New generation KDX (2004)

[sluggerjoe]

The present KDX has served us well, but mine is whipped and I want a new bike. Problem is, the 03's are the same design as my old, worn out, 6 year old warhorse. How hard would it be for Kawi to put the old KDX mill in that dandy new KX250 chassis?
Would it cost too much? I don't know, but I'd be first in line to buy one. Maybe some lobbying efforts are in order. Anybody else out there craving the new and improved KDX 200?

 

[limitless]

Yeah, I'm with you!! It may be more expensive and thats why they havn't done it?! What I want to know is why the springs are so unbalanced? I know they could make the whole suspension package a lot better without cost any extra dough.... hmm? There are a few things that they could do to keep the bike cheap and improve its handling & susp.... It's time to bring the bike up to speed in my opinion! (making these improvements would boost sells, because Why buy a 03' when you can buy an 00' thats exactly the same for half price. If they came out with an improved 04' people would want to buy new. More sales at the same cost!? makes since to me

 

[dmcc]

I'm still hoping for a KDX 300 before the two strokes are gone, and yes, some other upgrades would be nice, too.

 

[tall1]

If you want a new KDX, you better buy it now. California has already banned the KDX from public riding areas. New EPA standards will most likely be the end of the 2-stroke trail bike.

 

[Jimbokdx]

What the heck are you talking about?? When did CA ban KDX's from public riding areas? Were they singled out over other bikes? I have never heard of this and I live in CA...

Jimbo

 

[dirt bike dave]

tall1 must be referring to the whole green/red sticker issue.

Red sticker bikes (such as newer KDX's) are supposed to be prohibited from riding in some areas at some times of the year for air quality reasons. Enforcement is inconsistant, and many vast riding areas are unrestricted.

 

[JCW]

I have been riding KX250s for a long time. I just bought my first KDX 200 2 months ago (new 03 model). In the woods, I can't tell any difference. I ran over some roots that were on the back side of a 10" hole and my KDX soaked them up without any problem. Maybe it's because it is new and the suspension has not weakened yet. However, at this time, I'm very pleased with the 03 KDX. I was wondering if it would be possible at a later time (if needed) to switch triple clamps and put KX forks on the KDX. Potentially, that sounds easy. Anybody tried this?
Thanks
JCW

 

[91KDX]

I think Kawasaki should build a KDX with a KX Chasis, and the new frames. Also they should make a bigger stock gas tank but not take away space from the steering. I think that would make the KDX a lot better. Of course you could always have Fredette put your KDX engine into a 125 frame and chassis.

 

[40]

Four-strokes are the future of dirt bikes. Kawasaki would be wasting their time redesigning the KDX. They should focus on the KLX's for their off-road line of bikes. My guess is there won't ever be a new generation KDX.

 

[limitless]

40 - Though I would love to disagee with you about the 2 stroke 4 stroke thing, I simply can't. 4 strokes are the up and coming thing. The conversion to 4-strokes can only be slowed, but unforunatly can not be stopped:( I don't think the KDX design will ever be amended, but it would be nice

 

[dmcc]

Well, look at it this way. Besides Honda's XR series, there is probably not another bike out there with the known durability, parts availability, hop-up know-how, and value of the kdx. I keep saying I want a kdx300, and at some point may buy a KTM300exc, but I can't see selling my 200 to do it. It's a comforting feeling knowing what youre gonna get out these "little" bikes.

 

[91KDX]

No effence to anyone out there, but if off road riding come to the point were we can only ride/race 4 strokes, I'll quit riding, period. I own a 1991 KDX 200, and a Honda XR 650. I hate riding the 650 (partially because it outweighs me four times over, and I am not strong enough to handle it. In my opinion anyone who is racing a 4 stroker is waisting there time, unless there just racing for the fun of it (which we all should be). personally I would never race a 4 stroke just simply because they dont have the bike up that a bike needs (for say jumping an off camber log on a tight trail). 4 Strokes might have the power to get through a deep mud hole, but what happens when it gets stuck? its going to take you a long time to get that heavy bike out of the mud. With a 2 stroke there so light one could probably lift the bike out and carry it to solid ground. Just my opinion and I guess also it has to do with a riders skill and ability

