I bought the KX250...
Jeff Dunham
And no, I am not giving up four strokes. I am turning
expert next year (with three firsts, two seconds and a third
place finish this year in the 30 amateur class in local
ISDEs) and all of my friends have been bugging me saying
that I would go much faster on a two stroke. Well, I am
thirty-four years old, you only go 'round once, and I
decided to find out if they are right. Also, I got a
pretty good deal on the bike at $3900.00. New they
are selling for $4950.00, all of the shops that I called
in the area are out of their allocation so if you want
one you have to wait for a '95 (probably october).
I am taking it for a ride on saturday. I am racing
the trask 2 day ISDE qualifier on june 25-26 (100 miles
each day), I will be racing my four stroke in that
race. I think I am the only four stroke in the 30
amateur class, definitely the only 250 four stroke.
Thanks to all for the advice. Especially to Russ Schooley,
even though he may be just a little biased (nah! :-) ).
I have decided not to buy some things and have changed my
mind on some other things since my first post.
1. I am going to buy the steahly flywheel weight. Having
it bolt on is a big advantage, I can take it off if I
want to race it in some local motocross events during
the week to get some practice in.
2. I am buying steel clutch plates.
3. I might be able to pick up an IMS tank from a friend of
the guy I bought the KX from.
4. I am probably going to go for an acerbis plastic skid plate
and disc guards.
5. I am going to freshen up the oil right away in the front
forks and so I know where the oil level is set. I am going to
freshen up the oil in the rear shock as soon as I get a couple
of rides on it. I am guessing spectro #1 ultra-light shock
oil in the rear and 85/125 in the front (is this right russ?).
6. I am going to run the stock pipe until I destroy it. I am going
to add a pipe guard to delay the destruction.
7. I will probably be buying an answer s/a pro silencer. (any opinions
here?).
8. I am going to install the thinner head gasket and will be running
VP Red Race Gas.
9. I am going to pick up a cateye bicycle speedo/odo.
10. I am going to add a pair of acerbis rally guards.
--
jeff dunham 1993 XR650L 1994 KX250!!!
jdu...@wv.mentorg.com 1993 XR250R
(503)685-4835 1986 XR250R
Russ Schooley
Congratulations again! Just a couple of minor tips for you. Please
keep your eye (and wrench) on the rear sprocket bolts and rear shock bolts.
I am even opting for some stronger sprocket bolts with nylock nuts and
locktite. The shock bolts should be fine once some "red" locktite has been
applied. And, as I'm sure you already know from racing cross country/
enduro - make sure you have an o-ring chain. I have come to the conclusion
that all stock chains and non-o-ring chains are junk. Last year I broke
the stock chain on my '93 KX-250 in sight of 3 weeks - pure trash! This
year I installed an RK o-ring before I ever rode the bike and have had no
problems - proof that precautionary measures do work! :)
ENJOY THAT NEW KX!! :)
*** KAWASAKI * TEAM GREEN * KAWASAKI * TEAM GREEN * KAWASAKI * TEAM GREEN ***
* *
K Russ Schooley Allen, Texas '92 Honda CBR600 F2 K
X AKA The Kawasaki Kid '94 Kawasaki KX-250 K1 X
* *
* Many thanks to: American Kawasaki *
K Cycle Suspension for their generous K
X & Two Wheel World racing support!! X
* *
*** KAWASAKI * TEAM GREEN * KAWASAKI * TEAM GREEN * KAWASAKI * TEAM GREEN ***
fram...@skitzo.dseg.ti.com
>
>
> And no, I am not giving up four strokes. I am turning
> expert next year (with three firsts, two seconds and a third
> place finish this year in the 30 amateur class in local
> ISDEs) and all of my friends have been bugging me saying
> that I would go much faster on a two stroke. Well, I am
Wait a minute.... I didn't think speed was the big issue when
riding enduros. I learned that after I burned my first
checkpoint. :-) I do suppose there are some opportunities
to run flatout in freezones.
However I remember Kileen, Tx was set up in a fashion that
forced one to like it like a X-Country. Another race scored
as a tragedy.
