Chain Guide

Discussion specific to the various air-cooled KDX models sold in the USA
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aircooled
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Chain Guide

Post by aircooled »

Hi Guys,
I am new to this group. I just picked up a well used 87 200 for $375 (I feel like the guy should have paid me to take it) and have stared tearing it down. It's a mess and I can't believe what some sh*theads do to motorcycles in the name of maintenance......
Anyway, I used to have one of these gems back in the day so thought it would be fun to rebuild one but it looking like an expensive gig. I have found a lot of KDX parts on www.bikebandit.com so far and the list is adding up!!! Bearings in the swingarm seem to be expensive as all hell. Btw on bike bandit the bearings in the dogbone (directly in front of the back wheel) are $85 but the same part # is used for the bearing on top of the shock and is$65???
So my main question is this.....I am missing the entire chain guide on the swingarm and the OEM parts look to be about $100. Does anyone know an aftermarket or alternate chain guide that works on this bike??
Also I was thinking of trying to rebuild the shock (as much as I can) myself but have never worked on shocks. Forks I can do. My tool chest is not very big so I'm thinking I would be better off just sending it out but I'm trying to avoid another $200 spend up. Any suggestions?
Sorry for the long post.
Cheers
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Chain Guide

Post by SS109 »

I don't know how often Bike Bandit's parts fiche updated to show what is actually available and what has been discontinued parts wise. Try Service Honda (http://www.servicehonda.com/parts.html) or Ron Ayers (http://www.ronayers.com/) as I know their parts fiche is regularly updated. Service Honda will be cheaper and you get better customer service than Bike Bandit as well.

On the shock bearing vs. linkage (dog bone) bearings, they are not the same. The # listed in the parts diagram is NOT the complete bearing number. You have to look at the list below the diagram to get the full #. I looked it up and the top dog bone bearing is part # 59266-1056 and the top shock bearing # 59266-1053. Also, Service Honda has the shock bearing for $57.06 and the dog bone bearings for $70.50 each. BTW, it appears the chain guide body is discontinued. Only the rub block is still available. Jeff Fredette, Mr. KDX himself, has an aftermarket one available for $43.95 (http://www.frpoffroad.com/Fredette-Raci ... ogId=-1039). I highly recommend his chain guide.

IMO, shocks are pain the ass so I have someone do mine. Just find a reputable shop and have them do it. Should be about $100-150 to get done. Good luck with your build!
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Chain Guide

Post by KDXGarage »

Hi. Welcome to the forum.

Switch from bikebandit to http://www.ronayers.com for cheaper prices.

Several of the parts you are looking for are going to be cancelled (discontinued), though almost all online places don't show it on their site. Usually, after you order some cancelled part, they will send you a "we are sorry" e-mail.

The 1986 and 1987 bearings and sleeves are for the grease fittings. If you can live without the grease fittings, the 1988 bearings and sleeves will work. I can't remember if the Pivotworks kit for 1989 - 1994 KDX200 is compatible or not.

You sound like you are looking at the reference number, not the part number. Look on the http://www.kawasaki.com site under Owner Info, then PARTS DIAGRAMS and use their menu system to see the parts diagrams. A Kawasaki part number usually looks like 12345-6789. I am assuming you have done like many others, and are just looking at the 12345 portion. Dogbone bearings are very high priced. I don't know if they are cancelled or not.

Are you talking about the front chain slider or the guide right in front of the rear sprocket, that mounts to the bottom? If you mean the upper and lower guides in the front, then look on eBay. Some guy makes a replacement set. If you mean the one in front of the rear sprocket, then look on http://www.frpoffroad.com to buy a guide that he makes. It is around $43 or so the last time I looked.

Jeff Fredette at FRP Offroad is the king of KDX's. He works on the older shocks, too. I have an '87. I have had its shock apart. The bottom out bumper, shaft nut and bladder are the same as any newer KDX shock, so parts are available. I don't know how easy it is to get a piston band and o-ring for the piston. It is NOT a very late 80's - modern style piston. As best I remember, the seal head is standard. Someone in the aftermarket should have one.
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Chain Guide

Post by KDXGarage »

OK, so I was off by 95 cents. :lol:

Here is the Pivotworks kit.

http://www.pivotworks.com/ProductInfo.aspx?item_id=1667
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Chain Guide

Post by aircooled »

Thanks for info guys. I sent the shock to Fredette and bought some other bits n pieces from Ron Ayers. However I'm tossing around the idea of just selling the bike for parts now. Wife's moaning about to many bikes in the garage now.
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Post by KDXGarage »

Either way, good luck on the rebuild.
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