Gearbox Problems 2002 kdx200

[dmuir]

I have a 2002 kdx200 and have just had a gearbox failure.The hardness has come off second gear and damaged the gear the shaft and stuffed the bearing.A mate of mine has exactly the same bike and has just recently had to repair his gearbox due to the same problem.We both use belray gearsaver gearbox oil (80w) and would change our oil approx every 300km or 3 rides and we have done this since new. I love my kdx and thought they were bullet proof so obviously are a little concerned over the gearbox failure.I would have done nearly 200 hrs since new.It would be interesting to know if anyone else has experienced similar problems.

 

[Humai]

Folks, has anyone heard of this type of failure in a KDX? I ride with these guys: they ride pretty hard but they look after their gear.

Two gearbox failures of the same type in two separate KDXs ridden together on many occasions . . . I've never heard of a KDX gearbox failure of any kind before this.

Could it be the Belray Gearsaver (or should that be "Gearshaver")??

 

[wanaride]

I've got an '03 KDX200 and I haven't heard of this happening...would like to know more about it though (hopefully it is preventable???)...I use Gear Saver too.

 

[Kwakasaki]

I had to jump into this one. I use the Kawasaki brand 50w oil and change every other ride. I did notice a difference going from 40 to 50w oil. I was getting alot of foaming with the 40 but not with the 50. My question is, why are some of you running as heavy as a 80w in your gear boxs? Whats the benifits.

 

[rethnal]

I think it's human nature to overdo things. Usually if you go by spec, you will not have any ill effects. Kawasaki says 10W-30.... why run anything else? I run Mobil 1 red cap synthetic. Not saying this is spec but the weight is correct and have never had slipping, burning, overheating or any problems at all. Mine is a 95 model.

 

[m0rie]

Motor Oil and Gear Oil are rated differently but can be compared. 80w Gear Oil is equal to 10-30w Motor Oil I believe. I'll do a quickie search and post back.

-Maurice

 

[powerchord1989]

80weight is equal to 10w-40

 

[JasonWho]

---

 

[rethnal]

Equal in what way? Straight 80W will act like 10W? I think not.

 

[JustForeFun]

I've got an '03 KDX200. During a hare scramble, the INSIDE of a moose (-first one from this mfg)front sprocket stripped clean. So I could just sit there and look at my drive shaft spinning inside of the front sprocket. Dead on trail. Did have another sprocket back at the car.

Now, after a couple months with a new front sprocket(sprocket specialists) the slack between the drive shaft tits and the sprocket is getting way to great. I don't know anything else to do, but split the cases and have a new drive shaft installed. The shaft tits are all about 40% gone looking down the shaft left to right. This is an odd one and don't understand how it would happen. This is KDX200 # 2, now with 5 years on a KDX.

No transmission problems. My 99 KDX would sometimes hang at a high rpm shift between 1st and 2nd.

 

[JasonWho]

---

 

[rethnal]

Really? Well if Bel-Ray says it... it must be true! After all... it's what they sell ! ;)
I'll stick to what I know works. Too many horror stories using the GearSaver crap..... :nener:

So... If they say 80W=40W.... where does the 10W come in? :think:
Explain that or ask Bel-Rayif you think they can. Don't get me wrong, I like Bel-Ray grease but that's about it. The 2 smoke oil will load up your power valves quicker than you can say KIPS! :laugh:
For my money, it's Mobil 1 products all the way. Jusy my opinion ... use what you like. I know I haven't had any problems at all using the Mobil 1 stuff. Clean power valves, no spooge and no tranny or clutch problems at all. Clean, clean clean....... :yeehaw:

 

[css_elfers]

If I'm not mistaken (which I am from time to time) that means the diffrence between summer and winter viscosities . Please someone tell me if I'm wrong or right. Because if I'm wrong I want to know what it really means.

