REAL MAN TRUCKWORKS & SURVIVAL
VEHICLES, CAMPERS, and BOATS => Bikes Motorcycles, S x S's, Tractors, and Mowers => Topic started by: stlaser on October 15, 2015, 04:59:01 PM
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OK, first I must apologize for the lack of participation on this board. Don will probably want to ban me a few times consecutively for my lack of DOTness aimed at him here lately. Anyhow I'll try to make this a short story and then get on to the build thread.
As most of you know I owned Great Lake Off Road which I sold in Jan. Then had a couple equipment auctions and finally sold my home / shop in Indiana as well. I resigned from my day job as GM for a large steel company after sixteen years and followed my wife along with our three girls to Colorado where she landed a job. First major move in our family ever, the wife and I needed a change of scenery. I wanted less to do and decided for a number of reasons early 2015 was as good a time as any to cash some chips in and try our luck somewhere else. There are times in life when a number of circumstances all converge that you need to step back take a deep breath and look at what is most important. In a nut shell this is what happened to us. I believe for whatever reason we were meant to be in Colorado, definitely not my first choice due to their communist gun laws but it seems to have played out well so far.
So on to the build thread, I will be building a 2015 Yamaha WR450F. For those of you not familiar the WR450F is basically a WR250 frame with a 450 motor sandwiched in to it. Its an agile trail riding machine that has the power and reliability to be very capable with a few tweaks here and there. As we speak it is being converted to DOT compliance making it road worthy. I am not doing it but letting professionals do this as it was part of the negotiation for purchase. Here in CO to be road worthy it needs a few things such as DOT approved tires, brake light, mirror and horn. Probably a couple things I left off but you get the idea.
If there is one big downside potential to this build it would be that it is fuel injected, great for the elevation changes here in CO but not so good against an EMP threat. My thought was if an EMP hits locally we have a lot of problems besides a bike that won't run & I still have my walking boots I guess.
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It's a build thread.......it will never be DOT proof........OH that was approved!! Now I get it! ;D
Glad to have you back Shawn, and glad you're all feeling you're in the right place! Learn from Don and don't go the sticker route for fenders etc!
Welcome back to RealMan, we've missed you!
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Hey Shawn, looking forward to this.
Lots of changes in your life this year. Good luck!
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Anybody ever heard of this guy before I ban him again?
I once knew a Shawn...even made him a moderator here...Then he left the building and has never been heard from since!
Shawn, welcome back!
Have anything to complain about before you get in going here? :)
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Never heard of him, ban him already............. ;D
Anybody ever heard of this guy before I ban him again?
I once knew a Shawn...even made him a moderator here...Then he left the building and has never been heard from since!
Shawn, welcome back!
Have anything to complain about before you get in going here? :)
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Welcome back! Sure hope CO works out for you. I love visiting there. It could be worse, I can still CC there.
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Man, you sure sold the farm! good for you.
Glad you're back.
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Yea, it's good to have Shawn back
Now we need to get Ash on here more
Then those two can get to arguing again
and we can sit back and enjoy it all!
Sound like a plan?
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Nope, he's to busy texting me texas weather reports. Complaining its hot or something down there?!? Who'd a thunk it that Texas was hot? :o
Yea, it's good to have Shawn back
Now we need to get Ash on here more
Then those two can get to arguing again
and we can sit back and enjoy it all!
Sound like a plan?
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& to everyone else thanks for the warm welcome!
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Is Texas hot?
When did that start?
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(http://i.imgur.com/Lv1Sfhr.jpg)
OK, so here is the bike in stock form. Thought I would start an imgur account and try my hand at posting pics.
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Looks like you've got it figured Shawn.
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A little more insight. Prior to the move I was setup fairly well as far as being prepared in transportation. Well, that was turned on its head. So in a lot of regards I'm back to square one. One of which is off road capability. Before I had numerous off road vehicles that were extremely capable. From ATV's to 73 EB crawler, to an 04 Rubicon to 4609 MF tractor. As it stands I have a bone stock (other than a 9K winch) 2008 JK. Now I do have plenty in store for it as well, however I wanted something with some immediate off road prowess. So enter the Yamaha WR450F. Now you may ask why I am making a perfectly legit dirt bike into a street capable machine? Because of laws, there will always be those pesky guys in uniform following laws and this is one less thing I have to worry about now or in the future.......
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Looks like you've got it figured Shawn.
copy that! ;)
& thanks to overwatch_09 for the helpful insight via the picture posting thread for knuckleheads like me!
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That thing looks like it will rip a hole in the fabric of time/space
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Only way I'd stand a chance against that thing in a race with my DR is if he ran out of gas, and we were racing off the ramp of a C130 at flight level 2-1-0
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Was originally looking at the dual sport WR250R until I started talking with 24yr old sales/racer and he sold me on this. Just seemed easier to modify this for street than beef up the other to try and do what I wanted. This has a lot of good qualities that I will detail shortly that were OEM.........
I also read your build before purchasing, a lot of good info and direction there.
That thing looks like it will rip a hole in the fabric of time/space
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Man, I'm Mr. Quote master !
Get Ash talkin' on here!
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Shawn, I looked at them too.
Back then I was riding (Sometimes) a DRZ 400 suzi. One stock and one built...definitely two different bikes.
So I could see a 400 is plenty fast. A bit faster, well, probably a bunch faster than my steam powered DR650. So I was looking back then considering a DRZ-400, the WRF 450, and a KTM 520.
