Let Dirt Rider Build-Up Your Bike For Free!

Here is my bike:


It's a 2005 KTM 300 EXC.  It is box stock except for the FMF Gnarly pipe (two years old) and a new sprocket and chain set (replaced this summer).  Here in Montana I ride a lot of trails that are more like trials traps, and often get into some steep rocky terrain.  I also get into the desert once a year for a few days of fast trail riding.  I love the engine as far as power goes, but when I raced it recently in the bigsky harescrambles I found myself wishing I had two things: a rekluse clutch and an E-start button.  When my pipe cracked a couple years ago it burned my wiring so I no longer have a working headlight (but the stock headlight was not great to begin with).  A better headlight up front would come in useful when I find myself out after dark (happens a few times each year).  A fresh set of plastics would also be nice, I felt like my bike was as old as me on the starting line next to all those newer model KTMs.  Other wish list items include a pipe guard and skid plate, a larger capacity tank for longer rides (I'm limited to 75 miles with the stock 2.5 gal tank) and perhaps some suspension work, although I've ridden it with the stock setup all these years with no trouble.  I am also interested in some handlebars or a steering damper that would take some of the vibration out of my hands.  I have parked her for the winter, and will not be riding until I get to California in March.  If we were to do this, I'd be able to pick her up in person anywhere in southern California at that time, as I am hauling several friends and bikes down there anyway.    
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NW Montana
Where the pavement ends and the fun begins  
2005 KTM300exc

Jimmy Lewis:
And don't start with "I don't know what I'd do to make it better?"
We know that, that is the way every one of us feels when we consider the wallet we have to pull ot to make a bike better. It is a balancing act.

And I love the super-old custom stuff, but really, we'd have as hard a time as you did to try and find cool stuff that fits.

And one final note, if you thrashed it, don't even try. We have learned from experirnce that trying to unthrash a bike is more expensive that just paying the extra cash up front for a bike in better condition. Plus working on bikes like that is not a rewarding experience.

Think of the story more like the Next Top Supermodel, not The Biggest Loser. We're not miracle workers!

well it looks like my IT is out nof the pic, its not thrashed the engine is fine, it just, needs suspention and plastics and some cables.

My dad has a 2002 YZ426f if you would be interested in that??? IT runs great and is so fast, my dad sometimes thinks its a little to torquey, so i would think some fly wheel weight would help him with that, and we ride track really thats all we do we are open to other terrains, but track is 90% of what we do. My dad needs some new tires but his bike i think is not to nimble i mean loike its not a bike that wants to turn easy in the courners, it doesnt want to lay down like my bike, so what ever you guys could do to help that. His bike needs some new graphics and some over sized bars because my dad is a 6"4 guys and 250 pounds so he is a big guy and he always says his   bike feels small on the bar size. Those are some of the things he needs to make hjim more comfortable on his bike and enjoy riding just that much more. He was talking about or would like to test one of those auto decompression things on his bike because his bike has that little thuumb lever you have to push in before you kick start it.  but that is so not nessisary at all. It would be a cool bike to get redone. It may or may need new clutch plates. thats about it, like i said  its a clean bike if you need pics, i will post a side shot of it.

 
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Autismspeaks.org   check it out
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life in the fast rut!!!!
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my rides- 2008 yz250f fully modified, use to be j-laws bike
        &
IT400 1979 yamaha!!!
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Home: SO CAL

Hmmmmm . . . I've been watching/reading this thread from the beginning - it's a great idea!   I haven't posted my bike yet because I feel bad that there are so many older bikes that need help and I'm 'lucky' to have a 2008 XC-W 250. I put lucky in parentheses because I made a lot of sacrifices to buy the bike and was fortunate to find a good used one. But I feel left out nonetheless so here goes:

It's a great bike, but I can't seem to get it set up right.  The original owner is deceased and I bought it from his widow's friend who has been around db's forever (his name is Greg Davis in case anyone knows him).  He said the bike was stock except for the handguards.  Since it wasn't his bike I don't know how accurate that statement is.  I've put about 400-450 miles on it so far this year and took it to the track once in April.  I like the way it rode for the most part but felt the suspension might be a bit soft even for a 155 pound rider.  I took it to my regular mechanic (not a KTM mechanic) and had new tires (Dunlop MX-51's) put on and a new chain and sprockets.  I also asked him to stiffen the suspension a bit so I could take it to the track again.  I also said to use stock sizes for the chain/sprocket.  

I got it back a couple of weeks ago and took it for a ride, but it rides terrible!  Even taking into account the suspension changes, something feels out of kilter.  I took it back but he couldn't find anything wrong with it.  I haven't been able to ride again because of work and bad weather.  

