MaineDirtbikes.com Forums / General / Mechanical

2 vs 4

ironman — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 13:42:11 GMT

i have 1 of each. this pretty much sums up the cost of repair :D YouTube - Evinrude E-TEC Commercial

anyone know where i can rebuild my cr500 shock???

yamaha34 — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 08:18:41 GMT

i need to find somewhere that can rebuild my 1987 cr500 rear shock, i called everywhere i can think of and no one has the tools to do it. I tried the honda shop in town, north country(honda dealer) and a few small shops and can find nothing, can anyone help?

wont start :(

hondakid108 — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 17:46:45 GMT

I have an 06 honda crf250r and i went ridding last weekend and bike started up first kick like usual bike runs perfect then i come back and rest but when i go to start the bike up to go out for the second practice it wouldnt kick start but it push started and i have good compression, new plug ,new gas, the works.. brought it home and started messing with it and realized the intake valves were to tight to get a feeler gauge in. could this be the problem?

i need help with my 1987 cr500!!

yamaha34 — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 22:52:57 GMT

I just got a 1987 cr500 yesterday, it just had a rebuild very recently and has great compression, the guy started it in 2 kick when i got there and it idled great. I drove 3 hours home with it on a trailer and got it to start after probably 25 kicks, then it ran awesome, figured it was the plug so i changed it and i have a B9ES in it. kicked it about 20 times and got off, got back on, and kicked it very slowly to prime it and it started right up and ran great until i shut it off.

I cleaned the carb, checked the reeds, and everything is fine but it still won't start, any help? thanks!

Winterizing camper

Pat P Diddy — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 18:34:59 GMT

I usually take my camper to RV Supercenter every fall to have the water drained and treated for winter... I think I pay somewhere around $100 if I remember correctly.. plus it's a PITA hauling it there. I was thinking about doing it myself this year. Is it simple or is it worth paying somebody to do it? It's just not clear to me how to drain my hot-water heater. I'm sure I have the manual buried somewhere but thought I'd ask before I start digging.

ProX Piston Kit

Pat P Diddy — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 17:31:19 GMT

I'm considering buying a ProX piston kit from RockyMountain ATV. Anybody use them or have any feedback?

2006 RMZ 450 wont start

IrishAtHeart — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 11:53:11 GMT

My bike has been running great all year. On 8/3 at Hemmonds I laid my bike down after tearing my ACL. The bike laid down for about 20 minutes. Since then, I have not been able to start. However after not trying for about 2 weeks just for the hell of it, I tried and it started on the first kick. It ran well, I took it up the road a couple times and then it stalled back in my driveway. Now I cannot get it started again. I changed the plug, and trouble shooted everything that I know. I did notice that while the bike is in gear, the clutch is not fully engaging. This seems to be a new issue, and not sure if it related. My second guess is there may be some valve adjustment needed. Any help would be appreciated.

Repairing pressure washer

Pat P Diddy — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 19:00:09 GMT

Here is the manifold that I completely replaced on my Briggs & Stratton and when I was replacing it the piece that looks like a spring snapped off... I figured it was ok because it was still plugging the hole, albeit snapped off... anybody know what this piece is doing? Could this be why I still have no pressure. When I turn my water on I get no leaks and when I press the trigger on my pressure washer hose the water comes out but NO pressure.

Rear Wheel Bearings 06 RMZ 450

IrishAtHeart — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 21:52:54 GMT

I just went to replace my rear wheel bearings. I removed the old ones, and when I opened the package for the new ones there were three bearings. It was obvious that 1 was for the break side, but I failed to look at the old ones when I chucked them. Are there supposed to be 2 on the sprocket side? Why would there be 3 in the kit? I cant tell, but in the manual it looks like there are 2 on the sprocket side, but if I put two in, the dust seal has nothing to seat into. Anyone with RMZ bearing experience?

Paul

Plug Socket and Axle nut socket size

murry19 — Sun, 17 May 2009 14:09:49 GMT

Need help find out metric socket size for 2000 RM 250 spark plug and the metric size for the axle nuts?

