The History of Kawasaki's KDX175 and KDX200 from 1980 thru 2006

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  • Опубликовано: 29 сен 2024
  • This is my look back at the history of Kawasaki's iconic Enduro machine the KDX200. Launched in 1980, the original KDX175 introduced the Uni-Trak monoshock and paved the way for 26 years of excellent Kawasaki trail bikes.
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Комментарии • 334

  • @claystuckey9192
    @claystuckey9192 4 года назад +133

    Tony I worked for Kawasaki from 1981 to 2001 as a district sales manager. I rode KDXs all the way from the very first 175 until I left. I was even able to win a handful of SETRA enduros back in the early 80s on KDXs. In 1996 I think it was we were at the dealer meeting that year and John Hoover, who was Kawasaki's motorcycle product manager here in the US, brought a Japanese gentleman to my sales booth to discuss the 200/220. In Japan the KDX was a street legal dual sport bike and they wanted to bring it into the US as a 220 to make the parts supply easier. They came to me because they knew I was still racing and understood the off road class structure. I explained that 220 would have to compete against full sized 250s and that would be hard to do. They wound up sending me one and I rode it and discovered how easy it was to ride and I convinced John to keep the 200 for the 200cc class and to bring in the 220 for age class guys who could ride any size bike. So that's the simple story of why Kawasaki had a 200 and a 220.

    • @TheMotocrossVault
      @TheMotocrossVault  4 года назад +9

      That is what I figured thanks for the info

    • @EarthSurferUSA
      @EarthSurferUSA 4 года назад +4

      I would also be willing to bet, being 1996, with the FIM deciding the 4-stroke is what we are going to ride in the future, development pretty much stopped for the KDX 200 2-stroke. If the 4-stroke was not forced on us, (no force in a real free market, just competition), I bet there would have been a good chance Kawasaki would have come out with a KDX250 2-stroke. I am sure at least a new cylinder would have to be made, but even thought they could have sold a lot, they knew 4-strokes were taking over in about 3 years,--so the demise of a great bike we loved to ride, (and could still afford to ride), had the writing on the wall. IMO, it is almost incalculable how the FIM has hurt our industry over the decades. The AMA should never have become an arm of the FIM.

    • @EarthSurferUSA
      @EarthSurferUSA 4 года назад +4

      Oops. I see later in the vid a 250 came out in 91-94

    • @garrettsmith8286
      @garrettsmith8286 4 года назад +2

      Thanks Clay! I love my 05' KDX220 (last yr. model). Was just cleaning it today. Wish I could post a pic. Inherited my grandfathers 73' F7 175 with oil injection after he passed as my 1st motorcycle at age 7. (KTM now pretending like its some new thing.) Got a KX125 that was raced in the Anaheim AMA Supercross at 13. Now approaching 40 and love my KDX 220R. I've had faster but its just plain fun & reliable! Can't sell the KDX or last gen KLR. They aren't even the most thrilling bikes I've been on but they're damn good!

    • @gerardandrew4820
      @gerardandrew4820 3 года назад

      @@EarthSurferUSA How long have you been surfing the earth?

  • @noreaster4194
    @noreaster4194 4 года назад +32

    I think the PE and RMX deserves a video like this. I love these videos 👌

    • @TheMotocrossVault
      @TheMotocrossVault  4 года назад +10

      Nor'Easter I plan on doing one for both

    • @alankenward8889
      @alankenward8889 4 года назад +2

      And the suzuki tsr200 (sh12a). I have a 92 model and it rips.

    • @EarthSurferUSA
      @EarthSurferUSA 4 года назад

      I had a 250 RMX, (96). Great for tight trails, but the scariest thing I ever rode by far on a MX type ride, (which probably includes my first bike, a 72 street bike Honda CL100, lol). I think it was the short wheel base and maybe a steep head angle, but man, was that thing "twitchy" at speed on rough ground. (bike was stock)

    • @mmazz30
      @mmazz30 4 года назад +1

      @@TheMotocrossVault Looking forward to a PE review....awesome!

    • @deborahchesser7375
      @deborahchesser7375 4 года назад +3

      How about the IT’s ? It’s pretty cool how Graham Noyce was involved or lead in the development of the line.

  • @arnoldbellamy9527
    @arnoldbellamy9527 Год назад +2

    91 KDX 200 here. 62 years old and my friends kids want it!!! Not Yet, Kid's, still playing!!!!!!❤❤❤

  • @11fishee
    @11fishee 4 месяца назад

    In addendum, and a more positive note, I had a 99 EXC 200 which was stolen but "miraculously" recovered 5 years later! She was replaced by a 00 KDX 220 which i still enjoy riding hard or just plonking around. I found the EXC tighter/more precise in steering but the 220 hit "harder"/ snappier engine response and a more authoritative rear brake, like when squaring a turn. Starting off in the early '70's, I never thought I'd own a KTM, Maico, Husky, etc., and after all this time I ended-up with my favourite type, performance, and "at ease with" 220. Nice bike she be!