I wonder if it's because he's a general all-around mechanic and doesn't understand the nuances of the KTM's.  Are they that different?  Anyway - I'd like to set it up a bit more for the track and less for the woods.  But it's still a great bike and I'm happy.  I'll probably take it to the closest KTM dealer next spring and have him put it back to the stock settings and go from there.

ps - are we allowed to vote for which bike you should pick? (I won't pick mine, I promise)  
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Hudson Valley NY
KTM XC-W 250

"If you don't have a dream, how can it come true?"

Well my bike, I got a 2005 CR125.

   When we first got the bike the forks and shock were leaking, rear tire was worn, and the jetting was WAY off. My Dad and I went through both the forks and shock, replaced the tire and figured out the jetting. Then we did a compression test and got 135 psi. So then we went through and cleaned the carbon out of the head, the cylinder was good so we left that and then cleaned up the power valve. Got it all back together and thats how it is right now except for a polished frame, glide plate, 53 tooth sprocket and DID gold chain. I still don't think the jetting is as close as it should be but it runs good and the plug looks good also so the first thing is jetting. Also the bearings have never been taken out and greased.

  Around here where I live the 125 is coming around and it's pretty popular but this CR just isn't as strong as a motor as the YZ but I like the handling a lot better. I think it could use a little motor and suspension work for me. I've always wanted to race and if I could get out there it would be great but it just doesn't work out for me. Getting a bike set up for me would help a lot.





Two more things the bike has almost new maxxis maxcross IT tires and it's all stock.  
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Brand new yammi 450 =  $7399
To see a honda burry it at the track=PRICLESS!!

Ok If I was going to try some upgrades to my 2005 450X
The Hinson steel clutch basket seemed like it would be a good up grade. To make the low end even more tractable sounds good to me when I am stumbling through the boulder farm. Also a slipper clutch also seems like something I would like to try.
The suspension is already top notch. A brighter light for the forray into the night when Mr. Sol has gone to bed would also be a Very Nice addition.
 

hey there, my name is aaron and i have a 1997 rm 125. I am 5 foot 10, 150 pounds. i ride my bike mostly on the trails but i do like to take it to the track every now and then. i think that my jetting is probably off, and the bike needs some misc bearings like  swing arm lower rear shock. now whats really wrong with it, like i said the bearings. Needs a top end kit, maybe a rod kit, a head, something in the tranny needs serviced, it loves to pop out of gear, either the steering stem or the spanner nut is stripped, sprockets, chain,plastics,. i would love to see what kind of power a big bore/stroker kit would do to a 125., would love a aftermarket head, like a phat head or something, maybe black plastics with yellow decals or vice versa. The bike already has applied racing upper and lower triple clamps, carbon fiber reeds. It's got a 18 inch rear rim. I did get the stock 19 with the bike though. oh yeah, inverted forks would be a nice thing to have. Hopefully my bike already being in pieces wont disquailify me. I'll put it back together for ya if i have to. Thanks for taking the time to read and look  
1997 RM125
(Thanks DirtJumper)

all right here is mine

i just bought this bike recently and would like to have a few mods done to it that i just cant afford.(my parents believe that if you want something like this you work for it) i dont need/want much done to it just there are some simple things that i would like but it took me forever to get this bike and i cant do some cheap minor mods
the bike is ofcourse my 06 rm 125
my structure
height- 5'11
weight- 180

would like it set up for racing hardcore hare scrambles

some more low end would be greatly appreciated
some cool graphics
tires
barkbusters and handguards(the ones shown are on the ttr)
i cant fiquire out the jetting
and suspension would be great
larger gas tank
maybe a racing clutch?
or a stator rewind so i can put a headlight on it?
and a few bolts that fell off the plastic


but overall i would like a bike that could compete with all the new tricked out 2008-2009 250fs that i race against
in the junior A/expert class  
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mike

i wish i had a ski-bear in

central florida
03 ttr 125
06 rm 125

autismspeaks.org
check it, its pretty
sweet

Well Jimmy here is my story idea:
We all know a lot of 2 stroke riders feel under gunned on the stating line against the 4 strokes.
Get a collection of "modern two stokes" and do some engine mods and maybe a pipe shoot out with the emphasis making your 2 stoke competitive against the 4 stroke.  I wouldn't want this to be a which is better, that's a dead horse, just how the average guy (novice/intermediate) can get his 2 stoke up to speed.

I'll offer up my 06 RM 250.  It doesn't need a lot.  The top end, suspension,  clutch/Barnett clutch basket, bearing lube and brake pads have three hours on them.  As far as aftermarket parts other than consumables (piston, chain/sprocket...) it has a Protaper bars, ASV levers and one way vent tube.