 

[beefking]

91KDX I don't know if you have ever ridden a thumper other than that XR650, which is pretty much the heaviest thumper you can buy right now. The CRF and YZFs are super light now, within 5 lbs of 250 2smokes. Same with the Katooms, they are making some awesome big bore thumpers like the SX525. Even the smaller companies like Husqvarna and Husaberg are making sub-235lb thumpers! Times are a changin (for the better) for four strokes. This spring as a matter of fact Suzuki and Kawasaki are entering the 4 stroke MX world by introducing a 250 thumper capable of competing in the 125 class.
On the other hand this generation of light 4 strokes is also seeming to be less reliable than the old XR's and such.

Just my $.02 ;)

 

[limitless]

91kdx - no offence here either, but you are the type of person that the new law is aiming at. They want to kill the sport as much as they want to help the enviroment!

 

[JCW]

We will all probably have to switch at some point. However, until that happens I'll ride 2 strokes every chance I get. I rode the YZ400s and tje DRZs. They are OK (except for cranking the 400), but there's nothing like coming out of a turn or corner and hitting the gas on a 2 stroke. It's a little bit of heaven on earth! Let's enjoy it as long as we can and hope someone makes a smokeless and environmentally friendly 2 stroke oil.

 

[IRISHCOFFEE]

smokeless and totally biodegradeable 2-stroke oils are available. do your homework. several brands.

 

[JCW]

I'm running PJ1 smokeless oil now, but it still smokes. I guess what I was referring to was getting an oil that the EPA would accept (and hopefully keep the off road 2 strokes in production).

 

[tall1]

I don't think smokeless oils will be enough to meet the new standards. This is what an article in the American Motorcyclist Dec. 02 edition said about this issue.
"EPA Action May End Two-strokes
At the same time as it is updating emissions regulations for streetbikes, the federal EPA is also adopting the first set of nationwide emissions standards that will apply to off-road vehicles.

And while road riders are likely to see relatively small effects on new machines as a result of the regulations, the off-road world could be in for a significant shift. In fact, it appears that the new regs will eliminate two-stroke trail bikes and ATVs.

In September, the EPA adopted emissions standards for new off-highway motorcycles and ATVs beginning in 2006. And while the agency didn’t impose an outright ban on two-stroke engines, it appears that will be the effect of the regulations.

It’s important to note, though, that these new rules don’t apply to all non-road motorcycles and ATVs. In fact, the regulations actually create three different categories of off-road machines.

The first category consists of bikes and ATVs sold for recreational trail use. Beginning with the 2006 model year, these bikes would be required to meet the new EPA standards, which probably rules out two-strokes.

In the second category are closed-course competition motorcycles and ATVs, mostly motocross machines. These are not required to meet the standards.

But at the prompting of the AMA and others within the motorcycle industry, the EPA also created a third category for motorcycles only—not ATVs. This new category, known as “certified-competition machines,” would include motorcycles primarily sold for non-closed-course competition—in other words, enduros, hare scrambles, desert racing, etc. These bikes would have to meet a less-restrictive emissions standards that probably would allow for clean-burning two-strokes.

In its regulations, the EPA notes that the certified-competition machine classification is designed to keep riders from using motocross bikes on trails, whether in competitive events or in recreational riding.

“The successful development and certification of clean competition models increases the choices for consumers in the marketplace,” the agency noted. “Offered the option of a certified high-performance off-highway motorcycle that can be used both for competition and recreation, consumers may not feel the need to purchase exempt competition (motocross) motorcycles.”

Under the new rules, recreational trailbikes must emit no more than 2 grams per kilometer of hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides, and 25 grams per kilometer of carbon monoxide. The rules would be phased in for 2006, with 100 percent compliance required in 2007.

For ATVs, the standard calls for no more than 1.5 grams per kilometer of hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides, and 35 grams of carbon monoxide. As with motorcycles, the requirements would be phased in during 2006, with 100 percent compliance required in 2007.

