***

SUBJECT: EARLY MAICO GEOMETRY

Rick:
I'm looking for chassis geometry specs for 1972-1973 Maicos. Could you help me out?  Send me in the right direction?  Thanks for your time.
Sincerely,
Mitch Cowart
 

Your best bet is to get a 1973 Maico and measure everything yourself.  A word of caution: the wheelbase will vary from 55 1/2 to 57 inches, depending on the rear wheel adjustment.  Another thing many builders never take into consideration is the weight distribution. On the 1973 Maico 400, the weight distribution is almost a perfect 50/50.

***

SUBJECT: HONDA CRF230F FORK SWAP

hi
great info thanks, i have rejetted my 2005 crf230f and it is much better i am now considering trying to modify the front forks and have the chance of buying some 1995 cr 250 forks which have had little use i can stand them raising the seat height but will the yokes fit on the frame and also would i be able to run the cr 250 front wheel? thanks for your help.
richard
Wakefield, UNITED KINGDOM

The 1995 forks were decent and you'll have to use the '95 front wheel with those forks.  To fit the forks to your 230 frame, just follow the directions in the Project Bike series.  You can slide the forks up in the triple clamps and the seat height will not change much.

***
SUBJECT: M-STAR OR MAICO?

Hey Rick -
I used to read your blurb in DB magazine back in the 80's. I wasn't sure if you were still around until I did a recent search on the www.

Since 1988 I have owned what I just found out - thanks to you - is a 198(4,5,6?) M-Star 500 SC.  Actually, I knew all along it was a mid 80's 500
cc Maico, I just didn't know what to call this tall Maico with an SC on the seat.  There are no decals on the tank. 

Anyway - I haven't ridden the bike in over 15 years, but it was running good when it was last started.  My question is: what should I do with it?  Is it, or will it ever be a "collector item"? If not, is it a worthwhile bike to race in vintage circles? (actually I don't know what year qualifies for "vintage" - I just figure 25 years is getting up there in bike years) 

I plan on getting back into riding soon and was thinking going the vintage route might save me a buck or two.  BTW - I have a 78 MC440 and a 80 PE400 that could be candidates as well. 
Let me know what you think...

From an old, and getting older fan....
Charlie Kahler
Marysville, Wa (the STATE) 

The bike you have is a 1984 M-Star, so named by Ted Lapadaikis, the Sachs/Hercules distributor in the US.  The bike was made by Maico and never sold well.  After the fall of Maico in 83/84, the dealership network fell apart. The bike you see here has Maico stickers on the tank, as well as the M-star logo on the saddle.

Read On.. you may need to wait a few moments for all the pages to load...

***

SUBJECT: YAMAHA IT 125MUFFLER

Hunky,
I must be losing my mind. I have scoured my D rt BIke mags and cannot not find the article. I thought you guys at Dirt Bike had an article on adding a IT175 end piece to a IT125 for better bottom end response. I have almost all the Dirt Bike mags and cannot find this article. Does any of my incoheriant babbling ring a bell?
Thanks cornfused in PA
 Michael Noll
 PS have both 80 & 81 IT125 Dirt Bike test mags not mention of this mod

Nope, Dirt Bike did not run such an article.

***

SUBJECT: MYSTERY GRUNGE FROM AN ’86 YZ250

i have a 1986 YZ250 and it is leaking a steady flow of black oily stuff from the crankcase overflow tube why does it do this and can i fix this?
Sheldon
Armstrong, CANADA

Chances are you have a bad water pump seal and it's pressuring the trans.  There's no such thing as a crankcase overflow tube on a 1986 YZ250. 

***

SUBJECT: UNHAPPY READER

Hey i think u are a real jerk the way u annser people who write u with a problem U know not everyone is a master meckanik or has a collage degree so there u can go %$((&^$*)$# yourself.
Dan the Man
YZ80s rule

Hmmm. Is it possible that you are less than satisfied (whoops, I mean u) with my performance? Now go away and don’t get in a race with a KTM 525 in the interim. There, your YZ80 just might not rule.