  • @johnnygeorgopoulos4072
    @johnnygeorgopoulos4072 10 месяцев назад +1

    My buddy had a 91 KDX250R, I know he loved that thing, he never let me ride it even though I let him ride my 84 CR250R I had at the time, I remember him saying my bike was scary fast compared to his 😅
    Side note, have you ever seen the 93-94 KDR250SR's? I don't know if they were Japan or Asia or certain European countries only, but they're wild looking compared to the US specs, instead of all bright green frame and plastics with the blue seat and blue anodized fork uppers .... they're either teal frame and seat with black plastics with purple, red, and yellow decals, or even wilder, teal frame, seat, and tool bag with hot pink plastics and teal, pink, and purple decals.... they're even more "90s" than the 92 RM's and about as crazy "90s" as the early to mid 90s TM's 😂 I mean they're much more bright and catching compared to the 92 CR's which are dull in comparison 😅
    Now that I've seen one, I need all super 90s bikes of the, well, 90s lol....

  • @mrivantchernegovski3869
    @mrivantchernegovski3869 2 года назад +1

    I love my KDX 200 ,the way it changes direction,the mello power and jiust fun all round bike,my mate had YZ450 ,rode the KDX ,sold the 450 and got a 250 exc KTM

  • @bettybobzimmerman7450
    @bettybobzimmerman7450 Год назад +2

    Owned a 80 kdx, great turning bike.Cut one inch off both sides of handle bars to slide threw trees in northern Mi. Little hard to lift front end

  • @thequadzillaking
    @thequadzillaking Год назад +1

    Just got a ‘93. Throwing a ton of new parts on it. I have all winter to perfect. Can’t wait for spring!! Gonna ride Michigans ORV Trails.

  • @aacar4095
    @aacar4095 4 года назад +1

    I just came across this...great job! I picked up a KDX200 about a year ago...had never seen the bike before as I'd been out of dirt bikes for decades (my last bike as a teenager was an IT175). It's a great bike...fairly bullet proof. The guy before me didn't do much maintenance so I'm working my way through everything. It has a fun power band with some good low end grunt and some decent fun top end punch (no, it's not an MX bike, but it isn't "slow"). I want to keep the bike for nostalgia even if I got something newer (like a YZ250X).

  • @nicolasayer1908
    @nicolasayer1908 3 месяца назад

    Fantastic vids....
    Would make my day if you did this for those beautiful Yam ITs. Wish Yam kept those colours to this day!!!

  • @benhawke7231
    @benhawke7231 3 года назад +3

    I loved the 220. I found that that the 220 ran great on 25% methanol and would outperform the 200 with no problem. If you ran the 200 on methanol 25% it would ping. The one cool thing about the KDX line is that you can register it for the street if you get turn signals and mirrors.

  • @peterarmstrong3676
    @peterarmstrong3676 4 года назад

    My kids learned to ride on a 03 KDX50. Great little bike and it pricked my ears towards the kdx200. I have a 2011 kx250f but I would love a late model kdx200!

  • @wapartist
    @wapartist Месяц назад

    Had a KDX80 in ‘88+/-. Id love to have an earlier large one with that clamshell headlight deal that was popular then

  • @briangallo588
    @briangallo588 4 года назад +1

    I had the 1985 model, one of the best bikes I ever had! Nice history piece!

  • @AlexGarcia-ew2fv
    @AlexGarcia-ew2fv 11 месяцев назад +1

    I raced on an .mx track a kdx 200 me on cr80..the cr80 .beat the kxd like hell..the kdx is a great woods n trail bike tho.very pleasant 2 ride y super reliable

  • @EarthSurferUSA
    @EarthSurferUSA 4 года назад

    I never had one, but I knew a few guys who could fly through some of the nastiest higher speed Michigan single track trails on their stock KDX200.

  • @mrmoparrr
    @mrmoparrr 3 года назад +2

    Awesome Video of the Pe and Kdx lineups ‘. Probably not the 1st to ask but will you make an IT video in the near future? 🤞🏻

    • @TheMotocrossVault
      @TheMotocrossVault  3 года назад +1

      Yes I’ve been working on the research for a Yamaha IT one for a few months

    • @mrmoparrr
      @mrmoparrr 3 года назад +1

      @@TheMotocrossVault have you produced Hooded sweatshirts yet with IT’s on them yet ?

