Hi Kris. First off I love all the work you’ve done on pulpmx. I’m just getting back into riding so my boys and I have something to do other than video games. My youngest is 5 so I plan on a pw50. My oldest boy is 8 so I was thinking a 110. I’m 40 and use to ride but now old and out of shape. I was thinking a crf230f. These will be the boys first motorcycles so I don’t figure we need anything high performance. I’ve never rode a 230 and to be honest only have maybe half an hour on a 4 stroke. $9500 for all 3 bikes so I wanna make sure I’m not way out of the ball park on my bike selection. If you get a chance to respond that would be great if not no worries. Thanks again for all the info you put out. Thanks, Jim
Jim,
I think for what you are about to do sounds respectable. A 230 is friendly and can lug around slow enough so you can keep an eye out on the kids.
I like everything you said in this email. I approve. Have fun with the family and thank you for listening!
-KK
Hey Kris, I’m looking to reduce some of the vibration I feel in my handlebars on my 18’ KTM 450 SX-F. Any suggestions? Thanks, Dave
Dave,
You still on the stock Neken bar? If so scrap that thing and get a Pro Taper. So much better! The stock bar is stiff and not friendly as you know.
The only other option is go to a PDHS bar mount. Those will help dampen vibration and hard hits too! The stock clear elastomers are fine, but you an also try the green ones as well.
-KK
Hey Kris,
Sorry for bugging you again, I’m torn here. Im in the market for new boots after getting rid of my Tech 3’s.
I’m interested in checking out the SIDI Crossfire 3, the Gearne SG-12, the Tech 7, or the Tech 10. I definitely know more about AStar and the Tech 7/10’s, I’m just debating whether I’ll like the booty system or not. And as far as the SIDI or Gearne, I’ve never owned either pair of those…
Let me know your thoughts and which way I should look to!
You the man! -Aaron
Aaron,
Get a Tech 7. I tell most people to go this way if they are not familiar with the booty system. Easier to break in and still a durable boot! If I didn’t wear Tech 10s I would wear 7s. -KK
Hey Keefer,
I have a question for you on VP race Fuel. I have been running T4 for a while now in my CRF250R and haven’t had any issues with it. I was excited to go to the T4E you were talking about but shitty how they are not going to be coming out with it now. I have seen the VP VPR fuel, VP moto and etc and thought I would ask the expert on what you have found with your testing of fuels that you recommend. I have a VP fuel dealer 2 miles from my house so I can get whatever I want from them the just don’t know anything about dirt bikes only stupid race cars Haha! Thank you for your time greatly appreciated. -Eric
Eric,
As far as a fuel that is good for HP and doesn’t require mapping changes, T4 is the best. I mean you could go to a Pro 6 fuel but that is more expensive and might need mapping change!
Stick with T4. Hopefully VP will be coming out with more fuel soon close to the T4E!
-KK
Hey man big fan of your stuff it’s killer.
I’m soon getting into desert racing and was curious as to what product you use in the form of gps watches, those that are able to do heart rates, speeds, average speeds and lap times etc, similar to a litpro that the factory racers use, also I’m unable to afford super high end stuff so cheap but durable is the idea.
Thanks, Mitch
Mitch,
Look at the Garmin 910XT and 920XT. I use the older 910 as it has an Auto Lap feature that I love. It is easy to see your lap times and heart rate. Who needs a man friend when you got a GPS enabled watch! You can find it on Amazon Prime!
-KK
Hey Mr. Keefer I am having a problem deciding what bike is right for me. I’m 31 years old and have been racing since I was 5. For many years I have been a pretty decent local A rider and mostly just ride plus 25 and 30 now. I just sold my last bike that was a 12 kx450. I for the most part I liked the bike but seemed to always have trouble getting it to turn. I had the suspension done and all that good stuff but never felt just awesome. I’m interested in the 18 Yamaha, but not sure what to get. So my question is, what do you feel the best bike for me would be? I’m 5ft. 9in. And weigh between 180 and 185 lbs. I’m looking for the most cost affective bike I can get .
Thanks,
Jake Lustig
Jake,
Have you listened to my podcast “Which Bike Is Right For You”? There is some good info in there!
I would say that the 2018 Yamaha YZ450F is a great bike and you fit the weight for the stock springs! The new Yamaha fits a wide range of people and to me is the most reliable dirt bike on the market.