I was going to put a street kit on them, add a second tank and tear up some dirt roads that needed it. I never took that step, but now a bit wiser, I realize my chances of keeping up with anyone with anything newer than a 73 super beetle, approaches zero. So the steam power got the nudge. Thing is I'll never finish first (or second, or third...) but I will finish. With that in mind straight up air cooled 70's technology won the coin toss for me.
When I would teach people high altitude landings I used the ridges and peaks west of Colorado Springs. Sometimes when I would go to a certain confined area up around 12,000 feet, some guy would pop out of the trees on one of those things and putt around the Chinook. Kinda a "What's he doing here?" thing.
Saying: There were no trails I could see up to there and only operational and wrecked aircraft were to be found there, but somehow that those crazee off road bikers were up to the task.
We'll have to try it someday!
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I looked at KTM as well, however the initial price tag & increased maintenance to me was a no go. I don't need the fastest bike so imo reliability & decreased maintenance trumped speed.
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Well, most of you have never met Shawn. I've had the pleasure of meeting him on more than one occasion... And this is all I can picture when he said he purchased a dirt bike... :o
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And yes, it's been hotter than the gates of heck down here.... We broke two daily high temps in one week. Hit 94 one day, then 98 a few days later. I know it's fall, but feels like July to us... Hasn't rained since May. Finally supposed to get 3-5" this weekend. ;D
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And yes, it's been hotter than the gates of heck down here.... We broke two daily high temps in one week. Hit 94 one day, then 98 a few days later. I know it's fall, but feels like July to us... Hasn't rained since May. Finally supposed to get 3-5" this weekend. ;D
Told ya he was a whining! ;)
Nice pic btw young un.........
edit: & for the record I do still own a CR50 with training wheels! Only offroad vehicle I kept for my daughters for their kids some day. Didn't want you getting any ideas...........
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Brings a tear to my eye to see you two at it again. Please get a shot of the 50cc w/ trainers. I've got to get one like that for Sophie. Looking forward to see the progression Shawn.
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Ash, I'm up working this weekend at my place and I'm praying for a ton of rain....my pond is down almost 3 feet
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Well, to my Texas friends, you're gonna get it or so it would appear. Barring the chance the earth stops and starts rotating backward, the tropical storm from the hurricane is almost there
Batten down the hatches!
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Ready. Weapon cleaning day.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
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Ready. Weapon cleaning day.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Yup read your weapon cleaning comment/thread
Kinda fun dotin up Shawn's bike thread
A fella could get used to this
If we could only get him and ash publically arguing on here again...That would be the day!
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I heard Shawn said people from East Texas don't have all their teeth but they do have six toes and marry their sisters...
(Sits back and waits)
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
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facepalm
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^^^ That should stir him up!
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Nah, to live in East Texas you have to have screwed up haircut or funny teeth. Never had screwed up hair cut (albeit I do have less hair now) and teeth ain't never really been a problem......... ;D
I heard Shawn said people from East Texas don't have all their teeth but they do have six toes and marry their sisters...
(Sits back and waits)
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
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Here you go Tate, Honda CRF50 with trainers. You should be able to find one used at a good price low hours like ours. I know a lot of guys were buying them for pit bikes or to ride around swap meets........
(http://i.imgur.com/K52egW4.jpg)
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How did I miss this build thread to DOT up???
We brake a few records out here too. Heat and no rain!
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Geeesh... I make a small comment and look what happens...
Job accomplished I guess?? Now that I have completely derailed poor Shawn, maybe I should jump over to Dons thread. That old non-running pile of money hasn't seen much talk lately... :P
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Geeesh... I make a small comment and look what happens...
Job accomplished I guess?? Now that I have completely derailed poor Shawn, maybe I should jump over to Dons thread. That old non-running pile of money hasn't seen much talk lately... :P
& it ain't running is right! :'(
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Geeesh... I make a small comment and look what happens...
Job accomplished I guess?? Now that I have completely derailed poor Shawn, maybe I should jump over to Dons thread. That old non-running pile of money hasn't seen much talk lately... :P
& it ain't running is right! :'(
Maybe he saved some of the Vaseline left over from the Craigslist Man that sold him the motor... Applied behind the tires, he could at least drag it around with the chevy... ;D
And.... that should put Ash back on the board with at least 3 points....
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Geeesh... I make a small comment and look what happens...
Job accomplished I guess?? Now that I have completely derailed poor Shawn, maybe I should jump over to Dons thread. That old non-running pile of money hasn't seen much talk lately... :P
Definitely not...stay here!
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Geeesh... I make a small comment and look what happens...
Job accomplished I guess?? Now that I have completely derailed poor Shawn, maybe I should jump over to Dons thread. That old non-running pile of money hasn't seen much talk lately... :P
& it ain't running is right! :'(
Maybe he saved some of the Vaseline left over from the Craigslist Man that sold him the motor... Applied behind the tires, he could at least drag it around with the chevy... ;D
And.... that should put Ash back on the board with at least 3 points....
Everyone: I had to ban Ash...I'm sure you can all understand why! ;-)
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Geeesh... I make a small comment and look what happens...
Job accomplished I guess?? Now that I have completely derailed poor Shawn, maybe I should jump over to Dons thread. That old non-running pile of money hasn't seen much talk lately... :P
& it ain't running is right! :'(
Yea, but it's clean! And has a pretty aux fuel tank!
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Sounds like a liberal Don. All about diversity, inclusion, and tolerance....until you disagree with them....then they want to shut you down...
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Sounds like a liberal Don. All about diversity, inclusion, and tolerance....until you disagree with them....then they want to shut you down...