    • @TheMotocrossVault
      @TheMotocrossVault  3 года назад +1

      Not yet but soon

  • @luisjoseph6983
    @luisjoseph6983 3 года назад

    Hey man I'm digging your show this is the first time I have seen it or have you heard about you as a kid I had a 1985 RM80 if you can ever do a show on that model is I would appreciate it thank you

  • @nayyerrathore8032
    @nayyerrathore8032 4 года назад +3

    I am from azad Kashmir. and I love Kawasaki kdx ......

  • @stevenburton7922
    @stevenburton7922 3 года назад

    Really good review!

  • @billallen4793
    @billallen4793 4 года назад +1

    Great video thank you for your hard work...from Wyoming USA 🔫🤠🇺🇸

  • @turbolq4
    @turbolq4 4 года назад +1

    Buddy had a KDX250 and the whole riding group really liked it, myself included. It was a great woods ride and had enough of the 250mx type of power to be pretty fast if you beat on it hard. I never liked the 220 much. The 200 is far more lively and just felt more involved where the 220 was basically indifferent to what you were trying to do. The wife rode an '88 200 for quite awhile but we sent it down the road for a TTR250. Maybe we should look into another KDX...

  • @swedishrick377
    @swedishrick377 4 года назад

    A bit of nostalgia viewing your vid. Great video thank you! Had a 175 early 80s and love it as a teenager for woods riding. Lightweight fun bike to ride.

  • @FanisAnifantakis
    @FanisAnifantakis 4 года назад

    Thank you for this great video.
    Having owned a KDX 175 A3 back in '82, I never understood why Kawasaki decided not to develop those bikes further than 2006.
    C'mon Kawasaki....I can't be the only one missing the smell of Bel Ray 2T coming out of a mean green Enduro machine!

  • @oldschooldirtbiker
    @oldschooldirtbiker 4 года назад +1

    Tony, need to give Jack Penton (Hall Of Fame) and Dane Linebach credit for the design and development of the original KDX 175.. As Jeff Fredette was racing Suzuki Pe at the time KDX 175 came out.. Great video as always.

  • @TheKnoxcountry
    @TheKnoxcountry 3 года назад

    Does anybody know what month the 1996/1997 KDX220 was on the cover of Dirt Bike or Dirt Rider Magazine? If I remember right, he was doing a wheelie over rocks and wild flowers on a hillside with the mountain valley in the background. Thanks

  • @kenjuicekrajewski9577
    @kenjuicekrajewski9577 4 года назад

    Most was correct if you compare all riders the same skills. I've had 8 of these from 175 to the 450 all fast fun and bulletproof rode hundreds of miles and raced 6 kdx 175s and 250s nothing they couldnt do I've even seen a 175. In top 5 at southwick and a 250 in too ten at the same motocross track. The magazine articles dont do them justice when racing or long distance thrashing. Good review though.I love the older bulletproof bikes as I've been thrashing newer bikes with my 1983 kx 250 for the past 15 years with nearly 50hp. It's still explosive every time I ride it.

  • @Moidrul
    @Moidrul 27 дней назад

    Hernandez James Perez Michelle Thompson Brenda

  • @jacksonpenland2517
    @jacksonpenland2517 4 года назад

    I have a 1997 200 and it ripes

  • @violeteddington3360
    @violeteddington3360 24 дня назад

    Jones Sharon Moore Amy Miller Jose

  • @lmcc8798
    @lmcc8798 4 года назад +17

    To summarize:
    1980-2005: Kawasaki made fun, reliable, economical, capable enduros.
    2006: Californazis cracked down on fun.
    Edit: it was foreshadowing really, to just 14 years later when the Californazis would make it illegal to even step foot outside. Or to sell anything, let alone 2-strokes.

    • @CommieCat
      @CommieCat 4 года назад +2

      L McC Green Sticker - the reason all bikes come factory lean and with restricted air boxes.

    • @justinhenderson5710
      @justinhenderson5710 2 года назад

      Liberals/commies

  • @shanemorris702
    @shanemorris702 3 года назад +5

    I would love to see a video about the Yamaha IT series of enduro bikes!
    Keep up the great work your doing.

  • @CO_EVO_8
    @CO_EVO_8 3 года назад +7

    I just became a proud owner of a 2005 KDX 220. Excited to hit the trails again 😁🤙

  • @jacquelinekemp4897
    @jacquelinekemp4897 3 года назад +7

    I have a 99 kdx220r, and it's absolutely perfect for Rocky Mountain trail riding. I actually love that it's torquer than the 200, it's impossible to stall out and trucks up steep stuff reliably without the need to be in higher rpms. I've ridden a 200 before and to me, the difference is all about low end tractor like power. Coming off a 4 stroke, the 220 fits my riding just a touch better. Love the thing.

  • @brianthompson6578
    @brianthompson6578 4 года назад +17

    The KDX is always the bike I recommend to new riders. Have had a few myself and will probably have another one someday. Easily the best off-road motorcycle ever made. Thanks for putting together the video.

