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KTM Thumper Discussion

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Based on the EE website they don't have a seat for my 2015 FE501S. They start with the new 2017 models.
 
Just wanted to show my new orange spokes. 15$ on eBay. :rider:
 

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So I recently bought a 2015 500 XCW, the bike is pretty impressive. I do need to re spring and re gear it after its first ride down in BB.

That said, I still have my 2006 450 XC. The bike sat for nearly two years. I was spending most of my time off work going down to Seguin to give my dad breaks from tending to my mother who had advanced Alzheimer's.

When the bike last ran it was difficult to start and frankly was running crappy. I'm ok with basic stuff... oil changes, valve adjustments and carb cleaning. I've had this bike since 2010 and bought it from the original owner who left it in NM and raced it once a year.

I was thinking the bike was probably ready for a new piston and valves. I'm trying to get the bike up and running again and today went to go through it and sort a few other little issues out and it seems I have very little adjustment left on the valves. I think its time to hand it off to a proper mechanic and get it running well again.

My question is, does anyone have any recommendations on a shop or mechanic to sort it out for me? Like everyone, I'd like to not end up spending a bunch of cash but I'm a realist and know I'm looking at least $1000.

Thanks for any input.
 
medicjeff said:
So I recently bought a 2015 500 XCW, the bike is pretty impressive. I do need to re spring and re gear it after its first ride down in BB.

That said, I still have my 2006 450 XC. The bike sat for nearly two years. I was spending most of my time off work going down to Seguin to give my dad breaks from tending to my mother who had advanced Alzheimer's.

When the bike last ran it was difficult to start and frankly was running crappy. I'm ok with basic stuff... oil changes, valve adjustments and carb cleaning. I've had this bike since 2010 and bought it from the original owner who left it in NM and raced it once a year.

I was thinking the bike was probably ready for a new piston and valves. I'm trying to get the bike up and running again and today went to go through it and sort a few other little issues out and it seems I have very little adjustment left on the valves. I think its time to hand it off to a proper mechanic and get it running well again.

My question is, does anyone have any recommendations on a shop or mechanic to sort it out for me? Like everyone, I'd like to not end up spending a bunch of cash but I'm a realist and know I'm looking at least $1000.

Thanks for any input.
Click to expand...

Most likely you only are running out of adjustment on the intake valves. This is a known issue on every year of these bikes from 2000-2007. The exhaust valves are usually always ok. Whatever you do, do not go back with stock intake valves. Use Kibblewhite valves. These will be well known to any decent KTM mechanic. These valves will last forever. The other thing that happens is the cylinder, right where the piston starts down, gets a ridge worn in it from wear. The rest of the cylinder will look good, but it probably will need to be re-plated to be right. There are good aftermarket pistons or the stock pistons and rings are fine too (my opinion, lots of opinions on this).

I do not know a KTM specialist shop in the Austin area, but these engines are nothing special and very easy to work on. I took mine completely apart on a card table in my TV room. There are a couple of KTM RFS motor specialists in the Western US. One is Dave Hopkins and the other is Thumper Racing. Both do good work, but will want to put your top end back to new which is OK, but will be a bit over your 1K budget. I personally do not see the need to ship this particular engine off, but just giving you two solid options in case you want to do that.

Sorry I don't have a local shop to recommend, but at least you can speak to the known issues when you talk to a shop so you can gauge what they actually know.
 
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If you are thinking of selling after it's fixed, please be aware that I'm in the market for a project just like this.

If you don't have my digits anymore, send me a pm.
 
I would think if your not going to keep it and ride it for a long time ,which I don't think you would now that you have the 500 ,you would be well ahead selling it as is.

Signatures? We don't need no stinking signatures!
 
Johnf3 said:
Most likely you only are running out of adjustment on the intake valves. This is a known issue on every year of these bikes from 2000-2007. The exhaust valves are usually always ok. Whatever you do, do not go back with stock intake valves. Use Kibblewhite valves. These will be well known to any decent KTM mechanic. These valves will last forever. The other thing that happens is the cylinder, right where the piston starts down, gets a ridge worn in it from wear. The rest of the cylinder will look good, but it probably will need to be re-plated to be right. There are good aftermarket pistons or the stock pistons and rings are fine too (my opinion, lots of opinions on this).

I do not know a KTM specialist shop in the Austin area, but these engines are nothing special and very easy to work on. I took mine completely apart on a card table in my TV room. There are a couple of KTM RFS motor specialists in the Western US. One is Dave Hopkins and the other is Thumper Racing. Both do good work, but will want to put your top end back to new which is OK, but will be a bit over your 1K budget. I personally do not see the need to ship this particular engine off, but just giving you two solid options in case you want to do that.

Sorry I don't have a local shop to recommend, but at least you can speak to the known issues when you talk to a shop so you can gauge what they actually know.
Click to expand...
There is TJs, but I've heard mixed reviews...

Working on a moto is super simple as engines go.

Watch youtube and give it a shot yourself. You will save mucho dinero which is well worth it

Sent from my SM-G900T using Tapatalk
 
Thanks for all the replies...

