Suspension bushes

[kw86er]

There is only the one collar that needs to be hardened unless you replace the other bushings with needle bearings like I am. I have inquired with a Motorcycle specific machine shop that makes discontinued parts for my KDX. I am asking if they will make and carry the missing pieces once we figure out the best plan. No response yet but they seam like the type of guys that would be into it. If they get on board we will just need to send them a stock set-up and they will figure out the best solution. Thats what they did with the KDX200 power valves. A few years of KDX are notoriously hard on PV's and they are discontinued so these guys made some sets out of steel instead of aluminum and sell them online. I am hoping they are interested. I need to get mine figured out sooner than later but if somebody has a linkage collecting dust that they could donate to science, it will be returned and maybe with the new pieces installed with any luck.

[kw86er]

Great news!

I heard back from the Brock at BDK and here is a few quotes from his response.

"Ah yes this will be the bushes for that Y and U-shaped linkages?"

"Anyway for sure we're happy to give this a go if you wish and if it is successful then yes we can log this as an 'upgrade/replacement' kit for those that need it, anything to keep the machines out there and causing trouble J"

"To do this effectively though we'd ideally need all the linked components so that we can check fit and machine correctly unless of course you are intending to provide the dimensions, bearing number etc? "

I will reply to his email and put together a plan but in the mean time if we can scrape together a linkage to send that would be awesome if not I will figure out how to brace my bike as a roller and send mine.

So we don't get things crossed on the project I would ask that people refrain from contacting BDK on the subject until they are ready to take orders. Post your questions or concerns here and I will field them if needed.

[nronketti]

Got a spare linkage from a 1KT on my desk next to me right now. Where should I send it?

[kw86er]

Thats great! I will sort out a few more details and PM you the address...

[kw86er]

Question?

My collar and bush in the #14/15 position (the single bush that mounts to the frame) were in seemingly good shape. Did anybody find this to be otherwise? The other collars were in very rough shape but this one seamed OK.

[kw86er]

I managed to get my linkage figured out with a few parts ordered and some machine work. BDK stopped replying so maybe they are just busy or decided it wasn't going to be a profitable project to get involved in which may have been correct. I need to upload the pictures and write up the description of what I did so maybe I will get to that this weekend. But in short I had new collars milled to accept a hardened inner race for needle bearings. I hope to get some time soon to post it all up.