Pros and Cons of Not Using Front Head Stay

[Bouillion]

I'm using an 05 KX and a 2002 KDX for the hybrid. I noticed a least one build using the 05 frame that did not use the front head stay and I believe 2 others (03 & 04 models) that did. I believe the frames are pretty much the same? Just wondering what are the pros and cons of not using the front stay? I want to use an oversized tank like the one used on the 09 build which apparently fit without any required modifications.

Thanks.

We are trying to get the motor mounts tacked in place this weekend and trying to decide if we are going to add a mount for the front head stay.

[Tedh98]

I used front and back on my '04 kx frame ('05 would be the same as '04, '03 is slightly different). It wasn't that much work to make the brackets for the front head stay. I figured if Kawasaki used both on the KDX, I mine as well also.

The front head stay won't interfere with the oversize tank. The rear is what you have to account for. At least that was my experience with an IMS tank.

[Bouillion]

I used front and back on my '04 kx frame ('05 would be the same as '04, '03 is slightly different). It wasn't that much work to make the brackets for the front head stay. I figured if Kawasaki used both on the KDX, I mine as well also.

The front head stay won't interfere with the oversize tank. The rear is what you have to account for. At least that was my experience with an IMS tank.

Thanks for the reply. I noticed you had a clearance issue between the cooling outlet and the IMS tank? The 05 build I saw here did not. I wonder if there was perhaps a slight difference in how low the engines were set in the frames? Or is it a slight difference in the IMS tanks used? Did you have any clearance issues with the exhaust?

P.S. How has the bike been performing on the trails?

[Tedh98]

My tank was the problem. I think the tank was for an '03 and that caused some other minor fitment issues. But I got it for $30, so I was willing to put up with some little things.

The exhaust fits perfectly, just like it was made for a KDX engine in a KX frame.

The bike is great in the woods. I routinely ride with a guy on a 125 and he really struggles compared to me on the tight trails. But when we ride around on the tracks, the top end of the 200 doesn't let me down.

[Bouillion]

My tank was the problem. I think the tank was for an '03 and that caused some other minor fitment issues. But I got it for $30, so I was willing to put up with some little things.

The exhaust fits perfectly, just like it was made for a KDX engine in a KX frame.

The bike is great in the woods. I routinely ride with a guy on a 125 and he really struggles compared to me on the tight trails. But when we ride around on the tracks, the top end of the 200 doesn't let me down.

Thanks, I'll keep that in mind when I start looking for a tank. Thats really the only initial mode I'm going to make to the 05 KX I'm using. Eventually I want to put 18" excel rims but the tires and rims on the KX are practically brand new so I guess I'll use them at least until the rear tire wears? I'm hoping to have it all done by 1st week of August.

[KDX220rser]

>| I'm hoping to have it all done by 1st week of August.

So you can race it on the 29th right?

[art5]

I see the hybrids are still bein built, personally I prefered to lop off the front headstay mount.