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KDX replacement - 4 those whov riden an EXC
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Posted by: mnnthbx---------------------

Though I dearly love the KDX, I keep having thoughts of going orange in the near future.

For those who've spent time on an EXC, how does the 200 or 250 compare to my KDX 200? I hear the bottom end isn't too strong, but in comparioson to what I'm not sure. I would have to guess they are both as stout as my 200 on the bottom?

It's stated they are both much stronger overall, and I don't doubt that.

I figure if I put this in a KTM forum, I'll be bombarded with "no comparison" replies. The opposite may happen here, but I'm hoping a few of you with seat time can pull a unbiased review off for me. Thanks.

Posted by: Wolf---------------------

Last time I posted my impressions here I got blasted, e-mail or pm me. I refuse to post it inhere again. (I just switched to an EXC 250).

Posted by: mnnthbx---------------------

Thanks Wolf. Please e-mail me @ mnnthbx@hotmail.com. What year 250 is that? Any feedback you can give me is graetly appriciated. I'm curious as to the luggability of the 250 compared to my 200. Thanks.

Posted by: motorider200---------------------

I believe CC has had some seat time on a 200exc you might try searching. He posted a compairison a while back.

Posted by: dirt bike dave---------------------

I've owned 3 kdxs and many of my buddies have owned KDXs. I have also ridden many e/xcs, including the 200, 250 and 300.

First, BIKE SET UP is critical for every machine. A well dialed in bike will beat a poorly set up bike every time. In my experience, many of the fast offroad & enduro racers prefer bikes with PLUSH suspension and smooth power; these race bikes are very capable on the nastiest trails you can imagine.

Second, PERSONAL PREFERENCE is a huge factor. Everbody rides faster on a bike they feel comfortable and confident on.

MY OPINIONS:

200 e/xc: The ones I have ridden were '00 and '03 dialed in race bikes with modified suspension and steering dampers. Great bikes with way more motor than any KDX200 I've thrown a leg over. The '03 especially feels lighter; it will carve tight corners like a good japanese MXer, way better suspension when pushing hard than a KDX. Quality components, needs very little work to be raced or trail ridden. It is basically like a KDX with 20 less pounds, better suspension, and 20% more power from mid range on up. I like the KDX and respect its strong points, but for ME, the KTM is the better choice.

250 e/xc - I had the pleasure of riding Angry Jim's '02 with extensive suspension mods and steering damper. Jim is currently top 5 in Vet A Cross Country for D36 on this bike, and has switched over the 250 from his '03 200 e/xc. The 250 has less bottom end power than my enduro modded '99 CR250, but MORE power on top. This bike feels lighter than my CR250 and is Jim's is the only bike I have ever ridden that has better suspension than the Factory Connection suspension on my bike. I have never ridden any KDX that has the performance potential of this bike - not even close. This bike feels competive in intermediate MX, but you could ride it all day on the trails or win an enduro or CC on it without changing a thing. Great bike!

Like the other 'big' ktms, you need to get used to the feel when cornering. People say they won't turn tight as effortlessly as a KDX or an MX bike, but IMO part of this is bike set up and part is you just need to get used to the bike. The 'big' ktms will turn just fine in the tight stuff, as my friends have proven to me over and over again when they gap me.

300 e/xc - you didn't ask about it, but I've ridden them plenty. More motor than the 250, especially way more down low. Actual weight ready to ride is probably less than the KDX200's; fine bike but I find it more tiring to ride than the 250 or 200. I prefer the 200 or 250, but the 300 riders usually think it is the best, most versatile bike in the world. That's the personal preference thing.

KDX200 - great bang for the buck. Handles well but greatly benefits from suspension work (especially forks) and minor motor mods. Good trail bike that can go pretty well when it suits the trail and the rider preferences, but faster riders will find there are plenty of opportunities they could put the superior performance potential fo the KTMs to use. Basically, it is very good at what it is designed to do, but the KTM is newer and more expensive technology, so it would be a give surprise if stock for stock a KDX could run faster than a KTM on most trails.

Posted by: mnnthbx---------------------

Thanks for taking the time to write all that.

My thoughts are this. I probably would love the 200exc, and I could more or less ring it the way I do my KDX now, but I want to get in a position of having enough bike under me (power wise) that I can keep it nearly stock far into the future..... hence the 250...