    • @TheMotocrossVault
      @TheMotocrossVault  4 года назад

      Thanks for watching

    • @LynchE1
      @LynchE1 3 года назад

      Hey I just bought one and the clutch is messed up. What should I do.

    • @hairlessharescrambler56
      @hairlessharescrambler56 2 года назад +4

      @@LynchE1 fix the clutch

    • @jpesicka492
      @jpesicka492 2 года назад

      Wonder how it would keep up with my DRZ in the desert.

    • @InsideRiders
      @InsideRiders Год назад

      You know, "easy to ride" is very terrain specific. Compared to a 300, the KDX 220 I had was much harder to ride. I really wanted to love that bike but here in the slimy PNW, it was either spinning or bogging up these nasty climbs and no amount of clutching would help it hook up. Same with the KTM 200...not easy to ride in challenging terrain. Things got a lot more fun when I got a KTM 300 and never looked back. If you like tiny motors then "less power to ya" but Kawasaki should've added a 300 and ditched the 220.

  • @sburton223
    @sburton223 2 года назад +4

    I ride an 89 KDX that has been up graded a little and love it. It's not a fire breather like the bikes I rode when I was younger but it's a good old farts bike (I'm 62) I ride mostly desert and it works fine for me.

  • @natanpierce495
    @natanpierce495 Год назад +4

    I had 2 bikes when I was racing. A 1989 Yamaha YZ 250 WR- what a rocket! And a 1990 KDX 200. I stopped racing in 1992. I sold my KDX 200 in 2004 and purchased a KDX 220 R in 2006. I had Jeff Fredette mill the head, bore the carb to a 36mm, polished and ported the cylinder. Added Boysen Rad Valve, re-valved my shock for my weight and riding style, put Gold Seals and RaceTech springs in my forks, modified my air box, and FMF rev pipe. The bike is truly AWESOME! Not as fast as my YZ250 was by a long shot, but way faster than any 200 I ever ran. I still dual sport with it, and many many people are amazed that I keep up- and even pass many 10K Euro dream bikes. I can't say enough about it. I was offered 4200 for it, which is exactly what I paid for it in 2005. But there is no way I could find a bike with that cash worth this much in fun and smiles. The fun factor out weighs any other bike for this ol dual sport rider.

  • @silver.d1
    @silver.d1 4 года назад +9

    Great video!! I am very happy with my 1996 Kdx 200, it is my first motorcycle and I am more than happy

  • @Mr10usdad
    @Mr10usdad 2 года назад +4

    My brother has a 2006 KDX200. It is a great bike and still almost looks new.

  • @danielrelph6878
    @danielrelph6878 4 года назад +7

    I was 13 in 1983 I got a it 175 and my dad got a kdx200...both great bikes but that kdx was much more powerful these 200s were great everywhere except suspension too soft jumping was no bueno....but it was fun to snick it into sixth and waste 125s in the desert top end was somewhere around 75 mph.I liked that it had a light i used to ride mine to school in ninth grade riding wheelies past the bus...great fun.

  • @cleapup2
    @cleapup2 3 года назад +6

    Another great video! I love woods/trail/enduro bikes of all kinds and really appreciate all your hard work putting this episode together.(I always wanted a KDX). The pictures, specs, and comparisons to other bikes was awesome and brilliantly done. The videos of the ads and brochures of the bike you added are excellent as well ! (I had forgotten how much I missed those). I was fortunate to have owned a 1980 Yamaha YZ 490 and before that a 1980 Yamaha IT 175. Needless to say the 490 was a wild beast, but I love the IT 175 and would love to see a similar video on it. Again, I so appreciate what you do! The time, effort, and passion you put into this channel is evident. Thanks Brother!

    • @TheMotocrossVault
      @TheMotocrossVault  3 года назад

      Thank you for your kind words I appreciate it 🙏🏻

  • @paulh7798
    @paulh7798 Год назад +3

    A 1980 KDX175 was the first bike I owned.

  • @devildog_iii3492
    @devildog_iii3492 4 года назад +5

    Love my kdx200 and 220. The 200 definitely rips harder on the pipe.

  • @tomnekuda3818
    @tomnekuda3818 4 года назад +5

    I'll never figure out why Kawasaki quit making this bike anymore.....dumb.

    • @kylemclaughlin1578
      @kylemclaughlin1578 3 года назад

      Emissions…… we can thanks the Democrats for that

  • @ZepG
    @ZepG Год назад +3

    My first bike was a brand new 1981 Honda XR100 and my last was a brand new 1991 Kawasaki KDX200, I loved them both. I sold the KDX in 2002 for $1,000 and my old Honda was passed down to a chain of friends whose kids learned to ride on. I think it is still going strong today.