***

SUBJECT: 1978 RM400 SUZUKI CONFUSED CLUTCH

I wonder if you can answer a question that I have about my 1978 RM400C. This bike is all original and I bought it from a guy in 1982 that raced it semi-professionally. He informed me that the bike was race prepped by Suzuki and they added an extra clutch disc to the clutch package so that the increased power would not slip the clutch. In fact, you cannot totally disengage the transmission using the clutch with the extra disc. He also gave me three different exhaust systems and a couple of extra rear sprockets for it when I bought it.

It still runs real strong, my only complaint is that it is hard to start and seems to have a weak spark when kicking it over. Is there anything that I should look for in the electrical system? Also, I will probably be selling this bike in the near future to finance a couple of quads for my family. Any ideas mwhere I can find people interested in this type bike? Thanks in advance.
Steve

The people who sold you this bike are yanking your chain. You just can't add a clutch plate to a bike.  This bike is not a real collector's item.  Basically, you have an old 400 RM that's worth about 800 bucks if it's in average decent condition.

***

SUBJECT: 83 MAICO WORTH

Hunky,
Any advice, sell now or save the Maico 83 490 spyder for another day. I am 2nd owner(85) and its mmaculate(close anyway) any idea of a fair value  
Carry on
mike garcia

I bought a fairly clean 83 490 for about $1500, so take it from there.

***

SUBJECT: 1975 KAWASAKI KX400 GEARBOX PROBLEMS

I have a 1975 KX400 with an annoying penchant for missed shifts. It happens while racing, quick shifting and all, usually (but not restricted to) between 3rd and 4th gears, resulting in a wild over-rev and often a loss of position! Shift action is fine, but is a real bear to find neutral while the engine is running. Also, last race was extremly muddy. The bike was idling in neutral after a moto, caked with mud. I rev'd the motor to shake some muck loose and the thing jumped into gear all by itself! I've replaced the 3 return springs on the internal shift mechanism to no avail. I suspect clutch springs. Any ideas?
Ed
Keiser, OR

You probably have rounded dogs (the splines on the back side of the gears) that let the bike jump out of gear.  And consider this:  your bike is over 35 years old and the entire gearbox could be badly worn.

***

SUBJECT: YZ490 STALWART

Man, you really get me mad when you rag on the YZ490. Did you know that there is a large group of 490 fans and we share information with each other to keep these beasts alive and running strong? Sure I have some jetting problems to work out but nothing is faster. An apology is in order.
Frank W.
Chicago, IL

Why the YZ490 has fans is beyond me. When I tested the YZ490 back in the ‘80s, the vibration ripped the calluses off both hands at the end of two 45 minute motos. In spite of the efforts of the factory Yamaha mechanics, the bike was impossible keep jetted correctly with a temperature change of 10 degrees.

***

SUBJECT: PICKING THE RIGHT VINTAGE BIKE

Hi Rick 
I was wanting an older bike  like a 74 250M elsinore, or a 74 yamaha MX 360, maybe both i cant fit on the newer ones as they are too tall I wish i could as i like the KX 250 and 500 of 99, but if you cant fit than ohh well, Seen alot of junk out there thats  no good and over priced, like maicos  too but  i see too much hype on them as well as older huskys, do I just find an older yammie or an Elsie and be done with it, as i can get on those and then control them pretty god as I was riding since 69, new mini trial for X mas back then, sweet little bike, Id like to get a maico but heard about the so called maico breako junk, Like the TM 400s too but  I know about the powerband on them, I just  want something ill like and fit on and dont want a 4 stroke they feel like a putter round bikeI see the yamaha 360's  but them I keep going back to the TM 250 and 400 if i could find a couple of good ones  and that the PEI could be changed for a CDI out of a TS 400, I like the elsinores alright, and if  i couldnt find a TM then Id settle for an Elsie or that  dumb name the trendy crowd calls them, Ohh Rick I had a 125YZ A it was fast in a straight line but the horrible thermal flow shocks and front forks made it go all over the place, I mean i could take on 125 elsinores but when it came to bumps  theres no one home, I just  need your help and wisdom on this rick ok im like you total traditionalist, and total wisdom aka dont fix it if its not broke!
Kirk Conway

All things considered, I'd opt for a 73/74 Honda Elsinore 250.  It will hold its value well and parts are easy to find.  By the way, did you realize that your entire email was one sentence long?  Jeez!

