Another round of Kuestions.
Another round of Kuestions.
Big fan, thanks for doing what you do! I know you have a younger son and probably already looked into this, so that’s why I’m reaching out. My 10 year old is outgrowing his KX65 and I’m looking to upgrade him to a 85. Which one should I go with? Most likely I will be buying used, We race moto about 6 times a year and track days often, and ride Ocotillo a few times as well. My budget will be around $2,500(ish) Should I go Orange or Green? Which years should I be looking at, I know the KX got a overhaul in 2013?, what about the SX? Also, do you know if the KX 85 as “on the pipe” powerband as the KX65?
Thanks, Kurt.
Kurt,
Thanks for the email!
I started Aden (my son) on a 2016 YZ85 and it was super” pipey”. It was like a light switch (no powervalve) and was hard to handle for him, but was very fast on top end. He is on a KX85 now and he loves the smooth roll on predictable power delivery. He seems to ride it better and is less intimidated by it. I would look into a 2013 or newer Kawasaki KX85 rather than a KTM. The Kawasaki is a proven mini bike and is easy to get parts for. Not to mention that the parts are less expensive than that of the KTM.
-KK
Hi Kris,
I’m a big fan of the pulp show and your testing, no one does as good of job as you do. I will be picking up my new 2018 KX250F in a couple of weeks and just wondering your recommendations how to run it in for the best performance.
Thanks
Trent from Australia
Thanks Trent..
Best practice is to ride easy for 15 minutes and let it cool down completely.
Do the same thing again, but this time for 20 minutes. Easy riding, no revving and just go at 75%. Make sure to go through all of the gears.
After that you should be able to ride her how you want the rest of day. After you ride day is done immediately change oil and filter..
Have fun and enjoy your new bike..
-KK
My second attempt at an answer, I understand your busy cause I read and listen to everything you put out, but…..you always say if I have a question, contact you.
My ride: 2001 Suzuki DRZ400E, considered stock except for bling and protection stuff. I know its old but I love this bike for the riding I do, off road single track and mountain roads and trails. Suspension set up for my weight.
My problem is with the front end feel, it always feels as if my front tire wants to wash out on me, and has many times, which i think about so often that it effects my riding, I cant push hard into corners for fear of washing out.
How can I get a planted feel in the front end????
And second, I set my sag at the recommended height but what changes, if I go less sag and conversely if I go more?
Thanks for all your great work! The After Dark stuff is golden!
Keith
Keith,
Sorry about wait as I am busy and was trying to find some info on this bike for you. I DO NOT have that much info for you on this bike.
But… Here is what I would try to do…
I would raise the rear end (less sag) and this will put more weight on the front end to help cornering. I also would check tire pressure, tire compound, and it’s possible that the fork is too soft and causing it too dive too much and cause a front wheel push. There are so many factors and I can’t pin point it for you as there are so many variables.
Try the sag first and move along the list to see what or if anything helps.. Thanks for listening and have fun!
-KK
Hey Kris,
Big fan of your tests. I ride a 2017 KX450 and will be on a 2018 next year. I am a canadian pro (around 20th in a national). I am wondering if you have tested any different offset clamps on a 16 or 17 KX450 and if they would be beneficial for me. -Thanks, Wilhelm
Wilhelm,
I have tried a few but none did anything drastic to change my mind about leaving to stock clamps. Most of the guys that have aftermarket clamps stay with the stock offset. If you want to keep the stability of the stock Kawi, but have a little bit better cornering character you can try Dubach Racing’s radiator lowering kit. That helps the bike with “tip in”. The best clamp (if you decide to go to an aftermarket) would be the X-Trig clamps. They have the best rigidity balance and will not feel harsh around the track.
Good luck…
-KK
Hey Kris – it’s “ForwardSlash” We are looking for recommendations for a knee brace for my son. He’s a bigger kid (plays football and rides MX) and has large muscular legs. We have been looking for a knee brace that is adjustable enough to go over his knees and into his Gaerne SG12 boots. We have tried the Mobius XXL braces and they are a bit too tight even with the smaller pads. Is there anything else out there?
