HDTenEightyP/NetNews huggingface dataset:
From: frampton@skitzo.dseg.ti.com
Newsgroups: rec.motorcycles.dirt
Subject: Re:gear: what do I need? (spare body?)
Date: 14 Dec 92 12:03:19 CDT
Organization: Texas Instruments Component Test Facility

> For just plonking, you can probably get by with your street helmet.  Be   In article <124510158@hpfcso.FC.HP.COM>, jld@hpfcso.FC.HP.COM (Jeff Deeney) writes:
> In rec.motorcycles.dirt, thompson@Apple.COM (Paul Thompson) writes:
> 
>> I'm just starting to ride in the dirt, and I'd like to know
>> what kind of riding gear I should get.  I assume boots, a

  At times, I wish I had some pants that had water cooling in the groin. %-)
  However, I'm lucky to have a pair that has a nice rip pretty close to the
  fun part that allows for outside venting.  :-)  Ok, I'm just kidding but
  my pants are ripped.  Funny, I should remember how it got that way.  Must
  have been trauma.  :-)

> aware that there are a few disadvantages to using a street helmet.  Number
> one, it will be quite a bit warmer. Number two, the lack of a visor makes 
> riding into the sun more hazardous. 

  Number 2.5 ,..... "ROOST!"   :-)

> 
>>Also, what kind of armor should I get?  I assume I
>> should have something for elbows and knees, but should I 
>> spend the money on a chest protector?  

  Mike!? What was that you were saying about finding plastic
  knee guards at a hardware store?   

> 
> I'd strongly recommend a chest/back protector.  If I'd been wearing one 16
> years ago, I wouldn't have this neat scar on my shoulder where the surgeon
> tied everything back together. 

  "I like scars.." - Rutger Hower, "Blood Heros".

> 
>>Finally, how do I know if I need a kidney belt?

  I've got a goldbelt that I usually forget to put on.  If I plan
  on riding a lot of chop or long distances at speed (CC), I'll make a
  special effort to remember it. 

  The kidney belt serves the main purpose of keeping your internal organs
  from getting sloshed around like you took a ride on a paint mixer. If
  your suspension has a lot of cush, I'd put the belt at the bottom of
  the list.

  As for the list of importance.  IMHO

   1. Brain bucket & goggles  Best you can afford.
   2. Chest protector.   You can make do with a new JT $30-$40
   3. Some sort of knee protection.  Usually comes with pants.
   4. Boots.  At least wear something with ankle support. (GI boots?)
   5. Pants.  Warning Jeans are about as much protection as bare skin.

  I tried to list these in this order according to the vitals they protect.

  Used gear is cheap. For around $100 you should be able to get everything
  if you look hard enough.  At the local MX tracks there is always someone
  wanting to get rid of something.  Just a few weeks ago I "GAVE" a kid a
  pair of my old boots just to get them out of my garage.
_________________________________________________________________________
mark frampton....O/30 NOVICE   |    I just broke a screw off into infinity.
X-Country?!? What next?!?      |      Anyone got a real long/short easyout?  
frampton@skitzo.dseg.ti.com    |    If you'll try it, I'll try next. NOT!
                               |
From: ai598@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Mike Sturdevant)
Newsgroups: rec.motorcycles.dirt
Subject: Re: riding gear: what do I need?
Date: 12 Dec 1992 20:33:26 GMT
Organization: Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH (USA)
Reply-To: ai598@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Mike Sturdevant)
NNTP-Posting-Host: slc4.ins.cwru.edu


In a previous article, thompson@Apple.COM (Paul Thompson) says:

>I'm just starting to ride in the dirt, and I'd like to know
>what kind of riding gear I should get.  I assume boots, a
>helmet, and goggles top the list.  For just plunking around,
>how good of a helmet do I need?  I've seen models from $50 to
>$200.

	How much is your head worth?

>  Also, what kind of armor should I get?  I assume I
>should have something for elbows and knees, but should I 
>spend the money on a chest protector? 

