KDXRIDER.NET

Hey everyone. Just picked up a 1990 KDX200 for my girlfriend. It's a little rough, but it starts and runs good, and seems to be in decent shape for a 27 year old bike (it's just a bit older than the both of us).




Came with a KTM spark arrestor, new chain and sprockets, new clutch cable, the original Kawasaki service manual, and a bunch of extra parts all for $750. However, It needs plastics, the kick starter is kinda wonky and has been rigged a bit (shortens the amount you can kick it, makes it real tricky to start), it's missing the speedo assembly and cable, and the front light is missing as well (the bulb socket is there, though).

Before we took it out for the first time we pulled the carb to check the jetting and make sure everything was nice and clean, and replaced the torn grips and bent levers:




The first ride was awesome. I was super surprised how smooth the power delivery is on this bike. I normally ride an '01 RM250, so I was concerned that the 200 would be a bit much for the lady, but she loved it. Tons of power, and it's so predictable. I already love this bike so much that the other night I got bored and decided to try and pretty up the plastics a bit (super dry and cracked in a lot of areas).



Didn't quite finish, but it's getting there. So, what should I keep an eye out for on these bikes? Anything I should know before taking on long rides? Also, what would I need to replace/repair the speedo assy? The entire thing is missing, and the hole where I assume the cable goes into the fork is plugged with a bolt. No idea where to start on this. Thanks for reading and for any feedback =].

Welcome to the forums, and congratulations on the KDX.

Check the KIPS valves at some point.

Check various linkage, swingarm, wheel and steering bearings.

The stock part was an odometer / tripmeter combination.

If you are wanting very good lighting, look into rewinding the light coil or buying a replacement coil abd probably an aftermarket headlight housing.

Congrats and welcome

" we pulled the carb"

Who is "we"?

I thought 90 was blue and white?

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

Jason wrote:" we pulled the carb"

Who is "we"?

Haha, she likes do do most of the work on her own bike, but she needs a bit of coaching from time to time. The new to us Kawi is quite a bit different than her old Yamaha, so I had to step in a few times =P. She definitely deserves all the credit, though. Not many chicks willing to get their hands dirty.

As far as the colors, I'm not sure. The title and VIN/Label all say 1990, so maybe there were a few different options?

Just razzing you.

1984 KDX80
1984 KDX200
1988 KDX200
1990 KDX200
1991 KDX200

all had two color options

Welcome and enjoy!

Nice find! Welcome to the forum!

I would try to route the brake line inside of the forks, rather than inside. Helps to keep it from getting snagged on a branch and prevents it from getting damaged if you lay the bike down.

For the odometer/trip meter parts, check here http://www.partzilla.com/parts/search/K ... parts.html here http://www.partzilla.com/parts/search/K ... parts.html and here http://www.partzilla.com/parts/search/K ... parts.html I would check around on eBay and the for sale section of this forum before going and buying brand new stuff (not cheap). Good luck with the bike!

Thanks for the info, much appreciated. It's hard to tell what is needed when the PO kinda mickey moused a bunch of stuff. And yeah, that brake line annoys the crap out of me, already first on this list to take care of before the next ride.

Some updates on this bike: Recently decided to update the front fender, and finally restore the plastics as best as possible:

New front fender, next to old for comparison



Here are the shrouds after initial cleanup, before sanding, next to the old fender for comparison


One of the worst spots, shown in steps so you can really see how bad it was




Shrouds after sanding (400, then 1000, then 2000)


Side panels, after cleanup but not yet sanded


Side panels after sanding


Then came the rear fender... by far the hardest part. Took me 3 hours or so on just this part alone







And here's a few pics of the finished product



The plastics are far from perfect, as they have some discoloration that goes all the way through, but it didn't cost me anything but time, and at least now they can take some graphics. It will also have a black seat as soon as I can figure out how to re-cover it =P.

Hey! That looks good. Congratulations on seeing your hard work come through.

That's a Ford truck, right? What model and year is it?

Thanks! I really can't wait to get the seat taken care of and get some graphics for it. It will look like a whole new bike.

Yup, that's my truck, it's a 1988 Ranger. It's my DD and bike hauler =P. It's old, but I love it.

What year / model is the numberplate?

The dark brown interior is definitely from the 80's. I have a Ford truck, too.

Welcome! Where are you located?