Kawasaki KDX200 Refresh | Making the KDX Great Again | Racing A KDX200| Highland Cycles

I am excited to refresh our 1998 KDX200!
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[@WildAzzRacing]

I agree, in stock form the 200 is much better than the 220. However, after just swapping to the same carb the 200 has, or an even better carb, along with the FMF Gnarly "desert" pipe, I think the 220 quickly starts to surpass the 200 in almost every riding situation. Just my own personal opinion and experience having owned and ridden many of both. I'm a die hard KDX fan boy and will always have one in my garage. Did my first race ever on a '90 KDX200. I really loved that bike. I currently have a very modified '98 KDX220 and you can see it in most of my KZbin vids older than 9 months ago. It has Showa 47mm twin chamber forks, Showa shock from an '01-'06 RM125, RB carb and head mods, etc, etc. It's a heeluva great running and fun bike. I have taught many a new rider on it, it has been crashes countless times, but you just can't kill a KDX. Ok, on to your current project. Which pipe do you have, the FMF Gnarly desert or the woods pipe? Most agree the woods version is the best for the 200 and the desert for the 220. Not a fan of the Tusk KDX air filter. I tried one and never again. It's way smaller than any other filter brand I tried on my KDX and definitely smaller than the NoToil ones I normally use. Quality seemed fine but it just gets dirty so fast that it just wasn't worth it to me as I would constantly have to keep cleaning them. For foot pegs I've been running the IMS Pro Series pegs on all my KDX's and Spanish GasGas bikes for years. They provide good grip and have stood up to the abuse of racing and newbs learning to ride on it. Current set on the KDX has well over 1000 hours on them and still look and grip great. Anything else you might need to know about for the KDX please just come on over and see us at KDXrider.net. Lots of discussions covering everything and anything for KDX's worldwide like fork conversions, stator rewinding for serious output, parts interchangeability, etc. Oh, BTW, I'm one of the admins over at KDXrider.net. I go by SS109 on there.

[@Gma7788]

Wrong, wrong and wrong. Retailers lied to you. Magazines lied to you. Kawasaki is sick of their lying to you, the customers. This bike IS designed to be only ridden on a motocross racing track for many hours. The magazines lied to you saying it's a countryside bike. Kawasaki got sick of the lies and exploitation of the American retail customers, so they stopped production. ✋️ Retailers lied to YOU for 40 years. They had no intention of selling you an 8 hour motocross racing bike. They lied to you and you bought into the lies.

[@yt310yt]

I have a 2004 KDX 220 with stock carb, Boyesen reeds and FMF Desert pipe. What carb do you recommend for it?

[@eddieadams5552]

I got a 2001 220 with ox 125 forks, gnarly woods and turbine 2. Ran into some fouling issues and i just started to the easiest thing for me was to change back to the stock pipe thinking it may not have been jetted right. Then rebuilt the carb with a new jet block gasket, fresh oem reeds and needle with stock jetting. Still having problems. The previous owner already did the air box lid and put a Isco piston on it. I got researching and found that people have been having that same problem with their bikes and they happened to be using the same two stroke oil as I have.. klotz r50. I’m being told to go with amsoil dominator or motul 710 at 40. I got some dominator on the way. Hopefully this fixes my hiccup. Btw super jealous of that shop. I got a 12x 40 carport with a gravel floor. Gotta keep a chunk of old rug to work over so I don’t lose any bolts.

[@AndrewC.McPherson-xf5zw]

I loved and rode those real offroad bikes Kawi made. I never rode my kdx 200....I put it on like a pair of pants.

[@shotgunrain069]

It's funny to me that your refreshing a kdx200 to me because for the last month I've been reviving a basket case 91 kdx200 that was my first full size bike that has changed many hands since then and the timing is perfect can't wait to see the refresh and ride mine once it's done too

[@sandysmith7485]

Sweet. I switch from Suzuki PE's to a KDX 200 in 88. I didn't like the green ones so I bought a white one, and still have it. My 88 is my favorite. Yes the best thing for these bikes is a new pipe. I have the gnarly pipe on my 06 and a DG pipe on my plated 88. Ride safe my 2 wheel friends.

[@robh3267]

The KDX 200, one of the best dirt bike's ever made, I've seen guys throw a pipe on it and do quite well at the races for a stock bike.

[@highlandcycles]

Absolutely

[@88adventures]

Rad! I just took my kdx220 out last weekend for the first time in 6 month definitely needs a top end. Watched your video of your son get taken out by his friend on the kdx then rallied back to 3rd I believe. One of my favorite channels keep it up moto jesus.