Thanks in advance Kris.
Darren,
My only suggestion is go with a custom CTI..
I just got fitted for some and I will be looking forward to testing them. Most insurances will cover these braces too if you have a reason as to why you need them. Some insurances will cover preventive injury braces (such as a knee brace) so you might want look into this.
It’s tough when a kid has bigger legs to find an off the shelf brace that fits well. However after using all different kinds of off the shelf braces, the brace is the Asterisk cell. It fits well, is not too bulky and you can get those bitchen ZeroG pants that encompass the brae so they don’t slip.
-KK
Hi Kris emailed you couple weeks ago was ready to pull the trigger on a 18 Honda 450 coming from a 17 ktm 350 just not sure about moving back to a 450 170lbs 48 yr old vet intermediate rider how would you compare the torque between a 350 and a 2018 Yz250f really like what you said in the podcast already sold the 350 like a idiot. Thanks man, Scott
Scott,
The YZ250F has good torque, but the 350 has a little more and pulls harder than that of a 250F. Both bikes are very light (almost identical) and corner well. If it was me I would lean toward the 350’s engine even with the air fork.
The Yamaha has the most torque out of all the 250F’s and is snappy out of corners, but will get pulled down the straight by the 350 pretty good. The fork is better on the Yamaha, but the AER fork isn’t that bad and you can dial it in with some patience.
Also it depends on weight. If you’re light, like a 150 pounds, the 250F isn’t a bad choice, but I have a feeling you weigh more than that.
Have fun and good luck!
-KK
Hey Keefer,
First of all HUGE thank you for your personality on Pulp. Without a doubt my favorite co-host and probably my favorite person in the industry. Question I have is on a 2013 yz250f. I’I know those older yamahas are as reliable as it gets. I’m a mechanic in the industry and have seen vet guys put 100 hours on a top end. I am a Novice rider and very rarely race due to being a trackside support guy so I am just a practice-day rider. I have a chance to pick one up for very cheap that needs some work and I wondered in YOUR opinion if it is worth putting a 270 kit on other simple mods to keep reliability but add HP and just keep the damn thing or are they that far off from modern bikes these days that I will hate it even with the mods. I had a 14 crf250 for a while and I liked it quite a bit but I have been riding two strokes the last few years and just missing riding a four stroke. I know it’s been a while since you have ridden that bike but if you have an opinion you would be willing to share I would gladly appreciate it! THANKS DAWG!
Thanks Corey! I appreciate the words..
I will be honest with you. The 13 is dated and will not be worth your time putting a big bore kit in there. If it was a 2014 I would say “yes”! The new generation Yamaha 250F is just so much better. It really isn’t a contest. I tested a big bore on a 13 and wasn’t super impressed with torque and pulling power. If you do go with a 2014 YZ250F please note that the connecting rods are not that good. Look into getting a Carrillo rod to increase durability.
Maybe you can find a 15 or newer Honda or a 14 or newer Yamaha and then put a 270 kit on it. Those bikes are very fun and torquey to ride. It really is a vet dream bike. Has torque, can rev (if you put an ignition on) and have a blast.
Hope this helps.
Thanks,
KK
Hello Kris my name is Nate. I just read your awesome article on this bike. I have a question, my brand new yzf450 with 2 hours on it has been descel popping. I checked the spark plug like you said and it was solidly on there. Hell I couldn’t even get the plug off if I tried. Any ways I don’t no if mapping might have anything to do with the altitude? I’m roughly at 5200 feet. I’m wondering if the mapping is throwing this elevation off? Any thoughts would highly be appreciate man. Thanks again!
Nate,
Yes, some of these have had de-cel pop. It is hit and miss as some run just fine. Try this map (attached) I have for you here. This should help clean up any de-cel pop that you might have. Good luck! -KK
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