	Get a shoulder/chest protector. Elbow guards are nice too. Pants with
some sort of provision for knee protection.

> Finally, how do I
>know if I need a kidney belt?
>

	If your urine is red after riding, try a kidney belt.

-- 
Go fast. Take chances.

	Mike S.
Newsgroups: rec.motorcycles.dirt
From: mtrhead@selway.umt.edu (Josh Harmon)
Subject: Re: CR250 vs. XR250
Organization: University of Montana
Date: Thu, 17 Dec 1992 04:48:41 GMT

In article <1992Dec16.193449.17388@rtsg.mot.com>, dunne@rtsg.mot.com (Jim Dunne) writes:
>     <Dr. Dan gets a '88 CR250>
deletions....
>     Other guys can tell you a lot about this CR.  I want to know
>     however, do any of you get that dreaded Honda headshake that still
>     exists today (according to the magazines)?  I guess that under
>     certain conditions (bumps + accel. or hard braking?) the bars start
>     shaking like a bucking bronco.  Is this the same as a tank-slapper
>     on a street bike?  Do XRs get it like CRs?
>
> --
>    Jim Dunne   dunne@rtsg.mot.com    ...uunet!motcid!dunne   Northern IL, USA
>     --<{ TEAM STRANGE -- street / dirt / lake / snow / ice  LOCO-MOTION }>-- 

As a CR500 pilot I don't have the headshake like a 250 but, it does shake.
After riding something stable (i.e. any old husky or yamahammer, etc.) the 
CR will feel like a wet dog shaking off.  Once you have a few hours under 
your belt you probably won't even notice it.

Caution: you will feel headshake after reading any CR review from the 
cycle mags, because you will be looking for it.  

Dr Dan, I bought a quick(er) turning bike, and will never go back.

-- 
--- Josh Harmon -- 88 CR500R -- 88 GSX600F -- Disciple of DoD: #1137 ------
::: mtrhead@selway.umt.edu   To Bad, San Fran :(, The Cowboys are BACK! :::
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: checksix@flyboy.EBay.Sun.COM (Al Conte)
Newsgroups: rec.motorcycles.dirt
Subject: Re: ATV's
Date: 15 Dec 1992 18:28:23 GMT
Organization: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
Distribution: world
Reply-To: checksix@flyboy.EBay.Sun.COM
NNTP-Posting-Host: flyboy.ebay.sun.com
Keywords: Training wheels

> I write Rec.spode
> George writes "hardly!"

I say, it should still be found in rec. spode.
My kids got off their training wheels at 3 and for years old.
You should by now too!
Anybody whoever experienced the act of having quads and ATVs hogging
up trails, not moving over to let bikes motor by, knows what I am
talking about.
More injuries are from ATVs and quads than bikes, wonder why?
They belong on the farm pulling haybales and slogging thru the cow shit.
Ahh! I feel better now.


Al
Newsgroups: rec.motorcycles.dirt
From: kensib@cary111.its.rpi.edu (Brian C. Kensing)
Subject: Places to ride in NY?
Reply-To: kensib@rpi.edu
Organization: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY.
Date: Thu, 17 Dec 1992 03:10:46 GMT

	Does anyone know of any places to ride (legally, besides the tracks)
located in Upper Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess, or any county north of that in
New York?  I've been looking for new territory to roam, preferably in Eastern
New York.
						Thanks,
						  B.C. Kensing
Newsgroups: rec.motorcycles.dirt
From: baxter@epcot.spdc.ti.com (Mike Baxter)
Subject: Re: POWER BANDS
Organization: TI Semiconductor Process and Design Center
Date: Wed, 16 Dec 1992 02:31:59 GMT

