KX 100's

adamwedge
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adamwedge
Edited Date/Time 4/26/2018 9:18pm
Good years? Bad Years? Going to pick up one for the woman and wondering if there's any pros or cons to them throughout the years. Can get new for $4,500 ish out the door.....
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-MAVERICK-
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-MAVERICK- 4/25/2018 5:47pm
4/25/2018 5:47pm
Why not just get a 125? I've seen really short/tiny women ride them without much issues. Trim down the seat a bit if you need to.
Derek Harris 4/25/2018 5:53pm
4/25/2018 5:53pm
same basic bike since about 1998

At one point they changed the header outlet larger/smaller I dont recall when.

The "newer generation" 2014 plus bike got updated plastics and ergos, with a lightly updated engine and stiffer suspension, and more reliable powervalve.
adamwedge
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adamwedge 4/25/2018 6:30pm
4/25/2018 6:30pm Edited Date/Time 4/25/2018 6:31pm
-MAVERICK- wrote:
Why not just get a 125? I've seen really short/tiny women ride them without much issues. Trim down the seat a bit if you need to.
Cause the 125 is mine Smile I'm 5'4 and it can be akward for me sometimes! The RG3 link doesn't help any haha. Besides, she needs her own bike to beat up. She's 5'3, and rode a buddies sons big wheel 85 and quite enjoyed it. I figure with a 100, I can even spin a few laps too if I'd like once it's set up.
adamwedge
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adamwedge 4/25/2018 6:33pm
4/25/2018 6:33pm
Derek Harris wrote:
same basic bike since about 1998 At one point they changed the header outlet larger/smaller I dont recall when. The "newer generation" 2014 plus bike got...
same basic bike since about 1998

At one point they changed the header outlet larger/smaller I dont recall when.

The "newer generation" 2014 plus bike got updated plastics and ergos, with a lightly updated engine and stiffer suspension, and more reliable powervalve.
Yeah Derek, the 14+ bikes look pretty sharp!

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dedi684
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dedi684 4/25/2018 6:36pm
4/25/2018 6:36pm
Girlfriend had an 08 and we loved it. Was tempted to put her on a 125 but just not the right bike for her
ledger
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ledger 4/25/2018 6:49pm
4/25/2018 6:49pm
-MAVERICK- wrote:
Why not just get a 125? I've seen really short/tiny women ride them without much issues. Trim down the seat a bit if you need to.
adamwedge wrote:
Cause the 125 is mine :) I'm 5'4 and it can be akward for me sometimes! The RG3 link doesn't help any haha. Besides, she needs...
Cause the 125 is mine Smile I'm 5'4 and it can be akward for me sometimes! The RG3 link doesn't help any haha. Besides, she needs her own bike to beat up. She's 5'3, and rode a buddies sons big wheel 85 and quite enjoyed it. I figure with a 100, I can even spin a few laps too if I'd like once it's set up.
I've got nothing to add but, damn that's a good looking bike!
adamwedge
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adamwedge 4/25/2018 7:33pm
4/25/2018 7:33pm
ledger wrote:
I've got nothing to add but, damn that's a good looking bike!
Ha, thank you sir.
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JBecker 72 4/25/2018 7:36pm
4/25/2018 7:36pm
Way back when, my brother had a 00 KX100 and man was it a rocket ship. Faster than my CR80RB for sure. Also thought it looked way better than the other bikes.

My girlfriend is 5’1” and on a TTR125L currently. The biggest she can fit on is a big wheel 85. Honestly a small wheel might even be the way to go. She just started but something like this is on the radar for her soon. Also thinking a flywheel weight would be a good idea to tame it down some.
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scott_nz 4/25/2018 7:37pm
4/25/2018 7:37pm
Derek Harris wrote:
same basic bike since about 1998 At one point they changed the header outlet larger/smaller I dont recall when. The "newer generation" 2014 plus bike got...
same basic bike since about 1998

At one point they changed the header outlet larger/smaller I dont recall when.

The "newer generation" 2014 plus bike got updated plastics and ergos, with a lightly updated engine and stiffer suspension, and more reliable powervalve.
the 2014 and later got a 20% power increase, with a whole new crank and top end, also new plastics, much better bike overall,

jbrown15
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jbrown15 4/25/2018 7:39pm
4/25/2018 7:39pm
I'd suggest looking for a good used Honda CRF150R big wheels version, smoother power and easier to ride and those motors are pretty bulletproof.
JAFO92
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JAFO92 4/25/2018 7:45pm
4/25/2018 7:45pm
Been thru this many times. The KX100 is hands down the best wife/girlfriend bike out there. More often than not a 125 just wont work. Ive owned two KX100s, and two 2003 RM100s (a KX100 with yellow plastic) and they were all awesome bikes and the gals loved them.
Wandell
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Wandell 4/25/2018 7:46pm
4/25/2018 7:46pm
Derek Harris wrote:
same basic bike since about 1998 At one point they changed the header outlet larger/smaller I dont recall when. The "newer generation" 2014 plus bike got...
same basic bike since about 1998

At one point they changed the header outlet larger/smaller I dont recall when.