I have some idea I would spend most my time on the 300 trying not to get myself killed than enjoying the ride. The only high power bike I've spent much time on is a KTM 450sx. It was fun in the open, but I wouldn't want to be in a sticky situation on a bike with that power.

I guess I'm looking for a bike with about 5% more power than I can use, where as the KDX is about 10% less than I can use.

Posted by: placelast---------------------

I’ve sampled two 200E/XCs, one 250E/XC, two 300E/XCs, and 4 KDXes before owning one of the latter, albeit in hybrid form. Here are my (dated) impressions:

The small E/XCs had surprisingly so much motor, the only way I could intentionally lug them down – as a test to see how well they chugged - was on uphill hard pack at low RPM; everywhere else it was roost/boost not far down from a 250. Fun indeed. And they would go through the gears like a race bike – maybe too quickly: there’s something telling you to go faster, like a dog tugging on the leash.

Being used to Asian suspension, they felt a bit odd and harsh, but I would attribute that to early releases of the PDS, and no setup. One was a special Jackpiner - the most handsome bike ever, IMHO - and the other a stock ’99. Both were light and flick-able and sized comfortably for my 5’9”, 160-lb frame. I thought then and still think they are close to the ideal for me.

The 250 was a ’98, and had a low-to-mid RPM-meaty motor to envy – the opposite of my 250’s (snappy from mid up). This E/XC felt a bit bigger, longer and stable compared to the 200’s but not uncomfortable to go fast. Since the magazines said this KTM did not have good suspension, I was expecting not to like it, but it seemed fine – why the fuss?

There’s something about the 300s power delivery which just plain scared me; both were given back to their owners before anything broke or anyone (me) got hurt. I think it was their ability to hookup. Some swear by them and that’s great for them, but not me.

Now the KDXes felt like a few notches down in the engine department, certainly not nearly as refined as the E/XCs everywhere else, although with more potential than my XRs, TT and DR. It’s doubtful the four I sampled were setup, yet I do know there is less of a foundation to work with (lower grade). Saying these things may get me into trouble, so before ya ‘all slam me read on:

My hybrid (KX125-framed) KDX has FRP porting, RB head milling/squish reshaping, the RB carb mod, a Dynoport pipe, Boyesen reeds, and, well, still can’t touch the 200 E/XCs in engine performance at any RPM; it’s simply not possible to squeeze any more oomph out of the engine, although it’s plenty for my two younger sons for years to come.

For survival rides, the hybrid would be my choice, though everywhere else, my oldest son and I prefer my 250. And we would certainly welcome a 200 E/XC.

Posted by: rethnal---------------------

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wolf

Last time I posted my impressions here I got blasted, e-mail or pm me. I refuse to post it inhere again. (I just switched to an EXC 250).

I just don't think you liked the "depends on the application" part. But it's true..... If you ride balls to the wall... KTM's are your bike. I have owned a 98 KTM 250EXC and it had an 1/8 throttle. Try to control that in the woods unless you are racing.... Just a fact. If you run tight trails and only go fast every now and then.... Why buy a KTM? What is the point of spending all that extra money on a KTM when it could go into gear that makes your KDX even better suited for the woods? Like a stabilizer, skid plate etc... and still come out much cheaper. Don't get me wrong... I loved my KTM but just couldn't make it work for me. They are great bikes, but depends on your application.....

Posted by: mnnthbx---------------------

Quote:

What is the point of spending all that extra money on a KTM when it could go into gear that makes your KDX even better suited for the woods

My KDX is decked out full of armour and a WER. I just want a bike that scares me "just a bit". I figure it's like this. On a scale of 1-10, to me the KDX is a 9, I'm just set on wasting that money to park a new 10 in my garage. At this point, I'm fairly certain I'll go orange, it's just a matter of which size. I will say this though... I don't think you can beat the KDX $ for $. I've just help convince two friends of that in the last few months, who have new green bikes at home.

Thanks for the input everyone.

Posted by: trailryder---------------------

I'm with rethnal on this one.I owned a 96 kdx...put all the goodies on it....then I stepped up to a WER suspended 99 KTM 200 exc.. Slimmer, way more power than this mid pack "C" rider would ever need. I had SO many problems keeping it jetted right that it took all the fun out of riding. Sold it.Raced mountain bikes for a few years and got the dirtbike bug again. Want to know what bike I bought to get back into riding again ??????? A 01 KDX. This winter I'll install all the goodies once again. I'm a 38 year old trail rider, the racey ktm doesn't apeal to me at this part of the game. You may be having "trail envy". I'd ride one of the ktm's before buying one.

