What carb would you choose for a '03 220?

Questions and Answers about the best carb and Head mods available for the KDX.
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What is the best replacement carb for a 2003 KDX220R?

Poll ended at 11:32 am Feb 16 2022

PWK 35 AS (Air Stryker)
4
50%
PWK 33 AS
0
No votes
LECTRON
2
25%
SMART CARB
1
13%
MIKUNI 36
0
No votes
Other
1
13%
 
Total votes: 8

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TwistedRoot
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What carb would you choose for a '03 220?

Post by TwistedRoot »

Just wondering what everyone thoughts are on the best 220 carb replacement? According to these parameters:

No elevation change factor
Pro Circuit Platinum Pipe / silencer
Stock motor


I have an RB carb on my 200, and its great. As we know they are unavailable. Thx for the replies!! :mrgreen: :partyman: :busted:
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Re: What carb would you choose for a '03 220?

Post by doakley »

I thought Ron Black was still selling new, modified carbs but would no longer modify an old carb. Of course I've been out of the loop on that for almost a year. If I couldn't get a new carb from Ron, I'd go with Lectron.
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Re: What carb would you choose for a '03 220?

Post by SS109 »

RB carb all the way, hands down! If he isn't doing new carbs still then the PWK 35 AS. I have a Lectron on another bike and I'm not sold on it. Maybe if you like a more mellow feeling bike, and no real tuning after you get it set up, then the Lectron might be for you. Just know they fit like crap on a KDX. Of course, I only change needle clip position on my RB carb from winter to summer and the main only if I ride above 5000" by one size. Super easy carb to tune IMO/IME.
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Re: What carb would you choose for a '03 220?

Post by Molly's 70 »

Looks like RB will sell you a new modified OE or AS carb. I have his carb on my KDX and love it. I have always wanted to try a Lectron.

https://www.rb-designs.com/rb_designs_llc_009.htm
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Re: What carb would you choose for a '03 220?

Post by TwistedRoot »

doakley wrote: 12:25 pm Nov 18 2021 I thought Ron Black was still selling new, modified carbs but would no longer modify an old carb. Of course I've been out of the loop on that for almost a year. If I couldn't get a new carb from Ron, I'd go with Lectron.
As of my last email from Ron in mid August, he didn't have any carbs and didn't know when he would have them, if at all.
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Re: What carb would you choose for a '03 220?

Post by TwistedRoot »

SS109 wrote: 04:34 pm Nov 18 2021 RB carb all the way, hands down! If he isn't doing new carbs still then the PWK 35 AS. I have a Lectron on another bike and I'm not sold on it. Maybe if you like a more mellow feeling bike, and no real tuning after you get it set up, then the Lectron might be for you. Just know they fit like crap on a KDX. Of course, I only change needle clip position on my RB carb from winter to summer and the main only if I ride above 5000" by one size. Super easy carb to tune IMO/IME.
I am not crazy about the price of the Lectron and the issues with the install. Although I know many guys have made it fit, I want a bolt on carb with zero headaches esp after seeing the price!!!
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Re: What carb would you choose for a '03 220?

Post by doakley »

I've ridden a 200 with a Lectron, stock motor except for an FMF Woods pipe. It is a sweet ride with a wide and predictable power delivery and revs out really high. My 220 has a new OEM RB modified carb. Engine has Boysen reeds, FMF Rev pipe and RB modified head. It is **** hot compared to the 200 in my opinion; feels more like a race bike than my buddy's 200. I think I rev out just as high as my buddy's 200 now but haven't done a side by side comparison since the RB mods. Not a fair comparison since there is more difference than just the carbs. Given my choice though, I'd take the RB first.
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Re: What carb would you choose for a '03 220?

Post by clappy379 »

I was patient and was able to get a carb from Ron this past Spring, but I think he only gets in a batch once in a while.
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Re: What carb would you choose for a '03 220?

Post by VTMTcowboy »

I've really enjoyed the Lectron on my 200. The only pain was getting it fitted, otherwise I've leaned it out a quarter turn from stock and it runs crisp. I am about to purchase it again for my 220, so at some point I'll post feedback. The price is high for sure, but I'll keep these bikes forever, so if you break it down it really is just a cry once type of purchase. Good luck!
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Re: What carb would you choose for a '03 220?

Post by @greenblood67 »

I upgraded to a 35mm carb from stock 33. Bought on ebay. No need to mess with jets, runs just fine as is.
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Re: What carb would you choose for a '03 220?

Post by billie_morini »

@greenblood67 wrote: 06:07 am Apr 07 2026 I upgraded to a 35mm carb from stock 33. Bought on ebay. No need to mess with jets, runs just fine as is.
Greenblood, what performance differences with the slightly larger carb are you experiencing?
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Re: What carb would you choose for a '03 220?

Post by Chuck78 »

Definitely the newest version Lectron Billetron Pro Series or SmartCarb SC3 34mm, but not any of the previous Lectron versions unless you got a good deal used on them and were able to get the correct metering rod and settings. The poll only has a name brand, not carburetor model despite there being five different models that are pertinent for our bikes made by the same manufacturer (Lectron).

I will soon have a SmartCarb SC3 34mm in my hands in addition to owning two different Lectron carburetors including the second most recent generation of the Billetron Pro Series, but with the newest Xcelerator metering rod added to it.

Those two carburetors are undeniably the best for those who understand them and give them a chance, as opposed to old timers who swear them off without actually knowing how they work or even giving them a chance.

My #3 would be my Ron Black modified 36mm bored divider plate installed Quad Vent PWK35 Air Striker carb.

All three are absolutely excellent carbs. They all beat out the stock carbs and the new genuine $425 Keihin PWK 35 Air Striker versions.


There are so many fake forgeries of the PWK 35 Air Striker on eBay, Amazon, and elsewhere nowadays, but if you use genuine Keihin parts and verify the needle jet orifice size is correct, and properly tune them, including using a genuine Keihin slide needle and tossing all the metering parts that came stock with them, you can get those to run good, better than an original worn out genuine Keihin carburetor.
You'll have less than $200 into them if you buy the $65 version and not the identical $180 fake cloned version if you go with the cheap ones, but I still don't recommend it whatsoever due to long-term durability concerns.
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Re: What carb would you choose for a '03 220?

Post by Chuck78 »

Ahhh.... I now see that this is a 4.5+ year old thread/poll which was recently dredged up!
The poll options predate the 3 newest Lectron versions as well as the SmartCarb SC3 34mm KDX fitment, which is brand new as of April 2026, not yet shipping out even, but very soon...
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Re: What carb would you choose for a '03 220?

Post by KDXGarage »

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