[@highlandcycles]

Yep. That was this bike. So fun

[@flaglerdirtriders6866]

I have a 2001 KDX 200. Rode it for 5+ years. One of the best bikes I ever rode. Bullet proof. My son and I are doing the same thing. Rebuilding it for my nephew. Perfect timing! Thanks

[@Josh-Silvia]

I have a KTM 200exc that I fully went through from the bare frame up. I love the thing. 200’s are a sweet spot for sure.

[@highlandcycles]

Right on!

[@richardhartley1705]

Those stands are great I have a sealey make not tusk use it all the time no problems👍

[@wednesdar452]

Had that exact bike, although I think mine was a 1996--definitely had more colorful graphics and a purple tool bag. Left it in my parents' shed when I went off to school, and they wound up giving it away. Still remember how rideable and fun it was... would love to ride one again some day.

[@singletrackmind2630]

HELL YA MORGAN... I'm super stoked for this series! I got an '03 KDX220 a few years back.. 1st bike in over 20 years! Been slowly building it up as I have gotten back into riding and it works great for the stuff I like.. techical, mountain gnar. Had custom suspensiin built from an '01 KX w/custom wound springs, intenally shortened, revalved for hard(ish) enduro.. currently building new wheels so I can do the swap and rock new shoes too! Couple.things.. The kdx kick lever is wwaaayy too long and wares out the boss, so I did a KX125 kicker mod.. works great! IMS makes 2 pegs for KDX.. Super stock are much wider & work great, Core are thicker/sharper/more stout.. maybe not as wide(?). Pro Circuit 2 pipe is still available for the KDX as well.. performance is somewhere between FMF Wood & FMF Desert (Rev) pipes. Thanks again for all the great content.. keep it coming brother!

[@highlandcycles]

Awesome info

[@mattwalsh1558]

My first bike was a kdx 175. Now have a 250, 220 and 200. The 220 was like a tractor until I did the pipe and it is an off road only model for Australia, so I think the carb is bigger. Just the pipe changed the bike to be much more like the 200. We have all bikes at the property from tt50, pw 80, klx150, rm/ yz 250 and kx450/ wr450. The Kdx200 and 220(h models) are my favorite by a mile. Everyone from newby's to advanced riders love it and around our trails...its the quickest.. thanks for the video mate!

[@danstevens2204]

Still awesome bikes. Great trail/woods bikes

[@claudhenrysmoot7957]

I had a 91 ish 200 about 6-7 years ago. Picked up a 97 220 a few months back. Such a great woods bike. Reminds me that I need swap out the chain and fix a flat on the rear… My riding style prefers the 220. I’m fluffy and ride slow. The 200 hit well in the midrange and up high, but the 220 is smooth all the way through. In the slower more technical stuff I feel more confident on it than I did the 200. YMMV.

[@highlandcycles]

Right on!

[@ScottRandall-vu8sx]

My 1st new one from the the dealer was 1987

[@ataschereau5xj]

I still have my 02 KDX 200 in the fleet. I agree with the pipe being a huge improvement but the Boysen 609 drop in reeds paired with a RB designs modded carb is magic. But I also found the the KX 500 USD forks I had on my bike to be too long so I shortened them internally by an inch with a spacer and shorter spring and its completely transformed the handling of bike. I'm not sure if the KLX forks are shorter than the KX forks or not but it turns way better correcting the geometry.

[@marklang5169]

Love your vids. Had a KDX for my wife. Great n durable bike for Her!

[@highlandcycles]

Right on!

[@barnescycle]

Awesome, it's insane how much we have in common. 👍

[@johantaljaard2132]

Very excited for this series.

[@artsteale3443]

I think IMS makes pegs for that bike. It is a shame that the only new cheap trali bikes are Chinese garbage. Kawi didn't have to change anything they just needed to keep the price low and they would still be selling a fair amount of them.

[@d.brayman3165]

Should be a great series. Looking forward to it.

[@CubMoto]

Team Green!!

[@highlandcycles]

RICH PIERCE

[@husaislander4838]

I am refreshing a Yamaha IT 200. i just picked up 2 of them one is a parts bike

[@markbecker829]

I have that same year KDX200. I also did a refresh a few years back. IMS makes a set of foot pegs that are more suitable for racing. Those are a very versatile bike, I raced mine a full year in A class and did well. My only complaint is they are a bit heavy but that is why they last. I recommend a FRP short kick start lever.

[@highlandcycles]

Thanks.

[@johnbrown-sc8in]

Had a 98 also..great bike

[@kerm9807]

Happy new year Dude, another great video, from the UK 🇬🇧

[@highlandcycles]

Happy new year!

