Hi I am in the process of a 1994 KX250 Splitfire restoration.
The 94 forks are renound for being harsh. With major advances in modern suspension I would like to swap them out for some modern forks and even the rear shock if a newer one is compatible, but it can be Rebuilt with good results.
Happy to swap out the triple tree to 1998 or any other combination. Machining fork clamp to increase diameter ect.
Building factory bike. So being able to achieve factory/modern suspension a class setup, is the goal to create a Retro Monster.
I am sure there is a suspension builder that could produce the ultimate package??
Look forward to hearing from you.
My response:
Prognostication or hyperbole???
First... I don't have much experience with the 250's like I do with the 500's so take all this with a grain of salt..
All measurements are approximate because they vary from bike to bike
1996-1998 KX250 triple clamps have a upper clamping diameter of 53.9MM LOWER 58.9MM
The KX450F triple clamps have a upper clamping diameter of 53.8MM and LOWER 59.1MM.
The top and bottom Triple bearings fit from 92-07 KX250... So if the head tube on the frame is the same length on the 94-98 then you should be able to bolt up the 96-98 triples on to your 94.
So.... you should be able to bolt up a set of 06-16 KX450F forks using 96-98 KX250 triple clamps.
The 94 kx250 front brake caliper uses a center to center of mounting bolt length of 102mm and so does the KX450F so you may be able to use your front brake providing the front brake rotor offset is the same. I have no info on that.. But you can use your 94 front brake master cylinder with the 450f caliper.
You will need the 450f axle and likely the spacers.
Number plate? not a clue
On the shock.... The 250f and 450f shocks are too long...
However, if you unscrew the Clevis off the bottom of the 94 KX250 shock and screw it on to the bottom of the 250f or 450f shock it will bolt right in.
The next issue will be the shock reservoir.
On the 500's the 250f 405f shock reservoirs hit the pipe.
Never tried it on the KX250's so hopefully somebody else has.
Post your results with pics