KDXRIDER.NET

Hi All,

I am looking for a KDX and have an 06 bike to look at this week. Any KDX specific issues I should look for?

Thanks in advance!

if it's a 220 make sure the piston is a wiseco or you will have to put one in before riding it so the engine doesn't grenade.

Just the normal stuff on any bike. KDX's are pretty tuff bikes. They don't realy have any issues that you could pick up on by just looking at it.

Wiggle the wheels, check the suspension linkage, forks for leakage, bent and broken stuff.

Not that it matters much but make sure it is a 06 by crossing the VIN for the year. 95-06 are pretty much the same bike so condition will matter much more than the specific year but you may be able to get them down on the price if it is older than what they say.

make sure it has a VIN (not ground off by the thief who stole it). It's on the headtube of the frame.

put the frame up on blocks under the frame to check the rear suspension linkage play. There shouldn't be any, or you're looking at ~$100 in parts and a bunch of work.

Good KDX's are getting harder to find. Look for a low hour unit. KDX's are like KTM's, ridden hard and put awat wet. They are usually pretty hammered when the rider is ready to move on.

I've had the best luck finding them in Desert areas. Goes like this... a guy buys it for the wife, she rides it 6 times in 7 years, guy sells it on Craigs List.

There's a great article on the KDX in the current issue of Dirt Bike Magazine.

Thanks for the input - I picked up a pretty nice 2006 this week. I havent ridden for 20 years and I'm geeked out! I just ordered new chain/sprockets and some other odds and ends. Im 5'6" so the bike is a bit tall and I am thinking of a link to drop it some but I want to ride it for a bit first to be sure.

Lots of great info here!

Twenty years?? Take it easy till you get your skills back. I didn't... and I paid the price with a broken bone.
Great choice on the KDX!

F1 wrote:Thanks for the input - I picked up a pretty nice 2006 this week. I havent ridden for 20 years and I'm geeked out! I just ordered new chain/sprockets and some other odds and ends. Im 5'6" so the bike is a bit tall and I am thinking of a link to drop it some but I want to ride it for a bit first to be sure.

Lots of great info here!

Ease back into it after 20 years. My advice, ride that thing as much as you can... every damn weekend if you can. Make it your life. Join a gym and work out at least 5 days a week. Or just have fun!

As far as the bike, I'd save the link drop as a last resort. You could cut the seat a little first.

As I'm sure you've seen there still is a million up-grades you can do to the KDX. It all depends on how your gonna use it. If you are the 1% using it for it's intended purpose.. knarly-ass-singletrack and impossible situations like Last Man Standing stuff... leave it bone stock (with the exception of the fork springs).

If you are the 99%, choose the up-grades that support your riding style. And your right... the best info on the KDX is here!

OH YEAH..... Don't ever...ever...ever be this guy! Ha!

I grew up with mx bikes and my last was a RM 125 then I went 4 wheels for a while. I plan to go easy. A past broken foot and severe sprain of the other ankle have taught me that long ago. (Both caused by stupidity and lack of riding boots btw)

I will be riding with guys my age who like hilly single tracks in PA.

Thanks for the responses- i'll be posting with any questions!

Where in PA? I am in Clarion.

St Clair - Reading Anthracite.

I'm a 2 hr ride from there but its worth it. I am in south NJ and need to find a nice illegal place to ride.