1982 kdx 175

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twowheelfanatic
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1982 kdx 175

Post by twowheelfanatic »

im considering picking up an 82 175
looks to be complete in the pictures,owner says it runs just poorly.
i have been looking around for information on these things.what would one be worth in fantastic shape?
ive contacted race tech and they can and have the parts to freshen up the suspension.i have no intensions of racing it but trail riding it.i weigh abou 210 so it will need stiffened up and fresh oils for sure.
is there any reason to stay away from the air cooled bikes?
thanks for your input
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Re: 1982 kdx 175

Post by KDXGarage »

What attracts you to this particular bike?
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G22inSC
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Re: 1982 kdx 175

Post by G22inSC »

twowheelfanatic wrote: is there any reason to stay away from the air cooled bikes?
YES! Parts availability. Don't take this the wrong way but if you're asking this then a "vintage bike" may not be the best option for you. Many parts are no longer produced, aftermarket for that age is virtually non-existant, NOS parts are scarce so you are left with used parts or DIY "Macgyver" skills.

They're doable but it's much more involved.
'05 Kaw KDX200 ('00 KX125 forks / '02 RM125 Showa "K2" shock)
'14 Yam YZ125(x) (oldest boy's)
'22 Yam YZ125X (youngest boy's)
'17 Yam YZ85 (soon to be FOR SALE)
'10 Honda Recon (wife's)
'08 Kaw KX65 (Sold)
'07 KTM 50SX Sr. (Sold)
'09 Yam PW50 (retired)
'97 Kaw KX250 (Sold)

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2005 KDX200 Bike Profile
mtbfree
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Re: 1982 kdx 175

Post by mtbfree »

I have an '82 KDX 250, and I agree with the above warning... Replacement parts are tough to find. The fuel tank on mine cracked and I ended up having to buy a used one on ebay because none of the aftermarket companies make a direct replacement. I already know that the nail in the coffin for this bike will eventually be some engine part that I just can't find a suitable replacement for, or it will just get too expensive to find NOS parts as things break or wear out.

That being said, if you're into vintage bikes, and you're willing to do the work to find parts and don't mind spending a little cash to get hard to find stuff occasionally, these bikes are awesome. Mine runs great, is very reliable, has plenty of power, and it's super fun to ride. Being air cooled, they are actually pretty low-maintenance (by dirt bike standards), if you're not crashing and breaking parts all the time.
david
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Re: 1982 kdx 175

Post by david »

I agree with all the above statements.

I bought mine about 10 yrs ago for $100. Put a seat cover, rear fender, and air filter in it and just rode the pee out of it for several years, blown rear shock, leaking forks and all. That's all it is to me, just an old, beater, trail bike. Gave it to my kid recently for him to play with. Rear shock is non serviceable and a new custom one would be about $500, rear suspension bushings are expensive and only available as NOS on ebay (but they are still out there), fuel tank is cracked and the only new replacement is from Clarke and it's about $300. Money would be much better spent on a newer bike. On the plus side, the thing just keeps on running and is super easy to start.
'81 KDX 175
'90 KDX 200
'07 Vulcan 2000 Classic LT (totaled 4/25/15)
'82 Honda GL500 (sold)
'96 ZXi 1100 JetSki
'98 STX 1100 JetSki
twowheelfanatic
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1982 kdx 175

Post by twowheelfanatic »

thanks for all the input
i grew up on these air cooled bikes.a couple of years ago i bought an old yamaha ty 250 that didnt run.i found everything needed to get it going and its alot of fun to ride.
as for the kdx the reason for the questions,i dont want to wrap up $1500 dollars in a bike thats only worth $900-$1000
i think i can get it for $300 or less as it doesnt run.its a complete bike with the exception the front fender is broken.everything else there and not gooned up.
my plan is to get it up and running and do a couple vintage events and ocasional trail rides.i have done projects in the past so im not scared of what ever repairs that will need to be done,and i used ebay for past projects looking for parts not a problem either.
thanks agin for your input
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Re: 1982 kdx 175

Post by KDXGarage »

Thanks for the additional information. If you are not afraid of parts availability, then go for it. :bravo:
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G22inSC
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Re: 1982 kdx 175

Post by G22inSC »

I agree. If you're up for the work and know what's ahead, I say jump on it. Could be a fun project.
'05 Kaw KDX200 ('00 KX125 forks / '02 RM125 Showa "K2" shock)
'14 Yam YZ125(x) (oldest boy's)
'22 Yam YZ125X (youngest boy's)
'17 Yam YZ85 (soon to be FOR SALE)
'10 Honda Recon (wife's)
'08 Kaw KX65 (Sold)
'07 KTM 50SX Sr. (Sold)
'09 Yam PW50 (retired)
'97 Kaw KX250 (Sold)

Gallery

2005 KDX200 Bike Profile
twowheelfanatic
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1982 kdx 175

Post by twowheelfanatic »

im going to look at it tonight so i will keep you posted
thanks aain for your input
what would typical compression be on these things?
im assuming 125lbs plus?
david
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Re: 1982 kdx 175

Post by david »

I don't have a manual for mine for the compression spec, and I really don't want to know what my actual number is because I can start mine by hand so it's probably pretty low. It runs too good for me to worry about. My JetSki spec is around 110psi on an 1100 tripple.
'81 KDX 175
'90 KDX 200
'07 Vulcan 2000 Classic LT (totaled 4/25/15)
'82 Honda GL500 (sold)
'96 ZXi 1100 JetSki
'98 STX 1100 JetSki
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1982 kdx 175

Post by KDXGarage »

twowheelfanatic wrote:im going to look at it tonight so i will keep you posted
thanks aain for your input
what would typical compression be on these things?
im assuming 125lbs plus?
In the 1981 manual, it says 118 psi.
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twowheelfanatic
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1982 kdx 175

Post by twowheelfanatic »

well i decided to buy it tonight
it had 140 lbs compression,is complete bike head light mask,original rear fender.
wheel bearings,wheels spokes and tires,all pretty good shape.
got home cleaned carb set float level put in fresh premix,started 2nd kick.runs good idles good clutch and all gears good.
down side brakes hanging up,fork seals leaking a little.all in all some tlc should be on the trails in no time.
these mikuni carbs dont have a mixture screw?
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Re: 1982 kdx 175

Post by KDXGarage »

CONGRATULATIONS! :partyman:

I am glad to hear you went and bought it.

In the 1981 manual, the air screw is on the right side. (obviously toward the rear of the carb, by the air box). Stock setting is 1.5 turns out.

main jet 157.5
air jet 2.5
jet needle 6F21-4
needle jet Q-8
cutaway 2.5
pilot jet 40
air screw 1.5
service fuel level 9 +/- 1 mm

The same part number is used on all three carburetors, so I assume the jetting is the same for all three years.

Again, congratulations on your KDX175. If you don't have it, someone on eBay is selling the KDX175-A3 (1982) combined owner / service manual for $9.99 shipped. I strongly suggest you get one. It will be the best money you can spend on it. :wah:
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twowheelfanatic
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1982 kdx 175

Post by twowheelfanatic »

thanks for info,i will check it out
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Re: 1982 kdx 175

Post by KDXGarage »

You're welcome. Good luck with it.
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