DON'T ASK QUESTION

Hello Mr.Super Hunky!

I'm Zoltan from Hungary. I'm a beginner off-roader, currently I have an Aprilla enduro, a 125cc ETX. I'd like to buy a bigger motocross bike, and I found a M-Star 250 for ca. 400$. The bike has disc brake on the front, drum on the rear and water cooled.

I think it's a 1985 model, so it has no power valve. The owner said it is in good condition, only the clutch arm replaced, and the engine has new bearings.

My question is: Is the Maico good for begining? I've found some information on the Maico web-pages, that the Maicos always had smooth power and they handling well.

Is this true? I'm hesitating between this bike and a more expensive Japanese bike.

Many thanks!
Zoltan

Buenos Dias, Zoltan?

All things considered, the M-Star was a 1984 powerplant and chassis, with some modern bells and whistles, and new graphics. It was not a bad bike at all, but you might have trouble getting parts for it.

DON'T ASK

i recently bought a used 99 cr 125 and i am running it really hard.my bike keeps fouling plugs my spark plugs are soaking wet.My friends say there is a jetting problem.i am primarily woods riding.thanks i am hoping u will email me asap.

B. Cook

Let's see. Your plugs are soaking wet and you're fouling plugs. And your friends, who are probably capable of spelling and punctuating, tell you it needs jetting. What do they know? I suggest that you simply keep on riding and fouling plugs until your bike magically fixes itself.

XR 650R

Rick:

I am a proud owner of a 2000 XR650R and this thing absolutely rips! I just have a small problem that Honda seems to be ignoring. About one month ago I was riding at my usual pace (pretty damn fast) when I noticed that my left leg was REALLY WARM. I looked down and to my horror I saw that my counter shaft seal had blown and the engine was blowing all the oil out of the crankcase. I stopped the bike and shut the engine off just before failure.

I took the injured bike back to the shop and asked them to "fix" the problem, not the blown seal. Well, three agonizing weeks later I get a call from the shop manager. He explained to me that Honda told him not to touch the motor except to put in a new seal and send me on my way. I asked him if they fixed the reason why the seal went, and he said that Honda has no answer right now and they would get in contact with me when they do.

Rick, I read the article you had about the introduction for the big XR and how you loved it. You must know a few guys that run these bikes and I know for a fact that my bike is not the only one this happened to. I feel like Honda has abandoned me and my fellow XR650R riders. Why have I not heard or read anywhere about this problem?

With all the guys running these bikes and the tradition of "bullet proof" XR's, why does it seem that Honda is doing nothing? Please let me know if there is a fix to this problem sometime in the future. I love the bike and do not want to regret buying it because of a $5 part.

Ante Zulj
Vancouver, B.C.
Canada

Ante, the only chronic problem I've heard of with the new 650s is running a bit on the hot side in tight woods trail riding situations. It looks like your blown seal may simply have been the result of a sloppy installation, rather than a chronic problem. I'll stay in touch with Honda and let you know (via this column) if there are more examples of a seal problem.

DT 400

Dear Rick,

I just got a 1977 DT 400 and have a few small questions. Are there any problems with DT 400s? It was just bored 60 over and had Boyesen Power Reeds installed. What type of horsepower might it make? Is there any more hop-up parts for this bike? Would a modern silencer from a 250 or 500 perform better than the baffle on it now? I heard a 39.5mm carb ads 3 hp to a CR 500. Would it do the same to my bike or add even more power? Thanks for your time and expertise. I even took the time to spell check this!!

Tyler
Canada

The spell checking is deeply appreciated after some of the crap I got this month. Your bike put out about 30 horsepower, with a good spread of torque. You could bolt on YZ parts, but I would suggest that you simply leave the bike alone.

Your idea about a modern silencer is a good one, but resist the urge to screw with carbs, as this will create a jetting nightmare you may not being capable of handling.

DT MOTORCROSS?

Hi there,

I was wandering if you could get me some information on a power valve on a motorcross bike. I have a Yamaha DT motorcross bike and the powerband is set wrong so could you please tell me how they are set.

Michael Waters

First off, there is no such thing as "motorcross" and there is also no such thing as a DT motorcross bike. There are such things as YZ "motocross" bikes, however.