[@joewilliams6642]

Let’s go, Brandon

[@lancefrazier4748]

Everyone needs some family time away from work 😊

[@garydetaeye7081]

I like the kdx 200 I could glide through the mud on them

[@davechase6066]

Oh also, Race Tech gold valves turn those into pretty decent forks

[@KoltReed]

Hey I learned on that thing!! I was nicer than mason though he abused the poor thing!!

[@highlandcycles]

🤣😂

[@DakotaHDrums]

AYE super stoked for the KDX series ! I’m currently rebuilding a 1990 E series for my girlfriend !

[@Gma7788]

YUCK! You must soon begin to realise your motorcycle industry LIED AND EXPLOITED YOU. The KDX is a 8 hour motocross racing bike.

[@calvinjones2745]

PRC!!!🤘🏽🤘🏽🤘🏽

[@highlandcycles]

🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@ericbulic8589]

KX250 F kickstarter, IMS CORE Enduro footpegs, and new fork guards. Should come race it at mid-ohio VMD!

[@highlandcycles]

Great info. Won’t be coming to Ohio but thanks.

[@Chad-WTF]

The KDX 200 has a special place in my heart...back in 2003 i was 13, I had a KTM 125, blew it up and I still wanted to race MX...dad was like "well you can race the 2002 KDX 200...if you want." so I did. Man...racing 250cc novice on the 200 was so much fun trying to hang with the big guys. first ride on it i learned a good lesson thou. i made the mistake of telling my dad "im doing 1 more lap...ended up cartwheeling the KDX...like 4 flips lol. thing started right up and was fine. ended up trading it in for a 2003 MUNN racing ktm 250. I think its time to look for one to build

[@farmer3242]

Iv just bought a 2006 kdx200 with 13.7 hours on it from new. It is such a fun bike and easy to handle and it isnt trying to kill you if you give it a handful of throttle like my 2020 ktm 450xc.

[@Gma7788]

​@farmer3242 Wrong. They sold you a bike you don't understand. They sold you a bike you can't use properly. Look at your bike. Notice it's designed for 8 hours of racing on motocross tracks. It is TERRIBLE FOR COUNTRYSIDE riding.

[@Gma7788]

Wrong. Do YOU want to waste your money on inappropriate bikes? Do you like retail robbing you? The factory doesn't support you with this bike. The enduro bike is WORLD FAMOUS FOR being used to rip off the public for 40 years in a row. Only Glen Helen race track has a race designed for this bike. The KDX is designed for racing round & round in circles for hours and hours. It's got NOTHING TO DO WITH farms and woods and countryside and trails riding or learning to ride. Wake up people! Don't buy inappropriate bikes that you can't possibly use. Even years after production has stopped ✋️ you still don't realise you've been robbed and lied to by retailers and magazines and race tracks. The enduro bike is the number one SCAM of the motorcycle industry. They lied and robbed you of thousands of dollars and you still don't realise it yet.

[@painsrides3616]

Happiness is a pile of bike parts 😎 My Tusk jack stand failed me, I had the DRz on it, lock-barred in the low position for a few days. When I went to pump it up to get the bike down. the peddle just flopped like a dying fish 😐 It wasn't a good situation, the bike was in a very tight space in my shed. Eventually, I was able to force the jack down, then get it to pump up just enough to raise off the lock-bar. Now I'm afraid to use the stand again.

[@highlandcycles]

Dang. That sucks. I would contact RMATV. I bet they will help.

[@painsrides3616]

@@highlandcycles Or they could feed give me some BS that the DRz is 317lbs and over the listed 300lb limit of the lift... Then I'd be pissed off at RM, which would be bad since I do much business with them.

[@highlandcycles]

@@painsrides3616 I wouldn’t mention the bike. Just say it failed.

[@davechase6066]

Stock the 200 was faster but the 220 has way more potential because CCs matter! Go with IMS pegs, they fit great, super sticky, and they're nice size

[@highlandcycles]

Awesome

[@robertdelinsky7247]

2 pipes from fmf woods or desert . Rad valve or v force, 1992 or 93 kx 125 clutch actuator arm pulls like butter kinda hard to find

[@sarahdell4042]

I also own one that was used to let friends learn on or if someone was in town to ride. I put an hour meter on it with no idea how many hours were truly on the bike. The motor seized at 220 hours of riding time under my ownership. I need to get it running again!

