From: kenm@array.com (Ken Murphy)
Newsgroups: rec.motorcycles.dirt
Subject: Re: Bomb Proofing XRs
Date: 18 Aug 92 17:12:42 GMT
Organization: Array Microsystems, Colorado Springs, CO. USA

jld@hpfcso.FC.HP.COM (Jeff Deeney) writes:

[...]

: 
: Does anyone have other tips on bomb proofing XR's?  (They're darn
: close already).  Here are some of my thoughts: 
: 
:   I was a skeptic about Alumite handlebars, but they really hold up well.
:   The soft steel bars are fairly easy to straighten, but they also bend far
:   too easily.  I slightly tweaked the Alumites in a hard crash, but so far
:   they've more than paid for the cost of the cheap steel replacements that
:   I would have had to buy. 

Good Choice.  I've run Alumilite bars after tweaking mine and Jen runs them on
her bike also.  I've crashed hard on the Alumilite's and they hold up well.

: 
:   Barkbusters and Acerbis hand protectors were one of the best investments 
:   I've made.  Say goodbye to torn grips and broken levers (not to mention 
:   bloodied fingers).  You'll have to chop 2" off the bottom of the hand 
:   protectors to keep them from whacking you in the knees. 

One note of caution on these type (enclosure) of hand guards.  Several of 
my friends have broken their wrists with OTB manuevers.  I've seen some folk
cut slits in them so that they will bend outward when pressed from inside.
I run the acerbis type that supposedly bolt up to the perches and cut that 
part off.  They don't offer a lot of protection on bottom, but keep the 
roost and branches off the knuckles.

:   Always run heavy duty inner tubes and replace them every year or two.  
:   Closely inspect the tube whenever you have it out.  Watch for seams that 
:   are wearing.  Also check the washer around the valve stem for corrosion.  

Also, remove the rim strap and replace with 2-3 wraps of duct tape.  I replace
the duct tape every time I have the wheel off.  This offers better protection
than the rubber. IMHO.

:   The magazine testers for the XR felt that the tubular aluminum case
:   protectors were adequate.  I don't believe them.  If you ride in lots

I snapped off one of these on a KDX....

:   of rocks, you'll want more protection.  I've been on rides when XRs have
:   had to be towed out because of an unexpected oil loss.  Especially exposed, 
:   is the vast expanse of cases inbetween the lower frame rails.  I installed 
:   an Acerbis skid plate and used a hole-saw to ventilate the front portion 
:   for better cooling. 
: 
: Time to ride. 

Have fun.  Showing up to Rampart this weekend?  Anyone else is invited if you
don't mind beer/mud/dirt/roost and general partying.  Call or email for 
directions.....

: 
: -Jeff Deeney-  KotD #0000  DoD#0498    NCTR    '88 XR600-Shamu   
: jld@hpfcla.fc.hp.com       AMA#540813  COHVCO  '81 CB750F-Llamaha 
: We don't stop riding because we get old, we get old because we stop riding.

l8r,


  O                    Ken Murphy aka kenm@array.com              President RMEC
 <M> MerfMan          DoD #0479      '92 KTM 250 EX/C              Member COHVCO
_/ \_                 Race Now Party Later Racing Team                AMA 406077
Disclaimer: _I_ don't believe what I said, why should you?              SRAC 886
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