As for the powerband, you can set it by adjusting the defibulator valve next to the fram shaft. Just be careful not to over-tighten the shim-spiddler during this process, or your detent modulator will most certainly void itself.

ENGINE REPLACEMENT?

Hello Rick,

I have been very fortunate, I such that I have been given a 1994 Blaster frame, rolling chassis less plastic, engine. I have ridden these quads extensively, and I am very impressed with their woods handling, but their motor is poop! My question at hand is how bad would the vibration be from say a 96' or newer CR500 engine?

I don't know for sure, but I recall a article a few years back that talked about a tranny gear change for this engine. Do you know about this, and is there anyone who makes flywheel weights, and perhaps a counter-balancer for this engine? Any insight on this project would be much appreciated.

Thanks, Chris Henderson

P.S. I will be keeping photos of this project, if you are interested in them please let me know :)

I think I would rather have a subscription to Idaho Potato Farmer Magazine, than a Blaster frame. Based on the way your thought processes jumped around in this email, I don't think you are capable of sharpening a pencil, let alone slapping a CR 500 engine in this bare chassis. And please do not send me any photos of this ill-gotten project.

FORK SPRING FOR 1983 MAICO 490

Hey, I thought you were dead.

Hello Rick,

Stumbled across your column while searching for parts for my 17 year old son's 1983 490 Sand Spider. He is 6'6" 295lbs and needs an open class bike for SoCal desert play work. I have owned the bike since new, bought it from Gary Richter @ Wheelsmith. Read your article concerning the demise of the marque and was surprised at the reliability problems cited (by the way where can I find part II?).

This bike, and my wife's 1983 Maico 250 Enduro (lights still work) have been absolutely bulletproof. The only maintenance done on a regular basis has been gearbox oil changes. Perhaps the Wheelsmith bikes were tweeked before being sold?

What I need help on is finding heavier fork springs, they were replaced about 5 years ago by Eric's in Pasadena (now closed?), but are completely sacked out now. Several houses stock NOS replacement parts, but with my sons size and weight, I don't expect these to last very long if installed. Stock weight I believe was about 25-26 lbs. I would prefer not to rely upon air assist if possible. Normal oil height is 6 inches with the springs removed.

Any suggestions on finding heaver/longer lasting springs?

Thanks for your help,
Mark Woodward

Your best bet is to contact Northwest CZ/Maico. You can reach them at (541) 389-6112. Tell 'em Rick sent you.

FRONT TIRE

Oh wise and benevolent Hunky.

Would please be so kind as to recommend a front tire for desert use?

Keith Martin Apple Valley, Ca

My personal all-time favorite is the 300 x 21 Metzeler 4-ply. Lots of people swear by the Dunlop K-690 and I've talked to a lot of folks who say that the IRC Vulcanduro runs almost as good flat, as most tires do with air in them.

HELP

I want to get a dirt bike and I am saving money but my Dad won't let me. He said it is too dangerous, but he had one when he was fourteen and when he was in his twenties. Can you please give me some reasons to tell my dad what I should get one? Thanks.

Kyle

The single best thing you can say is: "Dad, look at all the money I earned myself to buy a dirt bike!" This will make most any Dad happy and proud.

But first off, please realize that riding a dirt bike is a risk sport and you can get hurt. You must prove to your parents that you are not scatter-brained and going to act like a geek on a bike.

HOME MADE DIRTBIKE

i bought this bike for $65 and there is metal coming out around the clutch area do you know what it is and how do i take off the cluch it is giving me some probs taking it off it is a honda maybe a generator motor

Lake

And people want to know why I drink! Consider that this person has a home-made bike of some sort with MAYBE a Honda generator for a motor, and he wants me to tell him how to fix it? Excuse me while I open up a can of lighter fluid and mix it with some orange juice.

HONDA XL 125

I have a Honda xl 125 .would you know of anyone who deals .in parts new or second hand or could you give me web.page

Victor Davies

Call me crazy, and maybe, just maybe this is a shot in the dark, but there's an outside chance a Honda dealer might have the parts.

