New to me 220r

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Mid pack “B” class
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New to me 220r

Post by Mid pack “B” class »

Howdy everyone from NW Iowa,
Over the Labor Day weekend I purchased my first KDX.
It’s an 04’ 220r.
This is my first Kawasaki ever, so I’ll extend an apology for any questions that have obvious answers that I am unaware of..

After purchasing the bike I promptly started tearing it down. Although it is a complete bike, most maintenance had been neglected. And that’s ok, I was looking for a project.

And here’s where I have a few questions.

I emailed Ron Black about machining the head and purchasing a new carburetor. He promptly emailed back and informed me they no longer do the carbs, but he would machine the head for me.
I see most of you guys on here have been able to purchase a carb from Ron, and very happy with them.
is there a secret code or handshake maybe ? Lol
Or possibly he just isn’t building them anymore ?

My next call was to Jeff Fredette, and he agreed to port the jug, machine the head and bore the carb to 36mm.

Have you guys had success with boring the original carbs ?
Or should I just apply the $$ to a new carb ?
I would assume JD jetting might do some of the same work as Ron did ?
Just not seeing anyone talking about them in the posts I’ve searched.

Thanks in advance for any input, I’ve read and learned a ton from everyone already.
So thanks everyone for that !
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Re: New to me 220r

Post by SS109 »

Welcome to Team Green and the KDX! :supz:

Sadly, Ron Black has been semi-retired for some time now so it doesn't come as a shock he has finally stopped dealing with the carbs. It's a real bummer, though.

I've never worked with a stock carb for long as I always went with an RB carb. That said, I don't know if you can bore the stock 220 carb (PWK33) out to 36mm but if Fredette says you can then that should work. Personally, considering the age of the OEM carb and no RB carb available, I would probably buy a new PWK35 air striker and then have Fredette bore it out and cut the slide to a #7, add a CEL needle, and then jet accordingly. That would be the closest you can get to an RB carb that I know of.

JD Jetting doesn't do anything special to their carbs other than including their jetting kit. Ron added a divider, modified some circuits, and cut the slide to come up with his awesome carb.
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Current KDX: '98 KDX220
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Re: New to me 220r

Post by KDXGarage »

Welcome to the KDX Klub!

If you feel up to painting:

Get their primer and clear coat also.

https://www.colorrite.com/product/kawas ... y-1527.cfm
Thank you for participating on kdxrider.net. :bravo:
To post pictures from a device: viewtopic.php?f=88&t=24128
Mid pack “B” class
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Posts: 2
Joined: 06:34 pm Sep 03 2022
Country: USA

Re: New to me 220r

Post by Mid pack “B” class »

Thanks a million guys !

Good to know about Ron, it’s such a bummer though..

I think that’s good advice on the carb, the bike is almost 20 years old and is for sure showing it’s age on everything.
I don’t wanna spend all this time and money and not be happy with it..


And I was wondering if there is a way to match the original paint somehow 👍🏻

Thanks again for your input !
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