KDXRIDER.NET

Hey, been out of bikes for a while then got the itch to start riding again.
Picked up a somewhat basket case 2000 KDX 200 for a few hundred that the previous owner blew the lower rod bearing out of. I have the engine all torn down now and most of the parts on hand just stuck on what to do with the top end (stock or EG225).
Seems like a lot of really loyal riders offering their experience on here so hopefully I can use that to move my rebuild down the best path.

I'd go stock.

I agree, I'd build it back stock.

If it is not going to be raced in a displacement restricted class, I would go 225 kit.

Doesn't the EG225 lose the power valve? If it does, go stock.

I don't think so. I think he just cuts the flapper back. The KDX220R has a different flapper.

B737driver has one:

viewtopic.php?f=106&t=17341

I called him back in 2003 or so, and asked him about the 1989 - 1994 models with a big bore kit. He told me that it could not be big bored without losing the power valves. They are too close. That was not the 1995+.

B737driver thread has me pretty well sold on the EG225 it sounds like what I'm looking for.

To frame the situation a little better, I'll be riding mostly tight trails and I'm not a small guy 215-220Lbs so I can probably use a few more CCs for low end grunt. I don't see myself spending much time above 4th gear. The bike has an FMF gnarly (not sure if woods or rev couldn't find any part numbers stamped) and Power core silencer. I don't currently have any plans for sanctioned racing so displacement class isn't a concern.

My reasoning is this so far.

200cc
Pros:
-Less deviation from spec.
-Easy to source replacements (head/piston/cylinder)
-Less chance for human error
-Cost
Cons:
-Less power
-Stud/power valve removal before plating.
-Difficult to source piston not knowing if overbore will be needed.

EG225cc
Pros:
-More power
-Apparently he takes care of studs and power valve
-Porting specific to my riding rather than generic
Cons:
-Cost
-Possible human error

On the 225 kit (223 cc), what are you viewing as possible human error?

Thanks for mentioning whether you were racing or not. I was hanging out with fellow member treelimb yesterday. He is having engine work done now. He intends to race in the 200 / 250F Beginner class in his chosen racing organization, so engine size was a concern to him. He chose not to do the 225 kit.

My assumption was that the EG porting is a "hand porting" job rather than CNC. No doubt he has a standard port map he follows. Understandably with anything done by hand there's room for variance on dimensions/angles that would impact the performance of a final product. I won't pretend to know what those margins are in a 2T engine but it seems from what I've been reading up on they aren't incredibly broad between "just right" and "oh no".

OK, thanks for the reply. I don't know if he is doing it himself, but he has been porting since the 70's and did some pros bikes.

Wound up sending the parts out to EG today, hopefully it's the right choice for me.

Cool. Let us know how it goes.

This build is complete and I have been riding and adding throughout the year since I got it running in early June. I'll post about the result in the product reviews as that seems most appropriate.

Thanks!