HONDA XR500 CLUTCH DRAG

Hi,

My XR500 clutch will not disengage properly. I use SAE30 oil!? I have checked cable adjustment, plate warpage, plate thickness limit, new springs, and cleaned the burs off the outer clutch housing? And now I'm stuck. Could it be the oil 'stickiness' as I am still running the bike in on SAE30 (just done up the engine) and will put in a multigrade soon. The clutch does not slip and even if I adjust the cable tight and then pull it in ? it still will not release freely??

Regards
Calvin Smit

My best guess is that during the inspection process, you cleaned the clutch plates with some sort of solvent that made the cork plates swell up well beyond tolerances. Your best bet is to check the thickness of a stock (new) plate and then measure your plates.

INFORMATION

Dear,Rick

I just bought a Suzuki PE 250c bike from a guy that had it locked in a storage for 3 years, I have a couple of questions about the bike that the previous owner did not have answers to or how to operate the bike, and if you can answer, thank you.

Question #1: Is this a good bike, can't hardly find information on this model?

Question #2: There is no year printed anywhere on this bike. (Year of manuf?) Possible year Info.

Question#3: Has two spark plugs, but one plug??The bike fires right up and drives OK, but does not have that much power. Gave tune-up previous; should it have two plugs? Also the gas mixture on tank calls for a 20 to 1 oil gas mixture. Is that right?

The guy at the dealer said that was too rich of a mixture. That was the only helpful thing he helped me with, and had no practical knowledge on this bike. If you can help with any of these questions, much is appreciated.

Thank You
Eric Slobodzian

The PE 250 was a decent bike, with a few warts. Since I have no idea what year PE you have, I'll give you some info on the 1980 model. It weighed in at almost 250 pounds with one gallon of gas, which was 20 pounds more than the European enduro bikes. Rear wheel travel from the twin shocks was 7.9 inches and the forks offered 9.1 inches.

We also noticed that the engine would simply not pull fifth gear in any kind of sand, or soft terrain. Gearing front/rear was13/52, and we got the PE to feel a lot better by dropping one tooth on the countershaft sprocket. Still, compared to the older PE, this one was down on power.

KLX 331

Hi Rick

I have a KLX 300 with a 331 kit in it. It has a complete aftermarket exhaust on it. I was wondering how much match flowing the head and getting cams will increase the power output. I need just a little more to catch the YZF at the hare scrambles.

Thanks,
Andy

Andy, I've ridden KLX 300s with literally thousands of dollars poured into the engine, and have found them ultimately disappointing. And that's the bottom line, because Stone Cold Sieman says so!

KX 400 PARTS

Rick...

Help. I'm restoring my old 76 KX 400 and I need a piston and rings. I bought and raced this bike new, it was sold in 78, and I got it back this year. If you can recommend any place to get parts, it would be great.

Thanks from an old racer..

First off, check with Wiseco. They have a tremendous inventory of pistons and rings. Even if they don't have a piston for your bike, get one of their catalogs and check the specs on other pistons. Quite often you'll find one that'll fit just fine with only a bit trimming required on the piston skirt length.

MY 84 XR-200 SMOKES LIKE A BITCH

Hi Rick,

I recently bought a XR-200 for $700; it was an 84 mod. About 1 week of me owning it, I blew the head gasket so bad that it pitted the head and barrel out so much, that I had to get it a new/2nd hand head and barrel.

When I got my bike back from the shop, it smoked heaps, but had new rings and was meatier than ever. I took it back to the shop about a week later when the rings were supposedly bedded in. The guy couldn't believe how much smoke was clouding out of the bike, so he said he would pull the motor down again and try to find the problem.

He honed out the barrel and laid another set of rings in the bike and gave it a valve service. When I got the smoky piece of red crap back, it smoked even worse again. I still have it at home now and oil is dripping out of the exhaust like an old 2-stroke. So far, the redneck has charged me $720 and I'm not willing to hand out more money to the slimy grease monkey.

My name's Jesse and thanks for listening/reading.

You either have a genuinely bad mechanic, or your valve guides are letting a huge amount of oil into the combustion chamber. Either way, the mechanic should have caught this. Ever heard of Small Claims Court?

NEW IMAGE BABY

Super Hunky, you're the man! I'm going to throw an idea at you that will work. General Hunky is the only man who can lead this war against our foes.

We are going to change our image completely in 3 years, giving us the political power we deserve.