-KK
I was going to ask you is if you knew of anyone who has had a neck fusion and still rides dirt bikes recreationally on a track. Back in september I had a pretty good get off and ended up having a C6-T2 neck fusion and my wrist plated. I am 30 years old and take good care of my body with good diet and exercise. Before my accident I was a decent B rider but didn’t do a whole lot of racing anymore. I still liked to go to prepped practices and ride a couple times a month. I know you’re not a doctor but was just wondering if you knew of anyone with a similar injury and still rode. I have my 6 month check up coming up in april and my PA said i should be able to ride after a year but also said there are serious risk now having rods and screws in my neck if i was to have another neck injury. Motocross is my biggest passion in life. I’m not concerned with trail riding or digging a turn track in at the farm but I am a little hesitant about get out on a track again. I always rode in my comfort level before but obviously shit happens. I guess i’m not asking you if I can or cannot ride a dirt bike again just if you know of anyone that still rides with a neck fusion. I appreciate your time Keefer! Thanks again for all you do. -Keaton
Keaton,
My good buddy Ricky Brabec (Dakar Rider) has his neck fused and still rides/races a lot. I don’t know the extent of the fusion, but he knows the risk and still races at a high level. There are risks involved as you know, but if it makes you happy, I don’t see why you can’t ride at some level. Even if it is a light vet track day or even a trail ride with your buddies. Riding is a great stress reliever and in our blood, so taking it away does more damage to us than any neck fusion.
Hope you stay safe and have fun riding!
-KK
Good morning Keefer, Inc. Testing!
I would like to get your opinion on the EFI 2-strokes that KTM & Husky made for the U.S. market: 250 XC-W TPI & TE250i. I know these were built for off-road/trail, but how do you feel they would perform on a MX vet track, say like Comp Edge, Sunrise MX or Lake Elsinore?
Here’s my reasoning: I’m 38 and have been off the bike for 10 years. I’m currently getting back in shape to riding again and I would like to split my riding between desert/trails and vet MX tracks. I’ve been contemplating the YZ250X, which I know is very capable of conquering both MX & off-road terrain. But now I’m thinking about coughing up the extra $2K for a Euro bike and enjoy the luxury of 2-stroke EFI instead of jetting the carb on the YZ.
What’s your take? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!
Best regards,
Dan
Dan,
I did a review on the Husqvarna TPI 250 that is up on keeferinctesting.com. I would say that the TPI bike is very smooth and four-stroke-esq, but maybe not very snappy or set up for moto.That might not be bad thing for you if you have been off the bike for so long though right? Maybe for Vet Tracks with a little suspension work it could be very fun. However, the stuff on the bike is soft and very spongy for off-road.
It is nice not to have to mix your gas and you can just pour and go!
-KK
Hi Kris, love everything you do, and just your positive attitude. Your an awesome role model and person man. My question to you is this, I live in Minnesota and am a 32 year old B rider possibly. I would like to purchase this 2016 yz250f with 75 hours on the bike, but 1 hour on a top end rebuild with oem parts. It also has suspension from Pro Action set up for my weight, so thats a huge plus.
Do you see any issue with the time on this bike being a problem, but with a fresh rebuild up top? I have no clue of other things that could go wrong. It’s $4000 OBO so a good deal it seems with the suspension and new Michellin tires. Thanks so much Kris, can I offer to purchase a t shirt for your answer? -Ryan
Ryan,
Thanks for the email and nice comments.
I would say 75 hours is a lot of time and the bike would need a bottom end/crank in all honesty. I don’t know who owned it or what type of rider, but 75 hours is a lot for anyone.
I would be scared about the transmission and rod most of all. Especially now that you have a new top end that is fresh and an old bottom end.
If he has never done a bottom end, please be aware that could go and if that does, you are in trouble! LOTS OF MONEY!!! I put 75 hours on 250F’s in the past and have gone through two bottom ends, but I ride aggressive. I just want to make sure you know that the bottom ends need replaced more on a higher revving 250F engine!
I would love to have you wear a Keefer Inc. hoody in Minnesota! Email Heather@keeferinctesting.com for a hoody or t-shirt!
Good luck and let men now what you get!
-KK
What up Keefer!
So like your amazing woman, mine also got me a badass present for Christmas in the form of an 18 ktm 450 sx. I’m more than pumped. So I listen to all of your stuff and also listen to pulp mx, but I haven’t seen a living with for the bike. I am used to KTM as I am coming off of a 2012 250 sx and love them. I race vet int in the big six series but ride moto for practice and do some REM. I am a big boy at around 250lbs. After I break it in and ride it a few times, what should I do for it to be big boy approved? I am in the process of loosing weight right now but even at the weight I should be at I am still a big guy at about 215. I am unfamiliar with the air fork situation and usually just get my suspension re sprung and re valved.
thanks for the help,
Robby
Robby,
Sorry you’re email got put into my spam folder.
If you’re over 200 pounds you will have to go up a spring rate on the shock and run around 11-11.2 bars in the fork. This will help balance the bike out some. If you do go to 11.2 bars on the fork please back off compression a couple clicks to try and get some front end feeling (traction) back in corners!
I am working on doing a “LIVING WITH” on this bike. Give me some time. KTM was slow to get me one..
Let me know how it goes!
-KK