Chris Shaw
fram...@skitzo.dseg.ti.com wrote:
I don't know how it is out there in Texas, but it takes a pretty fast
guy to run over 24mph in gnarly, wet, rocky uphills and tight twisty
bark-bustin' trees here in the East. I have burned a couple of
checks in my time do to problems with my computer but not often.
I think the fact that the KX is lighter and has much more power will
enable him to last longer in those grueling races. Also, if his club
is running ISDE rules then I don't think there is a penalty for arriving
early. In fact, I think that is the object, so that you have more time to
work on the bike you just got done beating up. Later...
--
Chris Shaw Macintosh Quadra 610
UCNS-Univ. of Georgia KTM 250 DXC, Honda CR125R
Jeff Dunham
|> In article <2tpser$n...@hpbab.mentorg.com>, jdu...@wv.mentorg.com (Jeff Dunham) writes:
|> >
|> >
|> > And no, I am not giving up four strokes. I am turning
|> > expert next year (with three firsts, two seconds and a third
|> > place finish this year in the 30 amateur class in local
|> > ISDEs) and all of my friends have been bugging me saying
|> > that I would go much faster on a two stroke. Well, I am
|>
|> Wait a minute.... I didn't think speed was the big issue when
|> riding enduros. I learned that after I burned my first
|> checkpoint. :-) I do suppose there are some opportunities
|> to run flatout in freezones.
|>
The formal name for an ISDE is a "Reliability Enduro" or
"Reliability Trial". The object is to finish the course at
a reliable pace. The thing that is nice is that there is no
penalty for being early -> so if you ride on the same minute
as your buddies you can stop and socialize until your minute
comes up.
The other difference between a "timekeeper enduro" and an
ISDE is that there are special tests in an ISDE. You are timed
over a given section. This score, in seconds, is added to penalty
points and route points (60 points for each minute late to a
check) Distance on special tests around here
range from 1 mile to about 5. This distance is a test of skill
where speed is the ultimate goal. Usually the top 3 to 5 guys
in my class will zero the course (not drop any route points).
After that, you win or lose in the special tests. These are an
all out RACE -> In these races, I have been winning against CRs, KXs,
KTMs,RMXs, WRs, etc on my four stroke. And I have been doing it
in a fairly competitive class (there were about 30 guys in the
class at the Lone Wolf ISDE). But, I can look at my special
test times and see that I would be in the middle of the pack
compared to the expert class riders times.
In summary, the object of an ISDE is to go fast, unlike a
timekeeper enduro where you get penalized for going fast.
To me, it defies all logic to get punished for going too
fast!!!
|> However I remember Kileen, Tx was set up in a fashion that
|> forced one to like it like a X-Country. Another race scored
Depending on the speed averages it can be an all out race for
the entire distance in order to zero the course (sometimes it is
impossible). The speed averages at the two day qualifier in
Washington last month had very aggressive speed averages with
100+ mile distances each day.
--
jeff dunham 1993 XR650L
Russel Wardman
[stuff deleted]
> The other difference between a "timekeeper enduro" and an
>ISDE is that there are special tests in an ISDE. You are timed
>over a given section. This score, in seconds, is added to penalty
>points and route points (60 points for each minute late to a
>check) Distance on special tests around here
>range from 1 mile to about 5. This distance is a test of skill
[more stuff deleted]
> In summary, the object of an ISDE is to go fast, unlike a
>timekeeper enduro where you get penalized for going fast.
>To me, it defies all logic to get punished for going too
>fast!!!
Penalization for going fast makes no sense to me too. But I have
to wonder what a "special test" is? It sounds like yet another way that
the fastest guy in the race is deemed to be something other than the
winner. If so, this is only slightly better than the timekeeper
enduro arrangement. Why not not do a basic 2 hour hare scramble?
These are the only kind of dirt races I've done and ,to me, are the
only kind of endurance event that makes sense.