Johnf3 Unless I'm doing something really wrong (which isn't out of the realm of possibility) it seems as if I'm out on both intake and exhaust. I have read what you have stated and that is partially what makes me want to just hand it over to a bike mechanic to sort it out. I do know of DJH and Travis at Thumper racing but as you stated they would be out of my price range.

I actually want to hang on to this bike for a while despite having the new 500. Its provided me with countless hours of great riding all over several states and I'd like to keep it in the garage as a buddy bike and / or a spare to take along on trips just in case.

Joel and JMZ... I really would like to get it going strong again and hang on to it. But who knows.

I need to go to TJ's tomorrow for a new CS seal for this bike so I'll talk to them about getting the work done there. Was also going to go talk to Cuznbob at his place.

I did get quite a few other repair items taken care of today but now I just need it running strong. Thanks for the input.

Jeff
 
medicjeff said:
Thanks for all the replies...

Johnf3 Unless I'm doing something really wrong (which isn't out of the realm of possibility) it seems as if I'm out on both intake and exhaust. I have read what you have stated and that is partially what makes me want to just hand it over to a bike mechanic to sort it out. I do know of DJH and Travis at Thumper racing but as you stated they would be out of my price range.

I actually want to hang on to this bike for a while despite having the new 500. Its provided me with countless hours of great riding all over several states and I'd like to keep it in the garage as a buddy bike and / or a spare to take along on trips just in case.

Joel and JMZ... I really would like to get it going strong again and hang on to it. But who knows.

I need to go to TJ's tomorrow for a new CS seal for this bike so I'll talk to them about getting the work done there. Was also going to go talk to Cuznbob at his place.

I did get quite a few other repair items taken care of today but now I just need it running strong. Thanks for the input.

Jeff
Click to expand...

It caught my attention when you said your exhaust valves were at the end of adjustment too. If you had to move the threaded adjuster much more than 1/6 of a turn out then the valves were not fully closed when you checked the adjustment. However, if the bike starts and runs right then you probably did adjust them correctly.
There are two TDC on a four stroke and you have to make sure you are on the compression stroke or at least you have to make sure that you are on the heel of the cam. The valves you are checking must be fully closed when you check clearance.
 
medicjeff said:
So I recently bought a 2015 500 XCW, the bike is pretty impressive. I do need to re spring and re gear it after its first ride down in BB.

That said, I still have my 2006 450 XC. The bike sat for nearly two years. I was spending most of my time off work going down to Seguin to give my dad breaks from tending to my mother who had advanced Alzheimer's.

When the bike last ran it was difficult to start and frankly was running crappy. I'm ok with basic stuff... oil changes, valve adjustments and carb cleaning. I've had this bike since 2010 and bought it from the original owner who left it in NM and raced it once a year.

I was thinking the bike was probably ready for a new piston and valves. I'm trying to get the bike up and running again and today went to go through it and sort a few other little issues out and it seems I have very little adjustment left on the valves. I think its time to hand it off to a proper mechanic and get it running well again.

My question is, does anyone have any recommendations on a shop or mechanic to sort it out for me? Like everyone, I'd like to not end up spending a bunch of cash but I'm a realist and know I'm looking at least $1000.

Thanks for any input.
Click to expand...

Try calling Shawns cycles. Its in the Metric area. he has worked on everything including KTM. Opened his own shop 5 years ago.

9708 Gray Blvd. 78758

512 300 6497

Tell him Vinny recommended you call him. He is a good guy; does get busy sometimes.
 
I just picked up a 2014 500EXC. I've heard there is a bike guy in the Leander, TX area that is good on suspension. Anybody know about him and his contact info? I'll be in the area later this month and would like to talk with him. Oh, Leander is just NW of Austin.
Thanks, Robert
 
Actually I am interested in someone closer to Austin that is good with suspension. Need to get the Husky setup for my rather heavy weight !!! :)
 
kubotamiketx said:
Actually I am interested in someone closer to Austin that is good with suspension. Need to get the Husky setup for my rather heavy weight !!! :)
Click to expand...

I've had Roger Albert do work for me in the past with good results but I keep hearing about someone in the Leander area that is supposed to be really good. I think JT may have mentioned him so I'll PM him and see. Not sure if he checks this thread or not.
Robert
 
Oh congrats on the KTM. I am in love with my 2015 Husky 501
 
kubotamiketx said:
Oh congrats on the KTM. I am in love with my 2015 Husky 501
Click to expand...

I've been real interested in one of these for several years and when I made the mistake of riding Trail Boss's EXC I was hooked. The other bike was the Husky but this bike just rather fell into my lap and I jumped on it.

Robert
 
Almost the same bikes! FYI I switch the Tubliss and love it. Really worked great in BB once I put some sealant in the tires. Can't tell you how many thorns I pulled out of both front and rear tires.

Lots of little things you can do if they haven't been done already. Also check the TPS when you get a chance, that was the one change that really made mine get up and bark.
 
Looks like an interesting guy, thanks for the info !
 
812 Suspension might be the guy . Everyone calls him Doc.
You can look him up on Google maps for location .
 
FYI, I just took my first ride on my new Seat Concepts seat, wow what a difference that thing makes. Wish I had it in BB. Well worth the money!!!
 
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