Next best thing to KDX?

[Goat]

If a guy was playing what-if, when he's supposed to be working:
What would be closest equivalent to KDX w/ factory estart?

[SS109]

Probably the Beta X-Trainer or the Rieju Ranger. The X-Trainer would be more like a KDX with stock forks. The Ranger is more like a KDX that has an USD fork conversion so better suspension and taller because of it. Of course, IMO!

[bufftester]

Probably the closest equivalent of a modern trailbike to the KDX would be the Honda CRF250F. It is a 4T KDX with E-start. Basically the same ergos, suspension and handling of the stock KDX. Of course it's a 4T, but most folks ride the KDX like a 4T anyways :grin

Kind of unfair to compare the KDX to modern closed course bikes since it was only ever intended as a trail bike. Of course the gold standard is a KTM 300XC-W/Husky TE300I

[rungrandpa]

2013 to 2016 KTM 200 EXC.

[MoonStomper]

My 17 YO son is racing 200B on KTM 200 xcw. I’ve spent some time on it. It’s lighter and quicker which suits his advanced skill level. Suspension is really good and the PDS on the rear is great in the woods. Still enjoy my KDX more. It’s a little heavier and taller, but it’s awesome. The power is pretty similar with his having the edge, but it’s pretty close.

[KDXGarage]

Consider current KLX300R

[Kawibunga]

Consider current KLX300R

Just wondering, have you ridden one, just asking as no offence meant, but their factory wet weight is stated at 282 lbs? I can't even think it would be close, but i sure could be wrong? Guess it depends on what you're looking for. Pure playbike or something with a bit more snot or more performance.......

I'd agree that a well setup for off road 250F is probably the closest, them maybe a KTM200..........

As an aside, as I kinda bleed fairly green, it would sure be sweet if Kawasaki actually put a Wide Ratio or 6 speed in their KX250X. That might be the ticket.

[KDXGarage]

I have not ridden one. Yes, they are a bit heavier than a KDX.

I think SS109 is correct about the Beta. I mentioned the only lime green option. I think a Yamaha WR might be similar performance.

Kawibunga, a 250F or KTM200 is a race bike, not a trail bike, so I didn't consider those.

[Kawibunga]

Kawibunga, a 250F or KTM200 is a race bike, not a trail bike, so I didn't consider those.

For sure no problem, I was just thinking a detuned 250F like the WR250 or a version of a CRF250X or just softening up and slowing down a moto version. And lots of guys still consider the KDX a race bike in the right hands ......... just not my stone hands! For a typical aggressive off road guy any of the KLX bikes are a considerable downgrade. But as a trail bike they'd be awesome........ it's just a matter of what direction you want to go when replacing the KDX.

[John_S]

My buddy has a 21 KLX 300R that I've ridden a few times. Sitting side by side it looks like the KDX's little brother. My 220 feels light and playful and the 300 feels like a beginner bike and the weight is very noticeable. It doesn't feel like you could hit the gas to loft the front end. Its still fun and I've never felt a transmission shift so smooth. He's about 5'6" and doesn't get out to ride much so I feel like he would never need anything else. If it happened to be my only bike I would probably have a blast with it but it made me like my bike way more after riding it.

I'm sure it does wheelies but when I'm riding someone else's bike its just like a test ride to feel it out. The front tire kind of feels stuck to the ground.

[SS109]

Point of order!

I take exception that everyone calls the KDX just a trail bike. Yes, it can be as it is capable of many roles. However, it was designed to be more than that, IMO. It is/was a true enduro bike and it was raced extensively by such notables as Jeff Fredette in the ISDE's of the past with multiple bronze, silver, and gold medals to show for it. Just watching what Jordan Ashburn accomplished on a bone stock version at the TKO says the bike can still do it against the best today has to offer. Yes, Kawi pretty much bailed on the platform after releasing the 220 model but that doesn't change what it's original purpose was nor how capable the bike is. Sorry, that "trail bike" label just bugs me a bit after years of people demeaning the KDX as only that and nothing more. Well, they also call it a "beginner bike" or "girls bike" but you get the idea.

The KDX, the last true enduro bike from any of the Japanese manufacturers!

That said, I believe the Reiju Ranger to be the closest modern day equivalent in it's designed purpose, IMO. It weighs almost exactly the same, has a somewhat mild engine, has slightly less suspension than its more race orientated siblings but still very good, and can go from trail riding with the family or you can take it to any off road race and do well on it. The Beta, while a great bike for the most part, the suspension is a major limiting factor (so is the turning radius!) on it's capabilities. Read or watch any review on it and everyone will tell you how the bike becomes scary at speed. Hmm, I guess it is a little more like the KDX in that respect as I feel the same about the stock KDX forks.

