Moto-Brian

You really owe it to yourself to check out the 29ers. I was a guy that avoided them for a long time. But, when I did, like everyone that I know that did the same thing, I never looked back. They are awesome. In fact, a lot of hard tails are 29ers anymore. Some really sick ones for sure.

I don;t have any time and this is more of an All Mountain rig vs an XC. I'd consider if I find a good XC bike. Buddy builds custom carbon frames and am looking at one of those...

Here's a decent bike. I was thinking about picking it up as a spare for anyone that didn't have a bike to ride. http://www.joinomba.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=17&t=20071 This is a good site for finding good bikes.

Too small for you. Look at size large.

SHIT!! You'll need a large at least. Sorry, man. Thought you were a tad shorter than me!!

I'd recommend that model in the disc. It's a solid bike and is a great frame that will hold up for a long time. The components are what you pay for essentially as with that family for example, they have different levels and as you get more expensive, the frame is the same through the line, but the components get better. What you want to look for used is a good component group. Too often companies will use combination of components as it is cheaper. X9 rear with X7 shifters for example. All fine, but to find a common family is nice. Twist shifts are terrible and most do not use them. I would advise against. Typical top line shifters are thumb operated. Also understand that just because it states XTR or X9, etc, doesn't make it great. There's some pretty old stuff out there and usually, the newer lower end is as good as the top shelf stuff just 5 years ago. The newest XT is WAY better than XTR stuff just 5 years ago. Same with X9 is better than X0 was a few years ago, etc. It's like computers. The updated stuff changes every year and they get better and better. I was going to go XX complete front to rear on my build this year, but went with the X0 as it was superior and stronger actually. It's all what you are going to do with it also. You might also consider buying a frame and building, but it is usually a lot more. Look on Craigslist and chime in with some bikes you find. If you want to spend around $300-$400, I can find you an awesome machine. What size frame would you run? I am thinking a Medium as you are a hair shorter than I am and I ride a LG usually. Anyways, the Trek is a great choice for the money. What year?

Better question is what do you want to spend and what do you intend to use it for? I've been riding MTB for several years and can help ya out with any questions. Personally, I'd go 29er. I have a Niner right now and will never turn back. I started with a Gary Fisher Paragon to test the waters on 29ers as I have always been a custom 26 guy. But, rode the Fisher a few times and started to totally revamp everything into what I expected and wanted. Ended up being twice the bike it started out as. I then decided to ditch my 26 and my Fisher and just get the Niner. I am looking at a new XC hardtail also. Here's my Niner: PM me or ask some questions. A LOAD of great bikes out there that can be had new and within a reasonable budget.

WOW!! Rebound is crazy slow for the drag guys!! I had no idea they run such low sag numbers and so much rebound dampning. There's gotta be a reason I guess, but am amazed at how slow they run the rebound.

I've been using an aluminum ramp and a center stand (MX Style) as a step up and out. I've loaded my 250, my RC8R, another full size bike and had 4 minis loaded into it at one time so far. I've had the two big bikes in at one time also. What rails are you referring? A style of rock rails? I'm not sure what is out there and may do these:

So... Got everything to a point it is looking completed. Just a few touches which I'll cover below. First of all, Jon from here is a bad ass dude for the help and the hook up on getting the lift on. Trust me, it wasn't easy! The lift is well designed for sure. The pieces were heavy duty and honestly, a few things were slight overkill. Especially since I will not truly off road the van at all. But, the parts were designed to be used as such. We got the van on a lift and started into it. Many things were pretty rusty and fairly tough getting off. The ol' 1997 chassis had some wear and tear, but wasn't too awful bad considering the year. We had some trial for sure. The shocks are a pain in the ass!! Getting the old ones off took a lot of time and patience as well as blood and sweat! Thank god we all had current Tetanus shots!!! The actual easy parts were the control arms, larger brackets, etc. A few issues in regard to using existing bolts, etc., but the guys have done many of these and we got it sorted. I have since added cargo van bumpers that I had painted with bed liner. I also put on the front brush guard and the spare tire carrier. I cut out the rear carpet and set up a wheel chock, but need to figure out the whole bike transport deal. I just need to figure out where I want tie down points and where to put chocks... I have been running the granny wheels and tires as I have been waiting for tires since I had rims ready. I got the tires mounted this week and today picked them up and had the guys get them mounted on the van. The rear wheel spacers make a HUGE difference and the van rides butter smooth! Shitty camera phone pics and has a ton of road grime, but thought I would snap a couple to show it off. Only thing left is interior stuff and figuring out what I want to do with running boards or if I want rock rails or a step pad, etc...