***

SUBJECT: HONDA CRF230F CHAIN SWAP

i have another question. i found a renthal 428 conversion kit. it has 16 front and 61 rear. would this work instead of the 15 front and 50 rear
Thanks
Derick

Forget about the 428 chain on the 230.  Face facts, the 428 is a mini bike chain.

Keep Going...

***

SUBJECT: BRAD LACKEY’S YZ490

Hi Rick,
I am building a replica of the YZ that Brad raced at the 83 Carlsbad GP. I desperatly need some phots and as much info on the bike as I can get and was hoping you could give me some direction on who or where to turn to for info.
Thanks
Lendon Smith

Here's a photo of the bike Brad rode in that race. 

***

SUBJECT: WANNA SEE A PHOTO OF A HONDA 350?

Hello,
This is my 1972 Honda SL350 I bought from a guy that was sitting in his back yard for years. It was a total basket case. It has stainless steel reproduction mufflers from New Zealand. You don't want to know the price. I also have a 1971 with original exhaust and a 1971 SL175 as well. I LOVE OLD BIKES...

Got it.  Photo will be in the March  DON'T ASK column.

***

SUBJECT: 1978 YAMAHA YZ250 VALUE

hey offroad people.
i was wundering i got a 1978 yamaha yz 250e i wanted to know.. whats its value.. how good is it? get back to me.
garrett.
Kichener, CANADA

It all depends on the condition of the bike. If the bike is perfect and has just been restored, figure on $1500.  If it's average, $850 to $1000 is normally the going price.  If it's a beater, you'll be lucky to get $400 for it.  The bike was a decent machine for its time, but the most desirable was the 6-speed 1980 bike.

***

SUBJECT: THE BAJA HARLEY!

Just found this article...blew me away...where can I get more details or a breakdown on suppliers/how to do...as I have a 2007 1200R that I would love to covert and ride home to Bangkok from Phoenix. Please contact me as to where I can get more detail;s on this project...I hope someone follows these older posting and can steer me in
the right direction.
TIA Fred West
Phoenix, AZ

The only information we have is what's in the article.  Your best bet is to study the photos carefully and make the same mods.

***

SUBJECT: NAME THAT YAMAHA

I HAVE A YAMAHA AND NEED TO FIND WHAT YEAR AND MODEL IT IS NUMBER ON MOTOR IS 598-010857
Rich
Brazoria, TX

I looked up the numbers and it turns out that you have a 1976 YZ80C.  What I want to know is how in the hell you can own a bike and not know what year and model it is?  Especially when the numbers are on the steering head.

***

SUBJECT: OLD YAMAHA ENDURO QUITS RUNNING

Hey, Rick.
I have a Yamaha CT2. It now starts on the second or third kick, and runs well. I've taken it on rides up to 20 miles long. It shifts and revs to the limit just fine, but occasionally it will just die when I come to a stop sign, but not all the time, just once in a while. At first I thought it was just because it wasn't warm yet, but on my longest ride, it only happened after about 15 miles, so it was plenty warm by then. After it dies, after several kicks, it starts back up, and I can ride it again until it again chooses to die. I've rebuilt the carb. I've tried both the stock pipe and an expansion chamber (still dies using either) so I don't think it's clogged with carbon. I've replace the points, plug, and condenser. The timing has been set with a dial gauge. Can magnetos die? So what should I try next?
Paul
Albany, CA

Once again, we contacted our resident Yamaha Enduro expert, Matt Cuddy,  and here's what Matt had to say:

Nah, sounds like something electrical. I've had the contacts in the ignition switch burnish over with blu-black electrical crud, had the same symptoms. Since he has replaced the condenser, got the timing spot on, etc., I'd check to see if it's the switch by bypassing the electrical harness and plug in that black wire next to the coil that is a direct line to the magneto. If it still dies at a stop after that it has to be something else, like an air leak when it gets warm, but it doesn't sound like fuel starvation.
 
He might want to check the spark real quick when it dies, by having a B8ES handy to stick in the plug lead, might be able to diagnose it that way (if there's no spark).
 