  • @randynelson5608
    @randynelson5608 4 года назад +6

    Hell yeah man I just picked up a 87 200 barn find, it runs really good! Air cooled power valve motor is awesome, it's super peaky and turns super aggressive!!!!!!

    • @Slaxok
      @Slaxok 3 года назад +1

      I rode this exact model, 1987 200 and all it would do is start, run and provide fun every single time I rode it. The 87 was one of the last years before water cooling and that was fine for me. It never broke or refused to start. I LOVED that machine.

  • @justinhenderson5710
    @justinhenderson5710 4 года назад +5

    Also had a 1980 PE175
    Would crackle & backfire!!
    My Dad & I called her Rigamortis' or Riggi'

    • @deborahchesser7375
      @deborahchesser7375 4 года назад +1

      justin henderson sounds like your reeds were feathered

  • @francishoen9626
    @francishoen9626 4 года назад +4

    I have a 1987 200. I have owned many (over 300) dirtbikes in my 47 years of riding and this is one of my favorites. The engine is stock with a DG pipe and I fabricated a 12mm wide spacer under the cover of the kips valve on the left hand side. The DG pipe makes the bike a bit more lively and the spacer dramatically increased the bottom end response. It now pulls so cleanly off idle I am thinking of putting on added flywheel weight to improve traction. Changing the oil in the shock makes a big difference. The standard fluid is not that great. Running a less restrictive muffler ( I'm using one off a KTM125 EXC) also helps and is much lighter. Next modification is to graft a rear disc brake from a later watercooled model onto it. Air cooled bikes are less top heavy feeling and less likely to overheat from mud in the radiators. I am also a long time PE175 Suzuki owner having had over a dozen. Currently setting up a 175 T engine in a 1984 RM125E rolling frame. Suspension has been shortened to 10" and I will be using a 1981 RM250X expansion Chamber which give the bike a huge increase in bottom end and midrange. You can improve the standard pipe by removing the mesh on the inside of the chamber. It's a tedious and messy job but very worthwhile.

    • @CommieCat
      @CommieCat 4 года назад

      Francis Hoen I have a 1986, love the shit out of it. Can you share some pictures of the spacer you made? Sounds very interesting and I work in a metal shop so probably could get one done for mine. Thanks!

    • @oblivianation9759
      @oblivianation9759 Год назад

      @@CommieCat I'm wondering the same thing about that spacer.

  • @mxtv1258
    @mxtv1258 4 года назад +4

    I do remember Jeff Ferdetti racing MX/SX on one at Santa Fe Speedway in Hinsdale Illinois and thinking who is that nut. He did very well on the KDX what ever displacement he was racing.

  • @gorillamax4872
    @gorillamax4872 10 месяцев назад +1

    High powered motocross bikes with big low end power bands are frustrating to ride and tight would have areas and Enduro type riding. That’s why the Kdx and the XR or popular. Those bikes worked better in the woods than motocross bikes.

  • @Rezqewr
    @Rezqewr 11 месяцев назад +2

    Recently sold my white/blue '90 200. Owned it for years, and it never let me down. Great bike that didn't excel at anything, but did everything pretty darned well.

  • @rickyshultz2051
    @rickyshultz2051 2 года назад +3

    I have a 200 that I’ve had since it was new in 2000 , what a horse it’s been !

  • @JDRockinfeller
    @JDRockinfeller 5 месяцев назад +2

    This bike the kdx, brought me some of the best memories of my life.... absolutely outstanding

  • @Ken-Oath
    @Ken-Oath 2 года назад +2

    I purchased my KDX200 B2 in 1985.
    I still have it today. It is always a great fun bike. It has proven to be so capable on steep rough terrain.
    I pass the other bikes, once they stall and flood on the hills. They put shit on me calling it a dinosaur but I shit on them on the trails.
    They are like the 2 wheeled version of the Toyota land cruiser 80 series.
    Perfectly capable production built off roader.
    Thank you Kawasaki for the memories.. crank it up...

  • @jayjammerz01
    @jayjammerz01 3 года назад +3

    I'm a proud owner of a 1990 Kawasaki kdx200 with 1200 miles on it and I will never get rid of it. Never watched your channel before but I'm definitely subscribed NOW, thank you for the VERY INFORMATIVE video!! 👍🤙✌🤛

  • @unclequack5445
    @unclequack5445 Год назад +1

    I noticed Honda/Kawasaki would make a really nice looking bike one year then a year or so later
    make the same model plain looking.

