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staxbrix
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kx250

Post by staxbrix »

Theres a cheap kx250 85 for sale for 300 bucks. I can probaly talk them down a little. Anyways im about 5'9 220 and wanted to know if this bike would do good in trails and woods? I heard they lack low end. I been looking for a kdx but people want to much.

Its in running shape but will probaly need some work right away. Would this just be a money pit? Should I just keep looking, my budget is low about $500.

I seen a 86 parts bike and some other parts for cheap, I figure I could ride a little right away aftter some minor work and freshen it up during the winter.
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skipro3
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Post by skipro3 »

There is a story in the latest edition of Dirt Rider magazine dealing with just the topic you are bringing up. I think it was a KX250 as well. You may want to read up and go from there.

With all the labor and parts costs, it won't be long before a clapped out bike ends up costing as much as a top condition used bike. It's your choice on whether you want to wrench or ride.
Jerry

I'd rather be a smartass like carvr, than a dumbass like.... well, you fill in the blank!
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2001kdx
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Post by 2001kdx »

What Ski said. It's probably not worth it. You can find a nicer bike for $800+, you gotta pay to play.

I hope my buddy Ondatrail will chime in, he bought a sixteen-year-old bike last fall and it ended up costing him a lot more than the initial purchase price.
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Rick
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Post by Rick »

I read the same story. You dont wanna do what that guy did......Not good!
Yes, they really do let me drive the Train!
1991 KDX 250 $Sold but not forgotten....
1996 Suzuki DR 350 $Sold!
2002 Honda CR 250 worth more than my house at this point........ :-)
2004 DR 650se Road Warrior
2002 DL1000 V-STROM
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TWMOODY
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Post by TWMOODY »

I'll chime in from personal experiance.
Last fall I bought a "DEAL"
1987 KDX200 for 150 bucks.
I put together parts from 2 engines,new piston,rings
bla bla bla lots or new stuff!
900 bucks later I decided I wanted a new one and sold it
for break even and bought a new one, then started adding
all the "Goodies" a thousand or so plus.
Moral of the story is I have bought old and bought new and
if I were to do it again I would buy something used, up to
10 years old that runs good and start from there.
That is in IMHO.
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Rick
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Post by Rick »

Yeah, I bought a 91 250 for a grand, But, it was in better shape than some late 90's I looked at. I do have a little in it, with a few quarks, but i'm very happy. Just depends on what you wanna deal with. Maybe save a little longer, and get one in good riding condition. Then tweak it when you can afford it. My 2 pennies...
Yes, they really do let me drive the Train!
1991 KDX 250 $Sold but not forgotten....
1996 Suzuki DR 350 $Sold!
2002 Honda CR 250 worth more than my house at this point........ :-)
2004 DR 650se Road Warrior
2002 DL1000 V-STROM
staxbrix
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Post by staxbrix »

I could spend more and have the same problems. I have alot less to lose if I go cheap. So you think Im better off with newer models with problems then a older one thats ready to ride?

Heres some of the bikes im looking at, kdx250 93 $600 I have to see it no description, xr200 02 $750 lots of rust, kdx200 88 $750 close to me, kdx200 86 $450 condition looks good, KTM 125 90 EXC - $600, 250kx 91 $400 no description, kdx200 90 $700 looks good, KDX 200 94 - $950, Kawasaki KDX 200 98 $850 100 miles away,

Im cheap and broke I paid $875 for my car. I dont want to spend more on the bike then the car I drive everyday.
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TWMOODY
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Post by TWMOODY »

KDX 200 98 $850 100 miles away,

Sounds like a pretty fair deal
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Post by IdahoCharley »

Stay away from the old KTM you will not find any parts!! I'm with TWNOODY a 98 KDX for $850 if in decent shape is a very good deal in my opinion.
KTM 380EXC Mine
KDX 200 Mark's
TTR 125 L Wife's
KDX 200 Austin's
EC 300 Tyson's
WR430 Husky - mine
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Post by KarlP »

I'd go for the '98 for $850 as well, if in good shape.

A $300 dirtbike is, well, a $300 dirtbike.

You can't really compare car prices to bike prices. Cars are an incredible deal when you think about the amount of machinery you get for pretty short money.
'08 KTM200xc
'99 CR/KDX Hybrid with that RB stuff done to it
KX100 for the boy
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skipro3
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Post by skipro3 »

There is no such beast as a poor-boy dirt bike unless you like walking. They are a money pit. PERIOD!! Just like a boat or RV or any other toy. Get the best you can and plan on spending lots of money to ride it and lots of time maintaining it too.
Jerry

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kawagumby
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Post by kawagumby »

>|<>QBB<
skipro3 wrote:There is no such beast as a poor-boy dirt bike unless you like walking. They are a money pit. PERIOD!! Just like a boat or RV or any other toy. .
I have a bit of a different perspective on this; my previous KDX220 was used, abused and totally worn-out after about 6 years of year-round riding. It was my passion to ride, and my way of staying in shape, both emotionally and physically. I put very little money into it, just tires and an occasional top-end. Bought it new for under 5K and sold it for nearly 2K. Joining a gym would have been more expensive, LOL.
A dang good "investment" to my way of thinking - no kidding. The one I have now cost 2200 bucks and was like new mechanical-wise. Mebbe KDX's aren't a money pit....?
:mrgreen:
About the 1985 KX250; I had an 86 for a couple of years and thought the bike, well, stunk. Non-cartridge forks, tranny issues (minor but a hassle), mediocre power, lackluster handling and the cylinder coating was starting to peel off way too soon. I bought the bike new. You could do better IMO.


PS, good thing I don't live by you or I'd buy that 98 KDX just for drill right now.
1994 KDX200, Beta 200rr, yz125, yz250, kx100 modded for adult, gasgas contact 250.
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2001kdx
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Post by 2001kdx »

A 1998 KDX for $850 should be in pretty lousy shape. If it's tight, get the paperwork or call in the VIN# cause baby, you stole it!
staxbrix
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Post by staxbrix »

Yeah the 98 is a little suspect only way to find out is a 200 mile trip. He did want a 1000 but said he would take $850. Ill check this one out last its the farthest away and most expensive.

I was thinking the xr might be stolen too but its in rough shape so that might be why the price is low.

I might go look at the 93 kdx250 see if thats the best he can do. Then maybe the 91 250kx see what kind of shape its in.

Im probaly better off just getting advice on what to look for from you
guys for now.
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jrock
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Post by jrock »

i just bought a 1990 KDX 200 from my brother for 300$, he knew nothing about them hes like its **** wont ever start inless i kick it forever...i got it fixed the spark plug cord and now it starts 1st kick every time..so idk its ur call
staxbrix
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Post by staxbrix »

It sold before I could pick it up. Same with half the other ones listed, now im looking at a 87-89 kdx for $275. Im probaly going to get it before its gone since its the bike I wanted in the first place.
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