Russell
n
--
** Russell Wardman ** 89 KDX 200 KAWASAKI **
** 613-723-6500 ** 86 CR 250 HONDA **
** Ottawa Ont. Canada ** 84 TURBO 750 KAWASAKI **
** (rwar...@gandalf.ca) ** **
Jeff Dunham
|> jdu...@wv.mentorg.com (Jeff Dunham) writes:
|>
|> [stuff deleted]
|>
|>
|> >timekeeper enduro where you get penalized for going fast.
|> >To me, it defies all logic to get punished for going too
|> >fast!!!
|>
|>
|> Penalization for going fast makes no sense to me too. But I have
|> to wonder what a "special test" is? It sounds like yet another way that
|> the fastest guy in the race is deemed to be something other than the
|> winner. If so, this is only slightly better than the timekeeper
|> enduro arrangement. Why not not do a basic 2 hour hare scramble?
|> These are the only kind of dirt races I've done and ,to me, are the
|> only kind of endurance event that makes sense.
|>
I like ISDE's over off-road races like hare scrambles and 100 mile
races because :
1. You don't get caught up in traffic because you typically go out
3 to 4 riders on a minute -> after that it's you against the clock.
Around here there is alot of single track trail where you can get
some pretty bad bottlenecks. Getting stuck because 10 guys are stuck
in your way is in no way a method by which "the fastest guy in the
race is deemed to be something other than the winner".
2. Because you are racing against the clock, riders that are significantly
slower will, in almost all cases, pull over and let you by. So the measure
of your skill is also a measure of the skill of the squid who won't let
you by.
3. Because riders are paced out around the course with 3 to 4 riders per
minute, you can get on the same minute with your buddies and see them
at least a couple of times during the day. I rode a 100 mile off-road
race that took me four hours, I did not see anyone after the first
hour and a half -> I like riding with my friends, I don't like riding
by myself for two and a half hours without seeing *anybody*...
4. Because the rider's are paced out around the course, it is usually much
more challenging and technical than a hare scrambles course. Just wait
'til you read about the Lone Wolf ISDE in an upcoming dirt rider. I am
am sure that Tom Webb (the wolfman) will have a few kind words to say
about the "easy" 130 miles on day two...
5. I want to qualify for the six days next year.
Jeff
James M Thompson
any
pblms. It smooths out the 'hit' a little , though the FMF pipe really
makes
a difference here ( more low end ). I also have the Steahly flywheel it
makes
the motor idle/stalls less in tight stuff in the woods and I don't take it
off
for MXing. I am also using 125/150 Golden Spector in the forks and it
gives
a really nice plush ride in the woods. Why are you using a plastic frame
guard
and disk guards, Devol make some really nice aluminum guards ?
--
------------------------------------------------------------------
James M Thompson
System Support Engineer
Silicon Graphics Incs. San Ramon, CA.
Internet : ji...@sgi.com
UUCP : {sun,decwrl,pyramid,ucbvax}!sgi!jimt
US Mail : #410 - 3000 Executive Pkwy, San Ramon, CA. 94583
Phone : (510) 277-1940 Voice Mail 58358
------------------------------------------------------------------
Alan Ernest
says:
>
>Jeff,
>
> Congratulations again! Just a couple of minor tips for you. Please
>keep your eye (and wrench) on the rear sprocket bolts and rear shock
bolts.
>I am even opting for some stronger sprocket bolts with nylock nuts and
>locktite. The shock bolts should be fine once some "red" locktite has
been
>applied.
"Red" Loctite? Not if you want to take it apart again! "Red"
Loctite is designed for use on things that you don't plan on taking apart
(stuff like head bolts.) "Blue" Loctite is what you want to use on
anything you may want to take apart; it will hold until you deliberately
loosen it.
Alan
'89 RMX
Russ Schooley
Not to offend you by any means, but I did mean "red" locktite for the
"top" shock bolt on the '94 KX-250 and also for the rear sprocket bolts.
I have both "blue" and "red" locktite in my toolbox at all times. Every
bolt on my race bikes get locktited. For most the "blue" strength is fine.
But, some, such as the ones I mentioned, require the stronger "red" strength.
The "red" is not as strong as one might think. It's just wise not to use it
on any of those tiny 6mm bolts, but for anything bigger that is critical to
bike performance or potentially dangerous if lost or refuses to stay put with
the "blue", I obligingly provide with an ample dose of "red" - "stay put"
locktite.