First we challenge every organization we know to put on benefit races, rides, etc., (children causes) call the news papers , TV crews and Grandma to get the word out. CAMPAIGN, CAMPAIGN, CAMPAIGN!!! Remember the Harley guys and the Christmas toy runs? They were God damn heros after that.

We have been a selfish group of bastards and that is why God is letting those a**holes (Sierra Clubs) kick our butts. It would be a good idea to call us Motorcyclists environmentalists. After all we care more than anybody about our outdoors.

Thats All
Mark S. Brown

Mark, while, your thoughts are honorable, that technique doesn't work. Most people still hate the Harley bikers. What we really have to do is force the motorcycle industry form an organization to fight legally with irritating lawsuits.

NEW "OLD" CZ'S

To the most honorable crusty one.

Two things;

I dropped my subscription to DB after you left. It was never the same (or worth my time) after that. Does anyone import the old 400 twin shocker anymore (or for that matter does CZ still make it?

OK, so I lied, that was more like four things, but I still remember watching the GP at Carlsbad during the years when Garet Wolsink (sp?) was da man!!! I had not seen (and not since) anyone do a pegs-up slide on the rear only with a left to right turn transition into a berm-slam, followed by a table off the devils drop and a big blast of dirt when he hit the gas at the bottom. I knew I was in the presence of the best there was. Later, oh crusty one, and never say die!

Robert Shannon

PS I read somewhere that you had one of the new old CZ's. Do you want to sell it?

Sorry, Robert. Traded that puppy even-up for a boat about four years ago. The only thing(s) I have for sale are a pair of OSSAs. One is a 74 Desert Phantom and the other is a 75 Phantom. Both are complete, but need going through, as they've been stored in a garage since about 1982. Shake loose $1500 and both are yours, with titles.

Oh yes ? it's spelled Gerrit ? and I had the pleasure of talking with him on the phone about six months ago.

SUBJECT: PLEASE HELP ME!!!!!!!!

What all do i have to do to fix a locked up engine on a 97 honda xr200r.

Up In Smoke
Thank You

Un-lock it. And read the rules before you ever write here again.

POST THIS BRAIN SQUEEZER

Dear Rick,

I just bought a 74 DT 250 for a hundred bucks, and I replaced the stator plate, coils and all. But some DT's have 3 coils, some have 2 medium sized ones, and some have one large one and one small one. The one I took off was 2 medium sized ones, and the one I put on had one large and one small. The one I took off had 3 wires, and ran the lights fine. The one I put on runs the bike, but the lights pooped on me.

There is still power coming from 2 of the 4 wires coming out, both green, and when I put a bulb from the ground to either of the wires, it lights up the bulb to the point of blowing up.

Is this a wiring problem, not enough juice, burnt out bulb, wrong stator plate, or neither. What plates went to what years? This bike is in good condition and was one of a kind for the DT line, so is it to be used as a street legal clean bike, or stripped down to beat on until it dies. Any input would be nice. ANSWER THIS PLEEEEEEEEASSSE

Tom

Why don't you just run the power to a battery and run the lights off the battery, where the power output is always constant? Seems to be the simplest way.

PROBLEM!!!

To Whom it may Concern,

My name is Jeffrey Allen. I am in the Marine Corps and stationed in Yuma, Arizona. I am right next to Glamis and go there every weekend. I am having a big problem. I cannot see where I am going at night and I am having an even harder time finding a lighting kit for ATV's.

Could you please help me out in this area? Thank You for your time.

Jeffrey Allen

Jeffrey, you're simply not trying. Just go to the SEARCH area on our sight, and type in LIGHTS. Chances are you'll be overwhelmed with results.

RE: HELLO FROM GREECE!

Dear Mr. Sieman

While surfing on the Internet a few weeks ago, I came across off-road.com.

To cut the long story short, since then I've been hooked on the site and your columns in particular. Great work, please keep it up!

I've been involved in off road motorcycling since I got my first bike (a Kawa KMX 200), but during the last 3 years, my off road activities have been a lot more frequent. I've even attended a school for it (not easy where I come from). I'd consider myself an intermediate rider.

