1989-2006 KDX E-start!

[SS109]

Thanks to Chuck78 for bringing this to my attention!

KDX220/200 electric starter kit (1989-2006)

Well, this kind of bums me out but at the same time it makes me happy. As many know I've been developing my own e-start setup but the current conversion I have laid out can't compete with this other than maybe price. Anyway, if you want an e-start for your 1989 through 2006 KDX200 or 220 this is your best option as I'm still quite a bit away from having something I would offer for sale to anyone. Hell, I haven't even gotten my prototype done for testing yet!

If someone does go this way, please do a full write up and let us all know what you think of the system. Oh, and a shout out to Panthera for remembering us KDX owners and developing this setup for our bikes.

[Slick_Nick]

Sweet. Hope its not too heavy. If it's priced like their other kits, I wonder how it will sell?

[SS109]

Sweet. Hope its not too heavy. If it's priced like their other kits, I wonder how it will sell?

Says it adds 5.7 lbs (2.58 kilos for you Canadians! ) so not too bad IMO.

[bufftester]

I have seen one of their KX500 kits installed, it appeared to be very good quality. $1k and 5 lbs for electric start? I have my penny jar started already lol.

[John_S]

That's great to see a company putting some R&D into the KDX. I'm surprised this is the sales shot for the website with the engine to frame bolt missing and not even a hose down.

That all makes the starter look that much better though so maybe it’s a good marketing tactic.

[SS109]

I know if I had the money I would be buying one. I want to support companies that support our bikes.

[bufftester]

That's great to see a company putting some R&D into the KDX. I'm surprised this is the sales shot for the website with the engine to frame bolt missing and not even a hose down.

That all makes the starter look that much better though so maybe it’s a good marketing tactic.

As I understand it they do their R&D on bikes provided by the riding public which probably accounts for the bikes overall condition (missing engine mount bolt, frame loops cut off, needs a serious bath)

[doakley]

That appears to be true. I approached them pretty strongly about a year ago and they told me they needed a test bike. I would have been happy to have offered mine but for the distance. Tried to help locate a local bike for them.
I’ve already pre-ordered the kit.

[John_S]

Doakley that’s great. I know you’ve been wanting this for a long time. Is there an expected date for them to be ready to ship?

[doakley]

I have no idea. I note it is a "pre-order" so I'm guessing they aren't quite geared up for full production just yet. i'm putting my faith into their reputation. I'll try to put together a report after receiving the kit.

[Goat]

I wondered if they were really ready. I won’t likely spend the money. But, One of my buddies rides a 2000 KX250 (2T) and was wondering if they worked well.
Please keep us posted.

[doakley]

Just a little follow up re the Panthera e-start kit. I reached out to Panthera today (1 month after ordering) and received this response:

"The KDX220/200 electric starter is still in pre-order status. We are expecting to deliver the first kits, such as yours, out around mid-august."

So, I'll be a bit delayed getting back to the forums with an install/ride report.

Old Guy Racin' (ret)

[Tyl3r]

I've been off the forum for a little while now...glad I decided to check today and stumble across this gem! Anyone else pre-order one? I'm seriously considering... so close.... I know I shouldn't but I can't resist!!

[SS109]

I personally wouldn't hesitate. Panthera builds some really high quality conversions. I'm continueing on with my e-start project but, eventually, I might even buy one of their kits.

[Chuck78]

There was actually even a third guy/entity working on an e-start for our bikes besides SS109 and this company Panthera Motorsports... just goes to show the KDX is still quite a viable bike as well as a cult classic that people just won't let die!

[Chuck78]

Well Terry, let me know then if this frees up more time for you to work on another batch of your high performance CDI boxes! I'd love to have one or two of them if you start making a new revision!

[billie_morini]

sorry to be late to party. Interesting. Panthera makes nice looking parts & assemblies. Very curious how the KDX kit will work. The YZ 250 kit works well for some, but works poorly for others. I've not seen anything negative about the CR 500 kit. Fingers crossed for all KDX kits, especially the one that will be shipped to forum member doakley (in AUG 2023).

[billie_morini]

I've been looking at the Panther webpage about the KDX E-start. In the tools list, they say, "3/4 drill bit and a drill." The drill bit units are not identified. Is a 3/4 inch hole necessary? In what, I wonder. Can whatever gets drilled be placed on a drill press stage without much engine disassembly, I wonder.

I'm also curious about the lithium (Li) battery cold cranking amperage (CCA) and physical dimension. Bet it's possible to find the commonly used batteries on the Panther website.

An additional curiosity is whether adequate pre-orders were received so that Panther will proceed with supply.

[Chuck78]

Well, we're almost to August!
I wonder what the status is on them?

[billie_morini]

Well, here's something new from Panthera: a big 2-stroke engine!