  • @toddacton4400
    @toddacton4400 4 года назад +4

    Still ridin my 97 220 fredette ported engine stiffer fork springs fmf pipe carb bored lets rip

    • @slippy9916
      @slippy9916 4 года назад +1

      @ Todd Acton
      Oh Yeah sounds like a good 1. FMF 🏁🏁🏁

  • @jieme6397
    @jieme6397 4 года назад +3

    They actually did make a kdx420 very rare, i have found 3 in parts, 2 years ago i put the engind top and bottom in a 1984 atc 250r it had 6 speeds, easily hit 100mph,

  • @davelanghm8607
    @davelanghm8607 11 месяцев назад +1

    I’ve got a 91KDX I need to redo the bottom end but I do love it and it does start very easy

  • @the_ltz_guymaster7912
    @the_ltz_guymaster7912 4 года назад +2

    Beloved my ass when they gave up on making parts you know how hard it is to get parts for a 94 kdx200 you ether have to steal someone else’s bike or drive 1000 miles to get a parts bike or randomly get lucky and find them in a wooded area abandoned

  • @billb5029
    @billb5029 2 года назад +1

    I owned a kdx175 when I was motocross racing a yz250..can not believe how fast the Kawasaki was. My wife bought me a 1988 kdx200 at a yard sale, it was probably 4 years old, let friends play ride it, sat in the barn for 30+ years..thought I would trail ride it..ended up swapping out suspension with kx parts. Dg pipe aluminum silencer, ports matched, great western bike.
    Started crosscountry racing it with Ahrma, will run with modern bikes.
    At a Pueblo race would run the 6th gear straight even with modern 4stroke 250 motocross bikes.
    At unadilla this year, frame deep mud 6.4 mile loops all 2nd 3rd gear throttle pinned, bulletproof, absolutely amazing. And it would always start 1or 2 kicks after I fell down

  • @justinhenderson5710
    @justinhenderson5710 4 года назад +3

    ThankU Tony!!!👍👌👏👏👏
    I had an 85' KDX 200
    Loved IT
    ALWAYS lusted over the 88'
    Put the 88 graphics,blue fork boots & 89 uni track decals. 88 handguards.
    So it was an 88' in my 15 year old fantasyland😀

  • @angrytater2456
    @angrytater2456 Год назад +1

    I'm wanting to get a 200 or 220 and make it street legal.

  • @marvinfrenchy8754
    @marvinfrenchy8754 Год назад +1

    My first dirt bike was a 1980 KDX80

  • @brantmcfarland517
    @brantmcfarland517 3 года назад +1

    That was so cool!!!! I raced the KDX200’s in the black jack enduro Circuit in Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Kansas, Louisiana and New Mexico. They are still running it today. I raced enduros from 85 to 04 all on KDX’s. 85 200, 92 200, 94 250 and an 97 200. When all sed and done I was in the A200 class and whining my class. I was moved to the AA class for 05 and never raced in it. I have retired from racing. Loved all the 200-250 KDX’s. I never got the chance to ride an 175 though. I’m on my 40th new bike now and way over 100 used bikes in my life and over 30 broken bones so far. Lol. Happy riding my friend.
    Love your Channel.

  • @chadkennedy529
    @chadkennedy529 4 года назад +4

    Very compete and detailed presentation, always learn something here.

  • @MessyLio10
    @MessyLio10 Год назад +2

    I had the '89 model as my first full sized dort bike, got it for Chrostmas when I was 15 yrs old and then bought the final model as a showroom floor leftover in 2007. Still own it to this day and absolutely love riding it in single track. This was a great video, thanks.

  • @free-birdrocker8809
    @free-birdrocker8809 3 года назад +2

    I rode a kitted out 89 kdx 200, and it was awesome, these enduro's are absolutly fun off road. Riding a peaky mx 2 t is fun for blasting round a track, but the kdx was the best for all round riding.

  • @huskynoob7881
    @huskynoob7881 3 года назад +1

    Hunted for a KDX200 for months and found one.. put a lectron carb and its a fun, reliable, capable dirtbike.

  • @weesmokeythe2strokey352
    @weesmokeythe2strokey352 10 месяцев назад +1

    Would you ever do a video on the kmx?

  • @EarthSurferUSA
    @EarthSurferUSA 3 года назад

    Pronunciation: Molybdenum: Not Moly-B-Deum, (best I can hear).
    But Mo-lib-de-num
    "Mo" (with out Larry and Curly),------------- "Lib"(eral), --------De(Coster),-------num,(Weegee's intellect))

  • @jasonpeters9390
    @jasonpeters9390 4 года назад +3

    Great vlog very interesting and informative and brings back memories

  • @riffkin32
    @riffkin32 20 дней назад

    My very first dirtbike was a 92 leftover KDX 250.. i've ridden a few dirt bikes here and there 125's an XR 200.. my older brother had a KDX 250. I rode it a couple times I thought it was great so I went to the dealership. They had a leftover 200 on the floor and I left over 250 along with the current models.. I ended up purchasing the 250. It never ran great it was prone to foul spark plugs. Plus it did lack power ..I traded it with some cash for a 91 Husqvarna 610 WXE.. I instantly became a faster/better rider on that bigger heavier, more powerful bike.
    To this day, I often wondered what would happen if I bought the 200 🤔😂

  • @tannerpuhl4233
    @tannerpuhl4233 4 года назад +2

    Nice video like always. My dad had 2 of them one when he was younger then one when i was 7 my brother was 4 he went out bought us a xr50 and a xr70 and himself a 93kdx. Had alot of fun holding on to those handle bars i thought the bike was a rocket ship lol!