I ride a Honda XR650L. NOT your favorite bike, I know, but considering that I only have one bike to take me to work, vacations and off road, I figured this is a pretty good bike to have. And quite frankly, my XRL doesn't do that badly off road, at least not in tight woods and trails where I take it most of the time. Plus it has an electric starter, which can come very handy if you stall it.

If you have tried to kick-start a big 4-stroke facing up a steep slippery hill while sliding backwards you'll probably know what I mean. And being a rather short guy, touching the ground can be an adventure all of its own under those circumstances.

The only major problem with the XRL is its weight. I managed to get mine to weigh some 142-143 kgs dry, but still it can't compare to a 250 2-stroke or a 400 4-stroke. It is heavy. Not to mention the mere size (momentum) of its rotating engine parts, which usually refuse to change direction!

The only good part is that I have fairly strong arms and legs that help me a lot to maneuver the beast.

If you haven't fallen asleep by now, here is the point where I'd like your valuable opinion. I'm saving money to buy another (second) bike for enduro/trailriding. The reason is very simple: if I can handle the XRL, I can probably handle a CRYZRMKX 250 (I repeat ?handle?, not ?master?, OK?).

Am I correct? I know the extra power will not frighten me and I'll be less tired at the end of the day.

With the money I can spend I can probably buy a late steel-framed CR, or a WR/YZ of the same age, or a somewhat younger RMX ('96-'97). Which one would you suggest? Would you suggest something else? Is there anything else I should know about my bike of choice (your suggestion)?

I hope I haven't wasted too much of your time. Thanks in anticipation and I wish you a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

Manos,
Greece

As I've said many times, one of my favorite bikes in the whole world - and one I own - is the Kawasaki KDX 200. It's light, starts on the first kick, is fun to ride, has nice power, a six-speed gearbox, big gas tank and a very good suspension. Add an FMF pipe, and you can race the thing at your local MX track.

Ride one, and you'll be sold!

RISKS

Man! Nice article! It almost brought tears to my eyes. The part about us being different, being the explorers, the dreamers, the fighters, is absolutely right! My ancestors have a history of exploration, including two on the Mayflower.

Keep up the good fight!
Eli

If you race, that article titled "The Risk Sports" hit a lot of right where it counts.

THANKS FOR YOUR PREVIOUS RESPONSE!!

Rick,

Hello again! and Merry Xmas. I just wanted to thank you for your response, as it was very informative.

Although I am sorry that I failed to give you more history on the subject, I'm glad you put together a check list non the less. I guess I just got a bit eager to see what you had to say.

Well, instead of wasting your time on the history at this point. I guess I'll just say that two weeks ago I investigated the timing and it was indeed slightly retarded. So with no doubt, you were right on the money once again.

Thanks for everything....
Chavv

Glad to be of help.

2 STROKE CARBS.

Hello,

My name is James Edwards, 25. I just found your web sight about 2 months ago and I've enjoyed it ever since. Well, here it goes. I just purchased my first dirt bike about 6 months ago. It was a 94 YZ-125. Since I bought the bike, I rebuilt the top end (badly needed) and added a set of active reeds.

After the rebuild, I noticed that it was really burning rich and fouling plugs. The bike ran OK on top end, but was seriously sluggish on the idle to 50% rev and emitting a low tone, in some cases almost stalling the bike out.

Since then I replaced the slow jet with one a size smaller. I really didn't notice much difference after doing this, but after moving the needle down one position, the bike runs super strong on the top, but it still is emitting this same tone and symptoms. I checked the plug after a hard run and the plug looks like a good fuel mix.

I've been to the dealer several times, but they don't seem to have the knowledge that you would think they would have, other than "give it to the shop guys to look at." I would like to try to work thru this myself, although I'm not for sure what the next step would be to take.

A smaller slow jet yet? Or just set the adjust screw to the best possible position and go with it? I wouldn't think that I'd want to mess with the main jet at this point, but then again I'm only guessing.

As you can tell, I'm a bit stumped and would greatly appreciate any advice you could come up with.

Thanks,
James Edwards

With all the words you've written down, you have failed to give me the information I need to give you a proper diagnosis. Follow this:

Start at the beginning of these suggestions and take it from there.

