Silly KX Question

vet323
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vet323
Edited Date/Time 4/25/2014 2:58pm
I'm primarily a Honda guy, but have an appreciation for every bike. I've mostly had Hondas because they were what I rode when I was a kid (you guys get it it, I know).

One of the bikes I always longed for was a 1978 KX125, hardly ever saw more than photos of them, though because they are so rare.

Here is my question: Somehow through my dealings I acquired a 1981 KDX175. It's pretty complete except for the CDI unit (readily available) and I could get it running with little trouble. What I would like to do is make a 1978 (or more likely 1979) KX175 with it. I know that I can get plastic from Nightmare Racing and maybe I can find a tank somewhere. Modifying the frame for the body stuff is no problem, but what about adapting the frame to turn it into a twin-shock bike? what do you KX guys think? Have any of you guys ever turned a single-shock bike into a twin-shocker? It seems like the Uni Trac set up may be more problematic than most to do that swap with. What do you guys think, am I nuts?
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MaxPower
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MaxPower 4/9/2014 5:18pm
4/9/2014 5:18pm Edited Date/Time 4/9/2014 5:25pm
You are nuts
You would do better to work an extra job to save the money to find and buy a 78 KX and have it shipped to you.and you would have the real deal
Bultaco
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Bultaco 4/9/2014 7:22pm
4/9/2014 7:22pm
Find a 1978 KX like you want. Then the bike will be as designed by Kawasaki and will be the bike you've always wanted. A cobbled together KDX-turned into a KX look alike-Roach will never live up to even the lowest expectations. Sorry.
L SNORE
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L SNORE 4/9/2014 9:20pm
4/9/2014 9:20pm
The editor of VMX mag had a KDX175 motor into a KX125 twin shock conversion story a couple of issues back,I think the bike may have been on the coverSmile
vet323
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vet323 4/10/2014 6:40am
4/10/2014 6:40am
MP & Bultaco- Yes, I know finding and buying one would be better, no doubt. But even if I found one I could afford (that is a BIG if), I would never feel right about riding it.

I did find a '79 frame in CO, maybe I can pick that up and modify the KDX swingarm to make it work.

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MaxPower
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MaxPower 4/10/2014 6:42pm
4/10/2014 6:42pm
My friend has a 1980 KLX250 with a bad 4th gear. It was based on the 125 . He is San Diego and would probably not want a crazy amount for it. That would be a better starting point.

I have no problem riding a rare bike . I've seen guys rebuild bikes on this very site to look showroom. Why would I keep it looking new for the next owner? Let the next guy worry about it.

The KDX you have maybe isn't cool as the 78 KX 125 but that was a pretty good bike itself back in the day. I'd like to own one for vintage hare scrambles and days in the Jersey Pines.
MaxPower
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MaxPower 4/11/2014 6:47pm
4/11/2014 6:47pm
Vet323, look at that KX a little closer. It's worth the price if a person wants a 78 KX . Its not hammered, But it's not that nice. It's actually dorked out with the wrong crappy plastic and worn tires from KE100.
Pacdesign1
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Pacdesign1 4/25/2014 11:50am
4/25/2014 11:50am
78-79 KX 125's and 250's are out there but you have to keep your eye out. I have one of each (125's) and they are great. The 79 is suppose to be a better bike. I have ridden both just a lap or two and couldn't tell much difference. The bike in the photos is going to be a racer so once I get it on the track I will have a better idea on how it compares to my 78 RM...

vet323
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vet323 4/25/2014 12:11pm
4/25/2014 12:11pm
What a beautiful bike!
Kidkawie
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Kidkawie 4/25/2014 12:31pm
4/25/2014 12:31pm
vet323 wrote:
What a beautiful bike!
You said it.

Those shocks cost more than my whole bike. ha
Pacdesign1
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Pacdesign1 4/25/2014 2:58pm
4/25/2014 2:58pm
Thanks. actually I did not pay that much for the Fox shox. A nice set of stock shocks would probably sell for more money just because most of them were thrown out back in the day and they are unique to the 78 KX.

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