- Joined
- Feb 29, 2016
- Messages
- 1,444
- Reaction score
- 740
- Location
- Austin
- First Name
- Michael
- Last Name
- Morisoli
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.
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.
There is TJs, but I've heard mixed reviews...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.
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
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.
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 !!!
Oh congrats on the KTM. I am in love with my 2015 Husky 501
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 !!!
Give Doc a call.... http://www.812suspensiondesign.com/ He's in Roundrock.
You wont meet a nicer guy. He's got a **** of a story too. This video was made a little while back about him. Its well worth the watch.
https://vimeo.com/184621250