Matthes and I get questions sent to us all the time, so we thought this could be somewhat of a regular thing here at pulpmx.com.
Matthes and I get questions sent to us all the time, so we thought this could be somewhat of a regular thing here at pulpmx.com.
Look, I am not going to answer 100% of your questions here, but you can send your good ones to keefer@pulpmx.com and I will do my best to get your questions answered.. Orrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr…… You can hit me up @kkeefer120 on twitter and Instagram.
Replying to @pulpmx
Looking for quality ECU options for 2017 Honda CRF450R…the best we can get. Asking for a friend…
I have been using the GET Data System and it has been incredible. The amount of power increase is not the most impressive part however, its the adjustability. With the launch control installed (little piece on the front fender that lights up) and its ability to give you 10 different power assist settings I can dial in the power delivery how I want. It also makes the sometimes hard to start 2017 CRF450R easier to start for all you kicking your red steed. Mid range and top end are extremely impressive and the amount of over-rev you get gives you the freedom to shift later in each gear. In other words that means you can be lazier and let that red sucker eat more.
Replying to @pulpmx
BREAK IN PROCRDURE……..GO!
Some people have different views on this, but if I am spending 10 G on a dirt bike I am going to break that sucker in first. I usually ride a 15-20 minute, 60-70% moto and let it cool down completely. After that I do another one that is the same and then I go rip it! Also don’t worry about greasing up everything right off the showroom. Go ride it a couple hours and and get a feel of it first. After you ride it a few hours and feel like its necessary to grease the important spots with your own method, then do so. Lastly don’t be the guy who gets a brand new bike and puts a ton of shit on it before riding it. Ride it stock first!!! Try to improve from stock after you ride it. If you never ride it stock how the hell are you supposed to notice any improvements that you are trying to make? Break in the suspension a good 5-6 engine hours and then if you need a re-valve do so accordingly. Don’t be the guy who spends an extra three grand on parts for your bike that may or may not be better than stock.
Replying to @pulpmx
What does a factory mechanic do to the bike between motos at a outdoor national?
According to Steve not much anymore. They are glorified graphic installers. Seriously though they do a ton. Anything from washing the bike completely to changing clutches, draining the oil, lubing and adjusting chain, checking fluids, downloading engine and suspension data, being a mental coach to their rider and swapping wheels/tires. They do a lot! Also, the time they have in between motos is not long so things must move efficiently. I don’t know what Matthes did in his hay day, but I am sure it wasn’t very fun. Watching those guys bust their ass for the amount of money they make doesn’t sit right with me.
Replying to @pulpmx
What bar mounts would move the FE bar mounts forward a lot more than stock?
I assume you are talking about the KTM Factory Edition and if that’s the case there are two that I am familiar with. The X-Trig clamps have a ton of adjustment and probably the most that I have seen in a clamp. Their PDHS mounting system they use is very clever (although heavy) and give the rider a ton of options for his bar placement. Another one is Ride Engineering. Adrian over there has his mounting positions down to a science and a particular degree. I am 6’0 and usually like a stock height bar and stock area-ish bar mount placement. Take a look at their websites ride-engineering.com and xtrig.com.
Replying to @pulpmx
On a 250F, when should I change the rod and the bearings?
Depending on how hard you ride and how long (get your mind out of the gutter Jack), I would recommend checking the rod every 20-30 engine hours. If you are a leisurely kind of rider and don’t rev the crap out of the 250F you could get away checking it further down the road. However, I know 2014-2015 Yamaha YZ 250F’s went through connecting rods like crazy and cost more than a few people tons of money. If you are replacing go with a strong Carrillo type rod or something equivalent.
Replying to @PulpmxShow @KKeefer120
With Webb riding the 18 450 do you think he’s just mentally checked trying to make his current situation work till the 18 is available?
I really think he got a taste of what that 2018 is like and now getting back on the 2017 has hurt him somewhat. But don’t worry, I know Cooper is a strong headed guy and will bounce back this season. Look for him to start catching fire soon and get into that top 3-5 more. I mean he qualifies well so I know it is possible, but I think that maybe the 2017 bike reacts differently when the motos get longer. We will see how the new one is soon… Stay tuned…
@jamiewilson124
Hey keefer, top work on pulp! Big fan of yours and the show! Quick question from the UK please….I have had Yamahas all my racing life from 10 years old to 25 years old. Then I got the 2011 yzf450 and hated it! Got spat off all over the place, felt like a death trap. I got rid and bought a KTM and had them ever since. I’m now thinking of going home and getting a 2017 yzf450. In your opinion, have Yamaha sorted out the chassis issues they had around the change to reversed engine and new frame etc? I want to go back. It I’m worried to commit after the bad experience I had.
Cheers buddy!
Jamie, It’s ok I thought the 2011 Yamaha YZ450F was a pile as well. The 2017 is nothing like that 2011 of yours and will be much more friendlier. The 2017 has a smoother roll on and turns better than the 2011 model ever did. The 2011 wasn’t the best on entrance of corners and would want to stand up a lot. The 2017 is not a Suzuki or Honda in the corners, but lays over nicely and gives you stability at higher speeds. I am sure you will not be disappointed in going with the 2017 YZ450F. It’s one of my favorite bikes to ride no matter what other people might say.
@Kooi_15
I’m sure you get a message like this quite frequently, but I figured it was worth a shot. I’m in the market for a new 450 mx bike however I have never owned a four stroke let alone a 450 and I’ve only ridden 2 (2006 KX450 and 2009 RMZ450) so my biggest issue is trying to decide which brand will fit me the best. With the 2018 bikes and subsequent 2018 450 mx shootout coming up I didn’t know if you all ever reached out to any other “guest testers” if you will. I feel like I could give an interesting perspective from the first time buyers standpoint. I wouldn’t expect any sort of compensation since in all reality you would be the one doing me a huge favor. I doubt it’s a possibility but I figured it was worth a shot. For what it’s worth I’ve been riding/racing for a number of years so it wouldn’t be just a joy ride and the bike I that I felt was the best overall would be the bike that I buy. Thank you for your time.
Caleb, there are three 2017 450cc motocross bikes that I would put my own money on. It would be the Honda, Yamaha, or KTM. All of these bikes have great qualities that you would be happy with. The Honda has an exciting engine with a great turning character, the Yamaha has the best suspension and a smooth easy to ride engine and the KTM is light feeling, with a deceivingly smooth powerful engine character, that makes it one of the most easiest bikes to ride. I have all three in my garage and can say that it is a tough decision on which bike I want to ride on any given day. You can’t go wrong with any of them. Find a dealer that will get you the best deal and go that direction. Now that I am on my own at keeferinctesting.com, I don’t think I am doing any “guest testers” this year, but be on the lookout for upcoming things that I will be involving all of you readers soon with.