Looking to buy a double ended wrench to use while riding any suggestions?

Chain tinsel strength

Pat P Diddy — Thu, 14 May 2009 09:41:31 GMT

I need a chain in a jiffy... I was going to get a bit more use out of my stretched out one until I saw Nick's break and go through his case on Tuesday....major bummer... another guy had one break at the same exact practice... anyway, Reynolds has a cheapo with a tinsel strength of 6700lbs but the ones I usually get are 7500lbs. Would 6700lbs be safe?

Kawasaki 450 oil screen

Pat P Diddy — Mon, 11 May 2009 13:49:57 GMT

I had a guy at NESC tell me about the oil screen issue where the screen gets clogged... of course that got me freaked out.... I did some research online and found the issue documented for older models (ie: 2006) and was wondering if anybody can confirm if this is still an issue with the 09's?

Thanks

Cr 125 Brakes

kx85mstr — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 19:34:21 GMT

I recently bought a 2002 cr 125 and it has no rear brakes. Thinking it was the master cylinder, i bought a new one. I installed the part and attempted to bleed the brakes. After the brakes were bled, i still have no brakes. There is no movement of the caliper. Anyone have any suggestions on what it might be?

front/rear sprocket

Dirtbikin339 — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 00:37:55 GMT

I was wondering if anyone could help me out, I have a yzf250f and this is my first year racing! What is a good front and rear sprocket tooth to run for the maine seriers? Thanks!

Rm125 Steering Stem Bearing

#27rider85 — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 10:43:47 GMT

O.K my bearing was completely mauled on my Rm125. So my bro and I took off the whole front end to get to my steering stem and when we did we easily got the bearing off but there is a part on the bearing that wont come off we pried and ripped but it wouldn't budge! Any Suggestions?

2004 crf230f gearing

nfred11 — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 12:31:10 GMT

i have a stock 2004 crf230f and am wondering how to get more power out of first and second gear, it seems like i am shifting back and forth too much. i dont care about the top end power just would like to have more in the low end. any suggestions for new sproket sizes?

VP Race Fuels

Jayson138 — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 18:13:01 GMT

I will be picking up my first thumper soon (09 kx250f) and was wondering which VP and which mix ratio with 93 octane I should use. I know that the lead will help with the valves and compression, but there are a few different kinds of fuel, so I need help. I have always run two strokes, but I think that I am ready for the switch.

Pressure Washer Repair

Pat P Diddy — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 11:51:53 GMT

I've got a Briggs & Stratton pressure washer I paid around $400 for that's not very old but I caught the hose on something and pulled on it and snapped the manifold off last fall. Over the winter I ordered $50 worth of parts and pieced the manifold back together and I don't get any pressure. The new manifold had lots of pieces inside and screws on the outside that were missing so I stole them from the old broken one. I'm sure I'm missing something simple. Anyway can anyone recommend a place to fix it or perhaps know what might be wrong with it? I hate to abandon this thing as the engine is strong and it's a great washer.

09 KX250F problem

Jayson138 — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 09:02:11 GMT

When I picked up the bike a month ago it had some backfiring on decel and it was idling like crap (even after playing with the idle screw at different times throughout a ride). I read up on some stuff online and decided to switch from a 40 pilot to a 42, and switch from a 182 main to a 180. When I took the float bowl off the carb I noticed some dirt so I cleaned that all out. When I took out the pilot it was clogged, so that would account for the crappy idle. I put in the 42 and 180 and put it back together. I ran it yesterday and it still idled bad and backfired on decel evenmore than before. It also had quite a hesitation bog when I was sitting in neautral and hit the throttle hard. My questions are,

!.) How did dirt get into the carb if the air filter is clean and sealed good, the carb boots are sealed good and the filter on the petcock was clean?

2.) Why is it backfiring so much on decel?

3.) Why is that bog happening?

4.) Why is it idling poorly?

