buying 220 instead of 200...mistake??? need help.

est142

Member
Dec 30, 2003
98
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i really wanted a kdx200, but have a chance to get a pretty good deal on a fresh kdx220. i ride almost exclusively woods trails. i do not add tons of aftermarket add-ons, or need a high revving mx type motor. what is the truth about the kdx220 stock piston being prone to failure?? the bike i am looking at is a factory piston, 2001 220. i really need input on this one from ACTUAL kdx 220 owners. i would like to hear the horror stories and the good reports. thanks alot!!
 

john_bilbrey

Member
Mar 22, 2003
255
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I have an '03 220. I also ride exclusively woods - no MX. It is true that the 220 doesn't rev stock. To go faster you just upshift (that's why they have 6 gears). In stock form it is very tame - too tame in my opinion. I came off a ATK 260 that was a real screamer. I had to change my riding style once I got the 220. However, I actually like it better because I'm faster on the KDX without as much effort. I had to scream the ATK for power/speed, but the KDX is the opposite. It'll pull like a 4 stroke down low. So, it's easier for me at least to ride the KDX faster. With only a few mods the power is on par with my old ATK. Throw away the airbox lid, add a FMF Gnarly Desert (or woods) and jet it properly. It's a serious woods weapon now! As far as the stock piston grenading, I've heard the stories. They most often (from what I've heard) let go around 500 miles or so, quicker with performance mods. I've got a little over 100 miles on my bike now, and a forged piston is my next investment as insurance against majorly-bad things going on in the cylinder.
The stock suspension is sprung a little light for me, but I have yet to tinker. It's plenty soft though...
Overall, I'm very pleased with the bike now that I'm used to it. I don't think that you can go wrong, especially if it's a good deal. With a few bucks, you have a serious contender on your hands.
 

Smit-Dog

Mi. Trail Riders
LIFETIME SPONSOR
Oct 28, 2001
4,704
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I have an '02 220 with the stock piston and zero engine mods. Just over 1000 miles on the bike. No problems.

Like with most things like this, for every "horror" story you read about, there are probably 1,000+ "good" reports that are never posted.

If you are still in doubt, check with Jeff Fredette over at www.frpoffroad.com. He has a long and extensive history with the KDX, and can probably shed more light on if this is a real or perceived issue.
 

est142

Member
Dec 30, 2003
98
0
thanks for the input. seems like a lot of people at least LEAN towards an early piston replacement. i'll just have to factor that in to what i pay.
 

kevin c.

Member
Jan 28, 2003
42
0
I have a 03, 220. I guess around 1000 miles on it too. No problems here either, I mean none on any part of the bike. I have only replaced the plug once. (at about 300 miles) This was my first 2 stroke and I am sure the first plug failure was a combination of my fault and stock jetting issues. I have added fmf rev, rb designs carb bore and jet, delta force II reed cage, air box mod ( I did mine different than most, I just cut off the high part of the top where the snorkel was and made about a 4"x5" hole.) heavier springs and a wer steering deal. At any rate, a great bike that I have been messing with the whole time I have had it and no problems, thanks Kevin
 

davidg

Member
Apr 30, 2002
193
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Really, If you want a screamer, buy a 125. That said, I love my kdx! I have a 2002 kdx 220 and I replaced the stock piston after one year. As you stated, heard to many stories of piston failure. I can't comment on the desert pipe, I went with the woods pipe. I love all the bottom end it has, she also has enough on top for me. Of course the DFII and RB carb (air styker) might have little to do with that. Good luck! :)
 

Fred T

Mi. Trail Riders
LIFETIME SPONSOR
Mar 23, 2001
5,272
2
kevin c. said:
I have a 03, 220. I guess around 1000 miles on it too. No problems here either, I mean none on any part of the bike. I have only replaced the plug once. (at about 300 miles) This was my first 2 stroke and I am sure the first plug failure was a combination of my fault and stock jetting issues. I have added fmf rev, rb designs carb bore and jet, delta force II reed cage, air box mod ( I did mine different than most, I just cut off the high part of the top where the snorkel was and made about a 4"x5" hole.) heavier springs and a wer steering deal. At any rate, a great bike that I have been messing with the whole time I have had it and no problems, thanks Kevin


With those mods the stocker piston is sure to crack the skirts sooner than later.
 

m0rie

Member
Nov 18, 2002
469
0
I've got a 89 KDX 200 and my sister has a 01 220. So i've got plenty of ride time on both. The 220 is great for woods riding in stock form. Seems you could pull a stump over with it at times. Bout the only thing that it needs is some heavier springs up front if your over 130lbs. Throw a pipe and reeds on it and rejet and you'll have more power than you know what to do with. Certainly not the top end screamer that my 200 is though, but if woods is all your going to ride then thats not a problem.

-Maurice
 

outrgus

Member
Jan 15, 2003
95
0
2001 kdx 220 with fmf pipe (wood) , reeds, etc, i ride over 2500km every season with stock piston and no problems. i always do the top end every winter. good luck with your future purchace.
 

marksharp

~SPONSOR~
Sep 29, 2002
69
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Replace piston?

I have an "03 220 with lots of mods. I called Fredette about the piston issue and he said it was pretty much when, not if the stock piston will cause a problem. The kit was about $100 and 2-3 hours work. An extra pair of hands is handy when reassembling the new piston. Not bad insurance IMO. The stock piston may last a long time, but if it pukes when you're riding some day, the damage is substantial. It's your call, do you feel lucky?
 

Rcannon

~SPONSOR~
Nov 17, 2001
1,886
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I just finished a top end in my bike with a Weisco piston. It is almost more difficult to type the message compalining about doing the work than the actual piston change. Dont worry about it and order one. No big deal!
 

Zerotact

~SPONSOR~
Dec 10, 2002
1,001
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I have had many people say when questioning the dealerships about this issue, the response is " the issue has been Corrected ". I have a feeling that the piston failure is a problem with the OEm Design, running and higher rpms. After finding way to fat jets in my '03 220 which I have owned since day one, I wounder it this is how they " adressed the issue " I mean with fatter jets It won't rev as high, therefore won't stress the piston as much. Also all the people I have heard of it happening to have modified the engine in some way to make it open up on the top end. I don't think I would fear a stock 220 piston, in a non modified engine " this includes, jetting, airbox lid removeal or mods, and pipes " for a reasonable amount of time.
 

1kdx220man

Member
Oct 6, 2003
5
0
I have a 98 kdx 220, pcpipe & muffler and air box mod. Mostly tight wood riding and a little bit of high speed stuff, Have had the bike 1 yr and have had a few jetting problems and killed a few plugs, but thats sorted now. Love the bike and would never go back to a 200, I found it a bit hard to get used to in tight stuff at first with the pc pipe, but now its a really competetive bike both in tight woods or open desert.
 
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