Posted by: rethnal---------------------

Quote:

Originally Posted by mnnthbx

I just want a bike that scares me "just a bit".

It'll do that... be careful!

Posted by: nrvs-nelly---------------------

Great reading for someone who has been thinking of making the switch also. I'm border line right now. I just got done installing all the goodies on my '99 but now I have bike envy since I see all my buddies with newer bikes. If and when I do it, It will either be a KTM exc300 or the GAS GAS ec300

Posted by: moridin---------------------

Yea, yea - I lurk every so often.

I will first tell you I love the KDX. I have had several over the years and just sold my last KDX to a nice fellow that I am sure is a frequent guest here now. I already converted to Orange several years ago - but my KDX was my baby. I finally made the switch.

That being said - there is no comparrison. My 200 MXC (that is the close ratio tranny) is amazing. More power everythwhere with tons more on top. No less on the bottom than my 200, but not quite what the 200 has. Mid on up is 20% maybe 30% higher.

The suspension is world-class and the bike feels so much lighter. On the books they are maybe 20 pounds different, but it feels like 50. You can flick this bike like a 125 and it pulls like a 250.

KTMs have agreat support group - sort of like Canadian Dave's with 25K memebers - so answers are a post away. I just dont see the downside.

Cost really isnt an issue as the are really ready to race out of the crate.

Email me if you have any questions. Just get one and dont look back.

Posted by: DirtRoller---------------------

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wolf

Last time I posted my impressions here I got blasted, e-mail or pm me. I refuse to post it inhere again. (I just switched to an EXC 250).

Sorry Wolf didn't mean to rub you the wrong way. The post was more of a razz... with

I was sure you would have taken it that way.
I have ridden both, or ride with others who have KTM's. The bike's that I have ridden are good bikes and can surely out perform a KDX in the right hands.
Would I own one? NO. Would I like to have KDX with a little more of the KTM's parts? Yes

There is one exception...but it would look like this.
The KTM in my future photo

Posted by: jafo---------------------

This may not answer your question on this particular topic, but I work with quite a few guys that trail ride.......alot. Many are into hair scrambles, and there is a wide diversity of bike brands they ride. All in all, you ask them what bikes they prefer in the woods and I'll bet 85% of them go with the KDX. The other 15% have KTMs, 525's to be exact. As far as first hand experience, with the ones that I ride with, only one rides a different bike, the rest of us are on KDX's from 200 thru 220's. I am impressed with this one guys CRF250. It's totally badd a$$ on the trail ! He's had a few mods done to it to get alittle more low-in, but pound for pound, his CRF is equal to our KDX's but falls a bit short at top in, very little. I'm looking at maybe going with a KX250F next time around. I love KDX's but I'm looking to a four stroke next time around, the CRF made a believer out of me. Just my 2 cents.

jon.

Posted by: john_bilbrey---------------------

Here's my take....
I'm riding a '03 220 with Gnarly Desert/PCII, jetted w/o airbox lid or snorkel. Stock suspension (I know, I know...)
My Dad has been through several pumpkins since he has gotten back into riding. Started out on a XR400, that didn't last long. Then came the 380EXC (01 or 02) Round One. Crazy power, so much so that he kept it jetted rich to tame it. If he would have kept it, a couple of base gaskets would have been added to tame it more. Handling - it was all a matter of knowing how to control the throttle. Then came the 02 300EXC. Power - nice, it pulled down low like a champ and would run away with you up top. Handling - I don't know if it was the bike setup or what, but everyone who rode this particular bike ended up on their ears. Although, Dirt Rider (or Dirtbike?) picked it as the #1 woods weapon several times. Then back to the same 380. That didn't work this time either, just too many beans. Finally, we arrive with a 03 450EXC, Race Tech suspension, GPR, and proper jetting. Power wise, this thing is great. Pull off the bottom is great, and it'll push 100MPH of the showroom floor. Put it in 3rd and just ride. I love this bike, although it's a little stiff for me (I'm 185, Dad is pushing 300). The bike "feels" light everywhere except during loading/unloading, or after a spill. It is nimble for such a heavy bike, feels skinny. Plus, the magic button is handy.
Bottom line- the KDX is, by far, the best dollar for dollar machine out there. With a few hundred in mods, it's going to be able to outride most of us out there. Plus, you can by two of them fully loaded for what one 450 pumpkin is going to run you.