5.) Is there an easier way to get to the fuel screw than taking off the carb everytime you want to adjust it? Maybe getting an adjustable fuel screw would help?

I know this is a lot to ask, but please help! This is really pissing me off!

09 kx250f sag settings

Jayson138 — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 18:14:59 GMT

I was wondering if someone can point me in the way of the sag settings for an 09 kx250f.

Pro Circuit T-4

Ebuuck — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 13:15:26 GMT

Hey I have a T-4 on my bike and I wasn't sure if anyone else rode with one on the tracks? Thought it might be a bit loud but perhaps not. Let me know!

NEW GAS

106y StepDad — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 11:43:20 GMT

With the new pump gas I was told if it sits more then 15 days is junk.So if you have any in or tank now dump it out an use new gas.:cool::cool:

How many hours before replacing Ski Doo top end

Pat P Diddy — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 12:20:43 GMT

I have a 2000 mxz600 that I've only done two things with for over 5000miles; Full gas, followed by full brake... I love this sled and was wondering when I should replace the top end. I would like to get another winter out of it but am I pushing it at this point?

Thanks.

2009 KX450 sag settings

Pat P Diddy — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 11:24:09 GMT

I may be blind but I can't find it in my manual and my suspension is very stiff right now. It was at 94 and I adjusted to 99. I backed all my clickers off 2 clicks front and rear but still very harsh. Can anybody give me an idea what my sag should be and then I'll keep playing with my clickers.

Synthetic oil vs non

Pat P Diddy — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 12:21:30 GMT

I've heard a lot of debate about using synthetic and some say use it, some say don't... some have said if your engine oil and clutch oil have a connected case that uses the same oil then don't use it as it's bad for the clutch... blah blah blah it goes on and on.

The big thing I've heard of late is that once you use synthetic you should never switch back. If that's the case then wouldn't everybody be switching back as the manufacturers most likely ship their bikes with their recommended oil in them? Does anybody know if a bike off the show room (ie: Kawasaki 450) comes shipped with synthetic?

Protecting your headlight

Pat P Diddy — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 17:15:28 GMT

I recently had my front light smashed by a rock flung by an unknowing jerkface who's name I won't mention (347). Anyway everyone is saying I need a protective cage over the light to prevent this but I can't find them anywhere. It blows my mind that they make them out of normal glass in the first place, you think they would use some sort of indescructable plastic or something. (The replacement light assembly is $189!)

Snowmobile track lug length

Pat P Diddy — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 17:24:06 GMT

The track on my mxz600 is very worn and I found a used track in excellent condition for $250 with 96 picks. I actually prefer not having picks but besides that it's also considerably longer lugs. I think mine are 1/2 inch and these are 1.25. I absolutely love the performance of my stock setup so I'm worried about how the longer lugs will affect it. The guy selling it says he's swapping because he wants more top speed and that I will lose top speed with it but gain acceleration. Anybody experiment with different size lugs? Do you think it would be a huge difference?

Thanks

WR426 coolant leak

driven — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 23:26:43 GMT

Click this link and look at numbers 5,7,12, & 14.

http://fiche.ronayers.com/Index.cfm/Module/Main/TypeID/26/Type/Motorcycle/MakeID/4/Make/Yamaha/YearID/41/Year/2000/ModelID/7781/Model/WR_400F/GroupID/369856/Group/RADIATOR_HOSE__

I am buttoning up a bike I bought that was disassembled. All has been relatively straightforward with the occasional snag. After a month or so of rebuilding it's finally ready to be started.

I proceeded to fill it with coolant and it is running out these two steel tubes where they are inserted into the head and case. I thought the o-rings may be too small, though they came with my gasket kit. I bought new slightly larger o-rings and squeezed them in. These are the largest that will still fit in the orifice. Refilled with water just to test. Better but still leaking. What am I doing wrong!? I have the Chilton's and the factory manual and neither says anything about the o-rings - just says "install pipe #1, #2" etc.

