What's up, KDX race fans?? I haven't posted on this thread in a bit so thought I would do a little update.
Question: Is the Old Guy going to race next season or not?
Answer: Of Course he is!!!
So I've made the decision to continue racing. I guess it is true that once it gets in you, it's hard to give up. Just haven't finalized exactly what races. The 2020 NEPG National Enduro schedule is published. I plan on racing some but not all of them. A couple this year are over 24 hours drive each way and that's just too much time off work. I intend to at least ride in enough to qualify for season points though.
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I'm also looking into riding in a few GNCC races this year just to see what they are like. Still waiting on the 2020 GNCC schedule to see what looks interesting and possible. In the meantime, it's time to get back in the gym and get down to some serious bike refurbishing as well!
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So...I've stripped the old gal both for routine maintenance and to look at things that don't normally get checked through the race season. Here's a brief list of things I KNOW I'll be doing:
-Have forks and shocks serviced by SR1 suspension (Yes, I could probably do this myself, but proper suspension is so important, I'd rather go to an expert.)
-Clean, replace or regrease all linkage bearings, replace seals
-Check wheel bearings for XS play, replace as needed.
-Start the season with fresh brakes F & R, complete service, fluids, etc.
-Inspect for any engine fluid leaks
-(Would normally clean KIPS valves but I did that with the engine rebuild not long ago)
-Replace lost cap on coolant overflow tank (safety wire that thing this time!)
-Change ATF fluid of course
-Clean & inspect chain and sprockets for wear, replace as needed
-Renew graphics with new (same stuff, just not so beat up)
-Install new RB-Design OEM style carb (Super excited to check this out!)
-Install new FMF Desert pipe (see below)
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So at the Zink Ranch race, I fell in the rocks and badly dented my FMF Woods pipe. I mean BADLY, right through the pipe guard. Also knocked byself out sorta and apparently broke a rib, but that's another story. I filled the pipe with water and froze it to get the dent out. It worked but unfortunately I left it in the freezer too long and split the pipe as well. since this was a "Woods" pipe and the "Desert" pipe (or "Rev" pipe) is recommended for the 220, I decided to use this excuse as the opportunity to buy a new Desert pipe. I'll see if my shop can weld the Woods pipe back. Whichever one I decide to keep, the other will likely end up for sale on this site!
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I also ended up with this little unexpected discovery. This is the lower steering bearing as I found it. I had not noticed a problem until I removed the forks and wheel. Then, after the weight of the front end was removed, I felt something was obviously not right with the steering. Luckily I had another bearing from a spare KDX stem I picked up (on this site BTW). I cleaned up the race in the frame as best I could and we'll see if I wind up buying new after all. (BTW, this is what a KDX stem looks like pressed into a KX lower clamp for any of you contemplating the switch to KX forks.)
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Just a shout out to SR1 Suspension R&D again. Jarred Daniels put a complimentary tee shirt in with my stuff when I picked them up.
So, does this make him my first official sponsor??? Seriously, SR1 has really made a big difference in the KDX/KX conversion. Super happy with how the bike handles now.
So we're getting her "Ready to Race".
Y'all keep brapping!
Old Guy Racin'