Posted by: BRush---------------------

I own both a ’96 KDX 200 (MX-Tech, 225 big bore kit, damper, pipe, airbox, etc) and an ’03 250 EXC. I’ve spent a fair amount of time swapping off with friends who own EXC 200s. The EXC 200 does not suit me. Too much of a hit and not enough down low, though when you get in on the pipe, it’s a nimble rocket ship. That kind of power is great for an A level enduro rider. For me it’s fun for the first hour, but when I get tired it just magnifies any mistake I make. Someone else called it a ‘dog tugging on a leash’ and sometimes keeping the dog under control will tire you out. If that was the only choice, I’d have stuck with the KDX. Fortunately, the EXC 250 is another story. The 250 is great, and is what I ended up with. The 250 is a tractor down low and has a tad more grunt than my KDX motor with the 225cc Eric Gorr big bore kit. With proper adjustment of the power valve adjuster, the power is linear and smooth, without the hit of the 200.

It is a far better enduro competition bike than the KDX, mostly due to the much better suspension and stiffer frame. The difference becomes noticeable when you push the pace. The KTM is confident and planted over rough trail at speeds that have my MX-Tech suspended KDX starting to act nervous and spooky. But the KTM is not necessarily a better trail bike than the KDX. I still find myself taking out the KDX when the ride will be casual with friends who are non-aggressive riders. The KDX is just fun. It is easier to tailor my pace to slower riders and when the terrain gets to the “ignorant tight” feet-off-the-pegs dog paddle sections, the KDX will hold its own with any bike.

Posted by: trailryder---------------------

BRush- so in other words you take the KDX out riding with the knobbie tires wheelchair rider club rides ??? Anything above that you take out the KTM ??? LOL

Posted by: cadjocky---------------------

I have a 2004 200EXC and a 1998 KDX200. They sure are different bikes. The KDX is friendly, the KTM is angry. Some people here have done great things with their KDX's, but the KTM is already there.

Posted by: rainrider---------------------

it has been my observation that it comes down to two things 1) your weight 2) what rpms you like to ride at. I had a kx200 hybrid and i loved it . it would lug me around anywhere and i liked the way it climbed rocky uphills (like we have here in the cascade mountains of washington state) now i have recently bought my 2nd 200exc . any place your kdx took you, the ktm will take you there.... better.... (and with a bigger smile) that is my opinion. it is MUCH lighter . i weigh right around 150 all geared up with a full toolpack and camelback. i ride with a few others who are much bigger than me and they loved their exc200s until they had to climb hills or get up tight and tall switchbacks. which brings me to case #2 ... if you are a bigger rider who likes to ride on the main jet (like it was meant to be riden)....get ON that pipe and just throw it around......(ie zero it) it has enough power every where........if you are a 200 pounder and like to ride on the pilot jet....you better get a bigger bore

Posted by: Tom Ludolff---------------------

That's where the 300exc's come into play!!!

Posted by: Fred T---------------------

I used to be a big poster in this forum about 2 years ago when I had my KDX 220. I spend a ton of money on mods and did some pretty extensive MX tech suspension mods including a revalved and hard anodized rear shock, revalved forks, stiffer springs with mid valves added and rebound adjustment added. I had Boyesan reeds, RB Carb mod, FMF pipe, Wiseco piston, FRP goodies added - she was pretty sweet. I only got $3000 for my KDX and lost a bunch of money with the upgrades. I bought a 2003 250 EXC and in a matter of minutes I was faster than on my KDX. Stiffer frame, better suspension and a ton more motor made going fast easy. Since that bike I'm now on my 3rd KTM 250 EXC - a 2005. The newer 2004 and 2005 250 EXC's are dramatically better than that 2003 EXC with a better motor, 10 lbs lighter, and improved suspension and handling. The new KTM 250 weighs quite a bit less than a KDX. (My son has a 2002 KDX 220) For him it's a great bike -it's milder and forgiving and quite a step up from his first bike a Honda XR 200.

If you are serious about going fast then a KTM is a great value at about $2000 more than a KDX. By the time you put some mods on a KDX to make it race worthy the price spread between a KTM and KDX gets pretty small and you get a bike with much better quality parts. A KTM is a dream to work on too. I can change rear brakes pads in 1 minute or less on the trail!

