KDXRIDER.NET

Im looking to buy either a 1998 kdx 220 or a 2002 kdx 200 from craigslist. I dont know which one to get because from what ive researched,the 220 has better low end and torque but the 200 has better top end and speed but I want both . Is it possible to improve the low end on the 200 OR the top speed on the 220 with after-market parts and stuff? Which bike is easier to make it have both very good low end and top end? I need help and am very confused!!

200 + torque pipe = more low end than stock just shy of the 220 low end stock
220 + rev pipe + more top end than stock just shy on the 200 top end
Make sense?
You can't go wrong with either... unless you get a 220
be aware of the stock 220 piston issue.
i prefer the 200 myself especially with RBD mod (head and carb) that give you more of everything everywhere.
check my sig for jetting how to (a must) and the newb info section (also a must) AND you don't have to worry about the stock piston grenading on you

I've got what you'd call a "modded" 220, and have ridden an equally modded 200, the difference being my 220 was ported, the 200 (which has different porting anyway) was the same as mine. RB carb and head, FMF pipes (I had desert, he had woods) and VF reeds. My 220 had more torque AND more over rev. Now I'd like to compare rev pipe to rev pipe, but didn't see the need as the consensus is that the Rev pipe doesn't do much on the 200 anyways.

So it is POSSIBLE to have the 220 outperform the 200, if you put in the work. Hope that helps.

Also if you want more over-rev on the 220, retard the timing.

What about the expansion reservoir / KIPS bottle spacer thing? Supposed to boost bottom end power, but never had one on my bike

I.e

I think Im leaning towards the 200 just because its the cheaper one and I will look into getting the gnarly woods pipe and maybe a silencer but like slick_nick said is it really possible for the 220 to outperform the 200? that almost makes me lean towards the 220

Gotanubike wrote:What about the expansion reservoir / KIPS bottle spacer thing? Supposed to boost bottom end power, but never had one on my bike

I.e

And remove the ball and spring from the KIPS.

how think is the spacer?

Don't believe the 220 propaganda the 200 is by far the superior machine.

take a look at the craigslist ads im looking at i will link them

the 02 kdx 200: http://nwct.craigslist.org/mcy/4590108298.html

the 98 kdx 220: http://hartford.craigslist.org/mcy/4600705347.html

Tell me what you think of them

as much as I hate to say it, i'd get the 220. it has a lot more goodies on it and looks in better shape.
you probably could trade that gnarly wood pipe for rev too.
if it was me I'd send the head and carb to RBD to get a bit more top end.

ok then I will probably get that and maybe I can negotiate with him and bring the price down a bit

That 220 is a nice looking bike, but far from "mint". It has been ridden and to be "mint" it would have to have been sitting un-ridden. But still it looks to be in really good shape, and well taken care of. Make sure you give it a good run down. I usually won't buy a bike if the owner has it "warmed up" before I get there. Another option (that I've used) is to BS with the owner until the bike cools way down (if not all the way down) and then get to looking at, starting and riding the bike. As nice of condition as that is in, I doubt the stock piston has been replace (I have been known to be wrong), so consider that cost in the price of the bike. It could have also grenaded already and that may be the true reason he is selling.
The 200 is in decent shape also, but not as pretty.
Either way you go....I doubt that you could go wrong. Also; at those prices....your GTG IMO...KDXs sell for the same price,in beat to $hit condition, around here.

If I go and check it out what are some things I should look for on the bike that may be bad like is there any way to tell that the piston is stock or has already been grenaded? I want to be prepared and not buy a bike that has everything wrong with it

You could pull the pipe off and take a look inside the cylinder while the kick starter is slowly cranking the motor over, but no guarantees that you'd see anything important. The close ups of the motor didn't show any tool marks, so I'd assume that the piston is stock. Both bikes are in decent shape and the prices are right. Add a few hundred to the cost of the 220 for piston replacement and HOPE that it hasn't shedded any pieces into the bottom end (worst case scenario).

If I were to choose, I'd go with the 220, simply because it looks to have been maintained much better. The woods pipe though, not a huge deal, just try to find someone to trade you for a desert pipe. Change the piston, retard the timing, and enjoy!

I vote 220. Frame paint looks original and has very little wear compared to the 200. Don't look like a lot of time on her. Good luck!

Alright looks like I'm set on the getting the 220 I looked for more kdx 200s on craigslist and they were all beat up or not running or brand new ones way out of my budget. What does 6 riders mean when he says, " hope it hasn't shedded any pieces into the bottom end" I'm kinda confused on that. Also is there any other topics on how to change the stock piston because I won't know much about that. Sorry I'm a real noob

There are lots of threads on that, don't you worry. For now, just focus on GETTING the bike for a good price. Worry about the upgrades once you get it home.

endurokid105 wrote:What does 6 riders mean when he says, " hope it hasn't shedded any pieces into the bottom end" I'm kinda confused on that.

The stock 220 pistons are prone to cracking. If left unchecked the pieces will eventually break off and cause some expensive repairs. If the stock piston is still in there you should replace it and that is why he said to factor in the cost of a top end.

Edit: I just read the ad and it says the piston was changed because of this very reason. Seeing a receipt for parts would be nice. If you can get away with removing the pipe, you should be able to see the machine marks of the Wiseco through the exhaust port.

For the power argument, remember, the 220 already has a 10% displacement advantage.

Assuming both bikes get an aftermarket pipe, going to a larger carb REALLY helps the 220 breathe on the top end. After that I'd say head mod, then porting.