2006 Kawasaki KDX Review

Intro

Designed with younger, less experienced riders in mind, the 2006 Kawasaki KDX was released for the 2006 model year by Japanese corporation Kawasaki. The 2006 KDX was available as two models: the KDX 50 and KDX 200, with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $1,199 and $4,199, respectively.

The models of the 2006 Kawasaki are named after their respective engine displacements. The KDX 50 has an engine displacement of 49 cubic centimeters, or cc (rounded up to 50). The engine displacement of the KDX 200 is 198 cc, which is rounded up to 200. The engine powering either model is a two-stroke single-cylinder unit; an air cooler and a liquid cooler is installed on the KDX 50 and KDX 200, respectively, for keeping the engine at a temperature conductive to its operation. On the KDX 50, the engine is hooked up to a one-speed transmission with a clutch that can switch between manual or automatic mode. On the KDX 200, the engine is paired with a more convenient and advanced six-speed manual gearbox.

Only available with a Lime Green / Black, the 2006 Kawasaki KDX sports a sturdy steel frame with its upper part covered in plastic and a kick stand providing the ability to park the bike independent of any structure. Underneath the bike is a pair of aluminum wheels: 10-inch wheels on the KDX 50, and 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels on the KDX 200. A trip odometer serves as the lone instrumentation at the front of the 2006 Kawasaki KDX, and Kawasaki added a vinyl tail bag on the KDX 200 for storage. For braking, the KDX 50 uses an all-wheel drum brake layout, while the KDX 200 has all-wheel disc brakes for superior stopping prowess. Also included on the 2006 KDX is a halogen headlight for visibility during darker times of the day.

The KDX 200 is the bigger of the two models of the 2006 Kawasaki KDX, as well as provides the longer driving range. Each KDX 200 has a length of 83.5 inches (2,121 millimeters), width of 35 inches (889 mm), height of 48.4 inches (1,229.4 mm), dry weight of 222.6 lbs. (101 kilograms) and peak fuel capacity of 2.9 gallons (11 liters). By comparison, each KDX 50 model is around 49 inches (1,243.6 mm) long, 23.4 inches (594.4 mm) wide, 28.7 inches (729 mm) tall, has a dry weight of 84 lbs. (38 kg) and possesses a 0.53-gallon (2-L) gas tank. Also, while the KDX 200 has a wheelbase of 56.5 inches (1,435.1 mm) and ground clearance of 13.4 inches (340.4 mm), the KDX 50 has a wheelbase of 33.9 inches (861.1 mm) and ground clearance of 4.5 inches (114.3 mm). The seat on the KDX 50 is set at a relatively low 18.9 inches (480.1 mm); the one on the KDX 200 is set around twice the height.

Relatively lightweight, moderately powerful and easy to operate, the 2006 Kawasaki KDX is a great choice for beginners. However, opt for the KDX 200 for heightened driving range, power and excitability.

New For 2006

  • N/A

2006 Kawasaki KDX Specs

  • Model: Youth (2006 Kawasaki KDX 50); Off-Road (2006 Kawasaki KDX 200)
  • Engine Type: 49cc two-stroke air-cooled single cylinder (Kawasaki KDX 50); 198cc two-stroke liquid-cooled single cylinder (Kawasaki KDX 200)
  • Bore and Stroke (millimeters/inches): 41 / 1.61 x 37.9 / 1.49 (Kawasaki KDX 50); 66 / 2.6 x 58 / 2.29 (Kawasaki KDX 200)
  • Compression ratio: 5.9:1 (Kawasaki KDX 50); 9.4:1 (Kawasaki KDX 200)
  • Valve Train: Reed valve
  • Induction: 12-millimeter Mikuni carburetor (Kawasaki KDX 50); 35-millimeter Keihin carburetor (Kawasaki KDX 200)
  • Ignition: Kick
  • Transmission: One-speed manual / automatic clutch (Kawasaki KDX 50); six-speed manual (Kawasaki KDX 200)
  • Final Drive: Chain
  • Fuel Capacity (gallons/liters): 0.53 / 2 (Kawasaki KDX 50); 2.9 / 11 (Kawasaki KDX 200)
  • Estimated Fuel Economy (miles per gallon): 84.9 (200), 82.3 (250), 82 (300i)
  • Brakes (Front): Drum (Kawasaki KDX 50); disc (Kawasaki KDX 200)
  • Brakes (Rear): Drum (Kawasaki KDX 50); disc (Kawasaki KDX 200)
  • Suspension (Front): Telescopic fork
  • Suspension (Rear): Twin-sided swing arm
  • Wheelbase (inches/millimeters): 56 inches (200); 58 inches (250); N/A (300i)
  • Rake: N/A
  • Trail: N/A
  • Seat Height (inches/millimeters): 18.9 / 480.1 (Kawasaki KDX 50); 36.2 / 919.5 (Kawasaki KDX 200)
  • Curb Weight (lbs./kg): 84 / 38.1 (Kawasaki KDX 50); 222.6 / 101 (Kawasaki KDX 200)
  • Tires (Front): 2.5 X 10-2pr (Kawasaki KDX 50); 80/100 R21 (Kawasaki KDX 200)
  • Tires (Rear): 2.5 X 10-2pr (Kawasaki KDX 50); 100/100 R18 (Kawasaki KDX 200)

Accessories

  • Scott USA Fusion II hand grips

Key Competitors For The 2006 Kawasaki KDX

  • 2006 Honda CRF
  • 2006 KTM XC
  • 2006 Yamaha TT-R

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