Author Topic: 1979 KDX400A1 Restoration Started! (finally)  (Read 14925 times)

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TM BILL

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Re: 1979 KDX400A1 Restoration Started! (finally)
« Reply #30 on: November 21, 2011, 06:43:33 am »
Looks great Rusty , what pipe did you use ?

IT400C

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Re: 1979 KDX400A1 Restoration Started! (finally)
« Reply #31 on: November 21, 2011, 09:51:38 am »
It's probably a silly question but does the KDX400 engine bolt into the A5 frame or is it a bit more difficult than that?

The KDX400 was produced for 2 years (79 & 80) - I've been told that the A2 (1980) engine is easier to fit  -  the cases changed slightly between 79 and 80 at the rear engine mount area.

It's an A1 I'm restoring, but I do have an A2 parts bike in the shed... 

Sorry, wasn't planning on selling it though...   ::)


IT400C

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Re: 1979 KDX400A1 Restoration Started! (finally)
« Reply #32 on: November 21, 2011, 02:02:44 pm »
Has anyone tried the DC Plastics for the KDX?

From past experience they can be a bit hit and miss.  They look ok in the photos on their website, but....

Offline cyclegod

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Re: 1979 KDX400A1 Restoration Started! (finally)
« Reply #33 on: November 21, 2011, 02:17:48 pm »
The colour has a lot to do with how good/bad DC stuff is the green looks to be one of the better ones but if its not to your taste then try http://www.nightmare-racing.com/index.htm
Ban BLACK rims NOW

Offline JohnnyO

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Re: 1979 KDX400A1 Restoration Started! (finally)
« Reply #34 on: November 21, 2011, 03:41:27 pm »
I have DC plastics on my 250A5.. they are rough, the moulds are not good and the sidecovers had to be heated and bent to get to fit properly. I'd much rather the Nightmare Racing plastics but these came with the bike.

IT400C

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Re: 1979 KDX400A1 Restoration Started! (finally)
« Reply #35 on: November 21, 2011, 03:45:56 pm »
I'd rather the Nightmare stuff too, but near as I can tell, they don't make anything for the KDX400 - both guards and sidecovers are unique to the 79/80 model KDX400/250 only...

Btw, I believe the KDX petrol tank was made by Don Vesco - it even runs a Vesco petrol tap as standard...

Offline firko

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Re: 1979 KDX400A1 Restoration Started! (finally)
« Reply #36 on: November 21, 2011, 03:52:28 pm »
More questions..... :D
What's the advantage in using an A5 frame over the stocker? When I was considering my KDX project I only had an engine and intended on using a KLX 250 frame and Yamaha forks/twin leader drum and Fox shox. I figure the rarity of suitable A5 donor bikes would make it difficult so would a suitably upgraded stock KDX frame cut it?
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Offline holeshot buddy

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Re: 1979 KDX400A1 Restoration Started! (finally)
« Reply #37 on: November 21, 2011, 09:27:17 pm »
hi bill its a modified kx420 pipe

firko the klx frame is ok to use very similar
i think there is more bracing on kx frame

trent would know ;)


i would love gmc to make me a pipe but he is too far away :'(
« Last Edit: November 21, 2011, 09:30:16 pm by holeshot buddy »
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Offline GMC

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Re: 1979 KDX400A1 Restoration Started! (finally)
« Reply #38 on: November 21, 2011, 09:46:41 pm »
i would love gmc to make me a pipe but he is too far away :'(

Not true.
The main problem as I see it is that your too far away ;D
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Offline Trent Farlow

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Re: 1979 KDX400A1 Restoration Started! (finally)
« Reply #39 on: November 22, 2011, 12:01:05 am »
Firko - use the KX A5 frame - it has excellent geometery and adding the bigger engine just makes it feel even more planted. I do not know about using a KLX frame but would guess it would fit.  Rusty and Simon Healy have proved the concept with their success on them. The KDX frame is longer and does not have MX geometery, feels long on a track. Plus the KDX is a big bike when you sit on it, compared to the A5 which feels small. Although the fat thick KDX seat is a real pleasure. The engine almost drops into the A5 frame, you need revised engine mounting plates, and you have to machine down the steel collars in the rear engine mount where the swingarm bolt goes through , as the A5 has a smaller gap between the two swingarm inner pivots than the Unitrak which is larger.  The 1980 KDX400A2 uses KX420 cases - these are an easier fit than the 1979 KDX400A1 which uses a bracket to connect the motor to the swingarm.