Hi, I'm new to this forum and I'm wondering what the performance difference is between the KLX250S and KDX200 in the power department. I know that the KDX200 is a two stroke, but has anyone had the chance to ride both bikes? Maybe they don't even compare?

 

Never ridden a KDX .. worse luck, I love 2 strokes, the power delivery ... the smell ... mmmmmmm 2 stroke oil .. mmmmm [sm=drooldude.gif]
the KLX has been described as a four stroke KDX ever since they first came out wayyyy back when 2 strokes ruled ... 1980 .. shoot I remember that ...am I really that old?
Why I remember when the Kawasaki 900 first came out back in ... 72, 73? Back then I was just a wee lad and I was totally blown away by this modern first of a kind superbike. I saw the 900 racing against the 750 triple 2 stroke and let me tell you ... they were both awesome. As quick as the 900 was the triple just blew it away coming outta corners. I was very impressed.
The 900 also was the first bike I ever rode at the "ton" I was too young to have a license and it was night (the headlight was pitiful), I was scared to death but I just had to try it out. Bloody unreal. The acceleration was unlike anything I had ever ridden or driven.
Anyway enough of this drivel
TTFN
[8D]

oh yeah welcome Jarod

 

I've got a KLX 250. My friend has a KDX 220. My KLX has a FSW header and muffler, 13-48 sprocket combo, and all the free mods. The KDX has an FMF pipe, works carb, and close-ratio racing transmission (and probably other mods I don't know about). The KDX does make more power. In fact, it kind of explodes into the power band. But I'd say the KLX has more usable power, because it comes on smooth right from the bottom. The KDX is considerably lighter than the KLX. However, I was able to climb hills on my KLX that my buddy on the KDX had trouble with. The KDX seems hyper, the KLX seems tractable. I'd say the KLX fits me better, but they're both totally great bikes. My two cents...

 

I have owned both, although I haven't put that many miles on the klx yet. Stock they are not that much different ( the kdx is choked down also), but once modified the kdx is going to be much faster. Two strokes just accelerate quicker. That being said, unless you are going to race the bike, the klx is fast enough for most people. It is much easier to ride too. The snap of a 2-stroke can be very tiring, and you can't ride it everywhere you can the klx. they both handle about the same. Although the klx is heavier, it carries its weight well. In fact the only time you will really notice it will be if you get stuck in the mud. If you are considering buying one or the other you must think about the type of riding you want to do.

 

Mostly I would like to do trails and maybe a MX track or two. No racing though. Is the suspension adequate for MX tracks? And o yeah, I'm 5'9" and weigh 140lbs.

 

The suspension is one of the strenghts of the bike. It will handle moderate mx work. The klx may have the edge on the kdx because it has a better fork. If you are not riding on the street at all, the kdx might be a better choice (snappier motor, lighter weight). One of the best things about the klx is that it is street legal. This makes it alot more versatile, and still able to do anything a kdx can.