ftp.xmission.com/2014.06.ftp.xmission.com.tar/ftp.xmission.com/pub/lists/dr350/archive/v01.n057

Internet Message Format | 1999-05-23 | 17KB

From: [e-mail] (dr350-digest)
To: [e-mail]
Subject: dr350-digest V1 #57
Reply-To: dr350-digest
Sender: [e-mail]
Errors-To: [e-mail]
Precedence: bulk


dr350-digest           Monday, May 24 1999           Volume 01 : Number 057




----------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Sun, 23 May 1999 21:38:22 -0400 (EDT)
From: [e-mail] (john miller)
Subject: (dr350) spent money lost power

Real quick me and my buddy have identical 98 drse models.my bike is 100%
stock he has the fmf megamax2 muffler and his carb jetted to 135 from
127.5.We raced on the street from a stand still I beat him pretty good
pulling on him in every gear.He was upset and I could not blame him.His
upgrades cost him about 300 bucks and the bike is slower than a stock
one.Something is wrong with his set up.Does any one have any ideas?Maybe
the amount of plates on his pipe or he needs a bigger jet or needs more
air.Anyone have this pipe lets hear your set up.Thanks guys his bike
should be faster than mine.

------------------------------

Date: Sun, 23 May 1999 21:53:21 -0500
From: George Kovacs <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: (dr350) front exhaust pipe , what a joke.

Hi Charles,

It is very simple, 2 bolts on the front by the engine ( i think it was 8mm
hex bolt, you need a socket or an allen wrench) and 1, bolt in the mid
section of the exhaust( 12mm head)
It was very easy to get it out, how ever mine is a 99 with 800 miles on it.
than the whole thing pulles forward with a slight twisting of a pipe , leave
the muffler alone , you do not need to loosen it.
Once it is out you will need a die-grinder or some rotory tool , prferably
carbide bit.($5-10) than go at it , I grinded mine to the same diameter as
the inside of the pipe.
Be careful not to go overboard, that welding have to hold.
it is extremly hard material posibly stainles steel, forget using a file, you
will be sitting there for a day or so.
And as far as power increase, could not tell ,do to the fact that i did this
at the same time as i was instaling the JX needle and rejetting the carb, but
i am very positive that it lets the bike breed easyer. just like an
aftermarket pipe does, it is possible that it needs a richer carb setting
too. But i don't see any harm.
Any question , drop me a mail.

George




charles w vokac wrote:

> Hey George,
>
> Please explain the procedure for opening the front of the exhaust pipe.
> You just unbolted the exhaust pipe from the engine and widened the pipe's
> entrance?  Did it make a difference?  I am very interested in doing this
> if it's EASY.  It's my guess that  those bolts that hold the pipe to the
> engine are a bitch to get off.
>
> Chuck Vokac
> 92 DR350S
> Panama City, FL

------------------------------

Date: Sun, 23 May 1999 22:15:27 -0500
From: George Kovacs <[e-mail]>
Subject: (dr350) Re:

Hi,

Correct me if i am wrong on the tire issue,
Kenda trackmaster is a full knoby, and the trackmaster II is a DOT aproved
90-10% tire

On the power craving issue , and comperassion to XR and WR,
Yes of course both are better but lets look at a few thing ,
DR 350 SE new , retail price is $4600 , street ready. with shity tires and
soft suspension.
WR400 is $5895, and good luck finding it. + yuo have to street legal it if
you ever want to ride it from trail to trail. Add $400-500 more for the kit.
The XR 400 is $5695 plus the DS kit.
I crave for more power, and i  do dream of those bikes every day and waking
up saying to my self , lets trade  the DR in. But than reality hits me on the
for head. I am not a racer or in any competition, i dont want to spend any
more money, or get a second mortgage, for gufing around in the dirt, and be
able to ride to the store  to rent a movie,or so.
The DR is great for what it is designed for, Dual sport bike are not perfect
for either road,or dirt ,like a road bike or a full dirt bike, designed for.
it is just like my dream boat ,  thats great for fishing overnight cruising
skiing and racing , light powerfull ,roomie,it will never happend.
By the way Dirt Bike magazine has an exellent article on the WR vs. XR400,
remembet the WR400 is just like a YZ400 , a full race bike with limiting from
the factory 9throttle stop, exhaust cam timing, ext.) it is the same engine
with a wider gear ratio trans.
It blows the XR400 away.
If you can affor it buy a YZ400 and a  Honda Goldwing an you will be happy.