Who towed you around with an RS down there? Scotty?

OK, helping a dealer out that has the last 2011 KTM RC8R RS (Race Spec) for sale in the US. They are located in Pittsburg, PA and the pricing is as follows: $18,900. That's with Freight/Prep and PDI that are always charged. Includes all Doc Fees, also. I figured maybe someone on here may know someone that would want it as we seem to have a good number of track day and racer types on here. If you are from here or in Ohio, you save tax also as this is an off road use only machine. No tax!!! The bike looks like this: This is a track bike only machine. Comes with FULL Titanium Akrapovic EVO 4 system, WP Works rear shock, Forged wheels, Quick Shifter, Keyless ignition, race wire harness, Dunlop Slicks, Race Fiberglass with OEM quality paint, Race air filter, all emissions crap removed, and has a set of thinner head gaskets that are NOT installed, but included, and finally, a slipper clutch. Retail is $20k for the bike plus $600 Freight, prep, and document fees typically and before state fees and taxes... So, $18,900 is a smokin deal! Brand new and has never turned a wheel in anger... PM me for details and info.

The ones we rode were the same as shown and they are not the same as an NSR or YSR. They are total shit, dude. The 4 stroke motor has zero balls vs the 2 strokers and wouldn't hold a candle to one head to head. You can find good used YSRs cheap and there is at least a cult group of guys that own them and easily can source parts. These Chinese bikes are typically containing tolerances similar to the Grand Canyon. Some will last while other will take a shit 2 hours in. I know the one we rode around on and that a shop owned stopped running after 3 days. Something popped in the motor I guess... The fact is that for $700, you'll have almost that much in a few years just in replacement parts and things most likely. I had a Chinese CRF50 replica after building a true CRF50 and it blew a tranny in a week. The engine cost $200 which was cheap, but in this case, that's almost a 1/3 of the cost and you'll probably need another in similar time...

I think it is an awesome idea also. But, the reality is that the batteries they are using right now are over $6k plus in bikes like the Zero and our KTM. They get 40 minutes of use and hours to charge. The bigger street models have even more expensive batteries and more time to run. But, as stated, I too applaud your efforts. Keep us informed!!

They are WAAAY smaller than a YSR or NSR. And, they are total shit. Had a dealer buy a bunch and they were all shit.

I'll submit a few, but need to have Kyle Hunter who is a member on here approve, but here are my entries.. The idea in my mind was 3/4 fold. 1) I'm a member of course, but these were shot by Kyle who is a member also. 2) Mid-Ohio is the location and combined with the fact that some are the actual school bikes, it kinda makes a full circle. 3) Mid-Ohio school is a sponsor also. 4) Reuben is a sponsor also!

Honestly, taking out the fact that a majority of HD riders that bitch and complain about the metric brands but yet got their start in riding motorcycles aboard a metric bike, the brand is pretty amazing in marketing terms as well as the way the bikes ride and run. The oil leaking BS is a LONG old thing that isn't the case anymore. The vibration part is there, but honestly, isn't that bad and really is something that if eliminated would probably cause a ripple effect with fans of the brand. It was tough enough when they went to liquid cooled bikes!! The bikes actually handle well for the weight. Are there better metric versions? My opinion is yes. But, having spent a good number of miles on an Ultra, I was impressed. It wasn't my favorite in tight, low speed spots, but with two up and loaded, it was even heavier and yet very easy to ride. Just myself on it and it was even better. Even the metric bikes that I feel are better, they are pigs too. Heavy helps believe it or not. Light and stiff is going to cause mini impacts and juttering of the bike at times that will essentially wear you out. I think they are good bikes. Not great, but good. I also understand the fan base and see that the idea of this being an American brand is really cool. And let's face it, they have made it through a LOT and are still here. If I were a cruiser fan, I'd want to go HD and try to get into one. Having ridden them a good bit with where I used to work and the friends that have them, I see where it would be a great steed on long hauls. I just have issue with the riders that are bashers of their metric counterparts as well as the riders that brag about their power numbers. Unfortunately, it is like the thought that every sportbike rider is a stunter and rides like a moron. No offense to DTM or wasn't bashing anything in that regard. In fact, I would take my bikes for dyno tuning to Brian if I come to that. I am thinking of bringing the RC8 over to get an idea where we are, but not sure it makes sense as we cannot adjust much...

