power band question

[crf450infla]

I just got a ktm 2003 200sx, making the switch to 2 strokes, When I start out it seems like 1st gear is very short, also 2nd. The bike is pulling fine, my question when does the power band kick in? I feel like I am over revving the bike. do i need to stay on the throttle ? How can I tell if I hit the power band? Thanks for any opinions.

 

[lithium]

Well...technically you can't really over rev a two stroke. But you'll know when it hits lol. 1st and 2nd gears might not have as much of a punch. But i know on my yz when i hit powerband in 3rd gear its a kick in the butt and i hang on for dear life. In first gear there isnt going to be that big of one..but in 2nd it should be a little more noticeable.. I would just keep on the throttle a little bit.. You'll know when it happens. If it revs a little high once or twice..No real biggie.

 

[crf450infla]

Thanks for the info. I wasn't sure if I could over rev or not. just seems 1st is very short.

 

[Jaybird]

I've always felt that PANTERA RULZ!
:aj:

 

[tyesai]

Thanks for the info. I wasn't sure if I could over rev or not. just seems 1st is very short.

Maybe you just aren't used to it, just hold the throttle open a little longer, I don't believe you will hurt anything, you really can't overrev it. Its not like you will "float the valves".

 

[Rich Rohrich]

Well...technically you can't really over rev a two stroke.

Technically , you most certainly can overrev a two-stroke. The laws of physics still apply ;)

 

[SpeedyManiac]

Damn those laws of physics...

 

[i_955]

The powerband is right in front of the carburetor.
It is basically a rubber band and can be found in two ways,
dig in with tools :p , or take your new bike out on pavement then twist the throttle. You will find it really fast.

The problem I think you're having is that 450 has made your senses lazy. If you are twisting the throttle like your 4 stroke your going to get 4 stroke response. Try shifting faster and much more often, you are no longer on a 450 that could start-off in 3rd and never need to change to 4th.

That little 200 will make you work harder and will make you a better rider in short order, but you will have to work for it.

Welcome to two strokes, you’re going to love it. 2 strokes are not for lazy riders.

 

[trakkerman]

I'm not sure how the 200 is, but when I first started riding my 300 (after coming off 4 stroke) I found I needed to ride one gear higher. 1st and 2nd are pretty much useless unless you are in the tight stuff. I could ride second gear but there was still too much wheel spin. I had to use 3rd to get better traction control.

Once you become more familiar with the 2 stroke you will have a choice: ride smooth in a higher gear and carry momentum or point and shoot, steering with the rear wheel in a lower gear. Personally I like the latter better because of the fun factor, but it wears me out quickly.

You are lucky to have two awesome bikes!

 

[crf450infla]

thanks guys for the info. tomorrow will be my first ride with ths 2 stroke. going to some trails, looking for the fun factor. I think it won't take to long to get the hang of the bike. Thats why I come here for help, this place is awsome. :ride:

 

[Green Horn]

Technically , you most certainly can overrev a two-stroke. The laws of physics still apply ;)

Figgered someone would jump on that. :)

 

[lithium]

Psshh..

 

[oldfrt613]

KTM 200SX Extreeeeeeemly narrow power band, to make matters worse, its in the middle of the rev range - send to Eric Gorr - He fixed ours.