***

SUBJECT: YAMAHA TTR230R QUESTIONS

This was the best article I've found so far, I'm currently deployed and sadly missing this years desert season, fitting, as I just got my first bike, a barely used 2006 TTR230, and at first I was a little hesitant with all the nay sayers, telling me I should get a bigger bike, but after reading all the mods you guys have done, it makes it a completely different bike. Good to know there's upgrade potential for the bike. Now if they'd only make more aftermarket parts for it, it's the only advantage the CRF has over the TTR in my opinion. Keep up the strong work guys!!
Pyro
Oceanside, CA

Actually, now that we have the bike this far along, we find that it's worlds better than a stocker.  And we don't have that much money in it.

***

SUBJECT: HONDA CRF230F SMOKING

Dear Rick,
im 15 years old and when i first got my crf 230 my brother and I took out the baffle. When it started to smoke i started looking into it and i found your articles. thats when I rejetted my carb and put on an amr racing rev box. When I did this the smoking went down but it still does it when i warm the bike up. can i do something to make it stop completely?
Nolan
Coweta, OK

Most any  bike will smoke a bit while it's warming up, but it's entirely possible that you damaged the rings when you ran the old/stock jetting on the bike.  Check the compression and see if it's up the specs.

***

SUBJECT: YES, EVEN MORE CHINESE BIKE PROBLEMS

I have 2 china bikes one wildfire, the other rodeka both I have rebuild the carbs, changed spark plugs,Changed Coils, they both continue to Hesitate and back fire, if you give the gas slow its not that bad but if you feed it with carb spray it doesn't make a differents. Did notice if you rev it up you get a mist of gas out of the back of Carb most of the time. Need help with this one.
Shoffner
Springfield, OH

I have utterly no sympathy for people who buy the cheapy Chinese knock-off bikes.  Most are sold at auto stores, not at real bike shops.  Want a shop manual for your Cheech & Chong special?  Lots of luck. I've said it before: you're way better off buying a used Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki or Suzuki than a new one of these piles of crap.  Just take a look at the forks and shocks (if any) on these bikes.  And see if you can find any strength markings on the bolt heads.  Fat chance.  I've seen Chinese cheapy quads with un-graded bolts on the swingarm pivots!  Now that's criminal!

***

SUBJECT: STREET BIKE FROM INDIA?

I GOT YAMAHA RX100 2STROCK BIKE,AND I WANT TO INCREASE THE POWER OF MY BIKE SO WHAT SHOULD I DO?AND TO WHOM CONTACT PLEASE HELP ME.
Bikerz
Vasai (Mumbai)
India

At the risk of starting world war III, perhaps you ought to take a look at the name of this site:  it's OFF-ROAD.COM, not ON-ROAD.COM. Your bike is a popular youth street bike made in India, where I am sure they don't write everything in CAPS.

***

SUBJECT: HONDA CRF230F SILENCER SWAP

hi rick,
i have crf230f 2008, it is better if i change the silencer with my brother crf 250x twin silencer (i take one), is it make better performa? Thanks ( sorry if my english is poor)
Ade
Jakarta, INDONESIA

The silencer will be more efficient if it fits the stock pipe, but you must put in the power up jetting to keep from running too lean.  By the way, your English is much better than many of the people who email us.  Refer to back issues of ORC's PROJECT CRF230F for details on how to install the jets.

Keep Going...

***

SUBJECT: IT490 VS YZ490

Hi superhunky,
I saw your response to the Yamaha IT490 and was wondering why you liked the IT but not the YZ490?  Aren't they about the same? Also, I have a 95 ktm 620 lc4 that needs a new or rebuilt crank.  Any suggestions? As always, I look forward to your "don't ask" column way more than I should!
David
ARMY

While the IT was a bit heavy, it had good torque and was nowhere near as fussy as the YZ490.  Any KTM shop should have the parts you need, If there's no shop near you, contact KTM at:  www.ktmusa.com
1119 Milan Ave, Amherst, OH - (440) 985-3553

***

SUBJECT: MORE POWER FROM A 2007 KX100?

i have a stock kx 100 '07. i want to pipe my bike and get some more out of it and decided to go with a fmf fatty. but i'm kinda stuck on which silencer to get..powercore 2 or powercore shorty. i ride alittle bit of everything but mostly bush and hills. sometimes i have a hard time with boggging out on hills and am hoping for something that will help with the low end power. do i need an upgraded engine to run the shorty? what should i get? thanks.
Alisha
Vancouver, CANADA

All things considered, you have to face the fact that you're riding a 100 cc bike.  Dollar wise, about the best thing you can do is put a one tooth smaller countershaft sprocket on. This will reduce your top end, but will help in the tight stuff.

