What makes the ultimate Off-Road weapon?

[Reesknight]

Another thing to consider would be if your riding in tight, technical single track woods where 5 mph is haulin a$$, a wide ratio gear box would be preferable. MX bikes can be a real handful in these situations.

 

[Patman]

I'm looking at this "ultimate" thing as what bike/modifications/parts would handle most every type of riding the best. There are a zillion variables out there hence the reason we all have different bikes and setups. I think if any of us could only pick one bike to ride anywhere and everywhere under all the different conditions that are available across the U.S. (let along the world) our specific picks might very well end up different from what we have in the back ouf our trucks. I know my selection of starting point would be worlds different than my current bike and some of the add-ons / modifications I had over the years and different bikes would apply and others I wouldn't do.

Then again my "ultimate" street bike would be something like a BMW R1200GS Adventure because it's got plenty of power for blastin the highways, lots of torque for putting around and can even get a little bit dirty since not all roads are paved. :)

 

[placelast]

Assumption: asian MX foundation (non-Gas Gas, KTM, nor Husky platform)

MX Tech suspension
Forward Motion porting & head work
Answer ProTaper CR-Hi or mini-high bend
FMF black Ergo grips
EE grip warmers
Fredette chain guide, hand savers & protectors
WER skid plate (glide plate w/two tube hoops, one on each side)
E-Line Accessories lighting coil
Tecnosel tall seat foam & cover, graphics, backgrounds; N-Style: #2
Devol rear disc guard
Regina O-ring chain
Renthal front sprocket for mud riding, Talon all others
Unabiker radiator guards (side protection, not front)
RTT steering damper/clamps
OEM wide-ratio trans (DRZ => RM250; WR426 => YZ250; CRF450X => CR250)
Steahly FWW
Rekluse or Revloc auto clutch (brand dependent) for woods
, Wiesco clutch basket for all else
18" rear wheel
Dunlop 773 for mud & sand, 952s elsewhere
MSR extra HD inner tubes
MT V-Force reed cage
No Toil fiter
IMS folding shift lever
ProCircuit Platinum II pipe, S/A
E-Line Accessories pipe guard
Pivot Pegz
Works Connection oil filler plug
Hebo hydo clutch
Braking oversize wave rotor
Cycra oversize disc guard
UFO 55w headlight, Acerbis enduro taillight/fender extension
Baja Designs side panel fuel tank (custom, one-off)

 

[KTM Mike]

Okie - fess up...this is for the Dirtrider Mag "forum shoot out" isnt it?

 

[D Lafleur]

Or of course the DirtWeek Night-time Poker run... I know FOR SURE a couple years ago, EVERYONE wanted better lights :p

I didnt. I was too busy drinking daddy pops. :bang: :)

 

[John Harris]

Protect it from the elements hard & wet, from below, above and sides (in case you should fall): handle well in slow and fast, set up for your personal comfort and ease of precise control; and power to the ground in all conditions. (It is not necessary or even preferable to spin the rear wheel everywhere.) Easy to start and restart hot or cold and after falling. My preference is not to have giant travel like most MX bikes, but to have softer shorter suspension and a low center of gravity on the motorcycle, but they are not usually made like that anymore. Cheers John

 

[D Lafleur]

Flywheel weight on a 250 cc mx bike. (this can be changed for the conditions, lightweight or non for the sand, heavier for the rocky riding areas. Rear sprockets can tune the bike for the terrain/average speed)

Suspension, (Find your personal guru, dont lie to him about how you ride or what you way, and trust him.) EE, MxTech, Race Tech, etc. all have good folks, but it is more important to have someone that understands what you are needing, not what you are asking. )

Hand guards ( I use EE, I want to be like Mike. :) )

S12s unless you live in the rocks.

Fuel Tank (Stock mx bikes will do ~ 30 miles on a stock tank. I ran 3.1 on my zuke and the jury is still out on if that helped. I didnt have to stop for gas, but the extra weight at the start of the race is noticable.)

Scotts Steering Stabilizer (Set loose on low speed, just to catch the bars when you hit the hidden stuff.)

Oring chains, spark arrestor silencer, heavy duty tubes, and case protection are givens. Solid rear rotors if you are playing in the mud.

 

[jsned]

Barkbusters, and excersize your butt off.

I ride in dist 17 Hs and Enduros so I get to watch Fredette smoke alot of fast guys on a antique bike with a few mods, which would still not make it as good as what is sitting on the dealer floors in todays modern bikes. This has led me to feel stupid spending money on things that are not in need of replacing due to wear, which is about all I can afford.

I think the ultimite offroad weapon is a bike that fits your riding style, in excellent mechanical condition come day of the race, because riding in the woods takes a toll on little things that could end your day early.

 

[BadgerMan]

Okie - fess up...this is for the Dirtrider Mag "forum shoot out" isnt it?

Could this be the motivation:

http://ktmtalk.com/index.php?showtopic=153806

I guess we can rule out the Austrian bike idear, eh?

YZ250......? :nod:

 

[KTM Mike]

yep Tim, I am sure that is it. I had seen it "over there" and figured Okie was testing us to see if we were true blue (orange?) DRN'ers or not!

Actually, doing a pumpkin may be better yet - think of if DRN could out do KTM Talk in prepping a KTM?

 

[Okiewan]

Yeah... it's out there now for all subscribers and STM's to read and contribute... see the new forum at the top of the forum home page.

As many members are readers of all the forums, I SUPPOSE this could be an issue for some. Just keep in mind, speaking in detail with Jimmy, they don't intend this to be a "Forum Competition", but you've got to know, many will take it that way. We aren't playing that game. You need to determine what "team" you want to play on and go with it... No hard feelings either way... it's all in good fun, I just hope the members of all boards remember that.

That being said, we are entering a bike. While we wanted to open the idea to all brands, given the short lead time (which frankly, borders on insanity), we had to limit the selection to a) what we believe in and b) what is do-able. DirtRider.Com has since limited the bikes to what they have "in stock" as test bikes, so we are confident our decision is okay as well. Please see the new forum on DRN and get involved. We need your expertise and opinons! We know what we can get as far as brand goes and we know it's WAY more than a CRF or YZF with a PU catalog thrown at it. Check the Build-Off forum.

As far as KTM? I think we are all DB'ers, regardless of the name of our site or if we are owned by a KTM dealer... but... I understand fully that there are boards that are better at their specific target, ie; KTMTalk surely has a lot more KTM guys than DRN. It's in their best interest to have a KTM get the best review... where DRN isn't brand specific... or "stroke specific" for that matter.

DRN is more generalized than the other boards... and many will say more "technical"... whatever? We are just going to put togehter the best bike we can and let the cards fall where they may. Like Isaid, it's all in good fun.

Please.. if you have something to add, contribute to that Build-Off forum... we are relying on you all to put this thing together. None of this costs the members anything... just a few minutes to get together and come-up with a dream bike. DRN will secure the bike, the parts.. all of it, just as I assume the other boards will. We really need your thoughts.

 

[BadgerMan]

You need to determine what "team" you want to play on and go with it...

Even though I might lurk around KTMtalk for some jetting specs or suspension settings, DRN is home. :cool:

I am still a Yamaha fan through and through and I would love to see a tricked out YZ250 with Forward Motion, MXtech, and DRN graphics in the subject issue of Dirt Rider. Even though I now own an Austrian bike (again), I have a special place in my heart for a converted Jap MXer. :nod:

 

[tx246]

this year i rode desert(new mexico), mx(local and away), woods(muenster/500 ect), rocks(moab/kiamichi) and if it snows, ill ride that too. all of this was on a cr.

handguards by moose
flywheel weight by msr
oring chain ek
clarke 3.0 tank for 65mile range
trailtech enduro computer so you know how much gas you have left. would upgrade to a highend unit if i had the money
devol radiator braces
pro circuit spark arrestor/pro circuit pipe
michelins wear well
suspension work of your choice.........mine was done by me with the help of some people who know what they are talking about in our very own suspension forum.
garmin 76 gps unit.
skid plate
pro tapers are bombproof

best mod on my bike was fixing the high speed compression valving on the front fork. it will fly over rock and roots no problem yet it still handles high speed desert.

iwish my bike had the following
title
lighting coil and baja light kit
wide ratio transmission .........mx gear boxes are all pretty tight.
i always wanted black anodised rims (excell w/stainless spokes from buchanon)
shark fin on rear brake
oversized front brake with wave rotor
ims footpegs

 

[mylesc]

OK, Here's my list:

- Scott's Steering damper
- BRP Rubber mounted Triple clamps with Sub Mount for Scott's Damper
- Pro Taper Bars
- Pro Moto Billet Kickstand
- E-Line Carbon Fiber Pipe Guard
- Cycra Pro Bend Handguards with triple clamp mounts
- Magura Jack Hydraulic Clutch
- Steahly Flywheel Weight
- MX-Tech Revalved suspension or Ohlins fork & shock
- Excel Wheel set (Black rims, silver or gold hubs, 18" rear rim)
- Service Honda Ultimate Speedometer
- Braking oversized wave front rotor
- Michelin S12 Tires
- Utah Sportscycle skid plate
- Works connection Frame Guards
- Devol Radiator Guards

 

[truespode]

I like the Rekluse instead of the hydro clutch.

I vote against S12's simply because they are going to test in CA and the terrain will vary. I think the Michelin StarCross MS or MH would be a better setup. They hold up well on East Coast hard pack as well as perform well in the mud.

Ivan

 

[dirt bike dave]

The Michelin S-12 and Dunlop 756 are popular all-around offroad tires here in California, even though they are rated a 'soft terrain'. Very versatile. If the riding will include forest they are among the best.

I happen to ride a bike that is tricker than most magazine 'project bikes'. It is a converted Japanese MXer and it is a dream to ride offroad. Many of the items have already been mentioned, but here you go:

Suspension - Factory Connection does a great job for off-road, but others may as well. Perfecting the suspension is a huge factor. For offroad a bike must be plush in the rocks and roots, but able to handle big hits and moderte jumps without losing its composure.

Steering Damper - an absolute must. Adjsut on the fly is nice. Go with Scotts.

Lighting - An ultimate bike must have an e-line system to power hot grips and lights. The additional HUGE benefit of the e-line is it really helps smooth power delivery. Better than a flywheel weight.

Armor - A must offroad. E-line has gobs of carbon fiber stuff.

Rear wheel - 18" and strong. Don't care about colors or brand names.

Big tank - go with Clarke.

Tubes - must be heavy duty. I prefer thick, natrual rubber, but for a project bike you could try the Summers ball system.

Silencer - FMF

Pipe - if the stock pipe makes the smoothest power, keep it on.

Hand guards - Cycra Pro-bend

Exotic stuff - Titanimum pegs. Replace the triple clamps. Might as well if it is for a magazine.


Weight - A realistic wet/no fuel weight for a fully enduro equipped 250 two stroke MX conversion is about 225 pounds. If low weight is the highest priority, you would have to leave off the 18" wheel conversion, the guards, the lights, heavy duty tubes, the steering damper, etc... Not worth it.

 

[truespode]

The Michelin S-12 and Dunlop 756 are popular all-around offroad tires here in California, even though they are rated a 'soft terrain'. Very versatile. If the riding will include forest they are among the best.

I stand corrected on the tires then.

Ivan

 

[woodsracer369]

Ultimate Woods Weapon

If I had the $ to do it:
2006 YZ250-Yellow would be cool
Baja designs HID headlight
Acerbis tailight / breaklight (something low profile and unobtrusive)
rewound stator (Baja Designs)
stealthy fkywheel weight
Fastway footpegs (set to low boy position)
EE handgaurds
Renthal CR bend oversize bars
Renthal medium half waffle grips
Scotts steering damper
PC platnum pipe and USFS spark arrestor
Baja designs tall firm seat
X-ring chain
Black excell rims
CF (e-line)pipe gaurd
CF (e-line) glide plate
Apprpriate springs front and rear (210# in street clothes)
Revalve front and rear for Michigan woods
ICO checkmate
Roll chart holder
Co Dan large bag for rear fender
Michigan street title
Bridgestone M25/M26 tires
Heavy duty tubes (Bridgestone or MSR)
Zip ty oversize tank
Zip ty quick change axle blocks (black)
Zip ty quick change axles



You can PM me for my shipping address when you have the bike done!!! I will gladly accept the bike free of charge as payment for my input!

 

[SFO]

The fastway handgaurd mount is the best engineered set up I have seen.
For the cr500af it will be a bonus as it will isolate the vibes and allow the bars to flex as designed, not buzz.
I would suggest tuning the whole handlebar assembly with a bar snake or bar end weights to further reduce the vibration factor.
Is there plans for the end result?
Will it be auctioned for charity?

 

[Patman]

I plan to sneak in to Service Honda under the cover of darkness and make off with it. Look for my picture in a post office near you shortly afterward. :)

 

[AJ Waggoner]

Is there plans for the end result?

The AFX bike, and shipping costs, are donated for the DRN / forum bike test,
test only,
not given to Okie to keep forever. ;)
(I'm sure $ 9K would be a nice gift, i would think he would owe me a kiss at least ? LOL)

So the bike itself would remain Service Honda's at the end of the day.
Makes sense right?
unless the forums involved can buy bikes to enter into this test.
*shrugs*

A raffle of some kind could be a possibilty,
details would have to be worked out.
I nany case what we do with the bike after the test,
is something we have plenty of time to work out afterwards?

One big concern is that any on line raffle , even for charity,
is against the laws of many states..ther legal depth of that would need to be really looked into by everyone involved.


what the forum wants done to the bike, the variuos things and mods, all need to be decided ASAP to meet the deadline.

all of the companies chosen, and donating thier time and products,
will be under a lot to make this deadline.
So we need to get exactly who we need to contact for product or services/modification lined
out very quickly.

 

[SFO]

fastco bars with their handguard mount system, maybe cut and inch off of each side?

 

[Jon K.]

If you can put Stephane Peterhansel on it, it'll go very fast.

No other modifications needed.

 

[Patman]

I'd wait on cutting the bars until we know what all it being hung on them. If we end up with one of those on the fly adjustable stabilizrs or additional switches etc... we may need the room especially on thos bars as they are a little limited on space IMO.

 

[truespode]

True. I read in a magazine (I believe it was my SETRA magazine) that Mike Lafferty likes to ride with full length bars so cutting them down is not necessarily a "must do," especially for West Coast riding.

Ivan