In article <1glpjiINN8mp@access.usask.ca> donald@dvinci.USask.Ca (David Donald) writes:
>baxter@epcot.spdc.ti.com (Mike Baxter) writes:
>
>>DoD #359                    '91  CR250 |         Mike Baxter   
>>AMA #607249                      #P61  |              
>>TCCRA  #P61  "Team D."                 |      baxter@spdc.ti.com
>>Pro Class	                       |
> ^^^^^^^^^
>
>Good to see you finally got off the fence, big guy... 
>
>[Remind me not to go riding with him... yeesh, I like life to much to ride 
>with PROS...:) ]
>
>Take 'er easy!
>
>Dave

The decision to race Pro class in TCCRA wasn't that hard.  You see, Yamaha is 
paying $250 for a win in the expert class, 2nd = $150 and so on.  Many of the 
riders have switched to Yamaha and are going after the contingency money.  This
will probably include some 1991 Pro riders, because the pro class is an 
invitational class.  This leaves the Pro class wide open (WFO) for a Honda
rider like me.  I don't expect to win.  I may not even place, but I will be out
there trying to beat those guys.  They pick the best lines.  I will probably 
learn alot in '93.  At least I hope so.    

                                                         >
>PS:  Where the hell is George?


He's probably real busy working or riding.  Trust me, when he starts posting
again you will wonder if this is rec.moto.dirt.George.  I can't wait either. 

                                                                         
_____________________________________________________________________________
DoD #359                    '91  CR250 |         Mike Baxter   
AMA #607249                      #P61  |              
TCCRA  #P61  "Team D."                 |      baxter@spdc.ti.com
Pro Class	                       |
Texas Cross-Country racing series      |   Texas Instruments, Dallas Tx.   
50 miles of off-road Hell (FUN)        |  
_______________________________________|_____________________________________
Disclaimer:  The opinions expressed above are my very own, becuase 
             if they were worth anything TI would patent them.
Newsgroups: rec.motorcycles.dirt
From: aweaver@epcot.spdc.ti.com (Andy Weaver)
Subject: Re: springs
Organization: TI Semiconductor Process and Design Center
Date: Thu, 17 Dec 1992 02:51:28 GMT

In article <BzD25J.626@srgenprp.sr.hp.com> dallasp@sr.hp.com (J. Dallas Parr) writes:
>Andy Weaver (aweaver@epcot.spdc.ti.com) wrote:
>: Because of excessive front end dive and general softness, I ordered
>: a stiffer set of fork springs from Kawasaki.  
>: 
>: I am curious if I need to also change the rear spring to balance out
>: the stiffer front spring rate.  A friend at the Kawasaki shop where I
>: ordered them said that it usually wasn't necessary.  Does anyone have
>: experience with changing fork spring rates and it's affect on overall
>: suspension performance?
>: 
>: Andy
>
>  I hope you understand that by just stiffening your front end you may get 
> unwanted results. This will greatly change the frontend performance. To
> really do it correctly the springs should be custom built to you weight
> and type of riding that you do most. (I hate harsh front ends that wash through
> corners and wipe out my wrists on rough terrain. My personal favorite spring
> is a progresive (alot less expensive, and yes a compromise to custom dynoed
> springs. The give the plush ride when my body needs it but the performance
> when I ask for it. My riding is everything but moto so this is where my 
> experience come from.
>  I hope this helps. I have palyed with bikes for years. I hope too hold up
> for many more.

Kawasaki only makes one set of springs that are stiffer for those forks.  I
thought that I'd give them a try.  My front end seems to dive too much
while going into corners and feels washy coming out.  I don't think that
it will be too expensive to try them out.  A friend of mine that works at
a Kawasaki shop gets me parts at a very good price.  If I don't like them,
I can probably just clean them up and send them back, knowing him.

I think that the stock springs are for about a 160 lb rider.  I'm at close
to 190 with gear on and I'm riding fairly hard, well, I take some hard
hits.

