Keefer Kuestions 01/23/18

Hi Kris,
Quick question for you if I may, I have a yz250 2 stroke with 110 hrs, happy to say just about to replace the original cluch plates tomorrow actually, but more to the point.
I’m currently using a rental works chain with vortex sprockets. The sprockets are fine no signs of ware (about 40hrs, however the chain is showing a lot of side motion (I.e. hand test). I am able to easily push the chain as far as reaching the knobs on the wheel. I trust it is well worn, what’s the rule with replacing chain only?? What other aspects should I look at!!!

Ps love your podcasts, keep them coming. 2 strokes may not be in your kettle of fish or 2 hard basket but would be nice to review.

Thanks for your time,
Regards
Luigi

Luigi,

The chain is done! If the chain has 40 hours on it, its toast. Side to side movement is ok, but if you lay it out and it’s like a rainbow then you have problems. Trash it and get a good DID O-Ring chain! last longer and will have to be adjusted less..

Good Luck!

-KK

I’ll get to the question first…explanation will be below if you feel like reading it.

Q: Is there enough adjustment in the Yamaha power tuner app for an ’18 YZ450 to smooth the power out and make it feel like a ’16 CRF450 or a ’17 KX450f? I’ve ridden both of those bikes and liked the power delivery. Last YZ450 I rode was a ’14 and that power was almost abusive.

I’m 290lbs, 47 years old and ride 40+ Novice. Had crashes the last 2 season on jumps after not crashing on a jump since I was in my 20’s. Been riding a ’14 YZ250F and I think I’m having to push it too hard and spinning on the jump faces rather than being able to ride lower RPM and power up the jumps. Anyway would lover to hear what you think of the tuner ability to really change that power.

Thank You,
Richard

Richard,

Yes you can really mellow out the power on the 18 YZ450F wit hate PowerTuner App!

I have that TP map that makes it mellower off bottom but broader up near top end. Smooth roll on.

The YZ450F is a great bike and I think for your size a 450 is a must. Just make sure when you get tire to take it easy or pull off. No need to get whiskey throttle ya know!

-KK

Kris,

I just listened to your podcast about the right bike for you.

I am a vet rider, 34 years old, and 165 pounds. I have not really ridden hard in about 10 years. Last year I got my boy his first CRF70 and now I am getting back to it again.

I have ridden several 250’s and one ’16 FC 350. I would prefer, just as you said in the podcast, the FC 350 or 350 SX-F. The problem is I am not buying new and there are so few out there. I have been looking for a year and the ones that are used are either just below the cost of a new bike, are ’12 or ’11, and there essentially are no FC’s. My thought was to buy a ’13 CRF 450R. Looking at the specs it appears as though I would be as close to a 350 as I can get without buying one. The HP is actually less and it is heavier. From all the reviews I read the ’13 CRF 450R was the most user friendly of the 450’s as far as power delivery and easy to ride when fatigued. I believe, when included, the KTM 350 actually beat the CRF450R in the ’13 shootouts.

What is your opinion for buying a ’13 CRF450R in lieu of a KTM or FC 350?

Thanks,

Michael

Mike,

You are correct the 14 Honda did beat the KTM 350 in shootouts. The 13 350 was very bad and I wouldn’t recommend that at all.

If you can find a 2012 Honda 450 that would be even better. The 12 Honda’s frame was more compliant and flexed more. The 13 was ok, but if you can find a 12, you would be happy with that more I think. I had a 13 as well and it was good, but a little stiffer in chassis and had that terrible air fork on it. 2012 has spring fork.

Let me know how you do and what you get.

Cheers,

Hi Kris,

I was listening to a podcast tonight on pulpmx called “which bike is right for you” and heard what you had said about dirt bikes keeping you and other kids out of trouble. I couldn’t agree with you more. I was one of those kids that had dirt bikes pretty much save my life growing up. I had a crappy childhood with an abusive mother and a broken home. Dirtbikes were my escape. I bought all of my own used bikes with a paper route I had. I still hold the same level of love for them as I did as a kid. They keep me alive and out of trouble. I also wanted to say that you’re a good dude and with a message like I heard tonight elevates my respect for you to a very high level. Keep doing what you love bud. Your tests and podcasts are awesome. If I ever see you at the track I’ll say hello.

Michael Hunter

Michael,

Thanks for the email and I am glad you understood the message. I had to work around the house for my bikes and if I wanted to race I had to earn the money. It kept me away from drugs and alcohol when it was all around me. My friends didn’t have dirt bikes so they resorted to partying. I stayed on course and did what I loved. I respect the hell out of what you did for yourself to keep you motivated and in line. So great to hear these stories.