Don, the back story to that Vaseline comment is that we call that homoslist back in Indiana. Cause no one ever sells anything on there. You just get guys texting you with no money who want to trade you for some video game or a set of bald tires from their moms 84 Honda. In the end I really think they're just trolling for a date.....
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Well, I don't know what's wrong in hoosierville, but here in the Tucky you put something on Craigslist and somewhere in all the offers to trade for an old beetles LP is usually a cash offer. I've sold a ton of stuff on Craigslist.
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Out here we just have idiots selling worn out "clean never been used" rv generators to other idiots with cash and the readiness to belief anything someone tells him (me).
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I also buy/sell on Craigs quite a bit out here in WA... biggest pain is lowballers.
Just had my old wheels and tires from the LBZ on there for $400, and can't even count how many texts i got that said "will you take 200?".. no hello, no hi i'm interested in your tires... just straight lowball fishing offer. One of these times i'm going to say "sure dude meet me at ____ at 9pm and you can have em"... and then wait for the next text from my recliner ;D ;D ;D
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I also buy/sell on Craigs quite a bit out here in WA... biggest pain is lowballers.
Just had my old wheels and tires from the LBZ on there for $400, and can't even count how many texts i got that said "will you take 200?".. no hello, no hi i'm interested in your tires... just straight lowball fishing offer. One of these times i'm going to say "sure dude meet me at ____ at 9pm and you can have em"... and then wait for the next text from my recliner ;D ;D ;D
Buddy of mine flips used vehicles on there. Every time he gets a will you take this amount he adds $500 to original price and counter offers........ ???
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Out here we just have idiots selling worn out "clean never been used" rv generators to other idiots with cash and the readiness to belief anything someone tells him (me).
The one I've had a lot of laughs over is one I see a lot.
Slightly Used xxx snowmobile Pistons...
Now when I have to part with cash for a rebuild, pistons are not a place to go 'used' in any fashion.
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Shawn, do you have following on CL?????
Some strange stuff on there for sure.
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I wonder if those slightly used pistons will fit my DR-650? :o
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They might fit your CumminGs....maybe that's why it smokes so much, it has used Polaris pistons!
What was this thread about? icr
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Supposed to be about a bike that still hasn't showed up at my door, guess I better make a phone call and see what the hey is going on.
& no I don't have a following on CL, that was Don or Ken or somebody....... ;)
They might fit your CumminGs....maybe that's why it smokes so much, it has used Polaris pistons!
What was this thread about? icr
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This thread has like two posts about a bike and what, 73 posts of mindless chatter?
What did that old 80's advertisement say, Where's The BEEF??
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This is what happens when the #1 DOT comes back. It's contagious (and to think that you called me #1....HA !!)
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SMH, call me whatever you like things ain't a changing now!
OK, called dealer this morning. Last of conversion parts are going on tomorrow. Will pick it up Friday and pass by the wonderful SPD to have them do a check and make sure it's road worthy so I can get it plated. So should have some snap shots and go over details of this unit shortly.
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Here you go Tate, Honda CRF50 with trainers. You should be able to find one used at a good price low hours like ours. I know a lot of guys were buying them for pit bikes or to ride around swap meets........
(http://i.imgur.com/K52egW4.jpg)
that is awesome!
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Tate, you need trainers?
Maybe we should call this a how to spend thread? Little about a build, just spending $$$ waiting for a delivery
Whats this about again???
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Currently its called patience, was supposed to be here last week. Kinda hard to build on something I haven't received as of yet. Not that it seems to be an issue a this thread has turned into a DOT'ed work of art........
But I agree, I've almost forgot why I bought it at this point.
edit: Tate, the girls loved this thing. Lots of good memories, it was funny to see how their unique personalities really shined thru when you put them on a gas powered vehicle and give them a small taste of freedom.
Tate, you need trainers?
Maybe we should call this a how to spend thread? Little about a build, just spending $$$ waiting for a delivery
Whats this about again???
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Actually, my neighbor had those and his boys loved em.
Welcome back Shawn!!!!
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Thanks JR, my rule with motorized atv's or go carts etc was I only allowed one out of the shop at a time. Guaranteed if you have two there will be a wreck. My kids proved this theory just a week ago with their bicycles. $60 later, new wheel on one bike and new tube on the other........
Actually, my neighbor had those and his boys loved em.
Welcome back Shawn!!!!
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Just how I broke my wrists! My bud and I were riding next to the Salton Sea (me RM400-him RM250). Jumped over a washout together (20ft+) and there was only one patch to land on that wasn't built up with a berm, he got it.
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What's the BS? (Bike Situation)
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He's stuck up on that loft in the garage because the ladder fell over. Don't worry, his wife will get him down when she quits laughing.
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Picked it up week or so ago, was delayed for a week fighting tank of bad gas and worn out stock battery in wife's car. She commandeered Jeep for the week so I had no way to go get it.
Scheduled road worthy inspection with SPD for Dec 15th ::) and then found out local town PD (one officer) is certified to do them as well however he has not gotten back to me. So between screwing up the loft build with my upside down clamps :( (which sucks fixing for the record) planting trees and buying tires I might as well be stuck in that loft..........
Gotta get garage ship shape then I can focus on bike. In mean time I have been researching new parts.
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He's stuck up on that loft in the garage because the ladder fell over. Don't worry, his wife will get him down when she quits laughing.
I hope that upside down clamp holds!
