[risc]

You can plate pretty much anything in Oregon so I'm itching to put together a mini. I'm doing this on the cheap so it will be whatever rubber I can fit on the stock rims to start. I was thinking about a TTR-125le like the many fine examples posted on this board but I was wondering about the suitability of an 85 or a KX100. They seem to come with better suspension, brakes, etc and a bunch more power I'd probably ride to work on occasion (only 4 miles), ride around the 'burbs, practice cornering (a la SuperCamp). I imagine it will be so much fun that all of my friends will have to build them.

I'm not really concerned with racing but I don't get to ride my big bike as much as I'd like so I thought this would tide me over. Is the power control-able? How often is it going to need a new top end if I'm not racing?

 

[want2race]

Are you worried about lights? You can do it on the two storkes, but if you're looking for cheap that might not be the best choice. Re-winding the stator adds a bit to the cost. Nearly as much as a pre-assembled light kit.

I picked up a headlight for $70 and a tail light assembly (for a ktm fullsize, trimming required) for $15. Nothing else need but some wires, a switch for the brake and headlight and to tap into the existing wiring.

Can you get a big wheel 85 or 100? I have a set of Trail wings in 19 and 16 (f and r), they worked pretty well on road and off. Might be a good tire to get started on.

And yes, your friends will all be hooked as soon as you let them ride it for a bit.

 

[risc]

I already found a 40w coil for $50. I don't plan to right at night so the lights would just be for legality and not getting run over. I'd definitely get a big wheel. Who makes the Trail Wings? Where did you find the brake switch?

My biggest concern is that it will need new ring(s) every 5 hours. Which begs to question is the bike a single ring or dual ring? If single does any one make a dual ring piston? Can anyone give me a ball park on how much maintenance it'll need?

 

[want2race]

Bridgestones.
http://www.tiresnstuff.com/bri-oemDualsport.html#05

Look for the Honda NX250 tires. Those 'r them.

 

[bikepilot]

It will not need a ring every 5 hours. I've been maintaining KX100's for quite a while (my sister raced one in MX and HS, my wife trail rides one and I play on one) and they typically go a whole season of MX/HS racing on a top end with no problems. The oem set-up uses two rings, the wisco pro-lites use one ring. The whole maintance issue is really way over-blown imho. If you want to be conservitive and you are going to be riding every weekend or more plan on one re-ringing mid season and a top end ever season. Re-ringing costs less than $30 and takes 30-45 minutes. A top end costs about $70 and takes about an hour if you clean the pv's and do it up right. Realisticly, you will likely only need to re-ring once a year and do top ends every other year.

Trail-Wings are bridgstone dual sport tires, they are stock on V-Stroms. Many people like to run trials tires for mini-sm.

you can get pressure activated brake switches (replaces the banjo bolts) from yoyodine (sp?), E-line, Bajadesigns, Chapperell etc. They are usually $15 each, you will need two if you want the brake light to work with either brake.

You will also need a voltage reg to run lights, moose and others make them, they are available from e-line, bajadesigns, chapperell etc.

A KDX200 headlight (acherbis - sp?) draws 35watts and fits on a KX100 nicely, just be carefull of the front brake line routing.

be sure to run a quality pre-mix and keep the air filter clean and well oiled. If you get a newer KX100 make sure the powervalve govenor is pressed together 1mm closer than spec otherwise it can spit the 8mm steel balls into the trans at high rpm. The 04-05 spec actuator arm has a built in spring cushin that the older models don't have which is supposed to improve pv reliablility. Its cheep and a good upgrade for pre 04 models.

have fun on the little 2-smokers
cheers

 

[risc]

Thanks for all the info bikepilot. That is exactly what I needed. Since you seem to know quite a bit about the kx's can you tell me what are good years to look out for?