  • @WIDESIDE72
    @WIDESIDE72 2 года назад +1

    I just picked up a non running KDX220 a couple of weeks ago for $1k. (bad coil). Lucky the coil was bad because the PO who took it in trade had put straight gas in it. Woulda locked up in minutes! The Last dirt bike I had was a 79 KX80 when I was a kid 35 years ago! Most fun you can have with your pants on!

  • @terrywillis5784
    @terrywillis5784 Год назад +1

    I recently bought a kdx 175 with only 370 original miles. The clutch is stuck from sitting and the air filter is disintegrating. Where is the best source for parts ? I looked on RUclips for information and am a new subscriber because you put together a great presentation. Thanks.

  • @YZEtc
    @YZEtc Год назад +1

    I owned one KDX, a brand-new 1986 KDX200C1.
    It was impressive the amount of low-end torque it had that smoothly transitioned into the meat of the mid-range torque and power.
    I entered just one race with it, a hare scrambles in 1986, in the woods of muddy, rocky, tree-rooted New England in springtime.
    The engine characteristics made it easier for me to cope with a course I did not know and finish the race to 6th in the Novice class.
    I knew riding buddies that owned KDXs at one time or another:
    A 1984 KDX200A2 in the red color; a 1990 KDX200E2; a 1991 KDX200E3.
    The liquid-cooled E model was even more electric motor-like with the smoothness of the power delivery.
    I knew the KDX200 was an effective dirt bike when my buddy bought a new 1984 KDX200A2 in red and was able to ride it fairly well considering how little he got practice in on actually riding his new dirt bike.
    This was noteworthy as he sort of bought the bike on a whim, it seemed, because he did not go riding with me and my other riding buddy more than a few times over the course of the 10 years we rode practically every weekend together.
    About the 1991 - 1994 KDX250D:
    I was able to ride one of these bikes a few times - a 1994 KDX250D4 - when a salesman at the local Kawasaki dealer was allowed to take one home as a demo bike to have fun with while working for the dealership.
    We were friends so we got together for some dirt bike riding on several occasions, and he allowed me a few rides on it.
    It had a noticeably larger chassis than the 200, and after riding the bike I concluded it was a fun and capable bike for play riding but did not have the top-end horsepower of bikes like a Yamaha WR250Z.
    That's because it was a street-legal dual-purpose bike when sold in other countries, and when it was brought to the USA, they stripped all the street-legal parts off and mounted off-road knobby tires.
    Not surprising a bike designed to withstand thousands of street miles did not have the engine tuned as highly as an off-road-only racer thoroughbred.

  • @JB101inc
    @JB101inc 3 года назад +1

    You've got me feeling nostalgic now. My first dirt bike was a 97 KDX 220. One of those "first thing you buy with your own money" things. It was a great bike, but I didn't appreciate it at the time. I was firmly focused on becoming Jeremy McGrath at the time and the KDX was too slow and squishy to be cool. I moved on to mx bikes after a few years. Now as a 35 year-old dad, I'd sure like to bum around in the trees with one of these. I remember reading a shootout with the KTM 200 and being envious that it's seat wasn't "filled with stale marshmallows".

  • @julianwinter3435
    @julianwinter3435 3 года назад +1

    Kawasaki should make a kdx 300 2 stroke would be a good 👍

  • @RollForever88
    @RollForever88 25 дней назад

    I’m obsessed with this bike. They just don’t make em like they used to. Dream would be to have a garage with XR 250 & 400, and a KDX.

  • @11fishee
    @11fishee 4 месяца назад

    4 stroke/2 stroke displacement comprise, vs. actual capabilities.......vs. maintenance, nevermind, rebuild costs....

  • @11fishee
    @11fishee 4 месяца назад

    Hwy, "cluckstuckey".....agree, been there, done that, and still drive my 220.....blue plated but not to drive too far on pavement....

  • @11fishee
    @11fishee 4 месяца назад

    Air forks??? Unthread the cap, drill, tap, and thread a Schrader valve, and now you have "air forks": Simple, in the real world, up-grade....u should have known....