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Not even a picture of this "bike" ? I'm starting to wonder if it doesn't actually say "Huffy" on the side, instead of Yamaha.... :o
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Not even a picture of this "bike" ? I'm starting to wonder if it doesn't actually say "Huffy" on the side, instead of Yamaha.... :o
I will not be goaded by some young part time purveyor of this fine site. :D
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Unlike your president, I just seek the truth!! ;D
Finding your "bike" is like him showing us his birth certificate.... :-X
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Bahahaha. Now that's the Ash I remember!!
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Hmmm
A controversy that I am not a part of
Kinda like this...
Where is the POB? (Proof of Bike)
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Well, there is a pic on the loft build thread where you see a portion of it so that and my word is sufficient enough. As for any further proof I refuse out of principle. I mean who is this armalite punk to come on here and question a fellow DOT of my status anyhow? Not that I really have any status but regardless!
On another note the local PO has not gotten back to me on the road worthy inspection. Apparently I will have to go in there and turn in my volunteer application and at the same time ask them what's up with this? I did order my first add on part for the bike today. From these guys https://cycleracks.com/ProductDetail/tabid/87/ProductID/45/Default.aspx
(https://cycleracks.com/Portals/0/SmithCart/Images/WR450%20RACK%20RIGHT%20SIDE%20VIEW.JPG)
The thread I found them on the customer weas claiming they strapped a 6# rock to the front fender and packed 200# of elk out of the back country on these racks. Every other rack wanted to carry 10-20# and I didn't think that was sufficient. These guys also talk about their product like I used to of GLO products so I felt good about that. I was given an order confirmation number but no lead time on delivery so I'll give them until after turkey day and see what happens.
Also some pics of their racks in a compromising situation
(http://cycleracks.com/Portals/0/TW%20Rear%20ended%20by%20Van%20Side%20View.JPG)
(http://cycleracks.com/Portals/0/TW%20Rear%20ended%20by%20Van%20Fron%20View.JPG)
Edit: & a final note the current status of the bike is that it has been totaled as it has saw dust all over it.......
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Well you know what they/we say, no pictures, its not true,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Now for that wreck. It hurts looking at it, but you would waddle away from it. Talk about pucker!!!!!!!!!
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Well, crappy update but update no less. After not responding to my email for 1.5 weeks I took a trip down to the station. The po who is supposed to be in charge of performing road worthy inspections wasn't there, so they take a message. This guy calls up few hours later & tells me he is too cool to actually schedule appointments or be professional enough to know that saying " I don't know when I can do it but it will definitely be a few weeks before I can do one? " is not the way to handle dealing with a public service that they charge for. SMH...... Guess I get to drive it thirty minutes across the county on Dec 15th versus half a mile down the road because at least the SP know enough to schedule appointments. Rant off
No offense to the professionals here on the board btw.
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Bike rack showed up this evening, not too shabby. Ordered it & arrived within 3 days, pretty good service from a small company such as this. Will install Monday & post pics with install review.
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Stock except for the road worthy kit which includes DOT tires, turn signals, horn and I had them add a key switch as well.
(http://i.imgur.com/G6VhmqC.jpg)
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That thing is skinny
Bet it's blazin' fast
Mine is only fast when comparing it to mammals
Smaller ones like squirrels, mice, and things like that
Mine makes me feel like I am cruising through the Colorado Rockies behind an ancient steam locomotive. Not fast, but utterly powerful. My bike expresses my "Diesel" ambitions.
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Wow, you really do have one without training wheels! :pokinshawn
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Yeah, tell Ash he can suck an egg for all that crap he was slinging my way too! ;D So I was pretty bummed about having to wait until mid December to get it plated but is what it is. Until then I'm going to start adding parts little by little. Plus side to waiting is I've been able to research & find exactly what I want for parts which is what happened in the case of this back rack. It'll haul more than you should which is a whole lot better than 10-20#s
Big D, they really crammed a lot of motor into this skinny 250 frame. Dry weight spec stock was 273# so this should be pretty agile off road, be able to kick it around pretty easy even when loaded I think.
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Yeah, tell Ash he can suck an egg for all that crap he was slinging my way too! ;D So I was pretty bummed about having to wait until mid December to get it plated but is what it is. Until then I'm going to start adding parts little by little. Plus side to waiting is I've been able to research & find exactly what I want for parts which is what happened in the case of this back rack. It'll haul more than you should which is a whole lot better than 10-20#s
Big D, they really crammed a lot of motor into this skinny 250 frame. Dry weight spec stock was 273# so this should be pretty agile off road, be able to kick it around pretty easy even when loaded I think.
Oh yea, it will be agile and fast. I don't know the motor for lugging like steep hill climbing in a lower gear, you'll figure that out, but its plenty big enough engine wise.
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Edit: & a final note the current status of the bike is that it has been totaled as it has saw dust all over it.......
so in other words it ended up just like that gator did ???
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Edit: & a final note the current status of the bike is that it has been totaled as it has saw dust all over it.......
so in other words it ended up just like that gator did ???
Correct, and without a functioning air compressor in my shop I am left with the shop vac to try and restore the heap......
Speaking of which the air compressor build will start this week........
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going for a duane level rebuild/refurb ?
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Neg, I sold my last eaton unit I had with million man hours in an auction prior to the move. Once we bought the house a new compressor was first on my list. I wanted eaton again, but didn't want to truck freight a full unit 20 hours to my new home in CO. So I was watching CL and found a slightly used 60 gallon tank. I luxury home builder had used this on his last build that took 2 years to complete. Instead of having every contractor bring their own portable unit in he brought in a big commercial unit and then sat this tank in a closet and had 20 different ports that contractors could hook in to. This way you didn't have a dozen noisy small units always running. It had a auto drain on it (didn't come with) and was rated around 200 psi so for the right price I bought it. Then purchased compressor head and motor from eaton.