George

charles w vokac wrote:

> My rear Pirelli MT21 has been a great tire until I got into thick sticky
> mud.  It packed so much mud it became as useless as the original stock
> tire.   Is the Kenda Trackmaster any better in the mud.   I am seriously
> thinking about trailering my bike and putting real knobbies on it.
>
>  I really don't like riding my bike on the street.  A few people have
> talked about riding the DR on the road but my personal opinion is that it
> is strictly a trail bike.  It's just not comfortable at anything over
> 40mph or so.  It's fine for a little joyriding on back roads but those
> short highway runs are not for me!  I can't do much with the bike off
> road either.  I am a relative beginner but I wonder if my poor riding is
> partly the bike's fault - poor suspension and stuff like that.
>
> Has anyone switched to a bike like an XR650 or WR 400, not liked it, and
> returned to the DR?  I don't mean to sound negative towards the DR but I
> think I am noticing the shortcomings of the bike.  My initial excitement
> over the added power of opening the airbox and the JX needle and spring
> is wearing off. I'm ready for more power!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
>
> Chuck Vokac
> 92 DR350S
> Panama City, FL

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 24 May 1999 08:33:10 EDT
From: [e-mail]
Subject: (dr350) Re: more power

Chuck,
 George made some very good points. Everything depends on what kind of riding
you do, how much money you want to spend and how good you really are. I have
often had the same thoughts as you. I was very close to buying a KTM 300EXC
this year. I just had to have more power! Then I started to think about the
money. My off road DR was a very cheap bike to buy. The KTM is most
definitely not cheap. Then I had to think about my riding skill and style. I
think all of us who are a little older have fond memories of how great we
where in our glory days of youth. The reality for me is that every Monday I
have to go to work (hopefully with all my parts mostly functional) and earn a
living.  I think I will compromise and put a little money into a big bore
kit, leave a little money in the bank and spend a little less time watching
Jeremy Mcgrath (he puts bad thoughts into my head).

Mike A.
Nashville

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 24 May 1999 06:03:11 PDT
From: "Bryan Nolastname" <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: (dr350) tuning the MegamaxII exhaust

Update on my recent tuning efforts:

I have installed a K&N filter, JX needle & spring combo, Scotts T-handle
pilot adj valve, 135 main jet (up 2-3 sizes from the 127.5 stocker),
MegaMaxII exhaust, "T'd" the vent hose on the carb, and opened up (cut top
off) airbox.

My best results after a day of fiddling is this:
- -3 turns out on the pilot adj screw
- -I raised the needle 1 position (Thumper sends it in the 4th position from
bottom, I lowered it to the 3rd position from bottom)
- -all 11 disks installed on the MegaMax

WOW!!  The bike is so much stronger than when I got it as stock a couple of
months ago!!  It ran really good with the MegaMax fully uncorked....good
off-idle response along w/ great mid-range & top end.  But I couldnt handle
the noise and it popped exessively on deceleration.  Adding the 11 disks
made it bearable and cut down on alot of popping.

I still have some popping while deceleration, but have reduced it by
considerably by the settings above.  Is it really posible to get rid of the
popping on deceleration completely?

If I wanted to get rid of more popping, I wonder if I should try raising the
needle another notch, or maybe going w/ a bigger main jet?  Can the pilot
adj screw be turned out too much (obviously not so much that it falls out)?
Any suggestions appreciated.

Bryan in Dallas
95 DR350SE


_______________________________________________________________
Get Free Email and Do More On The Web. Visit http://www.msn.com

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 24 May 1999 06:06:31 PDT
From: "Bryan Nolastname" <[e-mail]>
Subject: (dr350) Anyone try "Easy Pull" clutch & throttle mods by Thumper Racing?

Anyone try "Easy Pull" clutch & throttle mods by Thumper Racing?