The "newer generation" 2014 plus bike got updated plastics and ergos, with a lightly updated engine and stiffer suspension, and more reliable powervalve.
This pretty much covers it.
loftyair
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loftyair 4/25/2018 8:14pm
4/25/2018 8:14pm Edited Date/Time 4/25/2018 8:15pm
Def go with 4-stroke for ladies. The 150 is the best way for them. They will enjoy riding much better than trying to hit powerband, and being intimidated. If they are 5'6" plus, then a 250f.
haydos25
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haydos25 4/26/2018 2:18am
4/26/2018 2:18am
loftyair wrote:
Def go with 4-stroke for ladies. The 150 is the best way for them. They will enjoy riding much better than trying to hit powerband, and...
Def go with 4-stroke for ladies. The 150 is the best way for them. They will enjoy riding much better than trying to hit powerband, and being intimidated. If they are 5'6" plus, then a 250f.
In my experience they have trouble starting the crf150’s.

I got mine on a ttr for the electric start. If she wanted something quicker I’d go the kx100. Just my opinion though
HighPlainsSquid 4/26/2018 7:09am
4/26/2018 7:09am Edited Date/Time 4/26/2018 7:11am
My son rode a '15 KX100 for a year during which he hit a growth spurt. He's on an '04 KX125 now. We both loved the little KX100 and it was a fantastic bike for us. I was riding a '16 KX250F at the time. We ride down a 1 mile section of dirt road to get to our track and he'd smoke me every time in a drag race. The only way I could beat him was to really wind it out in 5th which I didn't much like to do. Otherwise, we'd both be in 5th and then he'd click into 6th and gone! A drag race is not, of course, a track, but point is, the KX100 is not lacking for power/weight. It rips.

Son had no 2-stroke previous to this and was able to ride the KX100 from the get-go. Starting was super easy, bike is very light, no 4-stroke inertia, easy to maintain, etc, etc.

We toyed hard with the idea of a flywheel weight but the growth spurt hit and it was KX125 time.

If a person likes 2 strokes (which we do, obviously), is under 5' 4".... KX100 is a great bike, IMHO.
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Wandell 4/26/2018 7:15am
4/26/2018 7:15am
I understand your thought process with concerns to size (the bike's and hers) and I think you are on the right track. The larger wheels of a Supermini size bike will be an advantage on any MX track. I think the biggest consideration should be her skill level. If she is a complete beginner, I think a Supermini sized trail bike would be a great choice. The KLX140l, CRF150f and TTR125l are all about the same size as a KX100 but obviously have a lot less power that is much easier to ride. The TTR has an open cradle frame which won't hold up to serious MX use without adding a cradle. The CRF150f is a great bike, but it weighs about the same as a 450! I have a KLX140l that I use as a pitbike and I love it. I've added KX85/100 forks which is an easy bolt on.
If she's an experienced rider, I don't think you could go wrong with a KX100. They can even be calmed down some by adding a flywheel weight. The CRF150rb is also a great bike, but it's not that much easier to ride than a two stroke.
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TogaSet 4/26/2018 7:29am
4/26/2018 7:29am Edited Date/Time 4/26/2018 7:34am
The KX sounds like a good idea but Female + new rider = CRF 150R. So much easier for them to ride there’s no comparison. Fast too. I’m speaking from experience I bought the KX first for my lady. Now it’s a 150R.
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Kreyfish 4/26/2018 7:46am
4/26/2018 7:46am
We have a 150f and just recently purchased a KLX 140. Super impressed with the 140.

I am curious about the addition of the KX85/100 forks? Wandell what parts do you need?