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As I stated before showed up in three days. Very nice packaging job, from someone who packaged thousands of parts over the years they took their time and you can tell that they care about quality. Three layers of packaging on this rack, took almost as much time getting it out as installing it.
(http://i.imgur.com/NThXNHb.jpg)
All new hardware included along with tube spacers for the rear mount. Hardware was taped into corresponding holes along with spacers so it was easy to figure how it needed installed. No instructions but pretty straight forward. Nice finish and solid welds throughout.
(http://i.imgur.com/ijPZrNu.jpg)
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Tools to install, 3/8 ratchet with 10mm deep well socket to remove stock bolts. 13mm deep well socket to install new hardware. Also used a set of side cutters to remove a zip tie that held rear turn signal wires that dealer had installed. Zip tie needed relocated after rack install. Also used a large flat screw driver as a pry bar to realign front passenger side sub frame mount (essentially three pieces that must be aligned to get bolt started) to frame and rack mount. Started by mounting front lower mounts to main frame. This is what sets these racks apart from the rest. Most just mount to flimsy sub frame, this does not only mount there. I did have to muscle front two mounts apart when installing, it appears they may need to rethink their weld fixture slightly as I think it pulls inward when welding and cooling. This is the only negative I found with whole build of their part. Once lower mount bolts were started I could rotate the rack upward and remove rear sub frame mount bolts. Then lower rack into place and squeeze spacers in and then install bolts. I then tightened everything up (be careful as the aluminum frames have tapped holes and are easy to strip). I am sure their is a torque spec but hardware came with lock washers so I figured snug was good once those were flattened out. Whole install including unwrapping approx. 15 minutes and a novice could easily do this mod. All in all very happy so far and the rear upward hump (2nd pic) in the rack will give me a great place to mount the license plate bracket.
(http://i.imgur.com/AzK7fJb.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/FOADj6A.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/wndFyIZ.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/4MOdzjU.jpg)
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Growth!
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It did grow & added some rear plastic protection as well in the event I pull a Big D ;)
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It did grow & added some rear plastic protection as well in the event I pull a Big D ;)
Remember, they aren't scratches, they're SCARS!
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Scars start conversations.
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SCARS, now that's the title to a thread that belongs on RM if I ever saw one! 8)
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SCARS, now that's the title to a thread that belongs on RM if I ever saw one! 8)
^Truer words have not been spoken... 8)
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Yeah, but for sure someone will misinterpret that title & be posting links to tear in my beer country tunes & talking about emotional things that none of us will be able to respond to. For the record Ken I wasn't referencing that Hillary bumper sticker again either......
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Looks good. Scars, you should see the bruise on my leg right now.
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Looks good. Scars, you should see the bruise on my leg right now.
We could call it "Stars & Scars" so we could include the 2.1 Rictor Scale event the day Don did the WWF flying back thump onto the concrete working on the overhead rack on Square D....or any other head banging event....just saying!
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cute bike... :o
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cute bike... :o
Now boys!
You two...
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he started it.... >:(
He has more hot air than a sack full of farts.... :-\
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he started it.... >:(
He has more hot air than a sack full of farts.... :-\
Well you gonna take that back or am I gonna have to hunt ya?
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I'm not hard to find... ;)
Nice bike Shawn. I do like it. I do fancy blue over the other colors. (hope that doesn't come across racist and hurt your feelings) Nice rack btw too. ::)
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I'm happy now! ;)
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I like black belts too so I suppose that makes me racist. And careful commenting on my rack these guys who hang out on CL around here might get the wrong idear....... :o
I'm not hard to find... ;)
Nice bike Shawn. I do like it. I do fancy blue over the other colors. (hope that doesn't come across racist and hurt your feelings) Nice rack btw too. ::)
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You've got that right!
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OK, so the front new 1/8" aluminum lower skid guard showed up. It was packaged well and appeared to be a quality piece. Made by a company called UNA-BIKER
(http://i.imgur.com/1VFz8lD.jpg)
So we start by removing the flimsy plastic stock unit. Which is held on by three bolts, two up front and one below in the rear.
(http://i.imgur.com/pFS8aVL.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/damUuKA.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/erYnWmX.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/DrNITZH.jpg)
Old guy unit, think I might re-gift this to Big D.......
So in the instructions which mention nothing about hardware being too long or the fact you may need a BFH or couple good C-clamps to install this. Otherwise the instructions were pretty straight forward. ???
(http://i.imgur.com/T9H9TeI.jpg)
So I start by inserting front two short countersunk machine bolts. Unfortunately they are about an 1/8" too long and bottom out before they are tight in the countersunk holes of the guard. So being that the bottom hole is a slot I decide I will procure the correct length hardware at a later date and by pass adding Loctite to all the hardware. In the meantime I decide to add a lock washer (aka spacer) behind these two front bolts. They do then tighten up in the machined countersunk holes. On now to the bottom bolt which is not long enough to engage the mount which is recessed up in the frame about 3/4" they did add a piece of nylon block to acts as a spacer here. So a couple things to note, the forming for this product was off so poor quality control IMO. If that quality would have been maintained then at least the bottom bolt would have been correct length. With that said trying to line up the bolt thru the guard and then into a nylon block was a bit of a PIA. The guard is made from aluminum why not weld a small block of aluminum inside the guard and do away with a nylon spacer that floats around? They welded on the guard to install the wings, his would have made it a much easier install and something I will most likely add the next time I remove it to add the correct hardware and some blue Loctite. So using two c-clamps I managed to press the guard up enough to get the bottom bolt started and finish the install.