The KDX has it place in the market as a great value trail bike thats fun to ride, stone reliable and user friendly. And honestly when the trail gets real knarly and first or sometimes second gear is all that is achievable then it will go just about as quick.

For some reason Jeff Fredette can reall make one haul and I don't understand it and I've rode 3 enduros where we were both entered this summer and he passed me in all of them with a number 1-3 minutes behind me. How he makes one go that fast is beyond me! Of course Jeff ended up 2nd overall in the district standings so I wasn't the only bike he was passing with ease.

Posted by: trailryder---------------------

Awwwwww Fred.....................why did ya have to go and say that.......? Now you got a bunch of KDXer's who wanta go real fast eyes glowing orange......lol

Posted by: Wolf---------------------

FredT summed it up best IMO. Except for the Fredette comment, he passed me with a number 3 - 6 minutes behind me.

Posted by: Jim Crenca---------------------

Fred,
Any comments on how the KTM compares as a trail or play bike?
There have been posts that make it sound like a beast if you just want to go for a fun ride without racing.

Posted by: cadjocky---------------------

Interesting question Jim ... My 04 200EXC is a beast, but once you're used to it, it's no big deal. I was afraid of it at first, but now I love the immediate throttle response and the great boingers. The added power and lighter weight are just icing on the cake. My KDX is still fun to ride, but only when my son takes the EXC do I ride the KDX.

Posted by: Fred T---------------------

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Crenca

Fred,
Any comments on how the KTM compares as a trail or play bike?
There have been posts that make it sound like a beast if you just want to go for a fun ride without racing.

Jim
If you have a year or more of saddle time on a KDX then a 250 EXCwill not be a beast. It's probably not a good first bike but once you are used to riding in the woods a bit and have the basics down it's a really nice trail bike too. This is most especially true for a 2004 or newer 250 EXC with the new sweet motor and great handling. The 200's have a hit to them but thats not quite as noticable on the 250. I've ridden a 200 before and they are great and can go fast but they keep you busy.

What makes a KDX nice is for a person that can only afford around 4 grand and likes to ride the woods and is not lusting for more motor or suspension. It's a well mannered bike thats fun to ride and can be ridden all day. The seats are really soft on them. I think it gets out of hand when you start sticking a bunch of money in a KDX then you are wasting your time. A few hundred bucks for a set of handle bars, maybe a pipe and front fork springs and call it good. Then it's a great bike and still a bargian. If you get to the point that your KDX is not making you happy after a few hundred bucks it's probably time to look at something else rather than sinking more and more money in to it. It's still based on a 1995 platform and has changed very little since then, especially now in 2005 compared to what else you can buy for 6 grand.

I hope this information is helpful and not taken as bashing. I know folks take great pride in their bikes and can be offended by comments that are not completley flattering at times.

It boils down to this in my opinion. If you are a trail rider and when you ride a stock KDX it makes you happy for more than a season then that's the bike for you. If after a season you feel you are in need of more speed, power and better handling - be careful to not invest too much in the KDX. It won't really return the investment like a more updated motorcycle will. Another way to tell is if you are WFO on your KDX all the time -then you are ready for something else.

Posted by: Jim Crenca---------------------

Thanks for the honest response you guys. I, like many, took a 20+ year break from riding and bought a used KDX to see if the attraction was still there. I also have enjoyed tinkering with the bike as well as all the usual improvements, all the while knowing the return on investment was low in dollars but high in satisfaction from improved performance and sense of accomplishment (as well as learning a great deal).

At this point, I'm either going to leave it alone (other than maintenance) and ride the wheels of fit, or change rides, probably to a 2-stroke KTM. In my case, this will depend more on getting past the waiting lists for riding clubs as legal places to ride are either small or 2 hours away.

Even with MX Tech suspension bills, R&B mods, bolt on trick parts, etc., it is still money well spent for me, and considering it was a low $, well maintained, used bike, I hate to sell it; now, how do I sell that to the wife.....

