What did you do to your dirty bike today?

[onto1wheel]

... Throw is longer to move the same amount of fluid but pressure to do it is less. ...

I figured that was the case, but I was hoping there might be some magic in there that I was unaware of. Thanks for the info.

On my YZ250, I converted to the magura Hymec hydraulic clutch, hoping to get a little clutch-pull-relief (that bike did wear me out after long days). I could not tell the difference after installing it (but it was still money well spent, as it never needs adjusting and the pull was smoother, imo).

After that, I tried the Midwest mountain engineering lever, which gives less pull force but longer throw at the lever. I tried it for one day, and decided I didn’t like it (yeah, I’m sure I would have gotten used to it eventually, but would prefer to have all my bikes somewhat similar in throw length). The YZ clutch really isn’t bad.

My 300XC clutch is waaay better than the YZ. I doesn’t wear me out, but I wouldn’t mind lighter pull!

The reasons _I’m_ trying lower gearing is 1. Because hard enduro riders (and wanna-be’s) I talk to say it’s the best! 2. I think it would help me control the bike in slow rocky creeks so I can concentrate more on throttle control and less on clutch control. Time will tell how it works.

I drop one tooth up front on the KLR650 when I do tech riding, but on that bike I really need some relief from that clutch!

 

[augustiron]

2 questions above

Why keep the older bigger bike?
I'm a sentimental fool,( or just a fool) i love the feel of the rfs engine more than the sohc or twincam engines currently available.
Plus I wanted to put some cash into another project and the 350 was easy to sell and cash out on

What other dirt bikes:
Plated 2007 ktm 400xcw with brand new Thumper racing 453 engine, 2019 Xplor forks and a lot of history ( had it since 2008)
Ttr125le - wife's bike
Ttr225 - loaner and play bike to take the kids out

 

[KooLaid]

New oil screen/plug, filter & oil change on the 18 KTM 450 SXF.....yes even though it's for sale I still want to be able to ride it lol. Sadly the new 2020 300 XC-W is just sitting......... don't wanna ride it until I get my plates and protection on the thing first.

 

[augustiron]

300xcw....plates?!?! As in, license plates?? Not in Cali, eh?

 

[1962siia]

Man this thread has been quite lately.

I rode Cow yesterday with some friends. I picked up a slightly used 2020 350 exc-f and man I dig this bike!

We staged on the east side and were riding with a person with little dirt experience so tried to make it an easy loop. Lots of trees are down so if you go up there pack a hand saw, you will need it.

 

[elemetal]

Picked up a No-Mar tire changing stand off CL yesterday and have 3 tires to do. May do a bunch more and put bibs in just because...now I can : ).
Getting the 300 all tidy for the red sticker to start and have the head off the 550, may pull that motor and rebuild it.
Another old 550 buddy is doing a 93 500 (they stopped making the 500 motor in 91) so I'm doing a hydro clutch conversion on the case for him.
Anyone know a good mousse fit for an S12 (140 I think)? Gotta' call D and see what he has and make sure what I got. Believe it or not I've never gotten a flat on the trail but do want to see how those bibs ride.

 

[KooLaid]

Daughter asked for a bigger/faster bike so.....

Turned this MX "machine":

Into this trail machine:

2 week project. Actually 4 weeks since Fedex held my packages hostage in Tracy for 2 weeks and longer.

Assembled, adjusted, regreased, rebuilt carb, rebuilt and resprung forks and shock. Fluid change/flush. New chain, regeared sprockets and a boat load of other missing parts/plastics. Yes, that is a KTM number plate and fender with custom built bracket.

 

[1962siia]

Noice! Looks great!

And elemental let usknow how that no mar works with mouses. I’ve got the cycle hill cheapie version but I’ve never used it for dirt bike tires.

 

[elemetal]

$250, truing stand and bead holders included (current price for this set is around $900).

Guy was moving and cleaning out the garage; total Bultaco maniac and had a completely pristine 1973 175 in there. Museum quality resto, thing was beautiful. He said he just sold his other one that was dated from 75-76 when the gov had taken over the factory and production after Bulto went banko. He said there were only 5 or 6 from that period ever brought to the states and he had one. Some guy from Arkansas bought it and drove here to pick it up...16hrs one way. No idea how much but must've been high 20's for it.

Sometimes those CL adventures are worth it and make up for the ones that aren't!

 

[1962siia]

Wow that was a score. :thumbup

 

[KooLaid]

I would love to try a tire changing stand sometime. I've had great luck with my tire irons, bead buddy and dish soap though. I was thinking all I would REALLY need is a section of all thread bolted to the corner of a heavy work bench.

 

[thedub]

Man this thread has been quite lately.

I rode Cow yesterday with some friends. I picked up a slightly used 2020 350 exc-f and man I dig this bike!

We staged on the east side and were riding with a person with little dirt experience so tried to make it an easy loop. Lots of trees are down so if you go up there pack a hand saw, you will need it.

Where's the pics?!