(http://i.imgur.com/JUkN6Q5.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/xO5Hhqr.jpg)
Much better than flimsy plastic protecting the water pump and ignition covers. However, we will be modding this component in the near future to make a decent product a great product. The design is there it just needs a little tweaking in a couple spots. One thing I do like about this product is how close it fits to the frame and engine components. This should help keep debris out.
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Nice rack, sack full of farts, racist????? Dons Happy 8)
What are you guys a bunch of ex military or cops,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Oh, I like the skid plate.
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Nice rack, sack full of farts, racist????? Dons Happy 8)
What are you guys a bunch of ex military or cops,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Oh, I like the skid plate.
neither! Just a yankee(well, used to be), a hill-billy, and a Don....
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So I woke up this morning to find a solid 6" on the ground and a couple foot in the driveway. So after confirming my appointment with the Colorado State Police for road worthy inspection was still a go I shoveled the driveway. Then proceeded to has a disagreement about who was taking jk this morning. Then went & picked up rental bike trailer & slid back to house to load said bike. After that I spent a good half hour looking for Bill of sale paperwork. Just for the record I hate losing things & am very meticulous about paperwork. So with no bill of sale (meeting was at 10:30 & bike shop opened at 10) I decided screw it as its not the bmv just a road worthy inspection & proceeded to leave. Get half way thru a 30 min drive & realize I forgot bike ignition keys. I figured at this point all I could do was say a prayer & hope they had mercy on my dumb butt. So I get there half hour early & the officer meets me outside as I'm walking up. First question out of my mouth what other than bike do you need to run this inspection? He says bill of sale & I said guess I'll call dealer, realize at this point I am standing in a foot of snow still coming down & blowing. I also probably look like a whipped dog. He takes a look at me up & down asks a couple questions about bike and conversion (new & dealer installed) then says don't worry about it just tell me everything they did. Go over serial number etc, charges me twenty & then I shake his hand tell him "God Bless you sir & may he keep you safe!" You should have saw his expression then he thanked me & we had a nice 15 min long discussion after that. So a shout out to the CSP! Saved my morning.....
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Ain't it amazing how some manners and God make things go so much better.
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All I can say is prayer works!
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Funny how just being polite, on time and know what you are saying smooths things over.
Fantastic!!
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Great news Shawn!
...wouldn't wanna drive it this time of year though!
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Funny how just being polite, on time and know what you are saying smooths things over.
Fantastic!!
JR, I try to be patient & forgiving. My schedule is very lax at this point so I'm not pushy at all. As you know a minute or two with a person & you can tell a lot about them. This CSPO was a genuinely good guy, he had compassion. I can't say the same for the local po who can't figure out when in a months time he can drive 2 minutes to do an inspection. He is on my crap list indefinitely and what goes around comes around.
Ken, no riding this week but last week was in the high 60's so we'll get a plate slapped on this & wait for good weather. Need to permanently modify that lower skid plate anyhow.
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Cool!...Good story
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Nice progress. Glad to see you didn't have to hurt someone...
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OK, so several additions. Still need to rework the bottom skid plate as I think the design can be improved.
So first I added license plate bracket and a small weather proof tube to hold the registration/insurance making us officially street legal. The upturned bar in the rear of the rack makes for a perfect place for all of this.
(http://i.imgur.com/dCWtln1.jpg)
Next we added some much needed hand guards and an above the headlight bag from Wolfman which apparently by the shipping address is made in Longmont Co. ten minutes north of me, who knew? The bag incorporates a nice Velcro se thru map holder. I think the idea is to have it visible while riding but it doesn't seem very functional in that regards. However it does fit nicely inside the small zippered pouch and I think will be handy.
(http://i.imgur.com/lN40dLv.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/rfBRmTy.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/rhME1Yt.jpg)
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I understand having the reg on the bike, but it that where someone can take it easily?
So tear up the street and tell us how she feels!!
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I understand having the reg on the bike, but it that where someone can take it easily?
So tear up the street and tell us how she feels!!
At the moment yes, but I'm working on something for the rack which will keep it out of easy view.
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It's growin'!
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Hmm, still no progress.....
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I have a jeep to build leave me alone. Glad to see you're alive!
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Yep, just caught on to that. Looks like all the action is on your jeep thread.... I need to check on that motor anyhow, speaking of jeeps....
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OK, so a few parts started to show up but I have been busy upgrading the new home into a livable workable space. So I decided to spend this weekend relaxing and doing stuff I enjoy rather than items I consider to fall into more of a work category.
Now for the record I have been riding the bike for some time locally and it is a lot of fun. As such as an adult I have never had my endorsement on my license. Never had a street legal bike so never needed it. Decided last Tuesday it was time & I spent 3.5 hours at the dmv taking care of that this week.
With all of that stated the bike needed additional fuel addressed and also more storage. I'm still debating on upgrading the stock tank to a larger one but I hate throwing away good unused parts in that process. It's kinda like tires, I run them until they are pretty smooth. Not like 'ol Don here who must own stock in discount tire and buys a new set once a month. Anyhow I had been eyeballing those rotopax units for sometime. Spendy but seemed quality so I pulled the trigger and after some careful measuring ordered a 2 gallon container and their matching storage unit. At the same time I purchased the locking mount and extension for the storage unit. After careful consideration I figured the best way to mount these to the rear rack was just using a couple pieces of 1/8" x 3" flat cut to 10" long. Laid out a hole pattern and fired up the drill.
