JR, it will be for sale a year from now to move him up to a KX85 (or better yet, KX100 with an extra set of small wheels!)
Thanks for all the tips guys.

skyriver · 10-30-2009, 04:47 PM

Here's those pics. btw, you can still buy brand new ones in Austrailia. I think Canada may still sell them as well. Great 1st clutch bike. Absolutely whips on the XR80R we had.

He has also chucked the linkage and gone KTM style to lift the back. Probably a little stiff for most kids.

Luckystar64 · 10-31-2009, 12:02 AM

That bike ^^^ looks awesome!! You're making me want build one myself! --L*64

coolaaaa · 11-02-2009, 04:39 AM

OK, you gotta let me know how you make out. We've been trying to find out how to upgrade our Jr's suspension for awile. We also have a klx, and the fork stems are a larger diameter, but they bottom out faster than the Jr's. (less travel?) I was going to try to pull the triples and see if the klx fits on the Jr, but havent got around to it. Kx 60 seems to be a better way to go, they are probably better forks than the stock klx. Let me know.

Luckystar64 · 11-02-2009, 05:56 AM

I prefer properly set up KLX forks with the damping rods to 60 forks. --L*64

skyriver · 11-10-2009, 01:53 PM

Well, after much debate I think I'm going to pass on trying to upgrade the JR. The $13 KX60 stem was at least useful in confirming they bolt up. Too bad I didn't do it last year! I've used the KX bar clamps in conjunction with the stocker clamps to raise the bars 3/4" which was sorely needed. My boy will just have to ride it as is and once he's whippin' it around confidently I'll sell it for a KX85 or better yet, KX100 with extra set of small wheels to start. Like L*64's!!
I'll add a flywheel weight to make it trail worthy/easier to ride, etc.

Oh, one thing my research found... The old KDX80 also has 30mm forks and they are 26.5" from axle to top of fork so they could also be used. Lots of them on ebay, CHEAP! Appears same gear as KX60 forks. So somebody should build one!

As you can see here, the JR has a tight cockpit so even with improved travel the ergos for pegs to seat and pegs to forks would still be cramped. Here he is this summer (he's 8 years old). I looked the same way on my 74' MR50 back in the day. We're just too darned tall....

rbjackson · 11-15-2009, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skyriver

Here's those pics. btw, you can still buy brand new ones in Austrailia. I think Canada may still sell them as well. Great 1st clutch bike. Absolutely whips on the XR80R we had.

He has also chucked the linkage and gone KTM style to lift the back. Probably a little stiff for most kids.

I wonder what kind of a swingarm that is. Maybe of a 65

10-28-2009, 05:55 PM	#1 (permalink)
skyriver PM Newbie Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 8	KX65 forks bolt on JR80? Ok, I've seen some rumblings, but nobody has confirmed 100%. Has anyone seen (or done themselves) a JR80/DS80 with KX60/65 forks on it? My boy is only 8, but almost 5' tall. I'd like to extend his riding days on the JR before moving to a KX85, but the front is soft and seems to ride real low by design anyway. Seems a KX65 front end would be the ticket to compliment the nice back shock. It actually has 5 different settings for preload. He's on setting 2 so could go 3 clicks stiffer if needed. I could probably go with heavier oil in the forks, but I'm looking to get a little height increase as well. I actually won a KX60 stem and triple clamps for $1 + $12 shipping so I'll know if they bolt up very soon. I'll post what I find. Thanks!

10-28-2009, 06:33 PM	#2 (permalink)
Luckystar64 3rd Gear Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Brunswick, Ohio Posts: 1,494	Re: KX65 forks bolt on JR80? If you get a 2000 or 2001 set of 65 forks, it would probably work, but in all honesty, it would be alot easier to sell off the JR, and grab up a used KX60 or KX65. If you got $500 for the JR, you could get a nice used 65 for $800 or $1000, and a 60 for about the same as what you would get for the JR. I thought about matching up a rear shock for a JR before, and then using a KLX110 front end with damping rods and springs, then using it as a pitbike. ---L*64

10-29-2009, 07:24 PM	#4 (permalink)
skyriver PM Newbie Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 8	Re: KX65 forks bolt on JR80? Ok, stem/triple arrived today. They fit!! The stem is the same exact size. In fact, the head nut is the exact same nut. The KX triples are beefy compared to the JR's. I wasn't real familiar with the KX triples, but they really put the tubes out ahead of the bars. More so than any bike I've seen. I had to do a double take to make sure I had them on correctly. The stops don't work since Kawi puts the stops on the front of the stem instead of the back like most bikes. So the stops are useless. The bar clamps hit the yellow Suzuki plastic that covers the black tank. Good news, not actually hitting the tank and the tubes can be brought way up in the clamps if need be. The bad news is it hits the plastic. Overall though, they fit very well. So now.... These triples are from a 97 KX60. Anyone know if all years of KX60/65 have the same size forks? They're all conventional forks, not inverted. Even 2009 65 is not inverted. Of course, if I go with 2001 KX65 or newer I get the disk front brake. So now I think this project has some legs. Here's some pics... 1st pic shows how the bar clamp hits the plastic on top of tank. Minor issue I think... If anyone has some KX60 or 65 forks available please let me know. I have a paypal account so could do it that way. Thanks!

