Posts
10
Joined
2/6/2020
Location
CA
Edited Date/Time
2/8/2020 3:41pm
Both bikes are around $1500.
I'm used to driving 2 strokes but not a ton of experience on dirt bikes.
It would be mostly used for trail riding, logging roads and back country roads.
Both bikes have very positive reviews but not sure which to go for.
Any help?
Thanks
I'm used to driving 2 strokes but not a ton of experience on dirt bikes.
It would be mostly used for trail riding, logging roads and back country roads.
Both bikes have very positive reviews but not sure which to go for.
Any help?
Thanks
The YZ's engine will feel abrupt and almost uncontrollable at times, to a new rider. Also, the YZ will be taller with stiffer suspension.
Both bikes are water cooled two strokes with front and rear disc brakes.
Parts will be a little easier to come by on the KDX as more were sold of that generation. Used parts that is... because neither Yamaha nor Kawasaki make OEM replacements for 20-year old bikes. There will be some aftermarket support for each, but things like cases, cylinders, powervalves those are usually only obtained through part-outs on ebay, ect.
I'd def take the KDX and not think twice about it.
Would you say both are just as reliable?
Thanks
The Shop
2000+ yz
The YZ has a much harder hitting engine and was designed for motocross. It could have been raced for many, many years, and racing takes a toll on engines and suspension components. I know everyone loves the black rims and white plastic of the YZ, but think with your head if you are serious about getting a great entry level dirt bike.
I would try to look for a '95 or later KDX. Should be some available in your price range. Though great bikes, the '89-94 have some discontinued parts that wear out (KIPS sub valves and water pump impeller shaft) that now make long-term ownership more difficult. The '95 - '06 KDX had a very long unchanged run with good sales, and still have pretty good support, both OEM and aftermarket, despite being out of production for quite a while.
KDX forks are significantly undersprung and underdamped. Most motocross forks are WAY overdamped, and far too progressive. But for an inexperienced rider looking to trail ride, the KDX forks are probably a little closer to the right setup mark.
I rode one just like that back in '92 for part of a day and was totally not ready for how slow and soft it was... yes I was at a track. And hated it completely, now put it in the woods and I could easily see it being in its element. Still slow though.
Pit Row
The smart money is probably on the KDX but my heart kinda says YZ.
Also, how fast is a YZ when you are ringing its neck off on a logging road? Not particularly fast compared to a wide-ratio bike.
If your trail/back country rides are more than a couple hours, you will need to get a desert tank for that YZ.
If they haven't been touched, the KDX KIPS valves are likely hosed. This design had some issues that were not carried to the next generation model. There is a shop in the UK making improved replacements that address the issue.
One last thing ... the YZ can be mellowed into a good woods weapon it'll take a bit of work and $$, while the KDX can't be made into a good MX'er
and yeah someone will come along and say I'm wrong ... bla bla bla 😛
But I would argue against dumping a bunch of money into a '91 yz to make it woods ready when there will be so many easier, ultimately cheaper options. If you get that bike, maybe add a flywheel weight and just enjoy it for what it is.
BTW, there was a WR version of this generation of YZ.
Here's my '96.
Post a reply to: Help! 1989 KDX200 vs 1991 YZ250