First Race bike setup

[Txbigguy]

Ok guys I am getting ready for my first race comming up this weekend. I am putting on a new rear tire, chain and sprockets. I also plan on putting in a new spark plug & change the oil. Is there anything else that I should do to get the bike race ready? :aj:

:yeehaw:

 

[Matt_H]

check every little bolt

 

[Unit74]

Lock-tite IS your friend.

 

[rc331]

Originally posted by Matt_H
check every little bolt

Twice!!!! ;) and don't forget to clean your filter.

 

[Matt_H]

spokes are also a good idea to check after and/or before every ride too.

 

[los36]

OK, what kind of bike is it?
And I'm going to have to disagree w/ Unit74, don't touch the lock-tite!

 

[dell30rb]

And make sure he ( :yeehaw: ) dosent get his hands on your bike.

 

[Mike198]

im going to second what los36 said, Dont use lock-tite. When you need to take the bike apart it just makes it a pain in the butt to get the bolts off. Just check every bolt before and after ever race.

 

[yzeater]

MX race or something else?

 

[Enduro_Nut]

I wouldn't enter the woods without locktite(BLUE NOT RED!), I can't count the times on a 80-100 mile ride a bolt came off and then you are stuck!

 

[los36]

again, what kind of bike and what kind of racing?
I guess that I'll stay away from VOR from what Enduro Nut is saying :confused:

 

[Txbigguy]

It is a 98 KX125 and this is my first MX race. Thanks for your guys help.

 

[los36]

I'd go through the entire bike before I rode it. I do this with new bikes and suggest you do it with your bike.

Clean and repack all of the bearings: steering head, rear suspension and swingarm. Take the airbox off of the bike, wash and reseal it with silicone. Check the wheel bearings for wear and pack them with grease. Clean, lube and adjust the throttle and clutch cables. Re-align the forks by loosening the front axle pinch clamp, bouncing the forks up and down, then tightening the clamp. I'd put anti-sieze on the threads of just about every bolt that I touched. You might use some loc-tite on sprocket bolts if you find some loose ones.

Anybody want to to that task list?

 

[endosports]

My best advice is to put some gas in the tank and pretend that you are practicing not racing. Trust me this helps.

 

[Enduro_Nut]

No, not the VOR - it was my Kaw., Husky and Yamaha that were the problems. Small stuff that drives you crazy :p . Motocross is a totally diff. situation, ride for 20-30 min. and stop. You get a chance to check things out :scream:
I can't speak for anyone else but the thumpers seem to stay together a little longer. When I tear it down typically it's still "together".

 

[los36]

yeah, I was just messing with ya, _Nut. he he :)

I'm afraid of what the trees and rocks can do to me and my ride, so I don't stray from the MX track. I can imagine how much losing something would suck 30 or 40 miles from the truck!

 

[Endurofreak]

Yes, the thumpers do tend to stay together longer. My advise would be a day before the race, suit up in everything, and sit on your bike. (It helps to be quiet) And just make sure that everything is how its supposed to be. Are the bars in the right possition, are your pegs fit tight under your feet? Just the stupid basics are the things that will give you the advantage come race time.

---------------Be one with the bike--------------- :cool:

 

[Endurofreak]

Yes, the thumpers do tend to stay together longer. My advise would be a day before the race, suit up in everything, and sit on your bike. (It helps to be quiet) And just make sure that everything is how its supposed to be. Are the bars in the right possition, are your pegs fit tight under your feet? Just the stupid basics are the things that will give you the advantage come race time.

---------------Be one with the bike--------------- :cool:

 

[los36]

where is "The Colony" TXBigGuy? Where is your first race going to be?

 

[Txbigguy]

The Colony is just a bit north of Dallas. My race is going to be round 2 of the Full Moon Series at Badlands. I missed the first round at Villiage Creek due to other engagements.

 

[Jaybird]

Always check and loc-tite your sprocket bolts. They come loose even after a good loc-tite. Check those grips!
I second the "pretend you are praticing" thing.
Count to five with every breath you take and count down with every exhale. It may sound silly, but try it after the gate drops.

 

[los36]

Good luck! BTW- if you get the chance, go to Swan (in Tyler) for their annual Pro Challenge in Sept. It's an awesome track and a fun race!
www.swanmx.com