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Does anyone have a good source for a 98 KDX200 crank? I checked Kawasaki online and it was over $400! I may have scored a free 98 with a bottom end noise. I traded my brothers old 4x4 chevy van for it. Unfortunately, I think its in as rough a condition as the van. I already have a 02 KX500 frontend and assorted other parts so hopefully Ill have it up and running soon. Out of curiosity, will the shock from the KX500 fit or are there any other KX models that would swap in?

Just the front end.

The noisy bottom end may just be the KIPS!

Or the clutch. Don't split cases until you KNOW that the problem is in there. Pop the top end off, measure everything, go through the clutch and all the suspension bearings from the wheels to the swing arm pivot and everything in between. It's hard to grenade a botom end on a KDX.

Like they say, don't buy a crank until you know you need one. you can rebuild with a new connecting rod and bearing, plus new crank bearings and seals. check out Hot Rods.

I rebuilt with a hodrods conn rod kit, and hotrods main bearning seals. Total cost after labor to have it rebuilt was about $180.

Ill check everything out before condemning the crank, I will go the rebuild route if its needed. Knowing the people Im getting it off of, Im not too hopeful. Teenage kid with questionable mechanical ability, flogged everyday after school with spotty maintenance. But its not costing me anything to get and will be the perfect donor for a KX/KDX conversion later on.

"Just the front end."
I have the whole bike and was going to part the suspension out until I got the KDX itch! Ill wait and see what can be used from it, then part the rest.

FYI Per conversation with Jeff Fredette the bottom end from 89 to 06 are the same. Top end changed from E to H models. So a crank and rod from those years should work.

80elkster wrote:FYI Per conversation with Jeff Fredette the bottom end from 89 to 06 are the same. Top end changed from E to H models. So a crank and rod from those years should work.

AH, some verification!!! I've suspected this for a long time. The bottom ends are just much too similar between the E and H series. However, there is a caveat here. The crank halves ARE different. The H series uses a different method of securing the flywheel and main gear to the crank. I also suspect that they are weighted differently, but I'm not 100% sure, and it really shouldn't matter so much.

On the E series the LH side of the crank is threaded on the inside with a bolt that goes through the flywheel and into the crank. The H series is longer, threaded on the outside end, and uses a nut to secure the flywheel. So you would need the proper nut or bolt here for the crank you use. This is assuming that there is no fundamental difference in the flywheel. I think not, but can't be sure....

On the right hand side, the E series crank is splined to mate with the main gear, which is also splined. The H series uses a keyway on the main gear. So you would also need to have the correct main gear for the crank as well.

Aside from that, I suspect Jeff is correct. That is pretty much the only difference I have been able to find between E and H series bottom ends.

J.

I happen to have a 89 200 basket case but unfortunately the crank is seized. Ill have to see what parts are interchangeable.