On the other hand, certified-competition machines would be allowed to emit up to 4 grams per kilometer of hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides, and 35 grams per kilometer of carbon monoxide.

To qualify for this less-restrictive classification, however, a manufacturer would have to certify that all of its models, including motocross-style competition machines, would meet this standard.

Some manufacturers may choose to ignore the new category entirely in order to avoid having emissions standards imposed on their motocross bikes. But others may decide to use the new category in order to keep producing two-stroke machines that can be used on the trail.

So what do these new rules mean for you?

First, if you have a two-stroke trail bike or ATV made before 2006, you can continue to ride it. There are no EPA restrictions on its use or maintenance. Only machines made in 2006 or later are required to meet the new standards"

 

[fast 200]

remember the 2 stroke law bye 2006 is only in the great usa not any other country. so you could go to cananda to buy one and sneek it to american!!!!!

 

[Bazooka Joe]

Fast 200,

Buying a two stroke in Canada won't quite work. At the border, you must declare through US Customs the imported bike AND show proof of US emissions compliance. At this time, dirt bikes are exempt from emisions, so it is no problemo. If the laws change, there goes the CA bike option. Of course, you could easily sneak one accross at a remote (ie- rural) border crossing, but I wouldn't suggest that at all. The border patrol can make your life REAL miserable in a short time.

As to this whole anti 4 stroke discussion, though... A couple of yrs ago, I was probably one of the worst 4 strk haters in the county. IMO, the 4 strks didn't start, they were heavy, blah-blah-blah. At that time, these arguments were totally true. Plenty of good reasons to stay on two strokes, and I was right there with the best of them.

Flash forward, I am currently on a 03 YZ250F. It is actually 6 lbs lighter than my 02 RM250, which is about 10# lighter than a KDX. The YZF's starting is NOT a concern. But the thumper noise..... ugh, it's kinda loud. But, I'm working on that with some variations of the PowerCore 4 with Quiet Cores. Not exactly cheap, but it does work. If I can't brew something up, there is always the option of the FMF Q4.

 

[deadwaterj]

I own a 91 kdx 200, and I would never trade it for a 4 stroke. I have no desire to even look at a 4 stroke, probably because im so used to rebuilding the top end of my kdx, and I dont know much about 4 stroke machanics, so a 4 stroke could cause me some problems in that area, plus, Im perfectly happy with my 2 stroke power, and power band. to me, thumpers were designed for 50 year old men or women!

 

[tall1]

How does the YZ250F power compare to a KDX220? Is the YZ250F any good for woods riding? I looked at a WR250F, a nice looking bike, but I chose a KDX220 because the KDX is a lot cheaper. I wouldn't be surprised if the EPA legal bikes cost a lot more.

 

[Tom Ludolff]

There may be hope yet for 2 strokes!!! Go to Eric Gorr's site and read the article called Future Dirt Bike Technology. He talks about Direct Injection, Trapping Valves, and Active Radical Combustion. These all make the 2 stroke burn cleaner!!!

 

[sluggerjoe]

I'm a two stroke dinosaur as well. I really don't care to make the switch but I suppose 4 stroke is where I could end up. To be honest, the new thumpers are a vast improvement but I just don't see myself aboard one. My riding buds tried to talk me into a used thumper or two but I think the orange two smoke is pretty appealing. The cost is a little spooky though. Especially coming off of a KDX I bought for less than $3k new. I've also been giving some thought to buying a used 250 mxer and doing the low end porting and flywheel weight mods. Having kids that use up a bunch of the dirt bike budget, I'd rather ride a lesser machine and keep them aboard fairly new bikes.

A new generation KDX is still what I really want.

 

[91KDX]

Limitless, i dont know what you mean by what you said earlier. Yes these epa regulations are to help the enviroment in the future. But they shouldn't make us stop doing what we love and are addicted to. Can't all of these manufactures design a smoke free two stroke? That would keep those companies in business a lot longer.