KDX 2 stroke or Yamaha 4 stroke

[gymrat86]

Hey guys I need some immediate advice from yall. I dont want a bike that I have to work on all the time and have to do maintance on it every time I ride. And I also dont want to buy this used 2003 KDX and have to replace top end or anything else. I want a reliable bike that will last a long time and not have any major problems. I like to do little things but dont want to replace anything big. I am a first time rider and I am going to look at this bike tomm. Please tell me more about it and compare it to other bikes for me so I can decide. Also what do I need to look for when I go look at it. Im 5'6 at 140 lbs.
-Paul
email me your response. [email protected]

 

[the trail rider]

a kdx will outlast a modern yamaha 4 stroke by far if it is a racing 4 stroke. a kdx will last probably 5 years before you need a top end done or longer. a modern 4 stroke is supposed to only last about 20-25 hours before you need to tear it apart and check everything out and replace what is broken. plus you will enjoy the kdx get up and go. does good in everything but doesn't excel in everything but does best in tight woods. the tighter the woods the more the bike loves it. a yamaha can be used for the woods but doesn't like it as much as racing. just my .02

 

[Domenic]

I have owned three Yamaha four-strokes..1999 WR400..2002 WR426..and just sold my 2005 WR450 :coocoo: All great bikes and super dependable, maybe the most dependable of the high performance thumpers IMHO
But you must maintain them religously..oil changes and valve check-adjustments. And when their due for a top end (which could be at any time) it will be very expensive. If you buy one used, make sure the owner has maintenance records and can intelligently explain how to preform the maintenance.
With that said..I just wanted to ride and not worry about potential engine failure. I bought a used kdx..installed some kx forks..even did a top end (super easy and cheap) and just worry about the weather for my ride days. Most of my riding buddies have already switched to two-strokes, may be a new trend or last chance to ride one..JM2C

 

[domino dave]

Dirt bike miles are like dog years. 2-stroke or 4-stroke doesn't matter.For me riding any dirt bike has been a commitment to spending a lot of time in the garage "bonding" with my machine. Wouldn't have it any other way! Dave

 

[soldsoul4foos]

my 2003 kdx 220 was my first dirt bike. had many street bikes and atv's before. i'm 35 and have 2 sons with pw50 and ttr90. wife also has ttrle125. we bought them all within a couple of months of eachother. let me just say this, THIS KDX HAS BEEN FAR ABOVE AND BEYOND MORE ENJOYMENT AND PLEASURE THAN I HAD EVER IMAGINED. Plenty of power, a cadillac to ride in trails and bumpy woods, and i can putt around with the kids at slow speeds all day without fouling a plug. The only mod that's been done is a pro circuit platinum pipe. But i have some planned over the winter. I will have this bike A VERY LONG TIME i think.

good luck,
bill

 

[gymrat86]

Awesome

Thanks for yalls quick and confident replys. I am now going to get this bike due to all the good compliments about it. I dont know much about working on them at all. I am good with cars and trucks but I know a dirtbike is a completly different engine. Are yall willing to help me out anytime if anything goes wrong? Also the only mod that I want to put on this kdx is an exhaust right now and need to know the best exhaust for trail riding on a 2003 KDX 200. What is the easiest way to transport the bike. I got a 2004 Toyota Tacoma that has a 3.5 inch lift. I also have a slanted atv ramp that I can get it up there on but how do I secure it to the truck and not worry about it falling off. It is too long for me to close the tail gate and need to know what is the best way to secure it down on the truck. Also what kind of oil does this bike use. I am not familiar with mixing fuel and oil. I need to know what I need to do for the mixing part.

 

[Sunny State KDX]

You've come to the right place for info, any and all questions will usually get answered here pretty quick unless you mention the word e-bay and want to buy something with an outside link LOL.

FMF gnarly pipes and the pro circuit pipes both have the best reputations on the KDX's with the FMF series getting the majority of the sales. I have the Gnarly rev on my 220 and love it. Pickup a Ratio Rite from your local cycle shop and get a good quality 2 cycle oil. If it's synthetic you can run a ratio of 40:1 worry free if it's a blend or a non-synthetic I suggest the 32:1 ratio. The Ratio Rite has marks on the side that make mixing oil and gas idiot proof. If you ask what 2 cycle oil is best you'll get 25 different answers. 99% of the 2 cycle oil's on the market today will work problem free in a KDX. I run Mobil MX2T synthetic in my bike and really like it. it can be found at any Autozone.

 

[kmccune]

You said eb@# :bang: ;)

The FMF torque pipe seems to be the fav for the 200. It will require a lot less maint then a racing 4-stroke. You'll love the bike. As for the ramp make sure its not too steep because you have to push the bike unlike an ATV that you drive up. Secure the bike in the back with tie-downs to the stake pockets or anchor points. Some people put the bike straight in against the front of the bed with the tiedowns front the lower part of the handle bars to the front anchor points. Others put the front tire into the front corner of the bed and may or may not put the side stand down. Then they again tiedown to the front anchor points. I do both depending on what I'm loading into. A shortbed will force the wheel in the corner/diagonal method if you want to shut the tail gate.

As for knowing anything about bikes, if you can work on a car you'll do fine on bikes.


Have fun

 

[JasonRan]

I second everything that has been said about the KDX. I sold my XR 250 because I knew that eventually, it was going to cost me a lot of money to rebuild the engine. The KDX (or any 2 stroke) can be repaired/rebuilt much easier and with a lot less expense. I LOVE my KDX!!!

As for loading the bike, good luck with a 3.5 inch lift! I have a stock Nissan 4x4 Hardbody and it takes all I have to get the bike up the ramp. I usually back it up to my driveway which has a hill and load it that way. When I get to the trail, I have to take a little step thing with me to help me get it in and out of the truck. Make sure you get some good quality tie down straps and tie that sucker in. I also use bungees on mine as a second line of defense

Good luck, you will love the KDX! :aj:

 

[XRpredator]

you came to the wrong forum for an unbiased opinion :p

 

[cr80rRipper]

im just curious how much did it cost to install kx forks Domenic? And what parts did u have to buy to make them fit?

 

[cr80rRipper]

IS THAT IT, wow i thinking around like 400-500 bucks, is it hard to install? Because i know that i can do it and if i cant my dad will w/o a doubt. Whats the handling like afterwards?

 

[PaulKDX250SR]

ha ha ha. Wrong forum indeed. Buy a KDX dude.

 

[gymrat86]

Shock and spring adjuster wrench

Hey guys I ended up buying the KDX. The only thing I need to do to it is lower the spring so it will fit me I weight 145 and it is to stiff. It wont go down any when I get on it. Does any one have a spring wrench that I can use. I went to the nearest cycle shop and they told me just to use a hammer and a screw driver. I tried but it seem like it is stuck. If any one has one may I use it. I am a very honest guy and will return it as fast as i can. Please email me and let me know. The bike is a 2003 Kawasaki KDX 200. Before I can ride I need to adjust the suspension. Please help

- Paul
[email protected]

 

[lepper]

Harbor Freight! Or use a little WD-40.....

You got to loosen the locking ring before you can adjust the load ring....

Swap out that spring with one off of a 89-94 KDX ...they are 4.6 instead of 5.0.