I think it comes down to what you want to do with a bike. Just slow trail riding, putting around with the kids, super slow technical riding, the Beta might be the best choice. If you want to do all that plus like riding fast and/or want to race the Reiju Ranger, or any other enduro bike from KTM, Beta, Sherco, Reiju, etc. would be clearly the better choice.

Ok, off my soap box now!

[KDXGarage]

It was marketed as a trail bike more than a racing bike. I was not saying one could not race it. :-) Just that it is not its only purpose. Try 3 hours on the KDX Kouch seat vs. the older KTM 2x4. :-)

[SS109]

It was marketed as a trail bike more than a racing bike. I was not saying one could not race it. :-) Just that it is not its only purpose. Try 3 hours on the KDX Kouch seat vs. the older KTM 2x4. :-)

Oh, I beg to differ, kind sir!

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[KDXGarage]

Here's the original post. Member goat has a 1995 + KDX, so my comments are based on what he asked, not just "KDX" in general or the models he is not asking about.

"Next best thing to KDX?
Post by Goat » 10:23 am Mar 17 2022

If a guy was playing what-if, when he's supposed to be working:
What would be closest equivalent to KDX w/ factory estart?"

I know the earlier models were marketed as racing bikes and Kawasaki USA did race them. I am old, so I know Larry Roeseler and others raced modified KX250's around 1988. They put a lot of effort into the 1989 model KDX200, but after a short time, heavy involvement from Kawasaki USA (KMC) was over. Besides Fredette, who got paid by KMC to race a KDX in the last 30 years?? Exactly. Goat is asking about "HIS" KDX. Again, probably the Beta X trainer you mentioned. If lime green, then KLX300R. Trail bikes.

[SS109]

Well, I did put in a qualifier saying "Yes, Kawi pretty much bailed on the platform after releasing the 220 model ..."

I just gotta have something to talk about!

[MoonStomper]

WHO CARES what the ’next best thing’ is? The KDX is still here. It rocks. And it can trail bike, AND race!

My H model took 9th in the overall (6th in AA) Main Event of a 150 bike field last year at the Blue Ridge Hare Scramble. It was still completely stock AND was running on a broken power valve!!! The pilot was a 19 year old 250 A Grand Champion, not me. I got 3rd that day in 50+C in the morning event.

What more do you want for ~$2,500?

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[pumpguy]

WHO CARES what the ’next best thing’ is? The KDX is still here. It rocks. And it can trail bike, AND race!

My H model took 9th in the overall (6th in AA) Main Event of a 150 bike field last year at the Blue Ridge Hare Scramble. It was still completely stock AND was running on a broken power valve!!! The pilot was a 19 year old 250 A Grand Champion, not me. I got 3rd that day in 50+C in the morning event.

What more do you want for ~$2,500?

68575864-19A8-41D8-B6B2-6DA3EBFE5353.jpeg

E start and road legal features.

[SS109]

WHO CARES what the ’next best thing’ is? The KDX is still here. It rocks. And it can trail bike, AND race!

My H model took 9th in the overall (6th in AA) Main Event of a 150 bike field last year at the Blue Ridge Hare Scramble. It was still completely stock AND was running on a broken power valve!!! The pilot was a 19 year old 250 A Grand Champion, not me. I got 3rd that day in 50+C in the morning event.

What more do you want for ~$2,500?

The KDX can do it all! It can be ridden with the grandkids and can be raced!

E start and road legal features.

Road legal features can be added easy enough. As for e-start... I'm working on it once I get my CDI sorted out.

[Goat]

Hahaha Moon! I am not saying I don’t still love KDX.
Just last gnar trail where I was way over my head the estart would have been a godsend. I had to be a quitter for 1st time and turn back. Not really the KDX fault. I just didn’t have enough skills & fitness to keep it running and navigate with the big boys (I was pushing many spots where they were still riding).
Kinda like this weekend, when I used a 4T to cover up my racing flaws in the deep sand. I can’t pin it all the time and still keep rubber side down.
I have one ride on Xtrainer. It sure seemed like cats meow.
Had never heard of Reiju previously. Man those are pretty.
Honda 4T is also interesting. My 4T kills me in the woods but is sure not yiur daddy’s XR….or even my old DRZ400.
I did not realize KTM200s had estart.
I think KLX might be too heavy, but would never argue w team green. But Buff has one and points Honda, so maybe need to window shop.
Lots of good wallet emptying ideas!!
Thank you!

[Goat]

PS. My KDX gets raced again, next month.