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JAFO92
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JAFO92 4/26/2018 7:59am
4/26/2018 7:59am
Wandell wrote:
I understand your thought process with concerns to size (the bike's and hers) and I think you are on the right track. The larger wheels of...
I understand your thought process with concerns to size (the bike's and hers) and I think you are on the right track. The larger wheels of a Supermini size bike will be an advantage on any MX track. I think the biggest consideration should be her skill level. If she is a complete beginner, I think a Supermini sized trail bike would be a great choice. The KLX140l, CRF150f and TTR125l are all about the same size as a KX100 but obviously have a lot less power that is much easier to ride. The TTR has an open cradle frame which won't hold up to serious MX use without adding a cradle. The CRF150f is a great bike, but it weighs about the same as a 450! I have a KLX140l that I use as a pitbike and I love it. I've added KX85/100 forks which is an easy bolt on.
If she's an experienced rider, I don't think you could go wrong with a KX100. They can even be calmed down some by adding a flywheel weight. The CRF150rb is also a great bike, but it's not that much easier to ride than a two stroke.
You dont even need to calm them down, You have to truly wind that thing tight to make it come alive, (powerband) and my wife ring-dings around on hers at the slowest of speeds easily. Most of the time sounds like she is just idling around in 1st/2nd and rarely gets outta 3rd gear. Plus the smokers are very easy to start when hot and/or when they get dropped/flooded they are easy to fire back up. (she knows the flooded smoker routine and doesnt take a few extra easy kicks to clean it out) Add in the mega plush/soft suspension and nice caliper brakes, its a win-win in every category. I bought my wife a new TTR-125L back years ago because everyone was telling her that a beginner needed to be a trailbike/thumper and not a 'race bike'. She rode that rough riding thing only a few times and flipped it for the KX100. She said it was like going from a 1800s buckboard wagon to a Lincoln Towncar.

Cant speak to the 150R, but why pay for valves, shims, buckets, timing chains and all that other moving parts when you can still get a simple no-hassle smoker.
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BIGRIGGIN 4/26/2018 8:14am
4/26/2018 8:14am
We've got a 2015 KX100 with small wheels on it along with stealy flywheel. Thing makes killer low end for a mini and is super easy to ride below the power band. Also have a CRF150RB - both great bikes but the kid has got to experience and appreciate the 2 stroke first.
Kreyfish
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Kreyfish 4/26/2018 8:24am
4/26/2018 8:24am
Just to add a little more food for thought. Depending on skill level the KTM/Husky 85 with big wheels are really good bikes. Buddies kid was on a YZ 85, but had a chance to ride a 150r and KX100. The KTM/Husky bike is what they ended up with. So much more bike, cost more but they love the KTM.
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TogaSet 4/26/2018 8:54am
4/26/2018 8:54am
JAFO92 wrote:
You dont even need to calm them down, You have to truly wind that thing [i]tight[/i] to make it come alive, (powerband) and my wife ring-dings...
You dont even need to calm them down, You have to truly wind that thing tight to make it come alive, (powerband) and my wife ring-dings around on hers at the slowest of speeds easily. Most of the time sounds like she is just idling around in 1st/2nd and rarely gets outta 3rd gear. Plus the smokers are very easy to start when hot and/or when they get dropped/flooded they are easy to fire back up. (she knows the flooded smoker routine and doesnt take a few extra easy kicks to clean it out) Add in the mega plush/soft suspension and nice caliper brakes, its a win-win in every category. I bought my wife a new TTR-125L back years ago because everyone was telling her that a beginner needed to be a trailbike/thumper and not a 'race bike'. She rode that rough riding thing only a few times and flipped it for the KX100. She said it was like going from a 1800s buckboard wagon to a Lincoln Towncar.

Cant speak to the 150R, but why pay for valves, shims, buckets, timing chains and all that other moving parts when you can still get a simple no-hassle smoker.
Exactly why the 150 is better for an inexperienced female. As you say your wife just idles her KX 100 around in 1st and 2nd. So did mine. The reason for that is she wants nothing to to with that explosive 2 stroke powerband. It’s way beyond her skill level. They can actually ride the 150R and accelerate thru the gears. My lady was going faster and smoother on day 1 of 150R. You don’t put a beginner lady on a full on two stroke race bike. Too snappy.
adamwedge
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adamwedge 4/26/2018 9:06am
4/26/2018 9:06am
Thanks for al the input guys about the gals. I’m set on a 100 either way, a 150RB is out of the question. 2t only gets on the pipe if you let it. She did just fine on the 85 she rode. With a 4 stroke, you twist the throttle and it wakes up. Gear it down, Put a 2t in second and let her go. Sure might go through a plug or two but I always have plugs in my camel back when I go out so it’s not a big deal. She understands the more it winds up, the faster it’s going to go.

Looking like the 14+ bikes are A little more refined and better bikes for the money you can find them for.
Crisp BRAAAP! 4/26/2018 9:24am
4/26/2018 9:24am
TogaSet wrote:
Exactly why the 150 is better for an inexperienced female. As you say your wife just idles her KX 100 around in 1st and 2nd. So...
Exactly why the 150 is better for an inexperienced female. As you say your wife just idles her KX 100 around in 1st and 2nd. So did mine. The reason for that is she wants nothing to to with that explosive 2 stroke powerband. It’s way beyond her skill level. They can actually ride the 150R and accelerate thru the gears. My lady was going faster and smoother on day 1 of 150R. You don’t put a beginner lady on a full on two stroke race bike. Too snappy.
I have to agree. I had the same logic that the OP had in buying a 100. I am smaller too, so I did like jumping onto it and shredding. I found the short wheelbase a bit sketchy in the air compared to the 125, though.

