KDXRIDER.NET

I've been reading many threads from this site for a while now as I knew the KDX was the right bike for my style. Just got rid of my old YZ250 last Fall, just too much for what I want anymore. I'm an old 2 stroke guy and just comfortable with them. I've had my son on bikes and quads since he was 6, he just turned 13 and picked him up a KLX 140L, so now I have my trail riding buddy (as all my friends are PW'd). We have some riding locally but mostly will be at out place in the U.P.

I did have a few general questions I spose- from what I've read I see many have replaced the stock piston due to the possibility of the skirt breaking. Is that an absolute must...like it's eminent? Or is it an internent overreaction? I've been on enough forums for other go fast toys and a lot of what's spread is just regurgitated because it's what they heard from the the guy that heard from.....ect.
Just trying to sort out things.

On fuel- pretty sure the manual said to run 90 (hope I'm not confusing that with the 140). Is that what people are running? I'm big into snowmobiling and have a sled that can only run premium which sucks when you get into the U.P. Also sounds like 40:1 is pretty safe vs the 32:1?

I guess generally, are there any absolute mods to do to prevent damage down the road? Or areas of future concern to keep an eye on? It's 100% stock and I'm good with that.

Overall I love the bike so far. PO took great care of it, looks like brand new. Definitely not a woods bike, more like a yard putter. The jetting is spot on...smooth and crisp. He put on the lowering link and did the forks as well. Works out great as we were both almost the same size...5'9"ish. Much better than my YZ which I needed a step ladder to mount.

Here's a pic.
Safe riding everyone.

WOW! Nice looking KDX! Welcome to the forum.

There have been photographed stories of the KDX220R stock piston breaking.

40:1 will be fine. Try to stick with premium octane.

Welcome. Your machine looks showroom! Enjoy the riding - with your son makes it even better.

IMO, the piston concern on the 220 (not the 200) is real. Eminent is not necessarily the case - some last a long time, but some do not. When I pulled mine apart shortly after buying it, because of the concerns noted on this forum, my piston skirt was cracked so I of course take the concern pretty seriously.

I use premium and 32:1. 40:1 is very common, though.

wow, that one looks better then both mine put together
where about in MI are you?
i am always looking for trail buddies aswell
(i'd take my boy but hes only 3)

im hitting up the holton loop this friday
lets see how those studded tires do there ;)

I went to get it titled yesterday and she asked me if also wanted to get the plate for it?????
I played it off like I would do that at a later date.
So apparently this is registered as street legal in Ohio where I bought it.
It has nothing on it to make it street legal in Michigan that I can see.
I wonder what the fine is if I get pulled over and none of the stuff is installed?
It would be great to have a plate tho going from trails into town for gas & food, etc.

diymirage wrote:wow, that one looks better then both mine put together
where about in MI are you?
i am always looking for trail buddies aswell
(i'd take my boy but hes only 3)

im hitting up the holton loop this friday
lets see how those studded tires do there ;)

I'm in Howell and have a place near Epoufette in the U.P.
The Mounds park is within an hour of me.
I also may do some day trips in the Norhtern lower.

Is there a preferred site sponsor to buy the piston kits from?

Welcome to the site fellow Michigander!

SKUDRIVER wrote:Is there a preferred site sponsor to buy the piston kits from?

not that i am aware off
i personally prefer wiseco, its a good brand and they dont just make pistons but entire top end kits
on top off that, you can send your cylinder out to just about anybody and they will have wisecos in stock they will match the bore/plating to


never made it up to the UP but let me know if you ever make it down to the cedar creek area
i love that trail and am always looking for co-riders
or, if you are into the more technical stuff, Evart