Ron black mods

[keithh2oskier]

So I have heard some testimony about the rb carb and head mods for the 200/220. My current top end still has a good amount of life left but when the time comes I will be at a cross road. I can either start to get serious and start modifiying the kdx or go to a ktm 200. There are obvious pros and cons for each. One of the pros for the kdx is it's easy rideability and extreme reliability. Taking the rb mods into account, how are the rideability and reliability affected? I will likely stick with the kdx because of the cost, but I am curious to see how these mods will affect the performance of the bike.

So for those of u that have the rb mods do u prefer both the head and carb or one or the other? I figure costs will be around 240. plus a top end and reeds means I'm out the door for under $400. Or I take that money and put it toward the upgrade to the ktm. Decisions decisions...

[HRDROKN]

I don't have the mods and have searched all the threads here and elsewhere... I have no doubt that I will be sending my head and carb to RB this next week!

My expectations.... with this KDX/KX hybrid sporting the 220R will be to replace my KTM 300exc as my main ride! So she will have some big shoes to fill

[Yamajeb]

I don't have the mods and have searched all the threads here and elsewhere... I have no doubt that I will be sending my head and carb to RB this next week!

My expectations.... with this KDX/KX hybrid sporting the 220R will be to replace my KTM 300exc as my main ride! So she will have some big shoes to fill

I had the mods when I had a 220. You will notice a very pleasing boost in power - lugging, midrange, and even a bit more top end. But it's just not going to produce the power that your 300 does . . . or even a 250 for that matter. Not even close.

Now, that may be perfectly suited to your tastes because even though the power improvements will open your eyes it's still going to be a KDX and on the friendly side, and if that's what you're shooting for you'll be quite happy.

[asg5265]

I had the head done on my 220 and some FRP porting. I say the 220 needs it, the 200 would be crazy with a 26.5mm carb. full blown head and a ported cylinder, probably out run a 220 in a straight line. my 200 will take the 220 on any given day. I couldnt imagine boring out the ports and adding some compression. then flowing more air. it would be crazy. I say 220 do the topend job,and get a 200 carb. the carb makes ALL the difference.

[GaniRider]

RB mods make a world of difference to the KDX,plus the v force reeds are a good choice.

[juliend]

Go for it. I have my head done from RB, very pleased. I will be sending the carb as soon as I can.

[hi_im_sean]

kx front end/ suspension work

[Slick_Nick]

I have a FRP ported cylinder and RB carb and head. (Obviously also supporting mods like pipe, airbox, etc.)

Compared to stock, it completely transformed the engine on my 220. I mean you can lug that thing all day long! I've even been able to outperform a few 4 strokes on some stuff. Wide open on the dunes it rips too.

I havent heard of anyone being dissapointed with the RB mods.

[foots]

Head and carb mods on a 220 makes you laugh at the 200 guys,lol. Yeah it is definately worth the money.

[asg5265]

BS!!!^^^ take that and shove it somewhere in a file cabinet. do the same to a 200. 36.5mm carb, trimmed squish band, and some cleaned up ports. dude. no chance. and yes a smaller bike can outrun a bigger one.

[juliend]

Yeah. RB the 220, and you ALMOST have a 200, .

[Slick_Nick]

Yeah. RB the 220, and you ALMOST have a 200, .

Ha! Thanks for the laugh!

[asg5265]

my 200 will out run my fully modded AND lighter KXD 220. all i have is a full exhaust, that thing has porting, 200 carb, reeds, 125 airbox (bigger) and new topend.

[foots]

Head and carb mods on a 220 makes you laugh at the 200 guys,lol. Yeah it is definately worth the money.

Hey didn't mean to piss anybody off, just poking fun. on me. Ron does some great things for the KDX, both sizes and the prices are reasonable. Plus he's a great guy:thumbsup:.

[toomanykaws]

Ron did my 04 KDX200 carb and head. World of difference. Also running a desert gnarly FMF pipe and spark arrestor. Boyeson reeds. Bikes hauls ass. I beat the shit out of this bike. Finally did the KX500 forks. Love it.

[asg5265]

that thing must haul some serious ass!!!^^^ how far did you go on the head? what about the carb? 36.5mm? I would like to do a full mod to one. full on porting, full race head, and 36.5 or 37mm carb. all top end.

[juliend]

I got my head done by Ron, and was super impressed. Gave the bike more power everywhere, especially a snappier top end. I do notice that it is much more particular about the jetting after the head mod. Probably a good thing, but I do have to adjust for the slightest elevation and temp changes. Most can be done with the airscrew, but occasionally i'm moving the needle or switching out the pilot.

I want to get the carb done as soon as funds allow. As my bike sits, I don't think there's a 220 around that can keep up with it, and I have only minor mods at this point. It's harder to get the top end speed from the 220, since the cylinder porting is very mellow, and focused completely on bottom end.

Jetted

DG pipe and silencer

607 reeds

yz250 front end

wer damper

rb head

fresh plating and wiseco piston

1.5 years on bottom end rebuild

Mmmm... that's about it I guess other than cosmetic stuff

If anyone wants to put their 220 up against it, i'm game

[Yamajeb]

I've ridden both, with mods and without mods, and have come to the conclusion that the whole 200 vs. 220 comparison/contrast is a maybe a little silly.

200 owners seem to be more defensive about owning the smaller of the two brethren and that's why I think we hear more of the "the 200 rips the 220 any day of the week" argument. Truth is they are VERY similar. The stock 220 seems to have a bit more low end. The stock 200 seems to have a bit more on top. The RB mods seem to make the 200 and the 220 more like each other, adding either low end or top end where it's lacking.

I think a lot of the 200 vs. the 220 debate says alot about just how close they are to each other in performance, otherwise there wouldn't be such a debate. Most of the "debate" seems to come from people who've never even ridden both models, no more than a perpetuation of comments passed on from somebody else's "opinion".

They both are great trail/fun bikes and respond well to modifications for an even more fun trail bike. Is someone on a 200 beats someone on a 220, have them switch bikes and I'll bet the guy that came out ahead in the first race comes out ahead in the second.

There's just not that much difference!

My opinion: if you took a well-modified 200 and a well-modified 220, masked which was which, and asked someone who runs a real race bike to ride both and decide which was the 200 and the 220, I'll bet they have a hard time distinguishing between the two.

Edited September 22, 2010 by Yamajeb

[Slick_Nick]

My opinion: if you took a well-modified 200 and a well-modified 220, masked which was which, and asked someone who runs a real race bike to ride both and decide which was the 200 and the 220, I'll bet they have a hard time distinguishing between the two.

Couldnt have said it better myself!