Re: Is it worth it
Posted: 09:48 pm Jul 15 2022
If you are riding typical Eastern woods enduros with woods single track, I think you will be hard pressed to find a bike with better geometry than a KDX. True, the KDX was not designed as a trail bike but as an enduro and ISDE (ISDT) competition bike. Unfortunately the ISDE has changed formats now with an emphasis on faster, more open timed sections favoring MX bikes. The KDX is not as competitive in these type events with their grass track and MX sections.
I set up my 1999 KDX 220 specifically to compete in the NEPG/AMA National Enduro Series and managed to finish 5th in my class (65+) for the series in 2019. I did switch to a set of KX USD forks with gold valves custom tuned for me and had Jeff Fredette rework the rear shock also (he does his own valve work). To me, the improvement over the stock forks was noticeable. I had the head done by Ron Black and put on one of his new, OEM style modded carbs, an FMF Rev (desert) pipe and spark arrestor, Boysen reeds. I never, absolutely never, felt I was at a serious disadvantage riding my modified KDX. That engine is a pure delight in the woods. It was always fun to pass people with my "outdated" bike. If I could, I would be riding the National circuit still on the KDX.
Everyone will have their own opinion and everyone will try to tell you why THEIR choice in bikes is best. Ignore them all! Go buy what you have fun riding and get to building seat time.
Y'all keep on brappin'!
Old Guy Racing (ret)
I set up my 1999 KDX 220 specifically to compete in the NEPG/AMA National Enduro Series and managed to finish 5th in my class (65+) for the series in 2019. I did switch to a set of KX USD forks with gold valves custom tuned for me and had Jeff Fredette rework the rear shock also (he does his own valve work). To me, the improvement over the stock forks was noticeable. I had the head done by Ron Black and put on one of his new, OEM style modded carbs, an FMF Rev (desert) pipe and spark arrestor, Boysen reeds. I never, absolutely never, felt I was at a serious disadvantage riding my modified KDX. That engine is a pure delight in the woods. It was always fun to pass people with my "outdated" bike. If I could, I would be riding the National circuit still on the KDX.
Everyone will have their own opinion and everyone will try to tell you why THEIR choice in bikes is best. Ignore them all! Go buy what you have fun riding and get to building seat time.
Y'all keep on brappin'!
Old Guy Racing (ret)