Posted by: firecracker22---------------------

Well I can say most of the same things as everyone else . . . plus the fact that I am not a super skilled or aggressive rider, yet I still feel like the KTM200EXC was a most wonderful purchase. Aside from tires and a FMF silencer, she's bone stock and I love it. I certainly don't get it up on the pipe very often in the woods, only if I'm desert or MX riding. I have mostly grown out of the putting stage though. I think it's extremely luggable--far easier to ride than my friend Emilie's YZ250 two stroke. Yes I realize the bulk of that is gearing, but still. My KTM will chug down quite happily. I have learned jetting slowly but until the weather changed this fall, she was running beautifully, and now that I put a larger pilot in it, she feels good again. I don't think it's difficult to jet at all. Other than that, I will repeat the others--extremely light, maneuverable, powerful, responsive, easy to work on (some parts a little more expensive though), and certainly tough to have survived almost 4 years of me riding it.

Posted by: mz1500---------------------

on where you ride and how you ride. A skilled rider on a piped and geared KDX is hard to beat, just ask Fredette. A skilled rider on a EXC is equally hard to beat. A skilled rider on head to head??? Who knows. I've had and riden both, my preference is a KDX hopped up any day of the week. It's more reliable, arguably as tractable and handles just as well. I always felt my exc was somehow faster with the same gearing, I think it was more the way it 'hit' than anything else. I always liked the slimness of the exc over the wide feel of the shrouds on the kdx, but I can live with that! I ride my buddies exc250, it's better down low, but not by much, it's faster on top. The KTM is expensive to buy, maintain, and fix. Parts are way more difficult, and they almost always have 'untimely' demise comparativly to the KDX

Posted by: trailryder---------------------

Jim- I felt your pain. Living in Maryland as a dirtbike rider sucks. I lived there most of my life....One of the reasons for getting out of biking for a while was because of no places to ride(and a ktm I couldn't keep jetted to save my life)I'm sorry to say,......but I do not think that finding places to ride will get any better in MD's future..Good luck though

Posted by: css_elfers---------------------

For what it is worth, heres my 2 cents. Before I got my 05 KDX 220 I had a used 2000 300/exc. I bought it used just to see if I wanted to get back into the sport after a long break. Just keep in mind that my opinions are based on a used KTM. The KTM had lots of power, handled very well and the suspension was very soft and plush. The only place I found that I lost power and had to downshift was going up step hills. Also I found that if you take a spill, you had a good chance of getting air into the hydra clutch which is a bitch to bleed and was more of a pain in the ass than good. Now After getting all the mods put onto the KDX I never have to downshift and I think it is faster than the KTM because of the 6th gear that the KTM doesn't have. I thought I made a big mistake when I first got the KDX but after I put the mods (some come standard on the KTM) on it I couldn't be happier with my choice. I was looking at the KTM's when I went to purchase a new bike but went with the KDX because of its track record.

ELF

Posted by: Fred T---------------------

Quote:

Originally Posted by css_elfers

Now After getting all the mods put onto the KDX I never have to downshift and I think it is faster than the KTM because of the 6th gear that the KTM doesn't have. I thought I made a big mistake when I first got the KDX but after I put the mods (some come standard on the KTM) on it I couldn't be happier with my choice. I was looking at the KTM's when I went to purchase a new bike but went with the KDX because of its track record.ELF

I seriously doubt that a KDX will have more power than a 300 unless that 300 was clapped put. The 2004/2005 model year has come a looooong way since that 2000 you had

Quote:

Originally Posted by mz1500

The KTM is expensive to buy, maintain, and fix. Parts are way more difficult, and they almost always have 'untimely' demise comparativly to the KDX

I beg to differ, they are very well built, easy to work on and very reliable if properly maintained. Parts are very easy to find if you have a good dealer or if not then they are easy to get online.

My 2004 250 EXC finished every race I entered this season, finished every trail ride I went on and i never had any failure on the trail. IN fact my 2003 finished every race except the one where I got a flat tire. Both bikes had a ton of hours on them and were ridden hard and held up well.

I think I am beginning to remember why I stopped posting in this forum...............but I did find another thread where I might have helped with some KDX mods and jetting that are very inexpensive and work.

They make bikes in green, blue, yellow and orange so every one can find something that suites them. Enjoy!

Posted by: farmerj---------------------

Quote:

I think I am beginning to remember why I stopped posting in this forum...

Fred, you've been awesome and have contributed a major amount to this forum. Anyone who has done any searches knows that! Thanks and keep on posting!!

Jeff

Posted by: Fred T---------------------

Quote:

Originally Posted by farmerj

Fred, you've been awesome and have contributed a major amount to this forum. Anyone who has done any searches knows that! Thanks and keep on posting!!