If you think Rick's bike was more stock than modded, you'd be mistaken...

^^^^^ this!!!

Both are great folks to have stuff done. I had a prototype suit I was testing and had to have the forearms expanded during the GNF one year and we couldn't get me an adjusted suit in time. I gavce it to Bill and he had it done to the point you barely could tell. It was done so well, the suit guys even made comment. It helped them understand what was needed in the suit also. Anyways, both will walk you through what is needed in terms of measurements. I'd tend to go Alexa's route because she has done some seriously awesome suit lettering and custom things. Bill is great for fixes. I'm not sold on his artistic side, but that's just icing on the cake and he is EXCEPTIONAL at alterations. Worth a little extra shipping costs and time vs a shoe dude... On a side note, getting my tires this week!!!

Correct.

Brian- I think you did a great job and didn't think it to be bragging. It just drummed up thoughts of the past where these HD owners were all about how much power they made. Dude, you'd be insane to not want to get more HD business. They are one of the few owner groups that buy a ton of stuff and will bolt on power parts all day long. I would think at how good you are with the dyno stuff, it'll be a no brainer for any of the HD stores or HD owners. Good on you. Them? Well... I still giggle.

Neither. Gene for sure will have him build one. Doubt Kerr does as he probably will have limited time on it. Wouldn't really make sense

Just buy stainless rivets that are the proper size. They might have used ti-rivets, but doubt it. Just be prepared to use some hand and arm strength. Good stainless rivets are a beotch.

So, been reading a few build threads and thought to post a thread in regards to a race build by 35 Motorsports. As most you know, Reuben (owner) is the only guy I allow to touch when it comes to my race bikes. He has a pretty solid following and always shares builds with me. This one was pretty freakin amazing on a few accounts... This is a 2011 ZX10 AMA race bike. The rider is a good friend on mine and will be racing this in AMA Superbike hopefully this year if he gets the points needed, but is currently and AMA Supersport racer. He wanted a Superstock build versus a Superbike build simply due to dependability and the fact that he will run as many big bore classes in an effort to gain as many points as he can. So, Superbike build limits his class choices... Anyways, Reuben did the Superstock build and the results were this: Yes, that is 196.79 HP at the WHEEL with 84.19 ft lbs of torque. This thing was already fast. It really was. He'd punch out of corners in comparison to my Zook, but I would grab ahold soon after the exit and drive him and excel on top. Now, he's going to have more!!! Crazy... Anyways, this is simply an example of how a very small amount of money can result in a HUGE difference. These builds are usually a deal where the entire top end needs replaced and if anything like the tranny, etc show signs of wear, they are replaced. My GSXR had all new parts put in and this bike had almost the same exact thing done. I know a lot of you do track days or are beginning racers and Supersport or Superstock builds are not really the best choice when thinking of what you can do to improve when comparing against things like suspension, etc. BUT, let me just say this... We are a country that enough is never enough, right? If you want to unlock what your bike can do, you need to call Reuben. One thing to also consider is that these types of builds are somewhat extreme. There are options that Reuben can offer that will free up many things on your bike. Some guys don't think about it, but if you can free up any resistance in your machine - same HP or maybe not a huge gain, but the efficiency of using that power to propel your bike can equal a seat of the pants increase in power, but a realistic advantage that will allow that bike to run faster laps and excellerate faster and spin up faster. Anyways, cool build, amazing results and a shout out to a great dude.