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New to me '99 200... bad pics, first questions!

Posted: 09:34 pm Jul 12 2011
by homefront
Here are some very unflattering photos of the KDX 200 I picked up today. The plastics actually match better than it looks!

Anyways, I have two questions.

First, can someone recommend a good kickstand? Apparently the first owner (I'm #3) stripped the bolts.

Second, gas is spewing from the float bowl tube. This doesn't happen when I first open the tank valve, but when I stop the bike, the fuel pours out until I shut the valve. I'll investigate tomorrow... does it sound like a stuck float or a bad float valve?

More to come as I ride and service it. Looking forward to this dirt bike after 25 years of being KDXless! :wink:

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Posted: 03:39 am Jul 13 2011
by SS109
Use the stock kickstand. There are a couple of aftermarket stands out there but I don't think any are as good as the stock one and I don't know if they will fit the KDX. Just use good quality heli-coils to fix the stripped threads and use the original one.

The carb issue sound like a sticking needle and/or float. Pull the carb, clean it, and you will probably be good to go.

BTW, welcome back to the world of the KDX! :supz:

Posted: 06:20 am Jul 13 2011
by homefront
Excellent... thanks for the advice!

Posted: 06:54 am Jul 13 2011
by KarlP
Not a bad looking bike!

It seems to me I saw that frame paint job in process on this board somewhere.

An incorrectly set float level may be causing your peeing. I think the procedure for setting it is in the jetting sticky.

Posted: 07:22 am Jul 13 2011
by homefront
Thanks, Karl.

The seller said it's powder coated... sent it to Virginia IIRC.

The bike had a lot of decent parts added to it; oversize tank, skidplate, barkbusters, radiator guards, etc. The seller seemed knowledgeable and conscientious, but this fuel spewing on day 1 is not my idea of "ready to ride".

I'll pull the carb tonight to see what's up. If I have to get parts I may not be riding this weekend. :sad:

Posted: 08:51 am Jul 13 2011
by chadr
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KarlP wrote: An incorrectly set float level may be causing your peeing.
I would think the float needle (with rubber cone on the end) has become a little less effective over the years and just needs to be replaced or cleaned up. The tip on the needle can lose its ability to seal good, so gas just keeps coming out no matter where the float is set. I think these can be cleaned up to restore the sealing surface if you don't want to get a new needle.

Posted: 09:31 am Jul 13 2011
by scheckaet
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SS109 wrote: There are a couple of aftermarket stands out there but I don't think any are as good as the stock one
The stock kickstand is pos imo, it bends, the hole for the pivot bolt (center of rotation) would get bigger and bigger, the spring gets loose and it rattles all the time. It would drag on small jumps (not really safe :shock: ).
I used a bigger bolt and shims and it held for awhile but I finally got rid of it when I lost the spring, I had to duct tape it to the swing arm to finish my ride.
It might be fine if it's new and you're not a very aggressive rider (ie jumps).
there are after market kickstand, you can modify (very easy) a KX made be trailtech I believe and it works better, fold higher up like and out of the way.

Posted: 09:34 am Jul 13 2011
by scheckaet
there:
http://www.kdxrider.net/forums/viewtopi ... =kickstand
that's what I had on my kdx (now on my hybrid)
it's not a "bolt on" addition and requires a bit of shims, finding the right bolt... but well worth the time.

Posted: 11:29 am Jul 13 2011
by Mr. Wibbens
Never had my spring rattle :?

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Posted: 12:05 pm Jul 13 2011
by SS109
I get crazy on my KDX, including jumps, and have never heard my kickstand/spring rattle or have it come down on me. Like I mentioned in another thread about the kick lever, a little maintenance would go a long way. In other words, clean and lube the damn thing once in a while before it ever gets bad. :mrgreen:

Posted: 12:22 pm Jul 13 2011
by Mr. Wibbens
Or do what I did and go down to Ace Hardware and buy the biggest baddest spring they have

Posted: 12:29 pm Jul 13 2011
by homefront
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scheckaet wrote:there:
http://www.kdxrider.net/forums/viewtopi ... =kickstand
that's what I had on my kdx (now on my hybrid)
it's not a "bolt on" addition and requires a bit of shims, finding the right bolt... but well worth the time.
Great... saw that style on a new Husky WR250 I almost bought and thought it was a great design.

Between new riding gear, bike parts and bike supplies my debit card is getting a workout. :neutral:

Posted: 02:11 pm Jul 14 2011
by homefront
Pulled the carb, checked the float valve (looked perfect), schpritzed all the holes with carb cleaner, reassembled... no more gas pouring out of overflow tube.

On startup from cold, no choke, it revved a little for a good minute or so. Rode it around my 2 little acres for several minutes ("Give me warp 5 Mr. Sulu!") and was pleased over all with the engine. Boy, this puppy can move! After the first easy lap it idled normally in neutral.

The chassis is surprising too. Compared to my old '84 this thing turns with confidence and surefootedness. Can't wait to do some some bunny hops!

So far I think this machine is all the seller said it was; I'll report in after the first good ride. :please: