1980 kdx 400

[linny]

Hey yall,
Being the Craigslist junkie that I am. I found a 1980 kdx 400 listed for 350$ and it runs. It is missing the silencer and a bolt for the fuel tank. Does this seem like a good buy? I am going to look at it next week and hopefully it is all there. Does anyone know off hand if the turbine core series will fit on these?

[KDXGarage]

Let's analyze this:

Hey yall,...words, words, words

AND THEN

Does this seem like a good buy? ...

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING ON?!

I thought this was a "I JUST BOUGHT" story.

[linny]

Alrighty,
been texting the owner this morning, they aren't able to meet today. Yes I'm going to give in to impulses and probably try to buy this bike tomorrow. I'm going to get some better pics. It does run supposedly, but it will need some love. It looks like the airbox is missing, missing the headlight, and also missing the silencer. I think a fair offer for this bike will be 250$, what do you all think? They are asking 350$.
-Linny

[KDXGarage]

If it runs, $350 is fair, but be leary of no air box. Is it no airbox or no filter at all??

[linny]

I'm supposed to get better pics today. From what I can see it looks as if there is no airbox or filter, as I can see the intake venturi in the picture.

[KDXGarage]

Never good.

If it is within your disposable income, I say get it. I sure would. Budget some time and patience on fine tuning it some, and it can provide some fun. Just know that even when new, it is said that the brakes were not awesome at slowing down 400cc of fun.

Maybe a clamp-on air filter would fit. It may have the old round cage style filter. It sure looks different than the normal foam ones.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/KAWASAKI-KDX400 ... 4c&vxp=mtr

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Uni-Air-Filter- ... 67&vxp=mtr

I don't see an air box, but only looked for 1980. Look around for clamp-on filter, as that may be the only way to go for a while. Just stay out of the mud and water.

[linny]

I know that people have swapped the front end on c models or kx front ends to get a front disc. It may not be a bad idea. Not really worried about the originality more than functionality. I'm hoping there's enough there to turn into a racer for the bomber class. I can't find headlights for it either.

[6 Riders]

I can't find headlights for it either.

https://www.dcvmx.com/xcart/product.php ... 302&page=1

[s10gto]

You can get the bulbs on ebay. They are 6V.

[linny]

With the bulbs does that include the lenses?

[s10gto]

nope just bulb. lenses may be a little tough to find.

[s10gto]

Here's the bulb.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Honda-Headlight ... 57&vxp=mtr

[jjavaman]

It's a 35 year old dirt bike that's missing it's air box? I wouldn't touch it with a 10 foot pole! If I recall it was not that great if bike even new. I have not done a eBay search for parts, are there many out there, old bikes need parts.

[Rd400pi]

I got a 1979 model last Fall. Sourced some older Works Perf shocks and had them redone. The OEM units are not rebuildable. The unobtainium item is the boot that goes between the airbox and carb. I recently obtained an NOS one and will be sending to HotFoot Moto to get repops made. They currently make a repop of the 250 boot but it has a differnt part number. I actually have both boots but haven't had the time to eyeball/measure the difference between the two. You can also source an airbox on evilbay. Don't forget that the big diferences between the 79 and 80 models is the Bold New Graphics and the speedo went to a rectangular odo setup. Good luck.

Mike H.
seapupsan@aol.com

[KDXGarage]

Thank you for letting them make a reproduction of it.

[Rd400pi]

Speaking of repops, I am going to send DC an NOS chain guard (#36014-4001) and one of the wear strip guards (#55020-4002) that go with it. The assembly calls for 2 of the strip guards but, they are both the same part number. These bits are for the 1979-80 400 and 1980 250. I think those are the only models. They are 9 plus months backlogged but, at this point, what the heck does it matter?

Cheers,
Mike H.

[Rd400pi]

Update: DC has repopped the 79/80 400 airboot between the airbox and carb. I don't see it on their website yet but, they sent me one when they sent back the NOS one they used as a pattern. They have also repopped the chain guard and the little wear strips which were originally white. The repops are black now but, who cares? The chain guard is for 79/80 400 and 80 250. FYI. Cheers.

Mike

[KDXGarage]

WOW! THANK YOU, SIR!

[doakley]

I used to ride a kdx400 many years ago. What a monster! That bad boy can get away from you in a hurry. Much happier with my kdx220. Not sure I'd want to kick the 400 today.