Bryan in Dallas
95 DR350SE


_______________________________________________________________
Get Free Email and Do More On The Web. Visit http://www.msn.com

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 24 May 1999 06:17:57 PDT
From: "Bryan Nolastname" <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: (dr350) Re: sprockets and stuff

By the way, w/ my new 44t rear sprocket, I was doing about 100-200 rpm over
whatever speed I was going on the hiway: 75 mph= 7600rpm, 60mph=6200 rpm,
etc....  Top speed in 6th was a hair over 85, and it was within a few
hundred rpm of redline.  Only complaint is that it made for a little buzzier
ride at over 70mph due to the higher rpm.  I cant remember what my speed/rpm
ratio was before, but I'm pretty sure is was like 70mph=6000 rpm....could be
wrong.

Bryan in Dallas
95 DR350SE

>From: [e-mail] (Andrus Chesley)
>Reply-To: [e-mail] (Andrus Chesley)
>To: [e-mail]
>Subject: (dr350) Re: sprockets and stuff
>Date: Sun, 23 May 1999 13:50:47 -0500
>
>I use a 13/41 set up when in tight stuff..... checked speed at 9000 rpm is
>indicated 80mph. Most probably a little fast on the speedo.  The GPS was
>runing about 3 to 4 mph slower than the Speedo on Arkansas trip a few weeks
>ago.
>
>If you can carry an 8mm socket setup and a set of snapring pliers, you can
>change back and forth from 15 to 13 in about 15mins on trail side. There's
>enuff adjustment on rear to take care of this if your chains is not overly
>worn out..
>
>The GPS holder I bought from A-LOOP  really did well. Got to use the
>securing loop or it will come off.
>
>I bought a little fishing bag (10 bucks) from Wally world and punched holes
>in the bottom and have it tie wrapped to the luggage rack. This carrys
>rainsuil, tools, etc. Then a person can use a piece of softline to secure
>it down so it doesn't flop about on the trail...
>
>Can't believe how much fun the DR was on the back gravel and trails in the
>Ozarks after running on this stuff for the last 4 years on an R11GSA.  Now,
>  to set it up so I don't want to trailer it up there but 480 miles on
>highways in one day on the DR350SET not my cup of tea even with the
>modified Corbin seat.... Maybe a small deflector windshield from National
>Cycle.... has anyone tried this out.  I mean like I'm not racing or going
>that fast lol.....
>
>Andy Chesley
>Jennings, La.
>'97 DR350SE
>'97 R11RA
>
>
>


_______________________________________________________________
Get Free Email and Do More On The Web. Visit http://www.msn.com

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 24 May 1999 06:25:27 PDT
From: "Bryan Nolastname" <[e-mail]>
Subject: (dr350) Re:

Try changing jetting & a new exhaust for more power.  There is no comparison
to the power I'm getting out of my 95 SE now compared to when it was stock a
few months ago.  I think I'm even gonna forget about going for the big bore
kit I thought I'd be doing when I got it.

Regarding other bikes.......I sold a XR650L just before I bought the DR.  It
was way too big & heavy to do anything but mild trail riding off road.
Every time I took it into mud, deep ruts, up/down steep hills w/ wierd
angles....I dropped it.  Especially if your new to dirt...(which I am as
well) SMALLER & LIGHTER = MUCH BETTER!!!

Bryan in Dallas
95 DR350SE

>From: charles w vokac <[e-mail]>
>Reply-To: charles w vokac <[e-mail]>
>To: [e-mail]
>Date: Sun, 23 May 1999 16:19:44 -0500
>
>My rear Pirelli MT21 has been a great tire until I got into thick sticky
>mud.  It packed so much mud it became as useless as the original stock
>tire.   Is the Kenda Trackmaster any better in the mud.   I am seriously
>thinking about trailering my bike and putting real knobbies on it.
>
>  I really don't like riding my bike on the street.  A few people have
>talked about riding the DR on the road but my personal opinion is that it
>is strictly a trail bike.  It's just not comfortable at anything over
>40mph or so.  It's fine for a little joyriding on back roads but those
>short highway runs are not for me!  I can't do much with the bike off
>road either.  I am a relative beginner but I wonder if my poor riding is
>partly the bike's fault - poor suspension and stuff like that.
>
>Has anyone switched to a bike like an XR650 or WR 400, not liked it, and
>returned to the DR?  I don't mean to sound negative towards the DR but I
>think I am noticing the shortcomings of the bike.  My initial excitement
>over the added power of opening the airbox and the JX needle and spring
>is wearing off. I'm ready for more power!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
>
>Chuck Vokac
>92 DR350S
>Panama City, FL
>