My wife found it intimidating, and the bike doesn't like running under idle all the time. That was a good excuse to go "clean it out," but it was just too much for her and she ended up getting hurt and parking it forever.

The 150R is the way to go, at least until they get pretty good.

Dirty Points 4/26/2018 9:42am
4/26/2018 9:42am Edited Date/Time 4/26/2018 9:48am
Crisp BRAAAP! wrote:
I have to agree. I had the same logic that the OP had in buying a 100. I am smaller too, so I did like jumping...
I have to agree. I had the same logic that the OP had in buying a 100. I am smaller too, so I did like jumping onto it and shredding. I found the short wheelbase a bit sketchy in the air compared to the 125, though.

My wife found it intimidating, and the bike doesn't like running under idle all the time. That was a good excuse to go "clean it out," but it was just too much for her and she ended up getting hurt and parking it forever.

The 150R is the way to go, at least until they get pretty good.

All sorts of different riders out there. My wife didn't like the "heavy" 4 strokes and ripped the hell out of a KX.

And now she's on a shortened KX125. She's also 5'3.
Wandell
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Wandell 4/26/2018 9:46am
4/26/2018 9:46am Edited Date/Time 4/26/2018 11:20am
Kreyfish wrote:
We have a 150f and just recently purchased a KLX 140. Super impressed with the 140. I am curious about the addition of the KX85/100 forks...
We have a 150f and just recently purchased a KLX 140. Super impressed with the 140.

I am curious about the addition of the KX85/100 forks? Wandell what parts do you need?
It's an easy swap. You need the forks, complete triple clamps (with stem, bearings) and a front brake caliper, line and master cylinder. It all bolts on using the KLX front wheel and disc. I purchased all the above parts used, from EBay. There are a ton of motorcycle salvage yards with EBay stores. Just look for nice looking parts with good close up pics. Look for pitting on the fork tubes, rusty looking bearings, etc. Go ahead and plan on replacing the fork seals. I got lucky and mine lasted a couple months before they started leaking. Out back, you can raise the rear end to match the KX forks by flipping the triangle portion of the linkage upside down. Several members at PlanetMinis and Thumpertalk have done this mod. Here's a couple of links. Sorry that the pics in the build I did don't show up since Photobucket attempted to rape the internet!


http://planetminis.com/forums/bigger-minis-forum/213831-big-mini-projec…


https://thumpertalk.com/forums/topic/687244-our-klx140-klx140l-fork-con…


https://thumpertalk.com/forums/topic/750212-our-klx140-klx140l-rear-sho…
JAFO92
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JAFO92 4/26/2018 2:23pm
4/26/2018 2:23pm Edited Date/Time 4/26/2018 2:26pm
TogaSet wrote:
Exactly why the 150 is better for an inexperienced female. As you say your wife just idles her KX 100 around in 1st and 2nd. So...
Exactly why the 150 is better for an inexperienced female. As you say your wife just idles her KX 100 around in 1st and 2nd. So did mine. The reason for that is she wants nothing to to with that explosive 2 stroke powerband. It’s way beyond her skill level. They can actually ride the 150R and accelerate thru the gears. My lady was going faster and smoother on day 1 of 150R. You don’t put a beginner lady on a full on two stroke race bike. Too snappy.
Nope, the KX100 is not explosive at all. You hafta wind it VERY tight to get into that kinda power. Id argue the inverse is true and the thumpers have more on-demand torque and 'get-up-and-go' than the KX100 on the bottom/mid. My wife ring-dings around because thats all she wants to do. She just wants to do it in comfort (race suspension) and good brakes (no drum crapola) Its not about being scared at all. She used to be a jockey and has zero fear of hitting the ground, heck she has a titanium plate in her neck and a trashed L5/S1 due to 30+ years of going fast and hitting the ground (with far less gear than a MXer wears and a 1200 lb mount to land on you)

IMHO the KX100 isnt "too snappy", not even close.

Glad you have the machine you think is best.
Boarddesign
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Boarddesign 4/26/2018 9:18pm
4/26/2018 9:18pm
We have had both the 100 and 150RB, I would for sure go 150 imho. You will have to start it the first time every ride day but after it starts once it starts easily every time. Anyone can ride the 150 for sure.

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