2011 Kawasaki KX250F Owners Manual - Page 97

MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT 95 Front Fork Adjustment Any of the following front fork adjustments should be made to tune the front suspension to the rider's weight and the condition of the track. Basically, there are seven adjustments you can make to the front fork. Air Pressure Air pressure acts as a progressive spring over the entire fork travel range. Since the air pressure in the fork legs increases with normal use, the fork action on your KX will get stiffer as the race progresses. Therefore, it is not recommended to increase the air pressure for additional springing. The KX forks are designed to function without added air. Rebound Damping Adjustment (Left Fork only) This adjustment affects how quickly the fork rebounds. Depending on the model, the fork rebound damping adjuster has at least 20 positions. The fully seated position (adjuster turned fully clockwise) is the hardest setting. Turning the adjuster 10 clicks counterclockwise from the fully seated position is the standard setting, turning it counterclockwise 20 or more clicks (depending on the model) is the softest setting. Compression Damping Adjustment (Left Fork only) This adjustment affects how quickly the fork compresses. Depending on the model, the fork compression damping adjuster has at least 22 positions. The fully seated position (adjuster turned fully clockwise) is the hardest setting. Turning the adjuster 7 clicks counterclockwise from the fully seated position is the standard setting, turning it • • • • • • • counterclockwise 22 or more clicks (depending on the model) is the softest setting. Spring Preload Adjustment (Right Fork only) This adjustment affects the driving position. Depending on the model, the fork spring preload adjuster has at least 60 positions. The fully seated position (adjuster turned fully counterclockwise) is the softest setting. Turning the adjuster 22 clicks clockwise from the fully seated position is the standard setting, turning it clockwise 60 or more clicks (depending on the model) is the hardest setting. Fork Oil Amount Adjustment The fork oil amount affects only the final 100 mm (4 in.) of fork travel. A higher oil amount will make the fork rebound more quickly. A lower oil amount will make the fork rebound more slowly. Fork Springs Optional springs, softer and stiffer than standard, are available. Fork Clamp Position Steering is greatly affected by the fork clamp position (how much the outer fork tubes protrude above the steering stem head). The less the fork tube protrudes, the lighter the front end becomes and the greater the tendency for understeering and washout due to weight biasing. Increasing the amount of fork tube protrusion has opposite effects. Be sure that the front tire does not touch the fender when the fork is fully compressed. Make this adjustment in 10 mm (0.39 in.) steps.