Whole front end or just new springs?

[sportsgirl017]

So obviously the front forks on the KDX are grossly undermanufactured. And it seems like the concensus is to rebuild the front end.... however if you can just buy properly rated springs (racetech 109$) wouldn't that be enough? Trying to buy all my parts now so I'm ready to mod and ride ASAP once back in the states.

[Indawoods]

It's probably enough if you just trail ride and are not agressive at all on the trails... a family rider.

[Mr. Wibbens]

Stockers properly sprung work good for me

Seemed to work fine for Fredette all those years too

[Indawoods]

When you are factory sponsored.... you bet ya!

[Mr. Wibbens]

It's probably enough if you just trail ride and are not agressive at all on the trails... a family rider.

Good thing I'm just a family rider then

[Indawoods]

Your rare.... I will give you that.

[Mr. Wibbens]

My suspension is better than it has ever been

I'm loving it!

[sportsgirl017]

So basically the whole front forks are crap? Definitely not just a family rider......

[KarlP]

The stock forks with the right springs and oil work pretty good.
A carefull revalve front and rear will make the suspension pretty darn good.

When I put a KX front end on, it was SO much better, can't really compare.

[sportsgirl017]

Thanks Karl for the objective response.... think I will do springs for now. Save the KX front for a off season down the road.

So tell me how great the RB mod really is, from what I hear it's basically amazing....

I'm beginning to see a mass overhaul in my future

[KarlP]

So tell me how great the RB mod really is, from what I hear it's basically amazing....

I've always ran the bigger and better 220 motor.

When I had a RBD modded motor in a Kwasaki frame with a KX front end it was great. Just my impression, but I think the head mod did more for the motor than the carb work. For $45 it is certainly the most bang for the buck.
With the carb done, head mod, and a pipe the motor ripped. Great tourque down low, more overrev than I could use in that chassis.

After I moved the motor to a CR chassis I used a CR pipe. I think the motor works better than it did in the KDX frame, obviously getting lucky with the pipe. I've swapped with guys on KTM and GasGas 200's and I got more motor. Less overrev, but more motor. For woods riding it is perfect for me.
3+ years on that build and still going strong.

[AST236]

KarlP,

What part of Alabama? I"m halfway between Montgomery and Mobile. Just picked up a 2000 220.

[KarlP]

Theodore, 20 minutes West of Mobile.

[AST236]

Theodore, 20 minutes West of Mobile.

Sweet! I"m in Evergreen, 100 north of Mobile. Just got my first KDX. First two stroke since high school (30 years ago). Where do you ride? Have you tried the track/trails in Brewton?

fhigginbotham@evergreenmedical.org

[KarlP]

I rode a harescramble last year in Brewton. It was fun and well run.

Funny thing. They did a dead engine start and you had to run over from behind the next row. I did not know this until we got to the line. Most people have a kickstand or brought one of those axle stands.

I laid my bike down on the ground. Fired right up and off we went!
Got a lot of funny looks.


If you have any plans to get into the Mobile area, get in touch. We have some good riding here.

[AST236]

I'll do that. I hope to get to Brewton in the next few weeks and check them out. It's only about 30 minutes from my house. How are the trails? Did you ride the track?

If you don't mind, I may lean on you as I"m learning this new bike. From what I've read, I'm on borrowed time if I have a stock piston, so I guess I'd better plan to do the top end pretty soon. I"ve never done one so it should be an adventure.

Where do you ride in Mobile?

[scheckaet]

Piston swap for a wiesco, the sooner the better.
Not very hard, you only need gasket, piston kit (with bearings, wrist pins, clips...)
When you take it apart, be careful to SUPPORT the KIPS shaft when you remove the nut at the top (left tread). Do same at reassembly.
Get the manual if you don't already have one, it's pretty well explained (aside for supporting the shaft, everything is explained) Good luck

[Indawoods]

What does that have to do with the front end and springs?

[AST236]

Nothing.

My fault. I saw another rider from nearby and started a conversation.

[fuzzy]

In a nutshell the susp can be made to work great after springs/valving/etc, but most on here have replaced the susp with KX parts for the same or less money, and of course gain more.