The season is rapidly coming to an end and I am losing precious riding time. Anyone have ANY suggestions? Thanx in advance...

Paging jenkins

Pat P Diddy — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 19:10:10 GMT

Hey I really want to buy an 09 Kawi 450 in August but some people are trying to talk me out of it... what happened to your bike exactly?

Front tire size

Pat P Diddy — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 10:48:06 GMT

I ordered a new set of Washougal Sticky mid-terrain tires for my crf450 but I messed up and bought a 90-100-21 for the front instead of the stock 80-100-21. Will I notice a big difference if I race it or should I try to sell it before I put any time on it?

Thanks

Stainless steel vs Titanium valves?

Pat P Diddy — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 07:42:22 GMT

I'm doing a top end replacement on my 450 and decided to also replace the valves. My manual doesn't specify whether I need titanium or stainless steel intake valves. I want to replace with whatever is the stock type.

Also I was told with only 60 hours on the bike I only need to do the intakes and not the exhaust but wondering if anybody has an opinion on that. I was thinking since it's apart I might as well do both but don't want to waist money for no reason.

Thanks,
-Patrick

Bike idle

tmartz — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 22:03:43 GMT

My bike will start up fine and everything but just will not idle on its own, ive played with the screw but it still doesnt work please help

more air flow!! read for details

2fast4u13 — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 20:45:11 GMT

for more airflow u take ur seat off when u ride to get more air into the carb and run no filter so that doesnt hold back air for the carborator i did it in my car to which cause it to gain more hp i think u get 15-20 more hp just something to try to be at the top of the rank

Whats the best lube for slow throddle cable?

cr250r2stroke — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 10:39:29 GMT

i got a sticky throttle cable that snaps back really slow...the cable looks in greatshape every where but is just really slow ...what do ya think i could use on it...to get it zinging snappy again:D

How to change clutch plates on CRF150R MUST KNOW BY TOMORROW!!!!

#27rider85 — Fri, 09 May 2008 19:13:12 GMT

I MUST KNOW HOW TO CHANGE THE CLUTCH PLATES ON CRF150R BY TOMMOROW MAY 10TH.
MUST KNOW FAST RESPOND OR CALL 207-862-6336

Breaking down a YZ 250 to the frame

Devil1 — Mon, 05 May 2008 05:29:20 GMT

How hard/labor intensive is it to bust a YZ 250 down to parade rest? I was thinking of powder coating the frame. Anything I should know?

Best Chain for Dollar

Pat P Diddy — Wed, 09 May 2007 14:30:34 GMT

Can somebody recommend a chain that is the best buy for the dollar based on some scientific fact (ie: not just your favorite brand but which chain costs the least money but lasts the most hours). For example I average 13.08 hours for my renthal chains and they cost $69 so that ends up being $5.28 per hour of operation. At one point I had tested an RK chain and was able to get 33% more life out of it but can't remember how much I paid for it. Does anybody else track life expectancy of parts like I do?

top end rebuild Q's

eltigrekid — Sat, 03 May 2008 14:31:01 GMT

im in the process of doing a new top end on my 02 rm 125 , and im basically done. the problem is the power valve rod, i think its called, that goes up the side is pulled up kinda high, i think i did by accident, but it wont move up or down now it seems to be stuck, and its to high to mount back onto that spring thing. any help would be greatly appreacaited, thanks.

Anyone ever used a Keihin PWK 38mm Airstriker carb Honda CR 250

cr250r2stroke — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 11:34:27 GMT

Im lookin at a Keihin PWK 38mm Airstriker carb Honda CR 250 on ebay has any body ever swaped out their stock Stock Mikuni TMX carb for one of these. let me know:D

Cold weather starting

Pat P Diddy — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 18:26:15 GMT

I'm having trouble starting my 250F that was in my cold garage all winter. Last year about this time I had to borrow one of those heavy duty shop heaters and put it next to my bike and heat it up for several minutes to get it started... is there any easier trick? I decided not to sell it so hoping to ride it at Southwick. Thanks!