Youtube video posted for answers

[G22inSC]

I just posted a video of my 2005 KDX 200 idling in an attempt to decide if I have issues or not. I have been away from the bike for a few years and just got back to it because of the boys. I swear I just don't remember the KIPS making that much racket.

Towards the end of the video you can hear a distinct difference when the clutch is pulled.

Is the noise in the video indeed the KIPS valve rattle or do I have piston slap or some other problem. Desperate for your help.

[chkdx]

Subscribed. Mine does the same thing and I'm looking forward to what others think.

[canamfan]

When i got my kdx I replaced the piston 97 200 and cleaned the kips valve parts It was louder after i cleaned it, I guess more clearance in the kips parts. and yes it sounds just like yours. i originally thought it was piston slap but the piston cylinder clearance is good.

[G22inSC]

I swear that mine has all most a "howling" or grinding type noise like maybe a worn out bearing. I can hear it on some GoPro footage I have; however, it is not a small enough file to put on youtube. I just don't know if I'm making myself paranoid or if something is there.

[sped66]

I can hear it on some GoPro footage I have; however, it is not a small enough file to put on youtube.

You can use Windows Movie Maker to simply cut out the portion you'd like to upload. Search youtube for a "how to" on the subject. It's really easy imo.
If you're using Windows XP, you could check out a tutorial I made on the topic. If you have Vista or 7, I don't think you'd have to do any converting beforehand.

[Julien D]

Mmmm. I love the sound of a healthy KDX.

[JoKDX220r]

Mmmm. I love the sound of a healthy KDX.

I'm not 100% sure... listen carefully at 0:13 when it "rev-down" there is a king of grinding noise..!?!?

[G22inSC]

Mmmm. I love the sound of a healthy KDX.

Does this mean you think this is a healthy KDX?

[Velocity_Stack]

That's what mine sounds like.

I think it's good.

[Julien D]

Sounds good to me. I don't notice any noises it should not be making. Sometimes it's hard to tell from a video clip, but I think you're good to go. If there is a grinding noise that I'm missing it would be worth investigating. Grinding noises are never good.

[G22inSC]

I took the KDX for a short slow trip up and down the street this morning. I just left it in 3rd gear and kept a steady throttle. I noticed the "howling or grinding" noise the most when I would let off the throttle and coast or give it very little throttle at all. The noise seemed to mainly dissipate if the clutch was pulled in (except for what I think is the KIPS rattle). Is this a normal KDX sound? I seem to remember that is a typical action if the KDX clutch is pulled. Sorry for seeming so paranoid. Just don't want to grenade something due to ignorance.

[TWMOODY]

Sounds like a KDX to me.

[Mr. Wibbens]

sounds normal to me

[Mr. Wibbens]

[youtube][/youtube][/youtube]

[factoryX]

Sounds exactly like mine.

[kawagumby]

The hard part is trying to tell if part of the noise is a worn piston. My 200 sounded "normal" but was getting a little too loud for my liking. To be on the safe side, I stuck a new wiseco in it and the noise was noticeably reduced. It's a tough call - too much noise to begin with... but if you hold off too long, you may grenade a piston thinking it's just the KIPS. If you ride a lot, like every week for several hours, I'd change the piston out every year - but that's just my take - my experience is that also keeps the cylinder walls in good shape longer.

Noise reduction when the clutch is pulled in is normal and is primary gear based.

[chkdx]

Good to know mine's normal!