  • @ngzcaz
    @ngzcaz 6 месяцев назад

    Interesting that the 220 was dissed somewhat when the characteristics mentioned would certainly appeal to in the woods, gnarly, hairpin turn, mountain climbing terrain I see off road in my area.. I could certainly see the appeal.. Sounds a bit like the 350 Bighorn dual sport as far as the torque I had back in the early 70's minus some weight.. Certainly served my dual sport needs quite well...

  • @rockyota1
    @rockyota1 4 месяца назад

    Computer was junk, mine stopped working within the first few months. I loved that bike, other than the flexy forks and super easy to stall in tight woods sections. Ended up upgrading to the 220 and it's was much better.

  • @weesmokeythe2strokey352
    @weesmokeythe2strokey352 5 месяцев назад

    I saw on the 1994 spec sheet in the background that the forks are listed as 43mm and carb is a 38mm but i never heard you mention them? Just that the forks went from 43mm conventional to 41mm upside down for the 1993 model just wondering if you missed that or its incorrect information? By the way i love watching these videos, you have a really good easy to listen to style of talking about these bikes, you make what some may think a boring subject easy to listen to. Thanks 😊

  • @robinbrowne5419
    @robinbrowne5419 2 года назад +1

    Thanks for the fun and interesting review of KDX 175 and 200 dirt bikes. I used to have a Kawasaki G4 100, which was a great little trail bike for the back woods. Now, I have 2 budgies. 1 yellow and 1 green. They should be called Suzuki and Kawasaki. Lol. But their actual names are Coco and Bobo. I will post a link to a picture in the next message. Cheers from Canada :-)

  • @11fishee
    @11fishee 4 месяца назад

    Fredette made that bike comparable, if not better, than a KTM EXC 200....That'd be 1999/2000.....

  • @lawrenceatkinson5884
    @lawrenceatkinson5884 3 года назад +1

    Maybe it's time to cover the greatest bike of all time. The Yamaha XT500.

  • @rochellestanley9532
    @rochellestanley9532 Год назад +1

    Had a 220, great bike..

  • @shanvmw
    @shanvmw 4 года назад +4

    Nice. I'm staying in South Africa, I'm currently riding the 2006. The previous owner thought it was an 80s bike haha? This confirms it. Very informative. Thanks

    • @sgtunix
      @sgtunix 4 года назад +1

      Shan Also in South Africa. Still see KDX's at funduros. Great single track bike

    • @shanvmw
      @shanvmw 4 года назад +1

      @@sgtunix It does have a very different feel in the turns and the suspension just eats rocks and ruts up, it's not as advanced as the modern enduro bikes with hydro clutches and fuel injection obviously but when on a single trail the green machine shines. Hope you have a berm filled Sunday. not sure if you have seen this but it may interest you. ruclips.net/video/eeDUPSG5wkI/видео.html

    • @sgtunix
      @sgtunix 4 года назад +1

      @@shanvmw Thanks, already saw the torture test. I had a KDX 220 a few years ago. Now on a 2017 KTM 300 XC-W

  • @isaacmonarrez3617
    @isaacmonarrez3617 3 года назад +1

    1984 KDX 200 owner here. Excellent bike for the trails 💪🏻 very reliable

  • @AndrewC.McPherson-xf5zw
    @AndrewC.McPherson-xf5zw 2 месяца назад

    Xr 200 was not a real enduro bike. Learn how to ride a bike on xr 200, then get a PE, IT or KDX and a girlfriend without embarrassment.

  • @KingFriday274
    @KingFriday274 3 месяца назад

    I think you keep confusing. The XR 200 and the XR250R. The KDX 200 competes with the XR250R the X R 200 is like a wife bike.

  • @11fishee
    @11fishee 4 месяца назад

    I'm surprised that this guy's comment hasn't involved the the way the knobbies look....Ever seen a paddle tire?

  • @grizdeluxe
    @grizdeluxe 2 года назад +1

    My '92 KDX 250 is an amazing trail bike. I ride desert and forested tight trails and it's really capable. Climbs hills like a goat.

  • @markkus1134
    @markkus1134 Год назад +1

    Loved the KDX never owned one a buddy had one a 220 street legal with turn signals horn it was a kit

  • @11fishee
    @11fishee 4 месяца назад

    You should not compare, at the time you have been presenting, "then" vs. even a couple years later......Inconsequential.....

  • @williamkudrna5843
    @williamkudrna5843 2 года назад +1

    Weird that the KDX changed to the blue seat in 85, but kept the 84 writing (similar to the KXs) as opposed to outlined 85 writing on the KX, then right back in line for 86. Love the presentation Blaze!

  • @AndrewC.McPherson-xf5zw
    @AndrewC.McPherson-xf5zw 2 месяца назад

    Just saying. Lived and learned. Rode H2 Kawis when we were old enough to get license. Still spent alot of time offroad..