ELF

 

[rethnal]

That's exactly what it is.... that's why I want to hear how Bel-Ray explains how a straight 80W can act like 10W. When cold, a 80W (or straight 40W for that matter) oil cannot protect the gears until warmed up. Doesn't this cause the shearing (shredding) effect? :think:

 

[dsndblm]

I ran Mobil One Synthetic 10w-30 in my 88 KDX for a while. The clutch started acting up badly. I couldn't find neutral when stopped with engine running to save my life. I was almost ready to get a new clutch and decided to try the 80 weight Gearsaver. The clutch problem went away in 5 minutes. I assume the problem with the Mobil One was the additives for automotive engines making the clutch hang up. Has anyone had problems like this? I am running the Gearsaver in my 04 KDX and wouldn't mind switching back to Mobil One if it works ok.

 

[billc]

Bel-ray vs Mobil

I used to use Bel -Ray gear oil for many years in Yamahas and Hondas and never had a problem with any bike.(never used the 80 wt. thick stuff!!) But I switched to Mobil 15-50 in my KDX and also have had no problems.Maybe it's my imagination,but I think it shifts better .I think it is good oil and it's cheaper too.Now I use only Mobil in trans and fuel in all my bikes.

( Bel-Ray MC1 used to foul plugs in my CR480,but that is irrelevant to this topic)

 

[rethnal]

Yep... 15-50W I believe is the red cap. Heck... I been using it so long, I forget the Weight! :)

I'm not saying it's the gear oil is causing the problems with the trans but I would be suspicious. They would never fess up to it even if it was though....

Just try the Mobil 1 stuff.... I doubt you would ever go back. :cool:

 

[trailryder]

rethanal- I just got a kdx a few days ago, in the past I used Gearsaver oil in my trannys, is the Mobil oil you speak of a motorcycle specific oil or is it an automotive oil ??? the stuff you can pick up at any auto super store ???

 

[m0rie]

Automotive, most stores that carry oil carry it. Its $4.50ish a Quart at the local WalMart.

-Maurice

 

[Braahp]

The Mobil is just an automotive oil. The ONLY one you can use is the red cap 15-50. It works better for me than any I have tried.

 

[yarrowkevin]

no problems

i think you mobil freaks are trying to scare the gearsaver guys, I have used gearsaver for 6 years in my xr and kdx with no ill effects, so quit ranting about the crappiness of this oil, car oil is made for cars, and motorbike oil is made for???, do you not think the technology is different for both, last time I checked it was, use what works, and dont be intimidated by others that claim to be the experts including myself : :p

 

[JasonWho]

---

 

[rethnal]

i think you mobil freaks are trying to scare the gearsaver guys, I have used gearsaver for 6 years in my xr and kdx with no ill effects, so quit ranting about the crappiness of this oil, car oil is made for cars, and motorbike oil is made for???, do you not think the technology is different for both, last time I checked it was, use what works, and dont be intimidated by others that claim to be the experts including myself : :p

I was just posing questions about Gearsaver. Most (not all) of everyone I know who used Gearsaver had some negative comment about it. I have heard no negative comments about Mobil 1. Like I said yarrowkevin.... USE WHAT YOU WANT ! This is an open forum and if you want to have a closed mind then why are you on here? Sorry if you feel intimidated...wasn't my intention. Mobil 1 15-50 MEETS the motorcycle requirements for the KDX, so there is no question there.... So.. your point was? ;)

 

[highmileage]

Looks like an exterior factor that caused the problems. Do you maintain the bikes together? It seems weird that you both have failures within a very narrow time frame and you mainatin the bikes using the same maintenance schedule.

A bad or contaminated oil change for some reason? Did you have the oil sitting around or use oil that you have had away for awhile? Did you guys somehow put used lubricant back in the bikes that had been sitting for awhile?

Somehow I don't get the picture that it is a straight lubricant failure under this scenario...Maybe I over analyze things?

 

[yarrowkevin]

rethnal, just defending the gear saver crap you so fondly admire, you, and all your friends odviously know more than I know and definitely more than the manufacturer claims to know about this fine product. :nener: