Hi all. I'm enjoying the heck out of my KDX 220, to the dismay of my neighbors. :nener: They'll have to get used to it. Anyway, my brother and I did some serious logging road scouting rides on Sunday. What a workout! But I found myself stalling too much uphill, and then downhill (when I didn't feather the clutch). I suppose it was because I'm a little hesitant after a long spell off the saddle. :ahhh: I figured I was going a little too slow going up steep inclines, trying to pick my way through rocks, rather than picking a line and committing. And on steep downhills, I just wanted to use the engine compression to help with braking. There isn't much there though :| I ran the same circuit alone yesterday and did a lot better, as I was much more aggressive.
The bike came with a 12T front sprocket, but I put the stock 13T back on. I recently installed a Dynoport Big Volume pipe, which made a big difference throughout the powerband. I figured a flywheel weight would be a good mod for the type of riding I'll be doing on my farm and the adjacent areas. Most of my trails are in the rocky, hilly woods with tight overgrown trails or none at all, and I try to stay away from the fields where my neighbors can hear me. Besides, winding out a KDX in a field isn't the type of thrill I'm after! ;) Plus, the weight should smooth out the hit.
The other option would be to get a 50T rear sprocket and appropriate chain, because my thread research indicates that although simple, the 12T front swap increases the wear and tear on the engine.
Any thoughts?? I appreciate the insight.
BTW - if anyone needs a place to ride in Washington County, NY, I'd enjoy some good company. It's tough to find places to ride and enjoy the sporting life in the Adirondacks, and that's one reason why I went into serious debt and "bought the farm" so to speak. I ride on over 500 acres, 400 of which is mine, and 100 which is owned by really cool seasonal neighbors at the top of the mountain!