TWO QUESTIONS, PLEASE

My brother and I are planning an off-road camping trip through Colorado next summer, on our soon-to-be-purchased dual-sport bikes. My questions are;

1) as we are both mid-40's, about 240lbs and 6'2" and very experienced with large road bikes, but minimally experienced with small dirt bikes - is a 4-stroke 250 (we are trending to the KLR250) going to haul us up the mountains (including about 60lbs of gear each)?; and

2) is there a safe way to haul spare gas - I've been all over the web, and can't seem to find any spare gas cells for bikes that are street legal.

Thanks!
Don Gentry

If you can afford the high-priced spread, think about getting a pair of the 400 cc KTM dual purpose bikes. These have plenty of power and come with a big tank and a wide ratio gear box. Also, they're a whole lot more fun to ride than the rather sluggish KLR 250.

WHEELIE

My parents just bought me a new Yamaha YZ 80 and was wondering how to do a wheelie? Also how can I get more power out of it for less than $100.00?

Scott Hansen Oh, this sounds just great. Mommy and Daddy just bought you a new bike, and you want to loop the thing out and turn it into a wad trying to do a wheelie? Why don't you learn how to ride the thing first?

WHICH BIKE?

Hi Rick,

This springtime, I want to buy a street/trail bike. I want a bike that I can use to go back and forth from college, yet still be able to use in the woods whenever I see a cool path as I'm driving down the highway. I went to dealer the other day, and to my disappointment, not a whole lot of street/trail models out there.

To be honest, I love HONDA, and I really, really want an XR bike. But besides the XR 650, Honda doesn't make a street legal dirt bike. Total bummer! XR 650, is way too big, I want something that is easy to handle, XR 650 is a pig, it is too heavy.

I was thinking about a 400, but I'm not sure. I'm 180lbs, 5' 10" and I need a bike capable of matching highway speeds, yet nice and small to be used in the trails. Should I go for something smaller, like a 300? I will probably be using it a lot on the roads, mostly city driving.

Like I said before, I really want an XR, but should I bother? I'd have to get a street kit. Are they easy to legalalize a bike? I live in Canada.

Or Mike, should I go with an original factory made street legal bike, such as Suzuki DR, Yahama, or a Kawasaki KLR bike?

Besides that, should I get a liquid cooled bike? Does it matter? The DR 400 is a nice looking bike, but brand new it is too expensive for me to afford. I'm probably going to buy a second 99 XR 400 if I can find one. If I can get it a decent price, then I can add all the mods I want to it. What do you think?

Thanks for the help,
Dave Majaess

What makes you think you can make an XR street legal all that easy? While I'm not familiar with the road laws in Canada, I know that it's really tough in the US to pull something like that off. Just purchase a street legal trail bike and quite bothering me.

LEARNING LADY

I'm a 5'4" 95 pound woman will start dirt bike riding in the Spring of 2001. Please recommend a good starter bike that isn't slow as crap.

Thank you,
Shannon F.

Think about a Honda XR 200. It's a fun bike to ride, that has a fairly low saddle height, and a very forgiving power delivery. I've taken stone stock XR 200s up in the mountains and enjoyed the trail ride, and I weigh just over 200 pounds. While not a rocket, it starts easy, runs on regular old pump gas and has enough beans to bring a smile to your face.

CZ MOTOCROSS

Hey Super,

Glad to see you're still giving expert advice to us poor informed, ignorant folk. I've read your columns since early Dirt Bike, which went to shame after you left. But I lost track of you after Old Bike Journal. What happened to them anyhow?

Here's my question: I currently own a 73 CZ 400 that is a real mother to start. I drag it down the road once or twice till it fires, and after it warms up, it's OK. It'll usually start right back up, until it sits a day, then its back to dragging.

I've been told to just spray starting fluid down the plug hole, but I don't believe in filling my cylinder with highly flammable substances.

I've done a 34mm Mikuni swap, switched over to a single coil, which is new, and I've timed the bike according to the Grand Prix Cycles CZ shop manual, and the CZ factory owner's manual. Next, I was going to change the reed valves, but I can't find them. Any help, o great wise one??

Thanks
John H. in PA

John, your problem sounds exactly like fuel starvation on the pilot circuit. Either the pilot jet is waaaaay too small, or simply clogged, you're exhibiting every symptom of a horribly lean condition during starting.

Try the too-lean condition first, and get back to me on it.