Thanks for your feedback Alan, but I really did mean what I said for the
aforementioned reasons. I do believe it is in Jeff's best interest to do as
I do and locktite everything on that KX and use the "red" flavor in the
locations I mentioned. The bike will last longer, be less maintenance and
be something he can always depend upon.
*** KAWASAKI * TEAM GREEN * KAWASAKI * TEAM GREEN * KAWASAKI * TEAM GREEN ***
* *
K Russ Schooley #67 Allen, Texas '92 Honda CBR600 F2 K
X AKA The Kawasaki Kid Team SWAT Rep. '94 Kawasaki KX-250 K1 X
Jeff Dunham
|> The SaPRo is great for the woods , I jave run one on my '93 KX250 without
|> any
|> pblms. It smooths out the 'hit' a little , though the FMF pipe really
|> makes
|> a difference here ( more low end ). I also have the Steahly flywheel it
|> makes
|> the motor idle/stalls less in tight stuff in the woods and I don't take it
|> off
|> for MXing. I am also using 125/150 Golden Spector in the forks and it
|> gives
|> a really nice plush ride in the woods. Why are you using a plastic frame
|> guard
|> and disk guards, Devol make some really nice aluminum guards ?
|> --
Jeez, there are alot of you guys around with newer KX250's.
This is great...
Thanks for letting me know I guessed right when I bought two bottles
of the golden spectro 125/150. Where do you set the oil level? Also,
one of the recent magazines has recommendations for clicker settings
on the fork and shock. The article will say something like "8/10"
where the first number is compression and the second number is
rebound. My only problem is that I am unsure if they mean 8 clicks
"in" from full counterclockwise or 8 clicks out from full clockwise.
Which one is it ???
And sounds like a fmf pipe should be
at the top of my list. Although I told all of my friends that I am
going to run the stocker until I destroy it -> Every time I put a
big dent in the stock pipe, I will grin and say "One step closer to
the FMF, yeah!"
Jeff
--
jeff dunham 1993 XR650L
Alan Ernest
says:
>
Russ,
No offense taken. My point was merely that you're potentially setting
yourself up for some heartburn if you use "red" Loctite on an application
that you want to remove at a later date. Generally, blue holds very well
without loosening; I use it just about everywhere (my bike is all
Loctited, too) and have yet to have anything come loose. I don't know
how the rear sproket of the KX is attached, but on my RMX it's attached
with Phillips headed screws; I initially put them in with "red" Loctite,
and they were a BEAR to get out! After that I used "blue" Loctite each
time, and have yet to have them come loose. Same with the rear brake
rotor. I guess it really depends on what you're used to; I rarely use
"red" because I've found that its strength is generally not necessary,
but to each their own. The key is to make SURE the threads are clean
before applying the Loctite. I do agree with you Loctite
EVERYTHING!
Alan
'89 RMX
Russ Schooley
Cool.....glad we're in agreement! The last thing I want to do is offend
anyone here on the net. After all, we're all here for the enjoyment and
benefit of others who share in our common dirt biking interests.
Yes, Kawasaki definitely seems to have a problem with rear sprocket bolts
(or at least my last 2 have had some serious problems). Last year I bought
all new bolts, nyloc nuts, washers, lock washers and bound all this hardware
together with red locktite. Checking them in between every moto, they stayed
tight for about 2 weeks and then it was the same problem all over again. I
am planning on getting in touch with the Team Green technical reps. on this
issue in search of a permanent KX production resolution. In the meantime I
have been told by Two Wheel World that they have some hardened bolts available
that seem to work and alleviate this problem. I'm hoping that'll work. If
not, I'll be shopping for some JB Weld or tack welding each nut to each bolt
on the rear hub. I guarantee that'll work!!
