KDX v.s. KX

[John]

Hi you all,

Could anyone please explain if, and what, the differences are between the KDX220 and the KX250? - except the obvious like the electrical stuff, engine, silencer etc. The information I am after are the differences in the frame and suspension, behavior and so on.

The reason?
I have made up my mind; I am going to put the KX-5 engine in either a KX125, KX250 or KDX220 frame. I am probably going to buy a used (1999-2001) bike. Any input regarding preferred years i.e. major improvements / changes etc would also be good to know.

I think I prefer the KDX because I will get all the electrical stuff and to some extent make it more road legal-ish as a motard ? and still have a good bike in the rough with the MX tires and all.

Any input would be appreciated!

/John

[Paul]

Hey John, there is a link under the weblinks section (main menu) that will take you to the KDX forums. You may be able to get some good information over there concerning the KDX to help you make that decision.

Here's the link also:
KDX Forums

[John]

Thanks,

I found directly after I posted the query   . It looks like a KDX from 95 onwards is the game. Anyone got any ideas about the KX / KDX differences then?

Regards,
/John

[Paul]

Suspension comes to mind, I know someone that has modded a KX250 front end to get it on the KDX but I'm not too sure what he had to do or if it was worth it. I'll check into it and post a response shortly

[John]

Paul, you?re right. Having asked the KDX forum, it seems like there are some major differences between the KDX and the KX. The KX is made for high-speed abuse and KDX is more biased towards puttering around with in the garden   . KX frame it is.

Next question
Does anyone know if there is a big difference in size between the 125 and the 250 engine? They look pretty much the same to me...

Seriously, the KDX is a lovely bike to ride. If I had a bigger garage and an understanding wife I would get a KDX as well. I tried one out this weekend on an enduro track. Rode it for an hour and I loved it! Really a smooth vehicle.

/John

[teamgreen500]

Sir John,

I've ridden the KDX at G.P.s and 24 HR events. They are remarkable; However, the materials used in the KX frames are/were superior. I don't know about the current KX frames('01 or later), I believe they're still a Chromo/steel mix.

The frames used in '99 have great multi-use geometry (not TOO quick on the front-end angles) and really good materials. I have friends in the off-road community that LOVE these frames.

You'll find that, until recently, these frames were used well beyond their model year.

I highly recm'd the '99 chassis ('99-00'? I'll check and get back...). As I recall, after '00 the frames became very SX oriented (geometry) and that may not be the best thing for faster paved courses...

Whatever you use: It would be a good idea to reweld/brace the frames. Under the loads of paved courses (Unreal traction and Superman braking) you can actually put stresses on these frames that they weren't designed for.

I was at Kawasaki last monday and checked out Chicken Maitasivichs Supermoto KX 500 and 250F. The 500 had a frame gussetted up just like my Desert racer. Infact, I'll try ro get a list together of parts and vendors from that bike. I think I'm gonna build one myself.

Cheers,

Manny

[teamgreen500]

Sir John,

What's going on with this project?

Have you tried www.kawasaki.com.au ?

KDXs with all the electrical in place...a legitimate "Trailie", eh?

Come to find out that the same frame mod's are performed on KDXs for the seriouse at heart!

Manny

[John]

Manny,

I scrapped the KDX idea. It would be good though, all the road biased stuff you get with the bike.

BTW. I almost bought a KX250 on eBay the other day.

The fact that I am living in a small house, crammed garage with 4 bikes - give me some minor problems as in convincing my wife that we really need another green bike. She's more in to moving house...

I am chilling out and checking eBay and ads. Once the right bike pops up I will buy it. Probably a KX250.

/John