KDX 220 vs KLX 300

[cq]

I live in California where there are major restrictions on riding in the summer months. This is my first bike; I like what I have read regarding the KDX 220 (there's almost a cult following for it). The dealer is pushing me more towards the KLX 300 because I can ride it "all year long". He mentioned that the larger displacement would allow it to keep up with the 220 2-stroke. Will I regret my purchase? I am going to pick up the bike from the dealer on 2/09/02.

P.S. Should I even care about the red / green sticker issue. One dealer told me that no one is enforcing the law.

Bio: I'm 5'10 and 175 pounds. Age: This is my midlife crisis machine. Style of riding – Don’t know yet, probably fast trail riding.

 

[Fred T]

WDCHTHTDIIC

We Dont Care How The Hell They Do It In California. We like the 2 strokes 'round these parts mister. Do you care if you can only ride for 6 months out of the year? You get to pay the fines and have your bike impounded. Hell, sell your house fora million dollars (thats what thay all are worth right?) and buy something nice out east and fill your garage with all kinds of toys! :confused: :confused: ;)

 

[Dapper]

Good ol Fred T and the boys convinced me the KDX220 is the way to go. I'm a little dumb on the jetting thing though.
My Last real dirt bike was a Can-Am 175 back in 74 and that rotary value 2 stroke was a pisser.
If everybody is right the KDX220 is the bomb:cool:

 

[EM rider]

Trust me, the red/green sticker issue is very BIG deal here in Calif. It's also a complete pain in the a$$ and environmental nonsense, but it is the law and for me moving is not an option (yet). Most of the places I ride in SoCal (Gorman/Rowher/Jawbone/Phelan) are now regularly checking stickers and if yours is red you can only ride 3-4 months per year. Having the wrong color sticker gets you a ticket and an invitation to leave.

Dealers downplay this all the time because relatively few bikes are green sticker and they obviously want/need sales. Don't believe them. Today, XRs, KLXs and TTRs all get green stickers. KDXs don't. If you're new to riding, any of these bikes would be an excellent choice and provide years of fun. Unless you race, they have plenty of power. If you want/need more performance, the only green sticker option is the 2002 KTM 400 or 520 EXC-G model.

 

[fishhead]

Well if you have to be green, and it grets spendy if you're not, then it's the xr, klx or the ktm and from my experience go for the ktm and get the jetting sorted out you you will be happy for years. With the klx or kdx and the mods will start before you are finished with the break-in.

The ktm is on another level and the klx or kdx won't get there. Trust me, I tried. The good news is you might get a used klx reasonable if you are patient and don't wan't to dump the bucks into a bike the KTM commands but be forwarned that the upgrade route on any bike gets expensive and it is a lot more cost effective to start with the best platform to begin with.

just my $.02. Now I gotta leave before the tomato thing starts happening!

 

[Hogwylde]

If i recall reading correctly, if you get an older bike that grandfathered.....you dont have to worry about that red/green crap goin on out there, do ya??? (or is it that you get a green sticker no matter what it is if it's older than a certain year???)

 

[MCassle]

Fred T,
You should care what happens in the Republic of California, because it's OHV program (however bad it is) is becoming a model for other states programs. I hate California OHV laws, they make no sense. However, don't brush them off. Join the AMA & BRC!

cq,
Depending on where you ride, they ARE inforcing the law. Don't believe a dealer's word who is just trying to sell you a bike. Also, I've ridden neck to neck with a KDX220 on a fire road out at Dove Springs, and I can tell you that the KLX can not keep up with the 2 smoke. Not even close! And yes, you should care about the green/red sticker issue. It sucks, but you do live in California.

Hogwylde,
To true, I have my eye on a 97 CR250 just for that reason...isn't life in socialist California grand? I wish I could move, the wife is keeping me here.

matt

 

[cq]

KLX vs KDX "What can I do"

If I am stuck with the 4 stroke due to restrictions in Cal, what can I do to the KLX 300 to make it compete with the KDX 220. Is this a no win situation? Are the differences between the two "night and day"?

 

[fishhead]

Stroker Racing (Larry Roesler the baja king) has done quite a bit with them. basic mods include a carb and pipe and a big bore kit. a kx shock and swingarm can be helpful as will be a revalved fork.

The thumper forum might be a good place to ask

stock they are a good place to start but if you are going to push it then the orange bike is a better place to start