 

[thedub]

Picked up a No-Mar tire changing stand off CL yesterday and have 3 tires to do. May do a bunch more and put bibs in just because...now I can : ).
Getting the 300 all tidy for the red sticker to start and have the head off the 550, may pull that motor and rebuild it.
Another old 550 buddy is doing a 93 500 (they stopped making the 500 motor in 91) so I'm doing a hydro clutch conversion on the case for him.
Anyone know a good mousse fit for an S12 (140 I think)? Gotta' call D and see what he has and make sure what I got. Believe it or not I've never gotten a flat on the trail but do want to see how those bibs ride.

I've a No-Mar for years, they are amazing for changing your own tubeless street tires. But never even considered using it for dirt bike tires, even with mousses. Regular ol' tire levers work just fine.

If you are running Michelin tires, run a Michelin mousse using their sizing chart.

 

[thedub]

Daughter asked for a bigger/faster bike so.....

Whoa, nice resto.

 

[OaklandF4i]

Whoa Luke, nice score on the No Mar. You've got all the nice toys in the shop. :applause

When you say you are doing a hydro clutch conversion on the case, are you cutting and welding or is it a bolt on project? Love to see pics of what the conversion entails.

Koolaid, I was just changing a set of tires last week and thinking the same thing, adding a threaded bar to one of my benches for tire changes. And nice KX. :thumbup

Rode with Daniel at Cow and can confirm that the new 350 is indeed a sweet bike. I am pretty sure that will be my next acquisition this coming year, be it a EXC-F or FE version of it. Been waffling in my head about the 350 or 500/501. Will be keeping the YZ as the primary offroad bike and kept thinking the 500 would make a better dual sport, but reality I think the 500 will just wear me out more and the 350 a better fit for me, even as a dedicated desert/dual sport.

So what have I done to my bike? Finally fitted those Shinko cheaters Wiles has been talking about on to the YZ. A 546 front and 505 rear. I've never been real sensitive to tire selection, they are round and have knobs.

The only tire I have actually disliked, was the Motoz Tractionator Enduro IT rear that just came off the bike. Heavy, stiff, and didnt instill confidence when leaned over. They do last forever, that was unfortunate for me. :laughing

The cheaters certainly are plusher over rocks, and seems to hook up going straight up hill. A little less clutch seems to be needed to keep from breaking traction and I can just let the motor lug along.

I think Daniel and I are going to try and burn in a turning track at Cow tomorrow and will give my full thoughts after that.

 

[thedub]

Rode with Daniel at Cow and can confirm that the new 350 is indeed a sweet bike. I am pretty sure that will be my next acquisition this coming year, be it a EXC-F or FE version of it. Been waffling in my head about the 350 or 500/501. Will be keeping the YZ as the primary offroad bike and kept thinking the 500 would make a better dual sport, but reality I think the 500 will just wear me out more and the 350 a better fit for me, even as a dedicated desert/dual sport.

I think the 350 is the play if you are only gonna have one bike. But since you will keep the YZ, a 500 is a better dual sport bike. Why would it make you tired? A 500 is way easier to ride than your 1980's tech. I just think the bigger motor is much better for cruising down dirt roads all day, don't have to wind it out so much like the 350.

 

[OaklandF4i]

I think the 350 is the play if you are only gonna have one bike. But since you will keep the YZ, a 500 is a better dual sport bike. Why would it make you tired? A 500 is way easier to ride than your 1980's tech. I just think the bigger motor is much better for cruising down dirt roads all day, don't have to wind it out so much like the 350.

:laughing Had to puff earmuffs on my YZ.

I would agree with you, but going just a notch or two up from cruising down a dirt road and the motor takes significantly more to hang on, for me. Rode a 450 same day to confirm my impression. It was my impression when I rode the 501 previously too. I'm still a few months away from purchasing, and hope to arrange another back to back ride, preferably a EXC 500 to make the final decision.

Because I know the 500 should make a better dual sport cruising and motor going further between top ends etc.

 

[thedub]

but going just a notch or two up from cruising down a dirt road and the motor takes significantly more to hang on, for me.

You don't have to open the throttle all the way you know.

 

[elemetal]

I've a No-Mar for years, they are amazing for changing your own tubeless street tires. But never even considered using it for dirt bike tires, even with mousses. Regular ol' tire levers work just fine.

If you are running Michelin tires, run a Michelin mousse using their sizing chart.

I've heard that about the Michelins, I think you can choose two different sizes; one that feels like 8 psi and the other around 11?
I'm lazy with tire changes, can do them with spoons but hey, why not use a stand?

When you say you are doing a hydro clutch conversion on the case, are you cutting and welding or is it a bolt on project? Love to see pics of what the conversion entails.

Stock case: modded case. Have to machine off the bore for the stock mechanical unit then build it back in some areas with weld. Machine it all down to create the pocket for the hydro slave. I use the slave from the 525 series 4t's with a 9.5mm master, you can one finger the clutch but it takes a little effort. Nice thing is no lever change with heat, the old ones engagement point moves around as the motor heats up.

 

[elemetal]

You're welcome to try my 500 EXC, I can take it just about anywhere I can take my 300 (just about...) but it is heavier and torquie. Valve train is more simple than the 350 series and you don't rev 'em as much so they have a tendency to last longer between rebuilds. Can't see is as the only bike but as Dub said, you have the YZ. Once 2t's are gone from CA the 350 platform will likely be where I go as well.