What year kx fork will fit my 89 kx500?

[Sandblaster]

Customer
Ive recently found a KX 500 89 E1 model. I'm thinking of rebuilding the front end forks and all, before I do should i consider going a later model compete front end or is there not much difference, I like the blue forks

Answer
Hello.
The blue forks are better then your first generation USD forks.
But marginally so.
If you get them re-sprung and re-valved to your weight and riding conditions then they are much better.
However, the 94-96 forks are better again, and the 97-04 forks are even better.
Then. the late model kx450f forks are even better.
Valving and new springs makes them all even better and the newer you go the easier parts are to find.
You will need a front axle, front wheel, front brake, and triple tree regardless of which you choose.
If you decide to go through with the upgrade hit me up before you buy anything to be sure your not missing anything.

Customer
Ok, cant argue with that. forks n brakes iv got are rough and ify. i read your google write up, very interesting.(like you said, you are a kx5 nut) cool, considering im going from IT490,s to the E1 that might be to much difference for what I'm use to for enduro. i pretty much need a complete front end i can just bolt on. this is why i had to ask. would the 97-04 250-500 go strait on and be the right length i wonder. am i thinking right.

Answer
Any year 500 will bolt right on with the matching year triple tree.
Lengths and offsets only vary slightly and don't cause any problems.
The 250's and 125's are a different story.
You have to know which year 500 triple to use with a specific year of 250 or 125 forks.
It can be done with some years of 250 and 125 easily but not all.
You can research a lot of sizes on my interchange pages:
125
http://www.oem-cycle.com/KX125KAWASAKIBIKEID.shtml
250
http://www.oem-cycle.com/KAWASAKIKX250BIKEID.shtml
500
http://www.oem-cycle.com/KAWASAKIKX500BIKEID.shtml
Find the year of 125 or 250 fork you are considering, then compare the upper and lower clamping diameters on the 500 page.
If the measurements are within a few tenths of a millimeter you are good to go.
If they are a millimeter or more off they might still work but I would not do it.