I'd love to have a broader powerband with some added torque.
The suspension is pretty good for stock but a revalve and spring set up.  
.
.
Colorado

2006 RM-250

how bout my 2005wr450f,gettin close to top end time was thinkin port and polish,big bore kit,forks are leakin again,bars are bent,sprockets chain and guide so on and so on im sure the expert eyes of the dr staff would find all of the flaws,and hook it up proper,but thats your call.or my sons 2003klx110 its gettin kinda cramped and the top end could use a freshen-up with more power,mabye a little bling you know how these youngsters are.  
---------------- different toilet,same ***

Here's an interesting one:

I have a 2001 WRF 426. Bought brand new in France in my friend's shop called "Les 2 Roues" (it is the biggest motorcycle shop in France). That bike was prepared and modified for Rallies in the sahara. It was the first bike of its kind with an electric starter (some type of new project that the shop had been working on).
Long story short, it got stolen right of my garage in France. 3 months later, we found it, with about 300 miles put on it. Moved to Florida and had to change some stuff with it because the starter exploded (go figure...)and we had to take all of the wiring out of it, battery, etc... because of it. there still is lights front and back, but it doesn't work.
It still runs great to this day as we put in the shop every 20 hours, but it looks like a mammouth, sounds like elephant (same pipe), it's really heavy and just looks old... I'm sure it needs motor work as well as we just had carburator problems with it.

I have never seen another 426 at the tracks here in Florida since arriving. These bikes were amazing when they first came out and I have always loved it.

I think this would be the perfect "build bike" to turn into a sick supermoto or another enduro/ rally bike. Especially with the new rally kits that yamaha put out.  
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YZF 450
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Gaston Rahier Team '02

I agree with some of the other guys that rebuilding older bikes to showcase the modern modifications for them is the way to go. It would be like an OLD DOGS, NEW TRICKS type of thing. Right now, there are no publications/magazines out there that deal with older bikes and the new parts available for them.(not vintage, but mid 80's to late 90's) A huge number of people still ride these bikes. Most magazines focus on the newest bikes/parts and they should. But there is a whole mass of undeground riders who are still riding and loving older bikes and there is no one out there catering to them. It would be a good idea to take a few popular bikes from each decade and showcase all the newest parts/mods available for them.

                              OLD DOGS, NEW TRICKS!!!

But if anybody is wondering, I have a 1996 Cr125. Since I've had it I've made some improvements. Mostly cosmetic. It needs the entire suspension rebuilt. Both front and rear. I mostly ride off-road, trails and hills. Some desert (but not sand).  

Jimmy, first off how rough was glen helen last week? Knarley!
This is my dream.
To make my 2008 YZ 250 (no F)  compete with 450s on the track, in SRA gp and vet X.
Its the greatest bike i have ever owned, light fast FUN!! paid $3500 nearly new
its pretty fresh and runs grate i just need that extra HP and torque to run with the 450's up the hills at Glen helen. I want it to remain smooth but it just needs a few more ponies to catch them.

Times are tough, i put a lot of money in already.
Heres the list

Enzo suspension fron and rear

Pro circuit works pipe and silencer (a few dings)

Vforce reeds

Vertex racing clutch

Hydrolic clutch line

Dunlop m51

Renthal srprockets

IM 6ft 1' 179 lbs. So it has fast way pegs a taller seat (sdg) and Pro tapper clamps. (looking for rubber mount's ones instead)
What do you think? Race piston? Port polish, 260cc? RG3 clamps Better suspension?  DLC  tranny?
Help me Jimmy  

ya someone else posted about trying to make a 2 stroke more competitive with a 4 stroke and I think that would be a really neat way to go with this...do time trials around a track with both bikes head to head ...a 250 2stroker against a race ready 450 4banger and then tweak the stroker and do some stuff then race them against each other again....either way it goes the results will be usefull for everyone....I'd love to see the results  
1978 Yamaha 175 MX
Northern Ontario
Canada
31 yrs young
WHEELIES!
Yaaaayyyyyy!

OK, now we're seeing stuff, good job guys. As soon as Pete figures out how the logistics of this story will come into play, we'll start making some decisions.

And as for making the 2-stroke vs. 4-stroke. It won't happen because of the displacement advantage the four-stroke has. I've tried, watched others try and in the open classes there is no way to make a two-stroke competitive with an equal or even more evident with an average rider. And with that, we are too far off topic, back to fixing up your bike...  
JIMMY
Editor Dirt Rider Magazine

Hey all,

Say hello to my little friend,



2002 RM 125 - 2-strokes FTW!

I ride trails, period.  I know, it's a MX bike, but I love how light these things are and how easy they are to maintain.  This bike is a great project for Dirt Rider because a lot of guys and gals have (or have had) 125's laying around waiting to get some action.  I would love to get a fly-wheel weight (I think that's what they're called) to keep those RPMs up while preparing to climb some gnarly, root-infested hills.  My hands seem to be drawn to tree bark, so some bark busters would definitely help. But by far, the biggest mod this baby needs is a big bore kit. At 185lbs, 5'10 I'm pushing the weight limit, and so is everyone else that owns a 125.  I hear people talk about big bore kits, but do they work well enough for the money?  Do they work at all? Time for Dirt Rider to step up and put this one in the books.