Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/126960
prototype steel chain guard on our Kawasaki and haven't had any problems since. But the chain guide mount on the KDX is very flimsy and we've had problems with it bending, knocking the whole chain guide assembly out of alignment. We also weren't too happy with the plastic hand guards. The right guard works okay, but the left guard is ju t about useless. Whenever a heavy object or thick brush hits the left hand guard, the plastic guard pivots on its mounting bolt and pushes in on and holds the clutch lever in, engaging the clutch - real annoying, to say the least. We al 0 had problems with the exhaust pipe. Although it's strong and· sturdy on the outside, there's a weak spark arrestor cone mounted inside the pipe. It breaks apart. When that happens, it rattle and vibrates terribly. It gets to your head after a while. The rear drum brake has been begging for some new shoes ever since the Tecate Enduro. But there's plenty of room for adjustment on the brake rod to squeeze every ounce of braking power from the pads. What we really liked best about the KDX is that it's just plain [un to ride. When it comes to choosing bikes for a weekend trail ride, the KDX is always one o[ the first to be picked. We've spent many weekends blasting around the desert, canyons and mountains on the KDX and have enjoyed every minute o[ it. We found that beginner-level riders will love the KDX for its low seat height, smooth powerband and plush suspension, while it's capable of carrying more-experienced riders to A class victories in enduros. Five-hundred miles later, our Kawasaki KDX200 is still running strong and raring to go. • Kawasaki KDX200 Engine type Air-cooled. reed-valve. two-stroke single 66x58mm Bore x stroke Displacement .•.....•.... 196cc Compression ratio 7.7:1 Carburetor 34mm Mikuni Horsepower .......•.•..... N/A Torque ........•.......... N/A Starting system Primary kick .Ignition COl lubrication Premix Primary drive Straight-cut gear Final drive _ #520 chain Gear ratios . Primary 63/22; 2.863: 1 48/13; 3.692:1 Final 6th 20/23; 0.869:1 5th 25/24; 1.041:1 4th 21/17; 1.235:1 3rd 23/15; 1.533:1 2nd 2~/14; 2.000:1 1st 35/13; 2.692:1 Frame Single downtube. split double cradle 26.5° Rake Trail : 5.3 in. Front suspension Telescopic fork Fork tube diameter 43mm Front wheel travel 10.6 in. Rear suspension Single-shock swingarm Rear wheel travel 11.4 in. Front brakes ...•..... 8.7-in. disc Rear brakes Drum Front tire 3.00-21 Dunlop Rear tire 4.00-18 Dunlop Claimed dry weight 228 Ibs. Overall length 85.0 in. Overall width 35.0 in. Overall height 49.2 in. Wheelbase 56.7 in. Fuel capacity 3.3 gal Ground clearance 13.4 in. Seat height 36.5 in. Colors Green Retail price $2099 RACING SPROCKETS 7075-T6 Hard anodized alloy makes the HARDENED "BLACKLOY"® rear sprockets the toughest sprockets money can buy. R Out wears all others GUARANTEED Any standard 7075-T6 sprocket can be at your dealers shop in 3 days, they can get it fastest from SPROCKET SPECIALISTS !EVlERJf TIMlE - ON TlMllE Dobbi CA 95935