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Hello Everyone!

Posted: 01:09 am Jun 18 2017
by SquachRider
Hello everyone! This is my second season riding, and I am now an extremely happy and proud owner of a 2004 KDX 220R. I just got it for $3000 CAD. I am from British Columbia Canada, and I live on Vancouver Island. I had to order a new 13 tooth front sprocket after the first ride though, because the guy (really nice dude!) put a 12 tooth front sprocket on it. It freaking goes like a cat dropped in a tub. It's actually kind of scary. Is the stock setup quite a bit tamer guys? Lol I am coming from a 2017 Yamaha XT250. I love the 220R but that 12 tooth front sprocket is insane lol.

Re: Hello Everyone!

Posted: 06:04 am Jun 18 2017
by sthutch
Welcome to the board!

Re: Hello Everyone!

Posted: 12:35 pm Jun 18 2017
by jjavaman
Hi and welcome. I take it the po was into tight single trac! Is your 220 stock? I've got a PC pipe/spark arrester on mine and got the RB head and carb mod done. I'm running a 13 tooth front sprocket and find 1st gear almost unusable. Before I had the RB mods done I found the gearing to be spot on.
Do you know if the po put a weisco or equivalent piston in it as the stock piston has a history of exploding at the wrong time.
Where abouts on the island are you? I've got family in and around Victoria. I ride up in Squamish mostly so if you're ever over here and want a tour of Squamish trails, shoot me a message!

Re: Hello Everyone!

Posted: 01:55 pm Jun 18 2017
by doakley
If you don not know, with absolute certainty, what piston is in your bike, pull the top end now and replace. I run 13/49 on my stock 220. Perfect for tight woods.

Re: Hello Everyone!

Posted: 01:57 pm Jun 18 2017
by SquachRider
[quote="jjavaman"] I'm running a 13 tooth front sprocket and find 1st gear almost unusable. Before I had the RB mods done I found the gearing to be spot on.

As far as I know the bike is stock except the 12 tooth front sprocket, but with the 12-47 setup first gear is non existent, it is so short, and 2 gear is so fast for technical stuff. It is so stupid fast, I feel like I am on a MX bike. Even my friend with a crf250x thinks it's crazy. His bike is much more controlable. I live in Port Alberni.

Re: Hello Everyone!

Posted: 05:07 pm Jun 18 2017
by 6 Riders
Put a 14 tooth up front, that'll get things in the right range

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Re: Hello Everyone!

Posted: 09:23 pm Jun 18 2017
by SquachRider
6 Riders, well I am going to try the stock gearing at 13-47. Then if it's still a bit high I might try the 14 tooth front. How do you find running the 14-47?

Hello Everyone!

Posted: 01:22 am Jun 19 2017
by thirdgenlxi
Welcome to the forum! :grin: :supz:

I run the stock 13/47 on my 200 and I think it's just right (for me at least)..... we have a lot of tight, steep, gnarly stuff here. I could see where 12 would prob be a little snappy, hahah

Re: Hello Everyone!

Posted: 12:21 am Jun 20 2017
by KDXGarage
Welcome to the forums. Congrats on the KDX.

Look around to see the difference between a stock piston and a Wiseco.

Hello Everyone!

Posted: 10:05 pm Jun 21 2017
by SquachRider
thanks Jason and thirdgenlxi!

Re: Hello Everyone!

Posted: 08:27 am Jun 22 2017
by 6 Riders
When I first started riding, I was having gear selection trouble with the stock gearing. I went to a 14t front to spread 2nd out farther and it worked like a charm. I, now, run 13/49, 14/46, 14/47 and 13/47.....depending on the riding. The 14/46 is reserved for street use, but the other 3 work well in their designated riding areas....
13/49 is my slower trails and muddy track gear....
13/47 for regular, everyday trail riding.....
14/47 for open, more dessert terrain type riding.


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Re: Hello Everyone!

Posted: 08:28 am Jun 23 2017
by SquachRider
6 Riders Thanks for your reply. Those are good to keep note of. We have a good mix of everything when we go for rides so it seems the stock 13/47 gearing should work fine. I also think that changing the rear sprocket to 49 would be a more practical change than dropping the tooth in the front lol.

Re: Hello Everyone!

Posted: 09:57 am Jun 23 2017
by 6 Riders
SquachRider wrote:6 Riders Thanks for your reply. Those are good to keep note of. We have a good mix of everything when we go for rides so it seems the stock 13/47 gearing should work fine. I also think that changing the rear sprocket to 49 would be a more practical change than dropping the tooth in the front lol.
I agree. Using a 12t sprocket up front can cause premature chain wear.
I still suggest the 14t front to mild out that hit you are not enjoying. Once you get comfortable with the bike, you can play with lower gearing.

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