KDXRIDER.NET

Greetings,

I have a 1997 220 that runs great, right up to the point prior to the power band kicking in. Then, it runs like trash (sputters and lurches). As soon as goes into the band it's like a rocketship. Any ideas where to start?

Here's what I know:

Problem has persisted before and after complete topend. (new piston)
Problem persists regardless of jetting, plug and fuel changes.
Problem has persisted before and after complete teardown and rebuild of KIPS.
Problem has persisted before and after new FMF pipe and silencer.

(seems to be a persistent problem!!)
Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

Sounds like the "Repair Manual Error", It tells you to put the two valves in on the wrong sides.

1. Are you refereing to Cyclepedia's Online Manual? That is the one I used and I followed it precisely.

2. The bike was manifesting this problem before the teardown of the KIPS.

(Just trying to be thorough in the troubleshooting phase)

getting good spark?
bad timing?
bad coil?

It doesn't mean it's never been apart before, unless you're the original owner...

Yes, I realize that it could have been disassembled prior to me acquiring it, however, if Cyclepedia has the correct reassembly sequence then I put them in correctly.

scheckaet wrote:getting good spark?
bad timing?
bad coil?

I have to admit that this is the weak area of my troubleshooting. Is there a thread that has some good info for this procedure?

If you're sure the KIPS are to together correctly: http://justkdx.dirtrider.net/correction.html then I would move on to ignition.
Is It getting a nice blue spark?
Is the coil in good shape? (no cracks in the plastic or anything like that).
Timing: is the stator in the stock location?

Sounds like the power band might be stretched out. It happens with age. Try tightening it up to take the slack out, or you may just need to get a new power band for it all together. Try ebay if you do. You might be able to pick up a good used one.

rbates9 wrote:Sounds like the power band might be stretched out. It happens with age. Try tightening it up to take the slack out, or you may just need to get a new power band for it all together. Try ebay if you do. You might be able to pick up a good used one.

The bike has been ridden little in it's lifetime, and the band seems tight.

Are these the "power bands" you speak of rbates? http://kalecoauto.com/index.php?main_pa ... ucts_id=36

Roadhazardguy wrote:Are these the "power bands" you speak of rbates? http://kalecoauto.com/index.php?main_pa ... ucts_id=36

That is one option. I haven't tried them my self but they should work.

I tried one out of a KLX and it was too smooth, I tried one out of a KX125 and it was a bit to twitchy, But the KDX power band was just right.

candisammie wrote:

rbates9 wrote:Sounds like the power band might be stretched out. It happens with age. Try tightening it up to take the slack out, or you may just need to get a new power band for it all together. Try ebay if you do. You might be able to pick up a good used one.

The bike has been ridden little in it's lifetime, and the band seems tight.

Ride time has little to do with power band stretch, it has more to do with age.

Try posting in the "wanted" section on here. Some one will have an extra power band. I'm sure of it.

rbates9 wrote:

candisammie wrote:

rbates9 wrote:Sounds like the power band might be stretched out. It happens with age. Try tightening it up to take the slack out, or you may just need to get a new power band for it all together. Try ebay if you do. You might be able to pick up a good used one.

The bike has been ridden little in it's lifetime, and the band seems tight.

Ride time has little to do with power band stretch, it has more to do with age.

Try posting in the "wanted" section on here. Some one will have an extra power band. I'm sure of it.

I disagree with this. My uncle was a pro AMA race mechanic and said those guys go through 2-3 bands a week since they run so hard.
If you throw the band in the dryer it will shrink a bit and get you some more ride time though.

Well, yes under extreme use the power band will stretch quicker. But I was assuming that the bike was just used as a casual ride. So it may be a good idea to just go ahead and replace it any way. To be on the safe side. For what it cost it is cheap insurance.

To the OP, if you could do a write up on the replacement with pictures I'm sure it would help a lot of people down the road. Thanks

Roadhazardguy wrote:If your sure the KIPS are to together correctly: http://justkdx.dirtrider.net/correction.

how much of an affect would this have on the way the bike runs?

i ask because i have just checked my manual and it seems i have the older version where they are listed wrongly!
after doing a rebuild the bike runs superbly! but i did follow the manual with re-assembling the kips!

just to confirm,the right exhaust valve rod has an o ring,and it is the RIGHT (not left) sub valve that has the groove in the top?
both right hand side as if you was sat on the bike?

think i need to pull my head of in the morning and check!


best regards
john

Correct. Ive never experienced it but I would assume it would still run OK but wouldn't have the "Power band" like it should.



And please don't pull YOUR head off, its not that big of a deal...

Roadhazardguy wrote:Correct. Ive never experienced it but I would assume it would still run OK but wouldn't have the "Power band" like it should.



And please don't pull YOUR head off, its not that big of a deal...

thanks for clearing that up,the bike runs superb! but i am now pretty certain they are the wrong way round!
only take 30 mins to sort

best regards
john

rbates9 wrote:

candisammie wrote:

rbates9 wrote:Sounds like the power band might be stretched out. It happens with age. Try tightening it up to take the slack out, or you may just need to get a new power band for it all together. Try ebay if you do. You might be able to pick up a good used one.

The bike has been ridden little in it's lifetime, and the band seems tight.

Ride time has little to do with power band stretch, it has more to do with age.

Try posting in the "wanted" section on here. Some one will have an extra power band. I'm sure of it.

Well, you guys were right, the band was not old, but,it was totally worn out. My local dealer sold me a new one at a pretty decent price.

I really could use some advice getting the new band in place. I got the drummer, bass, and lead guitar in just fine but, I can't get the fiddle in at all. And everybody knows if you're gonna play in Texas you've gotta have a fiddle in the band.

Hahaha

BTW where are you from candisammie?