***

SUBJECT: 2007 CRF450X BLUES

I purchased a brand new CRF450X 07 Model in Jan 08. Since then, the thing has been back in the shop to get a valve adjustment done. 3mths later, it now is becoming hard to start again so back in it goes. The horn works when it wants to. The indicator lenses have fallen off and the LED indicators raent working as they have shaken apart. Now as well, the battery isnt charging. What a lemon. Got heaps of grunt when it goes well but when it dosent, it costs an arm and a leg to keep it on the road. Piece of junk !!!!!!!
Bucks35
Townsville, AUSTRALIA

Face it, the new generation of four strokes are fussy, expensive to buy, horrible to maintain, expensive to rebuild and very difficult to work on.  If you look at the Honda CRF450F manual, it says you should have it rebuilt after 30 hours of riding and 15 hours if you're a pro.  Typical cost?  Over $3000!  I have a 490 Maico and I'll put fresh rings in it once a year, mostly because I feel guilty.  Your "X" model is, in fact, less stressed and more reliable than the regular MX bike. 

***

SUBJECT: UN-STICKING A TOP END

Hi Rick,
Im gonna free up a 78 Suzuki  RM 250 engine, Its stuck, but I know it can be redone if i do it right, Sound's like a ring thats stuck, How do i get it unstuck without taking the head and cylinder off, Or,,, Do I have to resort to getting the bore off, and then pushing the piston out and hoping that the bearings are alright too, Can I pour diesel down the plug hole, or use gibbs  penetrant like people that redo older farm tractor,s?
Thank;s alot Rick,
Kirk C from kansas,  

Here's a good trick that works most of the time.  Get a bunch of ATF (automatic transmission fluid) and put it in a large (five gallon) bucket.  The take the motor and submerse it upside down in the ATF.  You can use old dirty  ATF and it works fine.  After a few days, even badly stuck top ends will come loose.

***

SUBJECT: HONDA CR250 CASE PROBLEM

My 1995 Honda CR250 keeps over heating. I know there was a recall on the casting and I was told by previous owner it was fixed, but about to open it up and rebuild the water pump - just wanted to know what the recall fixed - would I be able to see a difference?
Tom K.
San Diego, CA

Yes, the bike had pin-hole casting flaws around the water pump, would leak out into the atmosphere or into the transmission. First year of water cooling. Aluminum/steel/magnesium/water = eletrolysis. Run on straight Bel Ray anti-freeze with water pump lubricant.

***

SUBJECT: HOW GOOD OR BAD WAS THE DT175?

hello rick
my name is mike, and i have been a big fan of yours since the 70's...the stack of dirt bike mags in my office is proof. i have a question for you, and i hope you will reply. i just bought an 81 yamaha dt175 for the purpose of trail riding. yes, i could have bought one of the plethora of modern bikes, but i wanted something closer to what i rode when i was younger. this bike is in really great shape and was hardly used since new. i was wondering what your thoughts on this bike are? i can only assume you must have tested it back in the day, but i  can't find my 1981 or 82 issues of dirtbike. i look foreward to hearing back from you.
thanks,
mike

Once again, we turn to our Yamaha  DT expert, Matt Cuddy, for insight in this:

He didn't say if it was the Enduro or the MX. Either way, a mild little bike that weighed around 240 lbs. 16 hp. Old mono-style design with the de-carbon shock under the tank. An off-shoot of the famous 1978 IT175 with less power, less capability. Drums fore and aft, with foo-foo bike leanings. Nice little bike if you don't get too serious about going fast. Leave stone stock and ride the wee wee out of it. Investing big $$$ in hop-up stuff is futile.

