Piston for a KDX 125

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Mfkdx
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Piston for a KDX 125

Post by Mfkdx »

Hello all, I know that some of you have or know about the KDX 125, well mine is a 1991 or 1992 model and I think I had a lean seize on it and now I need to replace the piston as well as a bunch of other things on it. My issue where I need some help is figuring out what piston to use. Because of the lack of 125s in the US, I can't find the exact one on ebay although I can find a bunch of KX125 pistons. Current piston was not original and I don't have info on it. So my question is, what would you recommend that I use?
As a side note, is there some way to tell for sure what year this bike is?

Thanks!!
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Slick_Nick
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Post by Slick_Nick »

Check the Kawasaki parts database and look at cross utilization of that piston. Might be the same as a KX 125.
'00 KDX 220R
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Post by Mfkdx »

This is probably a stupid question, but where is the Kawasaki parts database? If you're referring to Kawasaki.com/Owners... that only includes US models which the KDX125 was not part of.
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Post by SS109 »

I would try contacting the various piston manufacturers and see what they say. I'm sure at least one of them made pistons for it at one time.
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Post by woodbutcher »

95 200 (EG225)
CR125
CR250
TTR125
TTR125L (All BBR'd Up)
TTR125LE
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Post by Mfkdx »

Awesome thanks for finding that, but WOW that's more than I can spend on the piston. With international shipping to me I'd be looking around $150!! Too much for a 20 yr old bike that is worth $750, at least that's what my wife is going to say.
That's why I've been looking at KX pistons, I'm just not sure it'll fit/work correctly. Like the skirt, ring gap and stuff.
What do you guys think? Any other 125s out there? I can't be the first to try this.
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Post by Mfkdx »

I've been comparing numbers on these diagrams and it looks like the only difference is that the KX only uses one piston ring versus the KDX 2 rings. The connecting rod and pin are the same.

http://www.cmsnl.com/kawasaki-1991-a2-k ... E1320.html

http://www.cmsnl.com/kawasaki-1991-h2-k ... 1320A.html

What's the difference with using a piston with just one ring?
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Post by Slick_Nick »

I wouldn't say the pistons are "the same" because they look that way on the fiche. Look on ebay for a Wossner piston.
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Post by woodbutcher »

>|<>QBB<
Mfkdx wrote:I've been comparing numbers on these diagrams and it looks like the only difference is that the KX only uses one piston ring versus the KDX 2 rings. The connecting rod and pin are the same.

http://www.cmsnl.com/kawasaki-1991-a2-k ... E1320.html

http://www.cmsnl.com/kawasaki-1991-h2-k ... 1320A.html

What's the difference with using a piston with just one ring?
They used 1 ring on the kx for faster revving. They also wear faster with just 1 ring....but like slick nick said, don't assume they're the same by looking at a picture. Exact diameter, height, piston skirt shape, wrist pin bearing size, oil holes, etc. all need to be factored in.
95 200 (EG225)
CR125
CR250
TTR125
TTR125L (All BBR'd Up)
TTR125LE
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Post by Mfkdx »

OK, cool I guess I'll try to get one and compare it to the pics of what should be in mine.

Thanks
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Post by Brian »

Even though they use the same wrist pin it might be located farther from the crown or closer to the crown. In either of those situations you might have a serious problem, even though it appears to fit otherwise.
KX 250, KDX 220, KDX 220, KDX 200, CR 80

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Slick_Nick
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Post by Slick_Nick »

Save yourself the headache, and just pony up and get the Wossner. Even if the KX dome height is off by a few thousandths of an inch, you'd be looking at a new engine if you tried to run it.
'00 KDX 220R
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Post by SS109 »

Here ya go. No reason to even think about a KX125 piston. 32.95 pounds or $52.61 U.S. Visit this Ebay store and search "KDX125 piston": http://stores.ebay.com/D-G-COMP-SHOP?_t ... 4340.l2563
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Post by Mfkdx »

Really! A few thousands of an inch and kaboom?!? I can compare the crown height with the current one before installing.

Noone in Europe has tried this? It should rev faster with the single ring.
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Post by SS109 »

>|<>QBB<
Mfkdx wrote:Really! A few thousands of an inch and kaboom?!?
Yes, really, if it creates any interference.
Youtube Channel: WildAzzRacing
AZ State Parks & Trails OHV Ambassador - Trail Riders of Southern AZ
Current KDX: '98 KDX220
Old KDX: '90 KDX200 -White/Blue
'11 GasGas EC250R
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