Jeff

Thanks!

Posted by: Jim Crenca---------------------

Fred,
Too good for us now, huh?
I suppose there are only highly inteligent, non-confrontational posts in the land of orange.
Are you implying that KDX riders are too stupid for your posts.....
Come to think of it, I had to take 6 months off from DRN for similar reasons.
I for one have appreciated and learned quite a bit from guys like you, CC, Fishead, Acutemp, Canadian Dave, etc.
Thanks for the advice; it's always been good & accurate.
Jim

Posted by: mz1500---------------------

"The 2004/2005 model year has come a looooong way since that 2000 you had"

I agree, they have come a long way, and they had a long way to come! Seriously, they're great bikes, I meant no flame........Properly maintained everything lasts, my only point was if your wallet and inclination to maintain wasn't there, the KDX is a better choice for reliability, and can be every bit as competitive. I understand the newer Katooms are more reliable than ever. ( I also agree that a KTM 300(even an old one) should spank a mod'd out KDX in most power categories) I'm sure it was clapped out, and half clogged up!!)

Posted by: Smit-Dog---------------------

I had a '02 KDX 220, stock except for stiffer springs and a revalve up front. I now have an '04 200 EXC, basically stock. They are very different bikes. Whether you'll be happy making the switch, and whether or not it's worth the extra $$$, depends on how you ride, where you ride, and what you're looking to get out of switching to an EXC. From your posts, sounds like "luggability" is important to you.

- I wouldn't call the 200exc a tractor. It's more like a young Mustang. It likes to be ridden hard and fast. If plucking though tight technical trails is your pleasure, not a whole lot beats the low-speed handling characteristics of the KDX. If this is the case, IMO, it is not worth switching. When I first rode the 200exc, I hated it because I couldn't turn it in the tight twisty stuff. Problem was, I was trying to turn it like the KDX. Took about 10 hours of riding before adapting to the KTM, and now I love it.

- If you are looking to ride faster and better, I believe that the EXC will help you do this. If really pushing the KDX, you feel the fork and frame flex. The chassis limits how fast you can go, and still feel safe. The EXC shines at speed; it is stable and precise. Especially with the light weight and flickability of the 200, it feels like a mountain bike at times. If you are content with your pace on the trail with the KDX, then stick with it.

As far as pouring money into the KDX, learn from Fred T. There is a point of dimishing returns that hits pretty quickly after suspension. Dial-in the suspension, cut the airbox, tune the jetting, and maybe get a steering damper. If you want to go faster than that, get a bike like an EXC.

Damn, I want to ride!

Posted by: Fred T---------------------

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Crenca

Fred,
Too good for us now, huh?
I suppose there are only highly inteligent, non-confrontational posts in the land of orange.
Are you implying that KDX riders are too stupid for your posts.....

Jim

No. sorry for that impression Jim,. I guess I just got frustrated trying to make some points.....I'd hate to be taken that way. I apologise.

Posted by: Wolf---------------------

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smit-Dog

As far as pouring money into the KDX, learn from Fred T. There is a point of dimishing returns that hits pretty quickly after suspension. Dial-in the suspension, cut the airbox, tune the jetting, and maybe get a steering damper. If you want to go faster than that, get a bike like an EXC.

I feel compelled to comment on that....
I am one of those guys that poured way too much money into a KDX, trying to make it something it is not. Aside from the regular mods, I had engine work done by EG (225) and suspension work done by MX Tech, and before that, I had suspension work done by another local shop. While ultimately relatively good results were achieved, it was money down the drain, as I basically ended up giving that stuff away upon re-sale.
Don't make the mistake I made of trying to turn a KDX into an EXC, its not going to happen. All points made by Fred T and SmitDog are right on, I wish I would have talked to them 3 years ago....
No, I am not bashing the KDX, it is very high on my "bike meter".

Posted by: Jim Crenca---------------------

Fred,
Please know that I was just kidding.

Man you guys get serious about defending a brand.
I'm just so thanful that it's not lay down shocks and horrid handling like when I first got into bikes.

Anybody that is passionate about a subject will get frustrated especially when there is no immediate response or vocal inflection present.

In the words of Mick Jagger at Altamont "who's fighting and what for; you'r rendering that scaffolding unsafe".

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KDX replacement - 4 those whov riden an EXC

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