Has anyone lowered a KPX 250?

Rule6 · 04-16-2024, 09:08 AM

Hello All, My wife likes my new KPX 250 so much that we ordered one for her. (Thanks in part to Itchy Boots on YouTube!) The bike is a bit tall for her though, and I am looking for a good way to lower it. The front should be easy, but that back not so much. Does anyone know which lowering links will fit the KPX?

**JerryHawk250** · 04-16-2024, 09:51 AM

How much you need to lower? What's her inseam? Backing off the pre-load on the rear shock and raising the forks in the triple tree will give you an inch or so. You might have to use handlebar risers in order to raise the forks.

Thumper · 04-16-2024, 09:55 AM

The most common method used in the biz would be lowering links, but as far as I know, no one has attempted to adapt any commercially available link.

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The geometry of the linkage, and the length of the new lowering link both contribute to the final drop, And you can add some "sag" by lowering the tension on the rear shock spring (preload). The latter can reduce performance of the rear suspension and isn't really advised.

The other consequence is that the kickstand ends up being a bit too long to use in most cases.

If you would like to try this method, get some measurements of the existing link with a micrometer. The key values would be the mounting width of the main bushing, the diameter of the holes (10mm is pretty common), and the distance between the mounting holes, center to center (bushing to end of leg).

Then shop around. Adjustment at the triple clamp can give you another 1/2" or maybe a little more, as Jerry sez. And if you add handlebars risers, you will have a little more room, though the diameter of the fork tubes may change, limiting how far you can move that.

Thumper · 04-16-2024, 10:41 AM

FYI- one other method that can work with some bikes is to effectively shorten the existing rear shock by drilling new mounting holes. Your KPX may already be on the "shorter" optional mounting holes (I have heard), and there may not be room for any additional shortening. But here is a full thread on the process applied to the Templar X.

https://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=31860

Rule6 · 04-16-2024, 01:45 PM

Thanks for the suggestion's guys. I do believe the KPX does come set to the lower mounting hole in the shock.

Every bit we can lower it would help. She can touch on her tip toes, but Would be more comfortable a bit lower. Her inseam I would guess to be about 29 inches. I'll try the way suggested by Jerryhawk250 first, then apply Thumpers method if I need more. A project for this weekend.

04-16-2024, 09:08 AM	#1
Rule6 Join Date: Mar 2024 Location: SC Posts: 12	Has anyone lowered a KPX 250? Hello All, My wife likes my new KPX 250 so much that we ordered one for her. (Thanks in part to Itchy Boots on YouTube!) The bike is a bit tall for her though, and I am looking for a good way to lower it. The front should be easy, but that back not so much. Does anyone know which lowering links will fit the KPX?
	1

04-16-2024, 09:51 AM	#2
JerryHawk250 Moderator Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Houma, La. Posts: 11,535	How much you need to lower? What's her inseam? Backing off the pre-load on the rear shock and raising the forks in the triple tree will give you an inch or so. You might have to use handlebar risers in order to raise the forks. __________________ 2023 Lifan Lycan 250 Chopper 2023 Venom Evader 2022 Lifan KPX250 2020 Kawasaki Vulcan S 2004 Honda ST 1300 2016 Black Hawk 250 (sold) Keihin PE30 carb,125 main,38 slow.Pod filter,ported & decked head 10:1 CR,Direct Ignition Coil,15/40Sprockets,NGK DPR8EIX-9,De-Cat,Dual Oil Cooler,Digital Cluster 2016 Cazador180 XL 2014 Coolster150 JerryHawk250.com My YouTube Channel
	1

04-16-2024, 09:55 AM	#3
Thumper Join Date: Feb 2021 Location: Kansas City Posts: 2,205	The most common method used in the biz would be lowering links, but as far as I know, no one has attempted to adapt any commercially available link. The geometry of the linkage, and the length of the new lowering link both contribute to the final drop, And you can add some "sag" by lowering the tension on the rear shock spring (preload). The latter can reduce performance of the rear suspension and isn't really advised. The other consequence is that the kickstand ends up being a bit too long to use in most cases. If you would like to try this method, get some measurements of the existing link with a micrometer. The key values would be the mounting width of the main bushing, the diameter of the holes (10mm is pretty common), and the distance between the mounting holes, center to center (bushing to end of leg). Then shop around. Adjustment at the triple clamp can give you another 1/2" or maybe a little more, as Jerry sez. And if you add handlebars risers, you will have a little more room, though the diameter of the fork tubes may change, limiting how far you can move that. __________________ -2022 5 speed Templar X Orange, OEM 51T rear sprocket, 14T front sprocket -NOS 2020 KTM 250SX (2-stroke motocross), less than 10 hours on it
	2

04-16-2024, 10:41 AM	#4
Thumper Join Date: Feb 2021 Location: Kansas City Posts: 2,205	FYI- one other method that can work with some bikes is to effectively shorten the existing rear shock by drilling new mounting holes. Your KPX may already be on the "shorter" optional mounting holes (I have heard), and there may not be room for any additional shortening. But here is a full thread on the process applied to the Templar X. https://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=31860 __________________ -2022 5 speed Templar X Orange, OEM 51T rear sprocket, 14T front sprocket -NOS 2020 KTM 250SX (2-stroke motocross), less than 10 hours on it
	1

04-16-2024, 01:45 PM	#5
Rule6 Join Date: Mar 2024 Location: SC Posts: 12	Thanks for the suggestion's guys. I do believe the KPX does come set to the lower mounting hole in the shock. Every bit we can lower it would help. She can touch on her tip toes, but Would be more comfortable a bit lower. Her inseam I would guess to be about 29 inches. I'll try the way suggested by Jerryhawk250 first, then apply Thumpers method if I need more. A project for this weekend.
	1