KDX400 engine/frame numbers?

[IT400C]

Hi all,

does anyone know if the engine/frame numbers for KDX400A1's and A2's are supposed to match?

From the respective owners manuals it says:

1979 KDX400A1
Engine numbers start at DX400AE000001
Frame numbers start at DX400A-500001     

1980 KDX400A2
Engine numbers start at DX400AE002501
Frame numbers start at DX400A-502325 

Judging by the fact that the A2 engine and frame numbers don't even start at the same point, I'd hazard a guess the the KDX400A2's don't have matching engine and frame numbers (the one I bought last year certainly doesn't).

But what about the A1?  Anyone know?

Thanks,

Tony

[Trent Farlow]

Hi Tony -  I am almost certain the engine and frame numbers do not match.. If you have an A2 can you look and see if the swingarm pivot bolt goes through the rear of the engine like a KX420 , or if it has a cradle which attaches to the motor, and then the swingarm pivot goes through the cradle. I have an A1 with the cradle, and believe although although the A1 and A2 look identical, that the A2 engine is different at the rear to the A1 - it also has different gearbox ratios. Cheers

[IT400C]

Hi Trent,

I'll drag the old A2 out on the weekend and take some photo's of the swingarm pivot area for you.  I'll apologize in advance for the condition, it's a parts bike only.

And yes, different gear rations for the A1 and A2, also different porting - A2 has 10% more horsepower according to the specs in the manuals (39ps vs 42ps).

Thanks,

Tony

[Boyracer]

Id like to know what a KDX400 looks like, sounds pretty rare to me.

[Trent Farlow]

The KDX400 is very rare here in Oz as I do not think Kawasaki imported many if at all. They were specifically designed for the American enduro market to compete with the IT400 and Husky WR series.  If you google KDX400 images you will see some photos plus VMX mag did a good article on the KDX400 a few issues ago.  I have a 1979 model and it is great, starts easily , has stump pulling torque and still does nearly 150kmh on the open dirt. I even rode it in a few VMX events and had a blast.  Great all round classic bike if you can find one.

[Boyracer]

It might of went but whoever thought of the design wasnt a style maestro.
http://www.leguidevert.com/forum/images/a180314_1.jpg