KDXRIDER.NET

So I'm in the process of completely restoring / rebuilding an 88 Kdx200 I bought from some guy. The whole bike was disassembled in a box , but I had money to burn (back then...)

One of the things I'm puzzled about is this very straight hairline fracture on the rim of the bike. I've asked different people and had different responses. I'm obviously going to replace the rim but I was wondering if anyone can chime in on if this is a standard type scenario with these rims or just in general ?

PS I'm new to riding and this is my first full blown motorcycle project so I'm learning as it comes at me

I have not seen something like that before. Very interesting. I am curious if others have, also.

Not normal.

Is it at the rim weld?

Can you post a pic of the bike? I am thinking 1987, not 1988.

That's a rim weld crack, I wouldn't ride on that at all

I Figured it had to be some sort of crack with the welding, but DID is a reputable brand and I am puzzled that these aluminum rims would do that.

I would post pics of the bike, but its still only a rolling chassis at this point. I'm finishing up assembling the engine and waiting on parts to come in.

Some previous owner may have overcome the limits of the rim, AKA, riding with loose spokes, huge jumps, etc.

If it is an '88 KDX, the rim was made 33 years ago. They weren't super strong back then anyway.

Some of these rims have date codes. Some of mine do while others do not. Based on the markings shown, yours might be from 1986.

Anyway, have you removed the tire? And how does it look on the inside? What you might be seeing is the butt joint where the 2 ends of the rolled rim came togheter, with the welding on the inside.

I would take a good look on the inside and see how sound the weld is before totally condemning this rim.

Trash it. Buy a new one. The "86" is why I am thinking it is an '87.

I bet that crack is right along the weld. Like already mentioned, the rims back then weren't the best and it should be replaced.

The only thing that thing is good for is to be remade into a beer can.

My 88 has a crack on the front rim right at the weld joint, but it's only on one of the bead seat sidewalls, not all the way across like yours. Will be changing mine out assuming the wheel on my parts bike is better. I certainly wouldn't ride on yours!

I'm definitely going to replace the rim , I already ordered another rim and hub off ebay. Eventually I'll probably upgrade components, but for the time being I'm just trying to get this thing put back together and running.

I'll post a build thread so I can keep myself accountable and motivated lol