10-29-2009, 07:30 PM	#5 (permalink)
racerx711 2nd Gear Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Appleton, Wisconsin Posts: 316	Re: KX65 forks bolt on JR80? the kx 60 and kx 65 upper fork tubes are different diameters.. so if you have kx60 triples the 65 forks wont fit in them.. also the 65 and 60 triples have different stems, so if kx60 bolts on i'd stick with them and go ahead with 60 forks and wheel... side note 65 forks are around 2-3 inches longer than 60 forks, so 65 forks would most likely make your jr a chopper!

10-29-2009, 08:37 PM	#6 (permalink)
skyriver PM Newbie Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 8	Re: KX65 forks bolt on JR80? Thanks racerx711!! I wondered about the length. Good to know. Guess no disk brake. Oh well, I'll still keep my eye out for 60 forks.

10-30-2009, 09:24 AM	#7 (permalink)
racerx711 2nd Gear Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Appleton, Wisconsin Posts: 316	Re: KX65 forks bolt on JR80? no prob.. also the problem with the top clamp, two brothers klx110 top clamp would move the bars up and forward some but would most likely clear the gas tank plastics. just a thought..

10-30-2009, 11:03 AM	#8 (permalink)
Luckystar64 3rd Gear Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Brunswick, Ohio Posts: 1,494	Re: KX65 forks bolt on JR80? You could get a slightly wider stop welded to the JR frame pretty easily. This would keep the top clamp from hitting the plastic. KLX110 and KX60 forks are the same diameter. I'd think you could get a set of super cheap 110 forks with damping rods. They will probably be the correct length for the JR. Moreso than a 60 front. Another bad thing about 60 forks is the underhang below the axle. It makes more sense to use the KLX forks. KLX110 and KX60 trees are the same except for the way the front # plate mounts up. You want to run the KLX trees so you can run the cooler looking KLX front plate. Very cheap on Ebay. You can also do a set of All Balls tapered bearings. A great upgrade. You may also try and get a Works rear shock matched up to the front end. It would be a sweet pit bike. I thought about this bike myself before. --L*64

10-30-2009, 04:47 PM	#11 (permalink)
skyriver PM Newbie Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 8	Re: KX65 forks bolt on JR80? Here's those pics. btw, you can still buy brand new ones in Austrailia. I think Canada may still sell them as well. Great 1st clutch bike. Absolutely whips on the XR80R we had. He has also chucked the linkage and gone KTM style to lift the back. Probably a little stiff for most kids.

10-31-2009, 12:02 AM	#12 (permalink)
Luckystar64 3rd Gear Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Brunswick, Ohio Posts: 1,494	Re: KX65 forks bolt on JR80? That bike ^^^ looks awesome!! You're making me want build one myself! --L*64

11-02-2009, 04:39 AM	#13 (permalink)
coolaaaa PM Newbie Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 7	Re: KX65 forks bolt on JR80? OK, you gotta let me know how you make out. We've been trying to find out how to upgrade our Jr's suspension for awile. We also have a klx, and the fork stems are a larger diameter, but they bottom out faster than the Jr's. (less travel?) I was going to try to pull the triples and see if the klx fits on the Jr, but havent got around to it. Kx 60 seems to be a better way to go, they are probably better forks than the stock klx. Let me know.

11-02-2009, 05:56 AM	#14 (permalink)
Luckystar64 3rd Gear Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Brunswick, Ohio Posts: 1,494	Re: KX65 forks bolt on JR80? I prefer properly set up KLX forks with the damping rods to 60 forks. --L*64

11-10-2009, 01:53 PM	#15 (permalink)
skyriver PM Newbie Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 8	Re: KX65 forks bolt on JR80? Well, after much debate I think I'm going to pass on trying to upgrade the JR. The $13 KX60 stem was at least useful in confirming they bolt up. Too bad I didn't do it last year! I've used the KX bar clamps in conjunction with the stocker clamps to raise the bars 3/4" which was sorely needed. My boy will just have to ride it as is and once he's whippin' it around confidently I'll sell it for a KX85 or better yet, KX100 with extra set of small wheels to start. Like L*64's!! I'll add a flywheel weight to make it trail worthy/easier to ride, etc. Oh, one thing my research found... The old KDX80 also has 30mm forks and they are 26.5" from axle to top of fork so they could also be used. Lots of them on ebay, CHEAP! Appears same gear as KX60 forks. So somebody should build one! As you can see here, the JR has a tight cockpit so even with improved travel the ergos for pegs to seat and pegs to forks would still be cramped. Here he is this summer (he's 8 years old). I looked the same way on my 74' MR50 back in the day. We're just too darned tall....

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