[@Gma7788]

No. You need to realise the KDX was misrepresented as something it's not. It's not a learners bike. It's got NOTHING TO DO WITH learners. Motorcycle retailers lied to you. You have no business buying a 8 hour motocross racing bike. You have no business giving that design of bike to learners. I'm not surprised that engine broke. I'm not surprised Kawasaki has STOPPED selling them to the whole world of IDIOTS. I PREY every night that you don't get your hands on these bikes ever again! Your motorcycle retailers have been ripping you off for many decades but you haven't realised it yet.

[@sarahdell4042]

@@Gma7788 These have garbage suspension and mild power. It’s been a great tool to have around to transition friends that have gone from street riding to single track riding. Nothing special about these bikes gramps

[@brycewilliam1984]

Excited to see this refresh! Do you mind sharing the part number for the gripper seat cover?

[@highlandcycles]

Here it is on Rocky Mountain www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/attack-graphics-gripper-seat-cover-p?v=1242?ref=1073&

[@TWDStroke]

My buddy had a’99 with a flashed ecu.. idk what he paid but id say if it was mine, id pay $500 or so for that upgrade

[@richardhartley1705]

👍👍

[@stoplogicmotorsports]

Unfortunately clutch hubs and a few other parts are extinct for the KDX.

[@highlandcycles]

Damn

[@sandysmith7485]

They are out there, it just take a little looking and it depends on what year the bike is.

[@stoplogicmotorsports]

​@@sandysmith7485h series inner clutch hubs are listed as not shipping at every mainstream site like RevZilla, rmatv, ect. I've been stocking up on used ones in good shape and asking around to local machinists about milling some out.

[@sunbud63]

I'm currently putting together a 2000 kdx220 with some upgrades from stock...ported, pipe, higher compression, bored keihin carb. Put a kx front end on it. We should have you do a comparison test.

[@highlandcycles]

Love to

[@sunbud63]

I'll keep you posted

[@kaistewart364]

Pack that damn muffler 🤣🤣🤣😭

[@highlandcycles]

Oh yeah. I forgot to mention that. Definitely cleaning and repacking

[@davidbusch8521]

I had a 89,96,97and o3 2200/220 beat the snot out of them, its a sahme they thry never did a kdx 300

[@highlandcycles]

Agree

[@rhinogames9856]

Reiju has a 200 that has a kick with estart.

[@highlandcycles]

Huh. That might be cool

[@elkku2934]

Hey, im gonna rebuild my 2021 ktm 125 sx aer forks soon and im gonna use either maxima 5w fork fluid or motul 5w fork fluid. Whats your opinion on which fluid i should use?

[@highlandcycles]

I like maxima

[@darrylmathieson5478]

Curious if the klx forks hit the tank? Thank you!

[@highlandcycles]

No

[@MechShark]

Is there something the KDX excels at that a Beta 200 wouldn't fulfill? They're the only one I can think of that still does the 200 engine.

[@highlandcycles]

No. The KDX is not the machine that the beta is.

[@TWDStroke]

It excels in bang for your buck..lol.. I’ve seen them in running condition for as low as $1800..

[@azlong4596]

200 Beta boy check it out.

[@highlandcycles]

Huh?? Yeah those are cool but not the same. They are a high end race bike. These are a really great just trail bike and inexpensive

[@prairiedog879]

My KDX has got the same roached linkage bearings. Bout ready to order the el cheapo Tusk kit. Are you stumping for them? Hope they're at least All balls mediocre. Kawi doesn't sell a bearing kit for the linkage. Just 1ea x 8 $$

[@highlandcycles]

I am on board with RMATV. Use our link in description if you don’t mind.

[@prairiedog879]

@@highlandcyclesdone 🤙

[@bananabrooks3836]

I feel sick, can you get a tripod?

[@highlandcycles]

Nope. I need a better motion control camera. But they are huge money. So if you want to sponsor that I’d love it

[@Briank-ef5iq]

Ktm to move to China? 🤮

[@highlandcycles]

Ugh. I know

[@user-hi4jv2cd8z]

i just traded up for a 01 kdx 200. Took it to a shop to have them do a service check and full breaks all around. Just took the rear tire off the do a chain and both sprocket job myself since shops charge like 5-600 which is insane. Anyway long story short i got the bike back and the tech must not know anything because i am missing both my rear wheel axle spacers. Wanted to ask i know yours is a few years older but should be the same rear do you have those 2 wheel collars on both sides of the rear tire when you took it off and could you take close up pics if so. I just ordered 2 off ebay for cheap but just would like to make sure before i ride it again. not a dirtbike tech stuck to cars and trucks but always more to learn great video the bike is sick and pretty damn quick and powerful for a 200.

[@highlandcycles]

Will do