GUIDENCE NEEDED!! STORY of my KDX200!!

[Stuartlittle24]

Hi my Name is David and I've recently picked up a 1994 KDX200 and would love to know more about. I've done a lot of research on the bike that I think have answered my questions but would like them to be clarified by the veterans. I picked up the bike for $875, the guy said he put $1200 into rebuilding it: bottom end went so he did the whole thing: I can tell there's a new cylinder that's about it. Parts that are AFTERMARKET -----Dented black PCR pipe,FMF turbine silencer, headlight with H4 bulb, MSR handgaurds. BADS/MISSING---- cracked front disk, blown forkseals,multiple bolts and screws, RH shock gaurd and front disk guard, quick release blocks, oil leaking from KIPS valve, was a year behind on registration paid an extra $50. GOODS----- runs, New sprockets and chain, okay tires, clean title. PARTS NOT ON BUT HAVE-----odometer that reads 1400 miles and new cable for it. WHAT IVE DONE TO IT SO FAR------ changed oil,checked for metal in old oil came out clean, flushed radiator and reserve, put new bolts and screws that were missing nice and tidy now, tightened KIPS valve cover hopefully that will stop the oil leak. QUESTIONS I HAVE----- Headlight fades on and off could it be the Stator Or just Crappy wiring??? Shifter is sloppy and doesn't shift properly,Its hard to shift, I've found that it could be the shifter spring from the clutch side. Is it most likely missing or improperly installed??? Whenever I open it up I expect it to take off like a rocket at top end, it goes to midrange fine but then flattens out, it gets louder but doesn't go any faster. Is this how they are??? Would a Boyesen Rad Reed fix this??? I felt like I should of only paid $700 for it, What do you guys think GOOD DEAL??? Or BAD DEAL??? I was most disappointed with it not having a topend like my CR85 I use to scream on, but then again I've read it's a trail bike meant for bottom to midrange only. I've highly appreciate any answers to my questions that can lead me in the right direction of fixing these problems Thanks in advance

[KDXGarage]

Welcome to the forums.

On the fading headlight, does it get brighter with higher RPM? If so, that is normal.

Without checking the KIPS valves, it is hard to say about the top end performance.

It is hard to diagnose a bike that is $875. They usually have several problems.

It is not like you had it for a while, it was running fine for a while, THEN a problem occurred.

[Bitteeinit]

Yeah the headlight fading is normal so long as it brightens up once you start riding it. Sounds like you have an SR model. Where are you located?

[Stuartlittle24]

It does get alittle brighter with RPM then completely cuts out, it's a 3 prong for High/Low but I don't have a switch for that just an on and off, the bulb says 40-65 watt I'm thinking it's too much for the Stator or the wiring might have to be completely redone. It also had a brake light switch for the back break but missing the spring did thses come stock like that?
Okay does yours have a top end that kicks in Or does just get flat and loud Being stock? KIPS might be the problem then if it's suppose to have a top end that actually moves the bike faster.
I live technically in Mojave, CA but I'm located between Mojave and Jawbone Canyon off HWY 14. I've been all over this desert El Paso mountains,Red Rock, Dove Springs, Cal City, Randsburg, Jawbone Canyon, Middle Knob, Kelso Valley, Red Mountain nothing like having the best riding in your front door step
I use to ride my 04 CRF250R but that literally grenaded (piston in pieces, crank through front of case) been sitting for years too expensive to replace so I thought I grab a 2 stroke.
I'm a truck driver and come home once a month for 4 days, my sit down time is not long with everything else I have to catch up on but Im going to get this bike running like new so I can enjoy it Thanks for the replies

[whc]

I have a 1994 kdx, with out seeing yours run it will be hard to compare. but here goes. I would describe my power band as steady from the bottom to flat out it will rev but not like a modern two stroke, I spent a lot of time rejetting my carb, finally bougth a JD jet kit this helped but the bike still seems to be off a bit. the head light should be steady and increase a bit as she revs, mine has a taillight, and an on off button, no hi beam. mine would blow bulbs so I replaced the regulator and that seems to have cured the problem. the air screw adjuster on the carb can make quite a difference in how the bike runs and can also give you a clue as to jetting. check out some of the carb articles on this site for better advice.I like mine kdx quite a lot, my previous bike was a new 2005 KTM 250 EXC, I prefer the kdx its lower, softer,easier to manage power. negitives the bike could use a bit more power, and it feel a bit heavy(not sure what it weights but I would bet its as heavy as a modern 4 stroke 250lbs? well have fun and enjoy once ya get the bugs out she should be fun and reliable bill

[Stuartlittle24]

O okay sounds about right on the power band. The guy I picked the bike up from said it was jetted for 2500 feet cause he rides in Randsburg which should be perfect where I'm at but I'll definitely check out the carburetor articles.
Something is wrong with the light it may very well be the regulator.
Smooth and Soft that's what I like about It.
Thanks for the Tips

[6 Riders]

It should have a 30 watt bulb up front and no they didn't come with a rear brake light. My 94 (freshly rebuilt) hits like a mild 250 when the power valves open, but intake and exhaust will change these characteristics.

[Stuartlittle24]

That's what I read about the light up front, so either find a 30watt H4 or upgrade stator and regulator.
Makes me wonder if this bike was at one point street legal
Okay definitely something is up with the valve or missing parts internally cause there's honestly no top end in this 2 stroke just like a car with a turbo and no boost coming out of it, might have to tear it down and see.
Thanks for the answers to the remaining few questions