Messages

1

Technical / Gear oil query

« on: November 30, 2013, 07:42:59 PM »

Thanks - so it's not likely to be the gear oil. That narrows it down.

SachsGS, yes there is some notchiness in the clutch basket "fingers". Can this normally be smoothed down if not too severe? I notice my clutch action is pretty stiff, maybe this is related?

2

Technical / Gear oil query

« on: November 29, 2013, 09:11:53 PM »

Hello again,

I have a query on gear oil. I have studied a TSM thread about it, and what I can ascertain is that ATF, EP80 or 10w40 are all just about as good as each other.

However, after replacing the clutch plates in my KX250 (clutch was slipping), I'm getting quite a bit of clutch drag which actually seems to get a bit worse when engine is hot, though it could be my imagination! I'm using Comma EP75W 80 gear oil. Should I try something else? Would a thinner ATF or similar help?

James.

3

Technical / KX250 front brake problem

« on: November 08, 2013, 06:49:10 PM »

Got brakes working a lot better! I followed the suggestions and rode the bike slowly with the front brake on. Seems to have done the trick! I think the disc was glazed over, as the old pads didn't bite either. I remember cleaning disc with electro contact cleaner at some point, which maybe didn't help. Seems to have worked a treat - cheers guys, much appreciated!

4

Technical / KX250 front brake problem

« on: October 30, 2013, 09:27:53 PM »

Cheers for the tips guys; I'll try these suggestions on Saturday!

5

Technical / KX250 front brake problem

« on: October 26, 2013, 08:29:28 PM »

Hi,

Got a bit of a bizarre problem - maybe someone can help?

KX250 1997 with nissin twin piston brake caliper and master cylinder. Front brake very weak. When pushing the bike and applying brake, it won't stop completely. Have bled system and lever feels quite firm and doesn't loose firmness when held down. Pistons are moving freely. Pad guide pin is a bit grooved. Have cleaned brake disc thoroughly and put a set of new pads in. All to no avail. The really odd thing is that after washing the bike down with water, the brake grabs much better! Can't get my head round it  " title="Roll Eyes" class="smiley">

6

Vintage Two Strokes / Maico Spider with type 55??

« on: July 04, 2013, 08:54:05 PM »

I didn't know that Mikunis were used too. The Bing 55 that Dirt Bike used was a 40mm, as it said that the KTM495 came stock with one, which is a 40mm. I wish I had kept all my old DB magazines; there was so much good info and test articles in them!

7

Vintage Two Strokes / Maico Spider with type 55??

« on: July 01, 2013, 04:58:55 PM »

Just remembered an old Dirt Bike magazine article on replacing the standard Bing type 54 carb with a type 55 on the '83 Spiders. They stated that it made the 250 "run like a striped ape" and turned the 490 into "complete overkill". So, I'm just wondering if anyone has tried this hop-up? The 490 had barbaric power delivery in stock form if I remember correctly

8

Vintage Two Strokes / KTM 495 MX query.

« on: June 08, 2013, 02:57:04 PM »

Well, part of me thinks it's best to leave it alone. It's just curiosity as to how insane this monster can get. I did crash it into a birch tree not that long ago after giving her a handful of throttle, which caused the back end to start snaking side to side then... well it all happened kinda quick!

I didn't think of that - maybe it doesn't originally have a head gasket. It does have a recessed head right enough.

Got brakes working OK. WP USD forks seem a bit firm. Put new front tire on and that made a heck of a difference. The old one seemed like it was made of steel - probably the old rubber hardening up.

It would be interesting to see how it stacks up against a newer 500 or a 450 thumper in pure power. Certainly, in a grass field where there is plenty of grip, it really snaps my arms out straight when it comes into the mid-range!

9

Vintage Two Strokes / KTM 495 MX query.

« on: June 07, 2013, 09:57:08 PM »

Hello All,

I have a question about my KTM. It's a 1984 495 MX. However, going by the engine number and the appearance of the lower barrel fins, it is a 1983 engine with a low compression head. I am wondering if putting a high compression head on would make much difference. Thing is, I am running the bike without a head gasket, as I can't find one for it. Would this take the compression up by much? There's one more thing - it looks like a 1984 expansion pipe and aluminium tailpipe that's on it. Not sure if the pipes are much different or not?

Thanks.