Dirt bikes are great and I love them more now than I did back then. Thanks for listening and come say “hey” if you’re at a track soon.

Thanks,

Hi Kris,

I know your coming out with the living with podcast soon but since its winter I wanted to send my suspension out on my 2018 crf250r. So far its light years better then my old Honda with an air fork. But just wanted to see if I can gain a bit more small bump initial / mid stroke comfort. I did read your article on race tech. I have always used FC for my revalves with mostly good results. Im a 33 year old 6’0” 165lb fast-ish C rider so my speeds are nowhere near yours. Anyway just wanted to hear your thoughts if you had a minute. Also looking forward to the living with pod cast, being a C rider and both my track are a bit on the tighter side would like to get a bit more bottom and mid out of this motor. Anyway thanks again and happy new year!

Brandon

Brandon,

Best two things for more bottom end for this bike is a HC piston and a Yosh muffler system. These two things help with roll on power!

As far as suspension I am still currently in the process of dissecting some things so you will have to wait a few weeks for that answer.

Stay tuned to the podcast and I will get you some quality info!

-KK

What’s up Kris? Thanks for all the info you provide in the moto industry, your tips and tricks have helped me to understand more of the technical side of bike set up that most people wouldn’t have a clue about and it is always super interesting to me. I’ve been thinking about emailing you or Steve for awhile. I’m a privateer racer that’s had a pretty unlucky go in racing for the past couple years and no money or support to get anywhere. Despite these circumstances, I always strap up the boots and give it my best effort. 2017 was an eventful year. I got married, graduated from college as a mechanical engineer, got myself a job as a validation and test engineer, bought myself a new husky 250, put a measly 25 hours on it while I saved up to race Millville, cycled to work and back for training everyday (28 mile round trip), qualified 47th in the lites at Millville, worked my way from last off the start in the LCQ (DIDNT GET THE MX11 like an idiot) to grab the last alternate position for the motos and they took the first alternate and shut the gate. I’m not trying to pat myself on the back, I just have a different story. At the end of the day at Millville, I tracked down Dan Betley to talk to him about how I could get my foot in the door at Honda as a race team engineer. I had a great talk with him, he spoke with great optimism and told me to send him my resume right away. I sent him my resume and he filed it away but he was replaced by Erik Kehoe a few weeks later. As I sit here over my lunch break at my 8-5 writing this to you, I cant help to think there has to be a way I can get into the industry to continue my passion and implement my educational experience as well as my ability as a motocross racer. If you have the time, I would love to chat with you over the phone for a bit about your experience and tell you a little more about my goals for 2018. Thank you for taking the time to read this, sorry it’s a bit lengthy, and I hope to hear from you soon!

Thank you,

Josef DeBower #959

Josef,

Sounds like you’re a hard working kid! Congrats on all of your success. That means more than anything in racing, trust me..

Keep looking online for jobs at Yamaha and Honda as they always hire mechanical engineers as well as other positions similar in that area. Keep sending in your online resumes and be persistent! This helps!

Another suggestion is go to races and talk to as many people as possible before the races start. After the race everyone wants to get the hell out of there and get back home. Go to a Supercross early and just BS with mechanics and managers about what the best way is to get in the door. If you sound genuine and are not pushy more people are likely to help you. It sounds like you got good head on your shoulders so that is the first step!

I am super busy for the next couple weeks, but lets try to revisit this soon.

Thanks for the email and we will chat soon!

Cheers!

-KK

Day Program,

Two quick questions for you.

I have a TM design works rear disc guard on my yz250.

1. For the rocky terrain that I ride I need something more rigid because I keep tweaking rear discs. What do you recommend?

2. How do you recommend straitening a disc that is just slightly out of true?

Thanks!

Garrett,

Have you looked into the Zip-Ty Racing shark fin or anything like that? He has kick ass off-road products for that bike!

As far as straightening I use a crescent wrench and a pair of eye balls to see where it is bent. To me there is not a perfect way to straighten them back out!

Hope this helps! -Daytime

Hey Kris!

Looking to buy a 250F – 2017-18

Vet Rider

5’9

180

Looking for a fun easy to ride bike that is reliable.

Considering the YZ250F & RMZ 250

RMZ – sounds fun- The airforks sound like a fuckn hassle tho.

YZ250F – vet friendly? Easy to ride? too much power?

Your input is greatly appreciated!

BTW.. great pod’s & pulp content.