Motorcycles BS Thread 2.0

you ever have issues with the engine mounting bolts coming loose/breaking/missing all together?

this is my biggest concern with moving away from full frame bikes

 

No. Ducati, Vincent, many bikes have been built that way since the 50's. Never heard of it happening to any of them.

 

just keep an eye out

it is a thing for sure, it can happen on any bike, full frame or not.

 

I rode from here to Maine and back on two lane roads on the 990, owned it 10 years and never heard of this problem on a KTM or Ducati

 

Had an 84’ and an 86’ atc 250R way back in the day. 300 cylinder kit on the 84’ was a low end trail ride. Played in the sand on the 86’.

 

you never or have never even checked the torque on dem bolts??

 

Here's one in the grass. Picture pulled from local adv fb group

 

Checked the bolts every season plus every time I checked the valve clearances, about each 6,000 miles.

 

Valve check every 6k seems a little excessive.... I do the bmw every 12k aka I pay them to check it lol

 

KTMs have a higher specific output…more power per displacement. So more frequently checked, but rare to be out of spec.

 

I'll pass on the 3 wheeler. A few months back, I picked up and delivered to my friend a Big Red 250 that he bought from a guy near my house. It was fun to ride around on it for a few minutes then it got pretty boring. I'll stick with 2 wheels.

Haha! Good looking out.

 

Engine or fuel tank / subframe? The subframe bolts are reportedly a point of failure. Mine had been upgraded by the PO so I can't speak from actual experience, but by looking at the design I can see how it could be an issue. I think if you have a 690 / 701 and do off-road, the subframe bolt upgrade is good piece of mind.

The 790 / 890 and the bigger bikes have a legit subframe so it's not really an issue.

Gratuitous 690 shot...

 

Yes, the subframe connection on these bikes is a completely different matter. Every one I know has switched these out, nearly every dealer recommends it. The gas tank is attached to the subframe, so adding luggage and/or passenger can overload the original fastener.

 

Damn, that would be a factor for purchase for me as far as maintenance cost. Wonder what the panam and duc are…

 

Pretty sure the panam has hydraulic valve lash adjusters and never needs a valve check.

 

FWIW I ride down 206 to the pines in my DRZ and have hit 80 no problem on trakmasters which are 90-10's with no issue. It feels a little squirrely but manageable. I imagine a knobby 50-50 would feel fine.

 

@stevesnj TBH 15 miles with a stint on 295 I would probably go KLR650. Won't get blown around as much, can still rip it in the pines, and it doesn't look like it was made in 1992.

 

for the price the klr650 is really really tough to beat, it would make a great highway and pine trail bike

IMHO, i would still go for the xr650l

but that whole dr650,xr650l,klr60 debate is its own topic, i guess one can say a knife is a knife is a knife as long as that shit cuts

 

Yeh I'm looking at those too.

 

Took a couple hours to get some fish tacos at the beach and try out my new Cardo.




thrashin supply guys posted a video about this place and it was worth it: The ride and the destination.