KDX220 Idle speed

Discussion specific to the 1995 - 2006 KDX200 (H Series) and 1995 - 2005 KDX220R (A Series) models sold in the USA
Post Reply
ccain85
Member
Posts: 20
Joined: 09:28 pm Jun 30 2017
Country: US

KDX220 Idle speed

Post by ccain85 »

Can anyone tell me what the idle speed for the 220 should be? Also I’m setting up my trail Tech vapor and need to know at what degree do they start over heating at and what are the RPM shift points?
User avatar
bufftester
Platinum Member
Platinum Member
Posts: 3455
Joined: 06:03 pm Oct 31 2012
Country: USA
Location: University Place, WA

Re: KDX220 Idle speed

Post by bufftester »

There is no posted idle speed for the KDX. As stated in the manual "start the engine and let it warm up to operating temperature. Turn the idle screw in or out until you achieve the lowest smooth idle". Some bikes will idle fine, some won't, and everyone is slightly different. A rough estimate would be in the 700-1000 rpm range generally. As for overheating, that's going to be based on your cooling system health, the radiator cap range, and the riding conditions. Best option would be to just ride it and see what temps you run at and then add 30 for a starting point. And there are no RPM shift points as this is totally subjective and up to your gearing, riding conditions, skill level, etc, etc. I'm sure someone on here who runs a vapor can chime in and share the settings they have.
ccain85
Member
Posts: 20
Joined: 09:28 pm Jun 30 2017
Country: US

Re: KDX220 Idle speed

Post by ccain85 »

Okay, well either my Trail Tech Vapor isn’t reading correctly or my bike is idling close to 3k. It’s dies if it drops below 2500k.
User avatar
KDXGarage
KDXRider.net
KDXRider.net
Posts: 14047
Joined: 06:45 am Nov 01 2004
Country: United States of America
Location: AL, USA
Contact:

Re: KDX220 Idle speed

Post by KDXGarage »

What is the Pulses Per Revolution??
Thank you for participating on kdxrider.net. :bravo:
To post pictures from a device: viewtopic.php?f=88&t=24128
ccain85
Member
Posts: 20
Joined: 09:28 pm Jun 30 2017
Country: US

Re: KDX220 Idle speed

Post by ccain85 »

I have it set at 1
John_S
Gold Member
Gold Member
Posts: 875
Joined: 06:59 am Jan 27 2017
Country: US
Location: Florida

Re: KDX220 Idle speed

Post by John_S »

The default pulse setting on my Vapor reads the rpm correctly. I think it's .5.
Mine ides higher when warming up (around 1800) and when it's warm and cleared out its 1400 to 1500. When mine is at 1100 it's about to die. It typically runs 170-190 degrees. The amber light is set to 200 and the red light set to 215. I don't use my shift lights.

If I was setting the shift lights I would get it in 2nd or 3rd and just hold it wide open until it no longer revs any higher. Your brain will be screaming SHIFT but just keep holding it. It only takes a couple seconds past the SHIFT point. This is considering that you know it's all mechanically sound with no air leaks and doesn't have a lean main jet. See what that max rpm was (about 10-11000) and set the red light AT LEAST 500 below that. Erase the max and then ride it like normal and shift for best feel. Check that max (about 7500-8500) and then set the amber light near that rpm. The last thing I want to do on a trail at those rpms is look down for a light. Be careful.

The Vapor (or any rpm gauge with max recording) is great for tuning. One size too rich or too lean will have a lower max rpm (500-1000) vs the correct main jet. I shoot for the highest rpm (just over 11,000 on a 220 with a woods pipe, RB head, Vforce reeds, and 35 carb), go one size richer, and then plug chop to verify.
thirdgenlxi
Supporting Member I
Supporting Member I
Posts: 489
Joined: 12:09 am Mar 06 2015
Country: USA
Location: Lenoir, NC USA
Contact:

KDX220 Idle speed

Post by thirdgenlxi »

The PPR on the Vapor needs to be set at 2..... 1 is for 4 stroke, 0.5 is for v-twin

Mine usually likes to idle around 1200-1500. Though it will still idle lower (900-1000) but it's kind of right on the edge of staying running when you put it in gear, lol
John_S
Gold Member
Gold Member
Posts: 875
Joined: 06:59 am Jan 27 2017
Country: US
Location: Florida

Re: KDX220 Idle speed

Post by John_S »

Ccain my bike came with the vapor so I didn't have a manual but found a free download on trail tech. The manual really helps, especially with the tire size in inches, converted to mm, divided by pie. Or whatever that whole deal is. I would've never figured that out and the previous owner had the mph way off.
ccain85
Member
Posts: 20
Joined: 09:28 pm Jun 30 2017
Country: US

Re: KDX220 Idle speed

Post by ccain85 »

I had the PPR on the default 1 and even the Manual says to set it at 1. I changed it to 2 and now I’m getting a better reading. Thanks for all that info John!
Post Reply