(http://i.imgur.com/no1rceg.jpg)
Added some rubber tube to the bars on the rack.
(http://i.imgur.com/qDIOXxn.jpg)
After paint and some stainless hardware I mocked the keyed mount up
(http://i.imgur.com/DKRiUJ4.jpg)
Test fitting rotopax
(http://i.imgur.com/fhVA7oM.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/qKvXTw6.jpg)
Noticed the bolt heads would be rubbing into the bottom side of the gas tank. So found these rubber stick on pads for under $3 for the pack.
(http://i.imgur.com/MU5Kuw9.jpg)
So then adjusted the lock to hold the tanks in place. The top storage box wants to twist a little side to side. There are grooves built into the tanks that are concave and match up, so I think a small round piece of rubber laid in this groove between the tanks would fix that as the bottom tank is secure it's just the top that moves. In the mean time I was looking around the shop and at all the contours of the tanks etc and think I found a good fix for the present time.
(http://i.imgur.com/T8XtjvF.jpg)
US issued bayonet and sheath fits in there nicely and 3pt tractor clip locks the sheath into the tanks on the bottom!
(http://i.imgur.com/gfY5UcZ.jpg)
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That blade worked out pretty awesome!
I like the setup.
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Thanks, I like it too. Funny how things work out. Only have a couple boxes I haven't sorted thru since the move. As I'm looking around I see the bayonet laying on top & think that would be cool if it fit & by golly it fit like it was made for such a purpose.
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Old Armee bayonet!
That's a great idea!
Shawn, make sure it is well secured so that it won't come loose in a crash
Me: In the Armee, had a boot knife come loose and exited through a hole it created in my flight suit IN MY GROIN!
Friend: Had an engine failure in an OH-6C. Did a successful autrotation but being a blackhawk pilot (Used to the autrotation characteristics of that aircraft) We figure he ran out of rotor RPM and ideas at maybe 15-20 feet. He landed hard and would have survived except that his body rocked forward and drove his own survival knife into his leg, severing the femoral artery. He died before anyone could get to him.
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Not a happy story there, Don.
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Copy that Don, sorry about your friend. Honestly, I don't plan on riding with it in there. It was good for the write up but a short chunk of rubber fuel line between the tanks in the concave area will do the same & be much safer.
Old Armee bayonet!
That's a great idea!
Shawn, make sure it is well secured so that it won't come loose in a crash
Me: In the Armee, had a boot knife come loose and exited through a hole it created in my flight suit IN MY GROIN!
Friend: Had an engine failure in an OH-6C. Did a successful autrotation but being a blackhawk pilot (Used to the autrotation characteristics of that aircraft) We figure he ran out of rotor RPM and ideas at maybe 15-20 feet. He landed hard and would have survived except that his body rocked forward and drove his own survival knife into his leg, severing the femoral artery. He died before anyone could get to him.
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Yea, the knife thing is always dangerous...
Know another guy, a 1st Bat Ranger who did a jump with a boot knife. Had it taped and in the sheath. after the night drop, a combat drop, he never found it again!
The guy killed in the Loch had one of those really big Ranger-Joe knives in his vest. Back then we Night Stalkers were just going along inventing stuff. That one didn't pass muster, and all of us of that vintage warned the youngins when we saw them start to jock up like some real war fighter.
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Ok, so with JK bleeding & in a shop I am DD the 450. Thinking after actually using it to haul stuff around with me that the spare gas can & storage box need to be rotated 90 degrees up (imagine hinge mounted to them currently right above rear tail lights). I'll stand them up in a vertical mount & regain the back couple inches of my seat along with the whole rack. In a pinch I could carry a rider, might install flip down pegs for just such an incident off rack support legs. Then when I need I now have a rack to tie a pack to as well. Will remount license off of rear fender just below tail lights.
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What's the HP of that rascal anyway?
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What's the HP of that rascal anyway?
Stock is just under 60, it weighs 275# as well. Power hasn't been an issue, it's nimble & has enough power to get me in trouble if I'm not careful.
Can't recall if I mentioned it but due to the battery being under the seat & that rack making it a pain to remove I added battery tender leads. One other thing that I wish someone made was a choke handle extension. They have it tucked in and under making it hard to find as you can't see it sitting on bike & with gloves on it's hard to pull out.
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60hp at 275lb that thing should be a blast!
My KTM530 was a little lighter and it hauled my bulk around just fine.
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So in preparation to build the new mount for the auxiliary fuel tank and storage box I first needed to move the license plate and also the hidden tube containing the registration. Took all of a half hour maybe and I think maybe since the license plate is mounted below that rear light maybe it is mo legal now too.....
(http://i.imgur.com/bnOrD1i.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/XkKU3WA.jpg)
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Full sized plate?
Wow, 60 hp must be amazing
I may have eked 45 hp out of my DR 650 and it feels pretty spunky
I am thinking I want a KTM 690 and do the full adventure thing on it. I think I'd enjoy the added horsepower
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Full sized plate?
Wow, 60 hp must be amazing
I may have eked 45 hp out of my DR 650 and it feels pretty spunky
I am thinking I want a KTM 690 and do the full adventure thing on it. I think I'd enjoy the added horsepower
Not full size, maybe half size (rear fender is really narrow).
It's plenty of power no doubt, Yamaha sandwiched that 450 into that tiny frame for enduro racing etc.
