200cc-300cc dirt bike

[Jx3]

I am in want of a dirt bike costing less than $2,000. (used on Craigslist) I will be using it for climbing mountains, going along frest service roads, desert riding but also doing a little jumping. MY friend recommends that i get a 4 stroke racing bike like the honda crf250r, but he really wants me to get the same bike as him, a kawasaki kdx200. i will be riding with him and his family 95 percent of the time. they have racing four strokes also. i was leaning towards a trail bike because of the lightness and electric start for stopping on the big hills. what do you think a good bike would be? Just stated looking into a bike two days ago so am willing to look into anything. If i got a trail bike how would it do going off minor jumps?

 

t\They go riding about every other weekend often less, sometimes more, but they only change oil, oil filter, air filter, at the beginning of the season. i heard you were supposed to change it at every 600 miles max?

 

This is my first dirt bike. i am a teenager who weighs 140lbs and am 5 11. I am still growing so i wouldn't want anything on the verge of too small.  

[6 Riders]

I vote the KDX 200, have the forks serviced and "built" by a suspension guru, not your local dealer, and have a blast on it. No E-start, but you won't need it. The bike won't tear itself up like the race bikes will....this means; a good steel sprocket and O-Ring chain will last for years, change the oil ( I use trans fluid) once or twice a year, depending on how "hard" you ride it and how much you use the clutch (the clutch is what dirties the oil in these bikes), have 2 air filters, put a clean one in, when it gets dirty, swap it out with the "spare" and then clean the (now) dirty one, and repeat. Get yourself some good gear; helmet, boots, knee guards, elbow guards and chest protector, in that order if money is tight. Don't skimp on the helmet and boots. The rest, get what fits as cheap inexpensive as you can, used would be OK if there in good condition (not cracked etc).

BTW what part of Idaho are you in?

[Qqqqqqqqqqqq]

As I've said before , finding a nice KDX is not easy

[Jx3]

I am in the CDA area. i know finding it wont be easy, but i won't have enough money for a while so i can wait to find one.

[Jx3]

The kdx 200 is a 2 stroke. it still still needs oil besides in the fuel mix? My grandpa mixes his two stroke oil for his boat right in the tank. can you do this with motorcycles?

[DirtSmoker250]

Yes KDX uses gas/oil mixture.  I always mix into a can and then pour into the bike's tank.  It needs transmission oil but this is a different type of oil than what is needed for the gas/oil mixture.

 

With ~$2000 you should be able to get one of the last years of the KDX (not 100% but I think they stopped in '06).

 

I've been searching for one for a while but they all seem to be really beat up and abused.  I guess they keep running so long that no one thinks to do a top end on them or replace anything. 

Edited September 4, 2013 by DirtSmoker250

[KcDavis]

I see quite a few pop up over here in my area.  Just be patient and a good deal will come along.

[mr.whiskeythrottle]

IMO winter season is best to buy, i see more bikes for sale in that time

too cold = cant ride

​or maybe people just need Christmas money...

[DirtSmoker250]

Its hard to find a solid figure on how much HP these KDXs put out.  I've been seeing several sources say less than 30hp.  That doesn't seem like much HP for a 200cc engine.

[x_JT_x]

As I've said before , finding a nice KDX is not easy

Around here we are loaded with 1990's to 04's all over craigslist for under 2k. someone has a package deal of 2 good bikes and one parts bike for 3700.. the parts bike just needs a top end.

[6 Riders]

Around here we are loaded with 1990's to 04's all over craigslist for under 2k. someone has a package deal of 2 good bikes and one parts bike for 3700.. the parts bike just needs a top end.

Where is "around here"? I could use a couple KDX's   

[x_JT_x]

Where is "around here"? I could use a couple KDX's 

Near Sacramento California.       Deals for kdx200's and 220's pop up around here every couple of days. they go fast, but they are always popping up.

 

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/scz/mcy/4017352286.html

 

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/mcy/4025569201.html

 

http://reno.craigslist.org/mcy/4008748564.html

 

http://stockton.craigslist.org/boa/3963856294.html

 

 

Problem is some dorky owners put monster stickers/decals on a couple of those. 

[Qqqqqqqqqqqq]

Near Sacramento California.       Deals for kdx200's and 220's pop up around here every couple of days. they go fast, but they are always popping up.

 

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/scz/mcy/4017352286.html

 

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/mcy/4025569201.html

 

http://reno.craigslist.org/mcy/4008748564.html

 

http://stockton.craigslist.org/boa/3963856294.html

 

 

Problem is some dorky owners put monster stickers/decals on a couple of those. 

Shoot .. I didn't think they were readily available , they are few and far between ..here ( Down Under )

[SilvFx]

if you are trying to find a KDX200...look on www.bikefinds.com or use searchtempest.com.  I picked up an '06 KDX200 for $1800 for my daughter last December.....it was barely used.  You can find them but it can be tough to find a cream puff.  '06 was the last year of the KDX200; '05 for the KDX220.

 

They make about 33-34 HP and can be modded for more power with jetting, pipe, cylinder head mods, etc.

 

Your budget is the issue....if you can go higher, you can open up your search to KTM 200 XC-W.

 

If you want a 4 stroke...look at CRF250X, WR250F, KTM 250XCF-W and KLX300R, these are good bikes for trail riding, elect start.

 

The KDX200 has as much or more power than our WR250F.