***

SUBJECT: SUZUKI RM250 PISTON PROBLEM

I bought a wiseco piston for my 1987 Suzuki RM 250 2stroke and it gets stuck to the crankshaft every time i try to start it. Whta would be the problem?
Roberta
East Nicolaus, CA

The problem is that you described your problem like a drooling idiot.  If the piston is simply too long and hitting the top of the crank, then you have the wrong piston.  However, the way you describe things, one would guess that your piston is made from contact cement.

***

SUBJECT: WORST BIKES OF ALL TIME?

Mr. Superhunky,
Was a list ever put together for the "10 worst dirtbikes of all time" that included madels from the 80's and 90's. I
keep hearing how bad the YZ 490's were, but I bought a peach of a bike in 1983. The KX 500. That bike was the biggest pile of garbage to ever wear the Kawi green. I tried having the thing excorcised as I was certain that it was possessed. I seem to remember Dirt Bike havng some trouble getting their test bike to work as well. Just curious as I want to start collecting vintage bikes but would like to know what to stay away from.
Thank you sir,
Chris
San Fernando, CA

I'm working on such a list with Matt Cuddy even as we trade emails.  Yep, the Kawasaki 500 had some problems, mostly with jetting.  We're on the job.

***

SUBJECT: WHICH BIKE FOR VINTAGE RACING?

Sir,
I am considering racing vintage mx, since that is not my era and ive been off mx bikes for 15yrs, I’d like to know your opinion on which bikes from 73-79 would be the best to race judging  handling/power/parts/$ etc?  Also, how would I find out the eccentrics of those you recommend?
Rohn Ussery
Robins AFB,Ga

A lot depends on how heavy you are.  You sure don't want to race a 125 if you're 230 or so. If you weigh around 180 and up, an open bike is the way to go.  Then you have to consider that 1974 and earlier bikes are limited to four inches at the rear and seven inches of travel up front. If you opt for a newer bike, then the travel is plush compared to the older bikes.  Here, I'd go for a 1976 to 1979 Maico 400.  You can still find plenty of parts for these bikes and they're remarkable handlers and have more than enough power. I just returned from the AHRMA Nationals, and Maicos were running up front in many classes.  If you're lighter in weight, consider a 250 Elsinore in the pre-74 class and Suzuki or Yamaha 250 in the post vintage class.  Hope this helps.

***

SUBJECT: WHICH BIKE FOR A 16 YEAR OLD KID?

Rick
I am looking to build a bike as a present for my sons 16th birthday, I am leaning toward some type of 2 stroke big bore enduro like a yamaha IT 465/490 easily converted dual sport.   Can you tell me info on changing the transmission gearing to easier adapt to street speeds?   I remember speaking to a desert racer while stationed at 29 Palms Ca. who rode a CR480 that could easily maintain 100 mph speeds and cant remember the outfit who did the tranny upgrade. I know Larry Rostetler [not sure of the spelling there] was influential in this area.   Any bike type you think would work feel free to chime in.
Thanks
Greg Kipp

You don't have to do anything to the trans itself, but going up two teeth on the countershaft sprocket will give you all the top end/cruising speed you need.  Actually, I would consider a Kawasaki KDX200 first.  It's a six speed and will easily pull two more teeth on the C/S sprocket.  I raced one for years and recall passing XR650s down the paved straights in grand prix racing. It's a light bike and fun to ride.

***

SUBJECT: MONKEY BUTT FAN

I've just recently finished your book, "Monkey Butt"......for the fifth time. I wanted to let you know I've been reading you since you first started at DB.... that was a long time ago..I remember taking the base shuttle bus down to the BX at Kadena AFB in Okinawa, Japan when I was 13, just to get your latest issue...lol.

I'm about halfway through my first novel....which will be dedicated to you, so if someone says "hey, some dude mentioned your name in the front of his book", then you'll know who it was. I hope like hell a couple hundred people mention that to you....that means my book will have sold at least a few copies....lol.

Take care and carry on with whatever you're doing. Hope it involves riding. As soon as I finish my book I'm going to clean up the '74 CR250 and start vintage racing again. Look forward to possibly meeting you at the races.
 Maicos are forever,
 David Guillory
SLC, UT. 

