Keeping My Butt Covered - Seat Cover Replacement - 1991 Kawasaki KDX200

[@flapjackson6077]

Lol. What a coincidence! I’m replacing the seat cover on an 89 kdx 200! I’m surprised the spring stapler worked. I had to spend $40 for a pneumatic T50 stapler. The foam rubber is messed up. Like you, I had to glue some pieces down, plus some additional refurbishing. My new cover doesn’t easily follow the contour of the seat where it curves up. Did you have to pull the corners tight at that bend? Any problems with staples ripping the material where the material is under tension?

[@GoRideChannel]

A pneumatic stapler is 100% the way to go. I felt like it was a bit of a struggle to hold the fabric in one hand while simultaneously trying to staple it in place with the whole other arm. A pneumatic stapler would've made that a lot easier - which I'm sure you experienced. With respect to the foam, the reality of it is that these are 30+ year old bikes (!) so the plastics, rubber, and other soft parts like seat foam are pretty crunchy, but the handling and torque of these bikes relative to other two strokes, as well as the 6-speed transmission, in my opinion, makes them worth keeping around. Further, I'm not sure if you're in California, but you can't green sticker a two stroke newer than a 2003 anyway...(I'm hopeful that the new KTM TPI's might be allowed to be green stickered though they've been out for a couple years now and I'm not seeing a ton of political will on that - alas, I digress...). I did have a little bit of trouble right in the middle of the seat, where there's that little low point. I did the best I could, like I think I said in the video, it definitely isn't perfect. I only really had one or two staples tear; that wasn't really a huge issue for me. All-in-all, it's definitely something I'd tackle again and I'm pretty happy with how it came out considering it was a first attempt. Hopefully you're happy with yours!!

[@flapjackson6077]

Go Ride Channel Go Ride Channel Well, I’m happy to report that the seat cover looks decent. It’s not wrinkle free at that low spot, but looks about like yours. It looks a damn sight better than it did! Yes, there’s something special about KDXs. They’re more user friendly than most two strokes from that time period. The power band is smooth but still aggressive, and they start easily. No, I’m in western PA, Johnstown area. This area is great for KDXs. And KTMs. My buddy across the street is a total CR 500 freak but bought a KTM 300 a couple years ago because they’re such great bikes. They’re the rightful heir to the KDX. Btw, there’s a guy named Jeff Fredette who’s the king of KDX upgrades. Having competed in Enduros using KDXs from 1983-2006, he’s might be the most well known advocate for KDXs in the country. He also has a business, Fredette Racing, which provides both KDX specific info, but upgrades as well. I spoke with him the other day and I’m going to get some beefier front springs from him. If you haven’t heard of him, he’s worth checking out. Really nice guy, and knows all things KDX. Good luck to you! Thanks for your video, and happy riding. Here’s hoping Cali gets a grip and brings back the two stroke!