Off-Road.com's Ride-Net! 2002 Kawasaki Dirt Bikes - KDX 220

Feb. 01, 2006 By ORC STAFF

KDX220
   


2002 KAWASAKI KDX220R

With the Kawasaki KDX220R motorcycle, off-road riders benefit from the additional performance of a larger-displacement machine wrapped in a lightweight package with proven handling characteristics.

 

The 220R starts with the KDX200's successful design, and then bumps up displacement for 250cc-like response. Tuned for more torque, the KDX220R shines in tighter, lower-speed riding environments, where low-end power and nimble handling are paramount.

By increasing the bore by 3mm, engineers gave the KDX220R's liquid-cooled two-stroke engine an extra 18cc over the KDX200. This allows the 220R to build power more quickly and pull more strongly in the low to mid-range of the powerband.

To maintain the smooth power delivery that defines the KDX line, the 33mm Keihin carburetor on the 220R is 2mm smaller than that of its sibling. High-speed compression is also slightly reduced, while porting differences help give the 220R its highly tractable power characteristics.

Power is spread over a wide rpm range, thanks to the Kawasaki Integrated Power Valve System (KIPS) guillotine exhaust valve. Power delivery is focused toward the low to middle part of the rev range since this machine is intended to compete with larger-displacement 250cc machines. As a result, the KDX220R produces 250-like torque.

The high-tensile steel perimeter frame borrows from the design of Kawasaki's championship-winning KX motocross models. Its 26.5° steering angle and short wheelbase contribute to quick-handling characteristics, which make the KDX220R very nimble on the trail, while advanced suspension components give the KDX220R a smooth ride over a variety of terrain.


FEATURES:

 

Engine

  • Based on the powerful, durable and well-proven KDX200 engine
  • Even more power and torque, at all speeds
  • The cylinder head is mounted to the frame at two points to reduce vibration
  • The crankshaft balance ratio of 78 percent cuts vibration felt by the rider
  • The hollows in the crankshaft flywheels have lightweight covers to increase the primary compression ratio, help low and mid-range power and sharpen throttle response

KIPS with Guillotine Exhaust Valve

  • Produces good torque and power over the entire rev range
  • Increases piston sealing and compression

Liquid Cooling

  • The dual radiators have the capacity to handle the heat output of the powerful engine
  • The water pump has a mechanical type seal for durability
  • Assures greater reliability

Six-Speed Transmission

  • Six speeds provide a gear for every situation
  • Smooth shifting for ease of use
  • Oil level window provided

Narrow Seat

  • The well-padded seat is narrow to allow riders to reach the ground more easily

43mm Conventional Cartridge Fork

  • 20-way compression damping for greater adjustability
  • Chamfered fork bushings and pistons help eliminate stiction to soak up tiny "stutter" bumps
  • Cast-aluminum upper and forged-aluminum lower triple clamps hold the 43mm diameter tubes in rigid alignment

High-Tensile Steel Perimeter Frame

  • Based on the KX125 and 250 frames, the KDX220R frame is built of box-section and tubular high-tensile steel
  • The box-section top frame members tie the steering head directly to the swingarm pivot, for outstanding rigidity and strength
  • The 26.5° steering head angle and short wheelbase contribute to quick handling
  • Straight-line ability is not sacrificed for quick handling, thanks to the incredible frame rigidity

UNI-TRAK@ Rear Suspension

  • The nitrogen-filled, aluminum-body, remote-reservoir rear shock has 20-way compression and 18-way rebound damping, and adjustable threaded spring pre-load
  • Temperature-compensating rebound damping keeps things under control even when the shock heats up under strenuous conditions

Dual Box-Section Aluminum Swingarm

  • The thin-wall swingarm is built of cast and extruded pieces for extreme rigidity

Front and Rear Disc Brakes

  • The floating front disc brake is similar to the KX125 and KX250
  • Twin-piston front caliper provides excellent stopping power

O-Ring Drive Chain

  • O-rings keep the dirt and water out, but keep lubrication in for longer chain life

Enduro and Trail Equipment

  • A headlight and taillight for really long rides or enduro competition requirements
  • An odometer to track the rider's progress
  • Large 2.9-gallon tank allows great range, but is narrow for comfort
  • Rear fender bag for tools or snacks, and brush hand guards
  • Snail-type chain adjusters for quick wheel changes and chain adjustments
  • Forestry Service-approved spark arrestor keeps Smokey happy
  • 90-day warranty

SPECIFICATIONS:

KDX220
Engine: 2-stroke single w/KIPS
Displacement: 216cc
Bore x Stroke: 69.0 x 58.0mm
Compression Ratio: 7.2:1 (high speed)-9.3:1 (low speed)
Cooling: Liquid
Carburetion: Keihin PWK33
Induction: 6-petal reed valve
Ignition: Electronic CDI
Transmission: 6-speed
Frame: High-tensile steel perimeter design with aluminum subframe
Rake/trail: 26.5°/4.3 in.
Suspension type, front: 43mm conventional cartridge fork
Suspension adjustments, front: 20-way compression damping adjustment
Suspension type, rear: UNI-TRAK® single shock system
Suspension adjustments, rear: adjustable preload, 20-way compression and 18-way rebound damping adjustment
Wheel travel, front: 11.4 in.
Wheel travel, rear: 11.8 in.
Tire, front: 80/100 x 21
Tire, rear: 100/100 x 18
Brakes, front/rear: Hydraulic disc/Disc
Overall length: 83.5 in.
Overall width: 35.0 in.
Overall height: 48.4 in.
Wheelbase: 56.5 in.
Ground clearance: 13.4 in.
Seat height: 36.2 in.
Dry weight: 222.6 lbs.
Fuel capacity: 2.9 gal.
Color: Lime Green


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