Thanks for the kind words and the plug in the book.I'd like to see it when you're done.  I'm still writing (www.off-road.com) and riding again.  Hope to see you at the races.

***

SUBJECT: TOO SLOW, TOO SPOILED

Hi
I have a 2003 CRF230F and I have a problem I am 5'2" and the bike fits perfect and thats why my dad got it for me but i am an experienced rider and even with all the modifications I still find the bike to behave like a kitten. I know this because my freind did all the things you said and I rode it. Anyway I really don't want to get a different bike because they are all just to big. So I was wondering if their is anyway to do an engine swap from a CRF250R or X. The main point is I want the bike to behave more like an R. What should I do?
Steve
Monroe, WA

Let's see now.  Daddy bought you a bike and you're bitching because it isn't fast enough?
No doubt you would want Daddy to pay for the engine swap, which could be done, but would cost thousands of dollars.  You, kid, are what's wrong with this sport.  Get a job and buy your own bike and don't bother me with stupid questions ever again.

***

SUBJECT: HE RODE A TM400 HIS WHOLE LIFE!

Rick
just want to let you know I met a guy who still rode his 73 tm 400 in the desert up until 2007 at the age of 79.It was the only bike he had and he bought it new.He died of a heart attack recently and the family brought the bike to the cemetary so it could be in attendence at the funeral.The guy wanted it this way.I never did tell him that DB
magazine voted it the worst pile ever.
Rob
Visalia, CA

Sorry to hear that the gentleman passed on, thinking that his bike was great, when in fact, it was quite possibly the worst bike of the 70s. 

***

SUBJECT: 77 RM125 STUCK THROTTLE

Hello i have a 1977 suzuki 125 bored 30 over and i stored it over the winter without gas and when i filled it up to take it out it kicked over normally but stuck at high rpms untill i shut it off. do you know what it could be?
J. Rock
Garden City, MI

You, my friend, have some kind of a massive air leak.  Check the top of the carb, the cylinder for blown base or head gaskets, or a cracked air boot. 

***

SUBJECT: Article Title: Project Honda CRF230F: It's all about the Forks
I was wanting to put a set of 2001 CR 125 forks on my 2005 crf 230 would these work, and where would I find your step by step intstructions
Thanks
Tom Bean
Independence, OR
 

All you have to do is go to Project Bikes and find the CRF230F, then highlight the article
you want.  It takes you through step at a time on how to do it.

***

SUBJECT: REAL WORLD ARTICLES

Dear Rick,
I just wanted to say "well done" for the recent article that you wrote (Off-Road.com) about your trailer project.  It reminded me of an article one might have found in Dirt Bike when you were the editor (e.g., concisely written with good, useful information--another example is the article you wrote several years ago about wheel bearings).  Today's motorcycle magazines include articles about $40K trailers.  While I could buy that type of trailer, I prefer a more basic approach to motorcycles and recreation.  Call me frugal if you want, but I prefer not to spend such sums on an infrequently used item that will depreciate 50% in a few years.

I greatly miss the simplicity of motorcycling in the "golden era".  I know that today's motorcycles are far superior, but they are also more and more complicated (e.g., fuel injection).  It seems that everyone takes dirt and street motorcycling so seriously these days, and mega displacement seems to be a requirement.  I can remember when people rode simple, lighter, smaller displacement bikes at slower speeds and had more fun at a modest cost (think of the opening scenes in On Any Sunday).  I hope that you are doing well, and please keep sharing your back to basics philosophy of motorcycling.
Regards,
Tom Smolenski
Michigan

 
Yep, I miss those simpler days, too. I had a lot of fun making that trailer right, especially when I had my Old Buddy Tom helping me on it.  Just like the old days.

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SHAMELESS PLUG
I've got books,  posters and all kinds of CDs.  This makes the ideal  gift for someone who enjoys living in the past.  Website:
www.superhunky.com

Here's the source:
Rick Sieman
36607 W. Costa Blanca Dr.
Maricopa, AZ
85238
Email:  superhunky@gmail.com
Paypal, Check or Money Order OK - No plastic