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Kenny is reminding everyone of that right now with a red plate on his no updated but BNG and still kickstarted ancient RMZ.
I believe the term you're looking for is "an alternative".
I have zero interest in a 2T with a locked ECU that I can't tune myself if I want to modify it (even if it's just a pipe swap) or have to pay someone hundreds of dollars to remap (while I wait for it to get to them and back to me) or having to pay a monthly subscription fee to access the onboard tuner... which will have an eventual sunset date where it's no longer supported and thereby obsoletes the bike. I can replace a 20 year-old, worn out carb with a new one for less than these guys want for 1 remap. This is why my newest 2T is a 2017 and all of them have carbs. Give me an injected 2T where the pros outweigh the cons (for me) and I'll listen. Until then I'll stick with my current formula.
Two different philosophies in play here; people have to decide which one they prefer.
Kawasaki's only 1979 KDX model was the KDX400: a twin shock, 260lb, $1800 bike.
Correct me if I'm wrong but the 1st KDX175 was an 1980 model. I traded in my '79 XR500 pig for a new one.
Here I am in 1980 at the Michigan Jackpine Enduro on the 175. It was a great little bike.
Nice pic. Yeah, it was 1980 I guess. I hated that the gas tank graphics would fall off in no time. I had a vinyl cover for my tank that had the graphics on it. Just awesome bikes.
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Nice pic! 👍 (and I see the gear hadn't caught up with the bike yet!😃) Been a while since I've seen an open face with a Scott faceguard... and is that a leather fanny pack? 👍 Funny how the trails don't look any different 45 years later, ain't it?
Agreed on the year. I think we sorted that (and traumatized MOTO13 in the process! 😄) back on page 22.
Great bikes that developed a cult following - just ask Jeff Fredette.
Also been a minute since I've seen some Scott boots. I tried them - great impact protection but could never feel my brake or shifter - couldn't figure out why my YZ250 was suddenly so gutless... then I lifted my right foot and almost looped out! 😄 Gave them to a friend and went back to my Hi-Points. 👍
The gear was from 1979. I had just traded in my Honda XR500 for the KDX and funds were depleted! Yup leather Hi-Point fanny pack. I liked the Scotts boots in the winter especially when ice racing as the foam booties kept my feet warm. Today I still sport leather Alpine Star Super Victory boots. Too bad they are no longer made. Ha, ha. My Varg with old school boots!
Yeah, I read where you said you'd come off the BRP XR and I figured that was the reason for all the Honda gear - bike first, wardrobe later! Totally different animals the XR5 and that KDX. Glad to see others still riding after all these years. 👍
Funny you mention that '79 KDX400 - there's one listed near me in "far from new" condition and they're asking $4000. I hate to tell the guy they weren't that popular, even when new. 😄
I picked up a couple of pair of Super Victorys a few years ago from Italy and still have them squirreled away. Plan to break out a pair of them soon - been a minute since I broke in all leather boots. Some things don't need improving, you know?
If it’s really all new and doesn’t come with a counterbalancer, then it will really be a missed opportunity.
A modern KDX 200 would be sweet. Then easy enough to tailor it for MX/woods/desert/whatever.
But that sound clip was definitely 250cc or more.
Awesome pic.
Love the Scott boots and face mask. Scott boots are still my all time favorites, they were super comfortable and bulletproof for protection.
They also shredded a couple thousand ACL’s…. Cost me 2 of them. Currently recovering from a Total Knee Arthroplasty, with another one coming later this year. Thank you Scott boots.
Says the guy who doesn’t ride dirt bikes anymore and has an adventure bike with all these features you claim aren’t what people want.
OEM’s shouldn’t and don’t care about pleasing people that don’t even use their product.
And your also saying we don’t need more when we don’t even know what this bike is.
Sorry to hear about the injuries. Pretty sure that can happen with any boot.
In an interview sometime in the last few years, Hannah talked about Scott boots and how great they were.
