200kdx

Posted by: g123---------------------

Hi,

I have an 04 KDX 200 which I've just had the suspension fully done on (gold valves, new springs, reshimmed). It feels way better with the suspension done but I'm having issues with the front wheel deflecting on rocks (approx fist sized and a bit bigger) and bumps/ruts. My dad has an 06 wr450f which I can fly along on with no fear of deflection. However when I hop back on mine it feels loose and twitchy.

I've lowered the forks in the triple clamps so they are flush at the top and adjusted my bars forward a bit which has helped. Currently the bike has a Michelin Starcross MS3 on the front and a Metzler Motocross MC4 on the back. Normally run about 11 to 12 psi in both ends.

Would a steering damper help? If so how have other KDX owners found them? (I have searched).

Is it even possible for the KDX to sail across everything without a thought like the WR does? Or is that the limitations of a dated 200cc 2 stroke vs a modern 450cc 4 stroke?

Thanks,
Glen


Posted by: Green Hornet---------------------

12psi in the rocks is a little to much for my liking. Tire Choice, I run the D942FA. Great Tire in the rocks & other terra. Oh Yeah...REAR SAG SET???


Posted by: John Harris---------------------

Steering damper will help, wer makes one to easily fit and others are available. However, you are dealing with dated suspension (at least 10 years old) on a lighter bike. It just will not handle as good as a new one! Ride safe John


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

A damper will help for sure.

Even after the revalve, you may have too much high speed compression damping for the rocks and roots. If you revalved yourself using RT's guidelines, this may be the problem. For lots of rocks and roots you are better off with less high speed damping, IMO.

The more modern suspension components are an advantage on the newer bikes, but it sounds like yours can be made to work better than it is now.


Posted by: Green Hornet---------------------

If you slow the rebound via clickers that will give you a less harsh ride. Play with the clickers until you get what you like.


Posted by: ebeck---------------------

Quote:

Is it even possible for the KDX to sail across everything without a thought like the WR does? Or is that the limitations of a dated 200cc 2 stroke vs a modern 450cc 4 stroke?

It is not a limitation of the engine it is a limitation of the suspension. KTM makes an 2008 200cc off road competition bike. Being a 2 stroke does not date the suspension the suspension dates the suspension.

Definitly play with the clickers and if you have the time and patience you cna learn to fiddle with the internals and oil weight to help correct things. Ultimatly it will never be perfect. there is a reason they loaded it with real light springs from the start.

If the suspension is becoming a liability consider putting on KX/CR/YZ/WR/RM suspension. That is actually pretty easy.

There is just no way to take 20 year old suspension technology and make it as good a MX suspension was even 10 years ago. Valving and springs on the old suspension can have effects that are unintended and can often not work as well as one hoped.

Here is what I did. I made 2 KX/KDX Hybrids. All the benifits of the really great KDX motor with all the benifits of the MX cousin. It is even better than you can imagine. One 02 and one 03.