New to the KDX world

[redsput]

Just picked up a new (2002 leftover) kdx220 for a very reasonable price. My last bike was a mildly modded 02' XR250. I went for the Kaw fro several reasons. Great reviews of the bike for many years running. Lighter, and more power than the XR (not to mentino it wil get my kid off my back (a KX rider.) So far I like the green machine, but the handling seems quirky and unpredictable. (I know, I know - read the posts and get the suspension dialed...) I've fooled with the sag, and clickers but can't get a read on anything comfortable yet. Most notably for me is how the bike jumps. No hard landings (the reduction in weight and slightly more travel is much easier on the body than the XR), but I can't seem to get a consistent partern for flight. Sometimes very nose high, other times tail in the air. In this respect the Honda was much more predictable and forgiving. I also have a bog at throttle snap. I think it's the "lean" version down low (probably requiring an increase in pilot), but am not really sure how to distinguish the difference between that and too rich. (currently Starts easy - cold or warm, will sit and idle for a reasonable amount of time without self-choking.)
The low end of this bike is awsome, but I was pretty disappointed with the short "legs" (the XR will smoke it from 3rd gear up.) So if anyone can point me to the "real good" threads...
> 195 lb in full gear - need suspension help / tips. (Semi aggressive trail rider, spend a fair amount of time on practive MX track since it's close to home.)
> What are the obvious mods to get some performance without spending a fortune.

 

[matt-itude]

The firs thing is get the right fork springs (get the front of the bike up where it was intended to be) for the handeling and go from there. The jumping issues are the change from a 4 stroke to a 2 (practice and seat time). the power is most definately jetting and then read through the just KDX site to see what you want to do next.

 

[xsnrg]

redsput,
Once you've figured out the suspension, jetting, and quick mods (like airbox cover), give us an updated ride report. I've never been a very predictable jumper on the 220, but I don't get much saddle time, so I'm not chasing big air...but it's been a great bike for hitting the trails hard and for the hard trails.

 

[redsput]

getting there . . .

Another 1/2 hour of seat time today. The low end bog is nearly gone. Must have been a goo situation in the carb since it's been sitting on the showroom floor for nearly 3 years. I increased the compression on the forks (clickers in 4 turns from stock), and increased the sag on the rear by 1/2 inch (left the compression and rebound alone for now.) Rides a little better, and the additional seat time is also a big help. I'm contemplating .41 springs for the forks. (Does this sound about right?) ~190-195 with gear. Great forum - I originally worried I may not be able to find a comprehensive info source like thumpertalk was for the XR, but it looks like this is the real deal here! Thanks for the replies and tips. Mods soon to come! :cool:

 

[bigpa]

I like the trails and an occasional ride on the track as well. The KDX gave me the same impression when jumping and the answer is unbalanced front and rear suspension (front a lot softer than rear). My cure for this was to install a KX125 front end. As for the power get you either a FMF or a Pro-Circuit pipe, remove the airbox lid...well check Freddette's website for tips on stage by stage mods. And enjoy it, it's a great little bike. :cool:

 

[gjbruny]

I'm contemplating .41 springs for the forks. (Does this sound about right?) ~190-195 with gear. :cool:

i weigh about the same as you and just got an email from fredette today saying that the .38 springs are the ones i need.

 

[Rhodester]

Do a search on XR400 springs. The later model .40kg should be about right for you.

 

[04kdx200]

i'm about 235 w/ gear on, i found taking all of the clickers out 4 clicks did the trick w/ my 200's arieal traits.my neighbor has a 03 200, it smokes mine in the top gears. it has a gnarly pipe, fmf powercore 2 silencer, and some carb adjustments only, plus he weighs @ 65 pounds lighter than me.......... working on trimming down........