Kx112 special racer
I agree with the “we don’t need more” sentiment. I know that doesn’t sell bikes, but this sport has just become way too fucking expensive.
Most other sports usually offer both cheaper lower tech options and also premium high-tech cutting edge options. Wish MX would embrace that same setup instead of forcing bleeding edge tech on everyone as the only available option.
We have that, it’s just made by a Chinese company so no one gives it a chance.
I had one back in the day, great bike, but the cylinder was prone to cracking under the exhaust port, it was a long push back from the far side of a hare scramble loop!
I agree, everything is getting too expensive. Have you ridden a recent 2t with electric start and TBI? I ride in Colorado. If you have ever stalled going across a stream or up a technical steep trail, then you know e start is a benefit. An engine counter balancer doesn’t hurt either. Most of my life I rode without these features. I have owned over fifteen 2 strokes, but I wouldn’t buy a new bike today without the technology.
Nope...never ridden a non-carbed smoker. I get the convenience of the e-start in certain situations. I still stand behind the "keep it cheap and simple" comments. Pricing has just gotten out of hand. I about choked up a lung when I walked into the local dealer and saw $11K 2 strokes on the floor.
Pit Row
There is an absolute shit ton of 500 hour KDXs out there, I see them every weekend. Along with ITs, XRs, and a few PEs. Almost as many as modern bikes. Yes there is a market there. They will sell....
I don’t care if it’s a leaf blower, as long as 2 strokes are kept alive.
I agree but it’s mainly office Bro white collar that buy new bikes now. Ice67 acts like he almost lost his life in the creek when his bike stalled . I need e start . Haha . All 3 of my cr125,s in total purchase price is way below 11k. 2 r like new with no hrs on them. Last 1 I bought was from a Pro Gncc rider. They practice on 125,s. How do u think they get the bike skill to go Mach 5 threw the woods. 11k I can revalve , port, new sprockets, chain, plastic, air filters, Hinson, clutch, cables, 04 grip to keep it real Yo. On all the bikes. Plus pay for annual membership, gas , signup , gate fees for the season. The DBP is faster than any kx125 in the country but maybe Mike Browns 01 that’s faster than a 150. Or MC,s 04 both PC bikes r stronger at the Very top. Our tracks r tight & technical my quick & fat mid range can hang with those bikes. On our tracks. 19.9 ft lbs hard to beat that . 125,s r like trucks I,ll take a mechanical injected V8 Mack against any engine built in the last 30 years. There not even 1/2 the hp & the electrical system can crash, alternator & batteries can fall off. It will still keep running because it’s mechanical injected & not electronic.
I see the same thing but I have to wonder if they are people who will buy a new version of those bikes if they're priced about the same as current YZs, KTMs, KX-Xs, CRF-RXs, etc. Got a feeling that's a deal breaker for them... but I could be wrong
I'd think they're more in the market for a budget-priced bike (like the GPX, SSR, etc.) but with the support of the Big 5 dealer networks and aftermarket. But I don't see the Big 5 offering anything like that, unfortunately. The Beta X-Trainer is probably the closest current offering I can think of but good luck getting out the door for much under $10k and they don't have near the aftermarket support as the KDXs, XRs, etc. had.
A few years back I looked into getting something from the GPX line to have on hand as a buddy bike (air-cooled 4T) but wasn't comfortable with the parts availability situation and general lack of information on them. This may have changed since then but I still think there's a real opportunity in the market for someone to fill this void.
Yeah, good luck buying an Xtrainer for under 10k out the door....
Still some dudes shredding on KDXs around here. They all look so ass high but evidently work…
Some towns in RHode Island want leaf blowers outlawed.
I just googled it. That’s ridiculous blaming gas powered leaf blowers on climate change.
Right? I mean, everyone knows it's the cow farts to blame.
Careful, your satire is likely gonna attract some climate cultists…
They would not like my lawn equipment, then.
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