KLX250 engine options

[bishboy]

I've got a KLX250 rolling frame (or I will soon when I put it back together) and I am deciding what engine to put in it.

I was going to go the KDX400 route but I've now got a YZ465 project so I don't need another open class evo bike, I was thinking an A5 KX engine but as these are like hens teeth, maybe an early KDX250 engine would work?

I was also thinking of maybe a four stroke engine, XL350 with big bore kit, XL500 or one of the XT/TT range. 

I'm thinking the KDX250 would be the easiest and cheapest option? 

I want to keep it evo legal and I don't really want to start cutting and adjusting the frame to fit an engine.

Thoughts and opinions welcome 

[cyclegod]

I know that there are examples with XR200 (2V) XR250 (79-82) and XR/L500 (79-81) Hondas, one I saw recently had a TT250(2V) Yamaha and all looked as though not much frame fiddling went on.

[bazza]

250 honda 4 stroke with big bore= nice power, nice handling

[John Orchard]

I've got a TS185A engine you can have for $200, comes with frame & rear wheel.  The KLX frame won't know what hit it with a light & powerful engine in it !  Plus it has a coils to charge the battery and run lights.

[mustanggrahame]

KDX 250 wouldn't be EVO legal as the engine was never used in a twin shock model.

[John Orchard]

KDX 250 wouldn't be EVO legal as the engine was never used in a twin shock model.

KDX250A1 ('80) was twin-shock.  The next one, the B1 ('81) was same engine but Unitrak.

[John Orchard]

Plus the KDX250 A1 & B1 are vertually KX250 A5 engines.

[bishboy]

I think I'll use the KDX engine, just easier to try to fit and cheaper to rebuild than a four stroke.

Anyone got a KDX250 engine laying around??

[Simo63]

I think I'll use the KDX engine, just easier to try to fit and cheaper to rebuild than a four stroke.

Anyone got a KDX250 engine laying around??

I've got a real good one .. but it's in a bike so unless you want to buy the whole thing, probably not what you are after 

[popeye]

I've got a mate that's got one with a TT350 motor out to 420 in it and its a rocket ship, it goes and handles great, surprised the hell out of me.   

[mustanggrahame]

Did Australia get any A1 or B1 KDX250's? The C1 on had a different clutch release I thought. You would know John. I just wouldn't want anyone to go to the trouble of fitting an 83-85 type KDX and find it isn't EVO.
Cheers, Grahame

[John Orchard]

To tell you the truth Grahame, I didn't even know that Kawasaki Australia brought in any KDX250's, of any model, back in the day I was one-eyed mx  lol

[Stan S]

I have a KX400 engine but have been thinking of doing the same thing as I have 4 KLX's gathering dust. Not sure whether to do it or sell the engine

Stan.

[cloggy]

 I wouldn't put anything too heavy or too powerful  in. I think it would take a large edge off the rolling chassis  performance.  The bike is built really light. A 250 Honda engine of some sort should work well. Don't know if the later counterbalancer engine would fit; there must be a shedload around and they are concurrent.

[John Orchard]

Hmmm I've been thinking about this, I think I'd be interested in finding a KLX rolling chassis and puting in the TS185 engine that I have, perfect combination of light weight, good power, compact engine, reliable engine, cheap to maintain/repair.