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[NHWK]

1) 1Mt 83 high, 85Kgs, 46 years old, alround waterman
2) Like to think I am pretty agressive, but when I watch the guys doing MX Freestyle I feel like a *****
3) Will be riding cane fields, volcanic terrain
4) Did a few local races in South africa aprox 20 years ago
5) Will not race anymore as this does not exist here
6) I have my own workshop and will be obliged to do my own maintenance (any hints on literature here would be welcome)
7) I am going for a CRF450 (obsessed by it) i do not want to be limited by the machine but by my own skill, or lack of it.
8) No dealers for this kind of bike within 3500kms
9) around 4000Euros
10) As I have already made up my mind on the machine i am going for i would like any advice (dos and don'ts) from guys that have experience in the field.
Thanks
Nico

 

[will pattison]

get one. you will love it. in fact, if you lived an ocean closer, i'd sell you my 05 since i have an 07 on the way.

keep a close watch on your intake valves, that's the most important thing. and, for your type of riding, i recommend a flywheel weight...something like 9oz.

wp.

 

[NHWK]

Thanks Will.
Can you recommend a book about maintenance/repairs for this type of machine, as I do not know how to go about your advice, or where can I get the required info?
regards from Mauritius
Nico

 

[Moparman1539]

Just find the Service Manual for the bike, and it will tell you how to do everything you need to know.

 

[will pattison]

riiiiight. nico, just run down to the honda shop in port louis and get a shop manual!! :laugh:

seriously...he lives in mauritius, which is over 500 miles east of madagascar....in the middle of the indian ocean. the island is about 20 miles wide by 25 miles long!

so....now i'm super curious. i had heard of mauritius but didn't know anything about it, but a quick trip to wikipedia solved that. where do you ride? how did you get a bike there? do you have riding buddies? where do you get gear and parts? fill me in....this is the magic of the internet!

oh, and as far as your original question goes, and given your location, i would recommend two things: 1.) order the shop manual from honda. it's about 50 usd and worth way more than that. 2.) use dirtrider.net and thumpertalk for all they're worth. lots of knowledgeable guys in both places. and...since i may fit that category, you can always ask me via email or pm.

wp.

 

[ZeCatfish]

You would be happier with a KTM 300, theres, less maintance and no valves to worry about about adjusting, and you don't have to change the oil every weekend.
With a few mods, you'll have a faster, lighter, more versatile machine.