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Message: [QUOTE="XR750, post: 1354681, member: 103653"] Hello Team KDX, Ater much internet research, I decided that a KDX 200 would be a good first trail bike for my 14y/o son. We found a 1995 that had been parked for at least the last 2-3 years and looked OK/ran pretty good. The good: new tires and 51T sprocket, Renthal bars, Acerbis handguards, o-ring chain, fredette chain guide, Boysen RAD valve, FMF pipe and silencer and always run on Bel-Ray MC-1 @ 50:1. It started on the second kick, wasn't too smoky and had pretty smooth acceleration. The not so good is no maintenance other than checking fluids, air filter, etc., the air box cover, owners manual and factory tool kit (I assume that's what the little bag is for) were MIA, slight rear wheel bearing play, worn brake pads, bent brake/clutch levers, and the resident mouse had to be evicted from the air box. Good or bad, I paid $1K which included a near new HJC helmet and some cheap boots. So, now that we've looked it over, changed the trans fluid(and decided that Dad should get one too), the plan is to let the boy ride over the summer, and perform some overdue maintenance this winter. Questions: 1) Is it worth buying an owners manual or should I just get the service manual (assuming the service manual has a maintenance schedule). 2) The FMF pipe doesn't say anything other than FMF GOLD. Could this be an old one and possibly made before they had woods and desert versions? 3) Everyone talks about a KIPS valve rattle. I'm new to 2-strokes, but a very competant home mechanic, and I don't hear any unusual noises. Is that good or bad? What should I check? 4) If compression checks out OK, how does one decide when to do the top end? 5) This winter, I plan on draining and and refilling the brakes, forks, and cooling system, and re-lubing, the head, wheel, and rear suspension bearings. What coolant and grease do you guys reco? Is there anything else that I should look at? 6) What brand/type of brake pads does everyone like? 7) Headlight is very dim, like an old flashlight. It's an aftermarket replacement, UFO Explorer, which I couldn't find on their website. Any ideas other than corroded grounds and connections? Also, it has two bulbs, and only one is in use. Thanks in advance for any thoughts and input. [/QUOTE]

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