Thinking about getting a KDX-200, is it right for me?

[sether]

I currently own a Suzuki 2003 DRZ-400S. I have coverted it to 98%
dirt. I love the bike but is to heavy for faster desert trail rides.
It just ploughs through stuff and I can't ride it in the whoops. I
ride with older people on KLX-300s and CRF250Xs mostly. I weigh 200lb,
I'm 46 years old and ride at an intermediate to novice skill level. My
last two-stroke was an IT-490 I sold years ago. I will never race. I
just want a low maintenance (rather ride than wrench), easy to ride
trail bike that will hang with KLX/CRFs. I will be riding Mojave
Desert trails almost exclusively. Lots of rocks, sand, sand washes and
loose climbs. Will a KDX work well in this environment? Is it a
headshaker on fire roads?

My current choices for my next ride in order of preference are:

1) KDX-200
2) CRF-250X
3) WR-250F

Any suggestions or comments would be REALLY appreciated!

Thanks in advance...

 

[Tom L]

I think anyone on this site will say "Definitley YES". The KDX is the most comfortable, easy to ride, fun, reliable bike there is. And inexpensive too. It would fit right in with those other bikes. You would not be disapointed.

 

[Fred T]

I'd say the KDX will be perfect for you.

 

[Powerlock25]

yes

 

[bigpa]

A KDX200 with an FMF pipe will outperform the KLX300. I'd say go for it. I'm sold on the low maintenance required by the KDX.

 

[DirtRoller]

My friend Brian has the same bike you have. He has removed everything that makes it a S(E) except
for the battery and starter. He also weighs 200 lbs. I have gone through the suspenion...it took some
trial and error, but his bike is dialed in and out performs my bike
in every aspect except in the rocks.
I would say the whoops are where his bike really out performs my bike.
I know when you get any one of those other bikes you'll need to set it up for your riding type.
KDX is my choice for all around riding, hands down. Price to fun factor is high.
My last eight rides this year have been to the desert and I don't think this is where my
bike shines (KDX220). I think I would enjoy your DRZ more for this type of riding.
OH! The KDX seat will feel the most like your DRZ. The other bike's seats you mentioned will be harder.
Launching a DRZ a measured 51 feet to my meager 38 feet in the soft stuff. :bang:
click picture:
He use to say the same things about his bike; " feels heavy, it S#$%ks in the woops, plows thru the turns. Now he loves his bike.

 

[Rhodester]

My 200 never headshakes, but I've also put in heavier XR400 type fork springs. The KDX is hands down the least amount and cost of maintenance of the bikes you mentioned. Riders being equal, you won't have a problem keeping up with the others if you set the bike up with the typical mods that'll match your riding style.

 

[kmccune]

I don't care what any ones says, new performance 4-srokes cost more to maintain then 2-strokes and certainly are more complicated.
Now they are good bikes and have better suspension then a stock KDX but they also cost a LOT more. Get the KDX and grin all the way to the bank. Put stiffer fork springs in, grease the likages and stearing steam, set the sag jet it and maybe throw away the air box lid, you'll be a happy man for a long time.

 

[Powerlock25]

Kdx

I vote "NO!"

the KDX is a dirtbike. and dirtbikes can be hazardous to oneself!


:)

 

[sether]

New KDX-200 this weekend unless you stop me quick! Help!

I currently own a Suzuki 2003 DRZ-400S. I have coverted it to 98%
dirt. I love the bike but is to heavy for faster desert trail rides.
It just ploughs through stuff and I can't ride it in the whoops. I
ride with older people on KLX-300s and CRF250Xs mostly. I weigh 200lb,
I'm 46 years old and ride at an intermediate to novice skill level. My
last two-stroke was an IT-490 I sold years ago. I will never race. I
just want a low maintenance (rather ride than wrench), easy to ride
trail bike that will hang with KLX/CRFs. I will be riding Mojave
Desert trails almost exclusively. Lots of rocks, sand, sand washes and
loose climbs. Will a KDX work well in this environment? Is it a
headshaker on fire roads?

My current choices for my next ride in order of preference are:

1) KDX-200
2) CRF-250X
3) WR-250F

Any suggestions or comments would be REALLY appreciated!

Thanks in advance...