Transmission, engine performance, suspension and brakes

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Kirgan
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Transmission, engine performance, suspension and brakes

Post by Kirgan »

I just bought a 1984 kdx250 that runs and rides. However after I got it home and started going through it seems like it just about needs one of everything. I'm decent when it comes to mechanics and I have a good general idea of engines and suspension, however up to this point I've never really split open the transmission, clutch, or done any suspension work. It's pretty much been bolt and go. What am I getting in to? Is there any videos that would relate more to my year of bike? Where do I start?
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Re: Transmission, engine performance, suspension and brakes

Post by KDXGarage »

Look on Youtube for 1980 - 1984 KDX250. Those will be somewhat similar to your model.

I mentioned the service manual in your intro thread.
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Re: Transmission, engine performance, suspension and brakes

Post by Kirgan »

Thank you for your response! I am having trouble trying to locate a shop manual and trying to post any pictures, any suggestions? Sorry for any stupid questions ahead of time as I'm still pretty new to this
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Re: Transmission, engine performance, suspension and brakes

Post by KDXGarage »

https://www.ebay.com/itm/OEM-Genuine-Ka ... n1&vxp=mtr

You can host the pictures somewhere else and use the IMG tags.
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Re: Transmission, engine performance, suspension and brakes

Post by Kirgan »

Thank you! I've got it on the way now. As for pictures I don't understand what you mean host them or what an ing tag is? :hmm:
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Re: Transmission, engine performance, suspension and brakes

Post by SS109 »

Kirgan wrote:Thank you! I've got it on the way now. As for pictures I don't understand what you mean host them or what an ing tag is? :hmm:
For image hosting and posting... http://www.kdxrider.net/forums/viewtopi ... 88&t=22936
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Re: Transmission, engine performance, suspension and brakes

Post by Kirgan »

JKADXMB13EA003240 is the number stamped on the column. Sticker on column says model specific code is KAW0850250
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Re: Transmission, engine performance, suspension and brakes

Post by KDXGarage »

The tenth digit in the VIN is the year code. E = 1984.

Are you in the USA? In the USA, the last year for the air-cooled KDX250s was 1984. They made a liquid-cooled version from 1991 - 1994.
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Re: Transmission, engine performance, suspension and brakes

Post by Kirgan »

Yes Illinois
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Re: Transmission, engine performance, suspension and brakes

Post by Kirgan »

Image
Kirgan
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Re: Transmission, engine performance, suspension and brakes

Post by Kirgan »

Kirgan
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Re: Transmission, engine performance, suspension and brakes

Post by Kirgan »

Ok cool! I sure appreciate it!
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Re: Transmission, engine performance, suspension and brakes

Post by KDXGarage »

I went in and added "USA" in your profile. Some KDXs were sold just in certain countries. For example, Australia got a "street legal" version of a few models that the USA never saw. It can get confusing sometimes without knowing what country the bike came from. In all honesty, no one cares where anyone is from, just the bike. :razz:

Here's a link to the 1984 KDX250 page on Partzilla:

https://www.partzilla.com/catalog/kawas ... -kdx250-b4

That seat cover is pretty dang cool.

Is that a four-stroke muffler on there?

Are you a 2x4 and drywall hoarder? LOL

EDITby Jason: I did a little editing on my previous post since you were posting pictures while I was typing.
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Re: Transmission, engine performance, suspension and brakes

Post by Kirgan »

So I do have a few questions to anyone who may know... What would be the best way to upgrade to disc brakes front and rear? Obviously wouldn't be to hard to swap forks or "front end" all together. How ever most everything I have read is all on newer bikes and there's not much to go on for the rear except talk of swingarm swap or a bolt on solution of some sort? Any thoughts, ideas or knowledge? Also not finding much on aftermarket rear suspension or anything at all on aftermarket pipes...plenty on silencers of course! Lol
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Re: Transmission, engine performance, suspension and brakes

Post by Kirgan »

I really do appreciate the help lol I'm still trying to figure out how to navigate around this forum and photo bucket lol I'm doing this all on Android till I can get my desktop back on line lol and no that's my brother in-laws house Before I bought it lol he was remodeling
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Re: Transmission, engine performance, suspension and brakes

Post by KDXGarage »

I saw all those blue dots on the wood, and I was like "damn". :shock:

Great job to get the manual on the way! :partyman:

On the front, think of a front end swap. Some people that have converted a newer model to a KX "MX" front end may still have their old KDX front end. You might be able to convert to a newer front end. For example, the 1995 - 2006 front end would have the front wheel, forks, triple clamps, rotor and brake system.

To convert the rear would require welding and making brackets, finding a rear wheel that will work, buying all the parts, etc. Since the most braking is done with the front, you might benefit from converting the front first and riding it for a while before worrying too much on swapping to a rear disc.

Race Tech can make you a new shock, but it won't be cheap. The stock shock may be able to be rebuilt. I am not sure. Fresh oil would help, but who knows what it looks like on the inside.

I am not sure on a pipe. Check DG or DynoPort maybe? I know FMF and Pro Circuit do not. Answer did, but that was 30 years ago.

Depending on the outlet size, an FMF universal spark arrestor may work on that bike.
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Re: Transmission, engine performance, suspension and brakes

Post by Kirgan »

I took plenty of pictures and did a lot of research before I bought it...$385 total investment so far so I'm going to go all out on this one. Fresh everything from front to back. Will be a good learning experience before I tear into my 76 yz250/dt400
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Re: Transmission, engine performance, suspension and brakes

Post by KDXGarage »

Hey, all right. :bravo:

$385 sounds plenty cheap.
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Re: Transmission, engine performance, suspension and brakes

Post by Kirgan »

Ya was a good friend that was trying to get into dirt bikes for the first time and got hurt so his wife gave him an ultimatum. Some people's junk is other people's treasure!
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Transmission, engine performance, suspension and brakes

Post by SS109 »

Sweet bike!
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