_______________________________________________________________
Get Free Email and Do More On The Web. Visit http://www.msn.com

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 24 May 1999 09:37:21 -0400
From: Charlie Vincent <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: (dr350) tuning the MegamaxII exhaust -Reply

Where is the best place to get the JX needle & spirng combo, Scott
T-handle, a few main jets, and a k&n?

charlie

>>> "Bryan Nolastname" <[e-mail]> 05/24/99 09:03am >>>
Update on my recent tuning efforts:

I have installed a K&N filter, JX needle & spring combo, Scotts T-handle
pilot adj valve, 135 main jet (up 2-3 sizes from the 127.5 stocker),
MegaMaxII exhaust, "T'd" the vent hose on the carb, and opened up (cut
top
off) airbox.

My best results after a day of fiddling is this:
- -3 turns out on the pilot adj screw
- -I raised the needle 1 position (Thumper sends it in the 4th position from
bottom, I lowered it to the 3rd position from bottom)
- -all 11 disks installed on the MegaMax

WOW!!  The bike is so much stronger than when I got it as stock a couple
of
months ago!!  It ran really good with the MegaMax fully uncorked....good
off-idle response along w/ great mid-range & top end.  But I couldnt
handle
the noise and it popped exessively on deceleration.  Adding the 11 disks
made it bearable and cut down on alot of popping.

I still have some popping while deceleration, but have reduced it by
considerably by the settings above.  Is it really posible to get rid of the
popping on deceleration completely?

If I wanted to get rid of more popping, I wonder if I should try raising the
needle another notch, or maybe going w/ a bigger main jet?  Can the pilot
adj screw be turned out too much (obviously not so much that it falls
out)?
Any suggestions appreciated.

Bryan in Dallas
95 DR350SE


_______________________________________________________________
Get Free Email and Do More On The Web. Visit http://www.msn.com

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 24 May 1999 10:01:10 -0500
From: George Kovacs <[e-mail]>
Subject: (dr350) JX jetting

Hi,

i will try to keep this short, Here are results of the installation of
the JX needle and spring.
This is a 99 DR350 SE bike ,
Air box opened up to a 3.5 X 3.5 inch square hole. UNI air filter, or
stock works just as good.
JX spring and needle , main jet from 127.5 to 152.5, yes you are reading
it right.
pilot unchanged. Pilot screw adjusted to the setting where it idles the
smoothest , i don't exactly know how many turn.
jx needle clip left in the middle position.
Exhaust front pipe welding grinded off to be flush with inside pipe
diameter.
a 14 teeth front sprocket.
the result is a much more snappy trottle response from idle , and
stronger pulling at wide open.
I got a full knobby on the rear , wheelies are  unavoidable, if you get
on the trottle.
definitely happy with the result.
Cost :     from thumper racing.
$10 for needle
$11 for spring
$20 for uni filter( not necessary, but comes handy as a second filter,
ready needed)

from local dealer :
$1.59  152 main jet
$15   14 teeth front sprocket.
$46     for a knobby tire (optional of course)

I also put an inline gas-filter in a fuel in, and "T" of the vent hose
on the side of the carb , so it can drain out  in case of a fall or tip
over.

The bike definitely noisier (air rush).

I am  still going to try to fine tune it , by moving the needle , and
let you know if it get any better. But for now i am out to ride.
I try to get my hands on a next size up pilot jet to try as well, but as
of now no-one has it.

Note: there is no guaranty that this setting will work on every bike , i
have seen others post with different jetting , and like i posted before,
my bike  would bog down, and  not rev with those setting.

Any questions just drop a mail.

George

------------------------------

End of dr350-digest V1 #57
**************************