I'll keep all you fellow KX riders abreast of any information, findings or
resolutions that I receive through Team Green. After all, I'd like to keep as
many of you in the winners circle as possible! :)
*** KAWASAKI * TEAM GREEN * KAWASAKI * TEAM GREEN * KAWASAKI * TEAM GREEN ***
* *
K Russ Schooley #67 Allen, Texas '92 Honda CBR600 F2 K
X AKA The Kawasaki Kid Team SWAT MX Rep. '94 Kawasaki KX-250 K1 X
Mark O'Connor
jdu...@wv.mentorg.com (Jeff Dunham) asks:
>I am unsure if they mean 8 clicks "in" from full counterclockwise
>or 8 clicks out from full clockwise.
These clicker settings are always referenced from 'closed',
which is full CW.
-mark
Jeff Deeney
: And no, I am not giving up four strokes.
Oh sure. Another one lost to the dark side. Luke, Luke, come back...
:-) I can tell now that we're gonna have to place more than one pod
beside the bed of Mr. Dunham.
: and all of my friends have been bugging me saying
: that I would go much faster on a two stroke.
Yeah, that's what Scott Summers friends used to tell him too. Like Mr.
Summers (except much, much, much slower and wimpier) I've developed too
many bad 4-stroke habits to be fast on a 2-smoke without extensive
retraining. Merfs (ex-) KTM EX/C was the only 2-stroke I've ridden with
decent power delivery. If it weren't for the light weight and blue
smoke, I would've almost sworn I was on a 4-stork. :-)
Good luck, and may the force be with you...
-Jeff Deeney- DoD#0498 NCTR FOLMA#2 '88 XR600-Shamu
j...@fc.hp.com AMA#540813 COHVCO '81 CB750F-Llamaha
"In some cultures, what I do would be considered normal." -Shanti Goldstein
James M Thompson
this if you wish ) is measured with the fork spring removed and the top of
the fork compressed in over the bottom. Pour the oil into the fork and the
level
is measured from the oil to the top of the upper fork leg ( '93 KX250
standard
setting is 120mm from the top, I'm not sure what it si for the '94, I'm
sure
Russ knows ).
All suspension settings on the KX are from the fulling closed position.
Start
at the stk setting and break the suspension i before playing with it. It
took
about 6wks before mine felt really great . The stock pipe will be crushed
in
about a month, it's very thin, but light.
Robert B. Ciotti
>Jeff Dunham (jdu...@wv.mentorg.com) wrote:
>: And no, I am not giving up four strokes.
>
>Oh sure. Another one lost to the dark side. Luke, Luke, come back...
>:-) I can tell now that we're gonna have to place more than one pod
>beside the bed of Mr. Dunham.
>
>: and all of my friends have been bugging me saying
>: that I would go much faster on a two stroke.
>
>Yeah, that's what Scott Summers friends used to tell him too. Like Mr.
>Summers (except much, much, much slower and wimpier) I've developed too
>many bad 4-stroke habits to be fast on a 2-smoke without extensive
>retraining. Merfs (ex-) KTM EX/C was the only 2-stroke I've ridden with
>decent power delivery. If it weren't for the light weight and blue
>smoke, I would've almost sworn I was on a 4-stork. :-)
Ah, but you haven't ridden my new (to me) 91' CR500 that has been
Moose'ified! Sooo Sweet! Sooo Smooth! Sooo Brakeable!!!
The only reason summers is sooo fast on the XR is because he's a
frickin gorilla! I'd have a hard time curling a cr80, yes I am a
'office puke' as one of my blue coller, gravel chewing, friends
calls me, but my CR500 weighs less than a RMX250 and even has a
kickstand too.
On the light side, I've got some pretty good XR600 pics from Pismo Dunes,
anyone care that I should scan 'em in?
>Good luck, and may the force be with you...
And also with you!
Darth (bob ciotti)
Jeremy Hansen
: On the light side, I've got some pretty good XR600 pics from Pismo Dunes,
: anyone care that I should scan 'em in?
Yes, please do! My last ride out convinced me of one thing: I love my
XR! Please scan them and post them to this group. I've had nothing but
positive feedback for the single post I made, so I don't think anyone
will get upset, that's for sure.
--
Jeremy Hansen jer...@amcc.com
Technology Group
Applied Micro Circuits Corp.