Buddy of mine has KTM, he loves it but the maintenance needs of it make it a shop queen. Which is ok since he's a Dr. & his actual riding time is limited. So I looked hard at them & for the price & added maintenance I just couldn't do it.
My wife's sister & brother in law just bought a Toter early this year & are visiting several times a year now. They strap their dirt bikes & mountain bikes to fifth wheel deck on the rear. So we've all been trying to convince my wife (who grew up riding) that she needs one. She's stuck on this idea of comfort over everything else & wants me to buy a cruiser she can sit on the back. I'm not there yet, give me another 5-10 years and maybe. I like the adventure bike concept though.....
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Thats why I dumped my KTM. Loved it but all special parts, nickosil liner.
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Youse guys!
You're raining on ma parade!
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And it also depends on what era of KTM they are talking about. 15 years ago, I would agree the bikes were not up to the standard of the Japanese bikes. 10 years ago is approximately where they started to catch up. But today? I would argue that KTM has not only caught up, but went flying past their competition in terms of quality and reliability. Price wise they are still a little more expensive, so actual value is probably a wash when comparing the KTM equivalent bike to one of the Japanese options. For me, it all boiled down to which one came from the factory with a license plate. And in this department, KTM has been dominating the market since 2007. Unfortunately I live in the ridiculously corrupt and misguided state of Illinois. It is very difficult to get an off road bike converted and titled here. It is much easier to buy one with a plate already on it.
Here is what I upgraded to last month. Currently have 7 or 8 hours on the bike and love it. The previous KTM that I got rid of had 180 hours and still ran great, so I couldn't complain. Never had an issue.
(http://i596.photobucket.com/albums/tt49/moto123233/20160924_152444.jpg) (http://s596.photobucket.com/user/moto123233/media/20160924_152444.jpg.html)
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I have sort of been looking for a older 530, but still pricey. My plated XR 600 although a little heavier has many mods and parts are cheap.
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So back on task, in the process of making the bike mo versatile. I'm in the process of building the removable rear gas & storage rack. Ran into slight delay there with oversized hitch pins.....
Then now that I have more room on the rack I'm looking at purchasing these.
http://www.axiis-ea.com/
They make a bolt on set for the 2012-15 wr450 & look to be of nice quality.
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Those look nice Sean and not priced out of the park.
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Those do look really cool.
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So I held off with purchasing those pegs, after closer inspection I think they may interfere with the front lower support mounts on my rear rack. In the meantime I moved forward with the rear upright removable quick attach mount for the spare fuel tank and storage box. Still need to pick up some mounting hardware and a couple pins with the little press in quick release balls for the lower mount pins.
(http://i.imgur.com/w6zkaCR.jpg)
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Really good looking, quality stuff
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Picked up the last of the hardware today....
(http://i.imgur.com/INtRdbe.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/bH8EHjO.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/M7E4aWv.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/zEOWmvk.jpg)
I know, I know fully loaded I'll try not to pull a Big D. Guess I had better ditch the flip flops......
(http://i.imgur.com/n4nfGWz.jpg)
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Can anyone say, "Aerodynamic braking?"
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Correct, why it has the three pins. It will stay off until I need it for a long trip etc and then the rack may have a bag on it or a person as well. At that point it wouldn't really matter.....
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Nice install, the extra fluids will come in handy. How much was a larger tank compared to those?
Sean, how aerodynamic are you sitting in front of it?
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Nice install, the extra fluids will come in handy. How much was a larger tank compared to those?
Sean, how aerodynamic are you sitting in front of it?
I'm not very aerodynamic, big head n all. The larger tanks are several hundred & bulky permanent. If I wanted to use this as a trail bike I still can now. I don't recall what I spent for tank & box but assume it's pretty much a wash either way. Rack is useable in any case & if spare tank is mounted and starts leaking (which they have been known to leak at manufacture seams) then at least its back away from hot exhaust not right over it. ;)
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I am about as aero as you are, maybe a little lower.
Light trail bikes are nice, loved my old KTM.
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Holy wheelie machine!!!
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Well all be darned. Was the last time this bike seen daylight back in 2016?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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Well all be darned. Was the last time this bike seen daylight back in 2016?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Actually I didn’t ride it all last year. With moving homes and still trying to setup shop, finish a backyard it sat parked. Which is why it’s at dealer, having fuel system flushed and tuned up. Plan is to use it quite often this year.
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Paying someone to do your mechanic work while owning a beautiful shop?
Blasphemy.
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Paying someone to do your mechanic work while owning a beautiful shop?
Blasphemy.
I agree, but if I wait to get it in my shop I won’t ride it this year either. Yeah, shop work is slowing but I have plenty of new part development work and office work (taxes to get finished currently). Plus stuff I actually like doing.....
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Man, do I FEEL that!
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So slight update, received bike back last week from shop. Fairly painless $250 and they flushed fuel system and did tune up / fluid change (minor not rm style). I filled it up on way home with pure gas. The battery I bought at Napa I filled w/ acid and charged. Today is a mutual day off for my wife and I so will likely install new battery today and get maintainer back on it. Expecting this rain to turn to snow today. Was 70 and sunny yesterday.....
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Do you use the “battery tender” brand charger? I hard wired those into my battery vehicles and have been really happy with it.
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Dave, I do use that brand. Bike has it wired in and connector end secured to rear rack for easy hookup. It works well when I recall to hook it up. :rolleyes:
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That my friend is the trick. Old age. What I have found is I hate kicking that 450 so I remember to plug it in. Lol finding the sweet spot on the kickstart can be trying after a long day riding
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