I'll post what differences I can feel from changing the springs.
> 
>                         J.Dallas Parr
>                         Hewlett-Packard
cool ascii deleted, too long for a .sig
Newsgroups: rec.motorcycles.dirt
From: wardman@gandalf.ca (Russel Wardman)
Subject: very expensive week $$ !!
Organization: Gandalf Data Ltd.
Date: Wed, 16 Dec 1992 20:38:28 GMT


While inspecting my KX500 to make sure it is ready
for the ice season, I discovered the cylendar was in
worse shape than I thought. When I bought it last spring 
I re-ringed it right away and found some chipping
on the exhaust port (sub ports) bridges. It wasn't too
bad so I smoothed the transition with 600 paper and
put it back together. Ran all summer fine. Put in a 
fresh piston/ring in sept and noticed more wear on
the intake side but no more chipping. Unfortunately,
when I opened this time I found a lot more damage.

Anyways, I decided to order a new cylendar, piston and
rings, to make sure I make it through the winter. I 
ordered from a California shop advertised in dirt bike.
The damage: ~$400 US times ~1.3 conversion to CAN, plus
9.5% duty + 7% GST (canadian tax) + $?? shipping. The
total will be  >=$600 !! 

UPS phoned this morning and asked how I would like to pay
the $97 !!!! SHIPPING CHARGE. Since I was asleep when she
called, I didn't think to ask if that included the duty 
and GST . I hope so.

I also had to order a new helmet. My last one ( a $600 arai
ultra light carbon fiber street lid) met with a footpeg
of passing bike as I slid on the ice after a crash last
last winter, I used a borrowed street lid this summer. I
ordered the HJC FGX-2 from chapparel at $129 US. My choice
of the helmet was determined by what helmets I could find
in the local shops to try on. The HJC did also fit well.

So as my subject header said, it was very expensive week.
$800 to $900 !! Why can't cheap hobbies/sports be as fun.

On the up side, I'll get my old cylendar re-electrofusioned
and have a spare. Guess I'm holding on to this bike longer
than I'd planned.  

Russell 
-- 
**         Russell Wardman         ** 78 TT-500 (for sale)             **
**          613-723-6500           ** 84 Turbo 750 KAWASAKI (for sale) ** 
**                                 ** 90 KX 500 KAWASAKI               **
**      (rwardman@gandalf.ca)      ** 89 EX 500 KAWASAKI               **
From: jld@hpfcso.FC.HP.COM (Jeff Deeney)
Date: Sun, 20 Dec 1992 05:44:24 GMT
Subject: Re: springs
Organization: Hewlett-Packard, Fort Collins, CO, USA
Newsgroups: rec.motorcycles.dirt

In rec.motorcycles.dirt, aweaver@epcot.spdc.ti.com (Andy Weaver) writes:

> Landing with the power on definately smoothes things out.  Try to let the
> clutch out smooth just as you are landing.

Clutch?  What clutch?  Oh yeah, isn't that one of those thingies that the
smelly motorcycles need to get into the power band? 
 
> What is an A-trak?

Actually, I'm not sure if it is called A-trak.  It may called Amp-Link.
It's a series of rollers that eliminates the torque reaction to the rear
suspension.  Don't most of the ATK's use this system?  It's easily
recognizable.  The chain approaching the countershaft sprocket first
travels over a roller mounted about 6" above the sprocket on the frame.
The whole idea it to emulate having the countershaft center at the same
point as the swingarm pivot.  I'm told that it prevents a lot of wheel 
hop when accellerating hard over bumps.  

-Jeff Deeney-  KotD #0000  DoD#0498    NCTR    '88 XR600-Shamu   
jld@hpfcpe.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.
Newsgroups: rec.motorcycles.dirt
From: eastman@bnr.ca (Gordon Eastman)
Subject: Re: very expensive week $$ !!
Followup-To: rec.motorcycles.dirt
Organization: Bell-Northern Research
Date: Thu, 17 Dec 1992 13:51:31 GMT

In article <1992Dec16.203828.11736@gandalf.ca>, wardman@gandalf.ca (Russel
Wardman) wrote:
> 
> Anyways, I decided to order a new cylendar, piston and
> rings, to make sure I make it through the winter. I 
> ordered from a California shop advertised in dirt bike.
> The damage: ~$400 US times ~1.3 conversion to CAN, plus
> 9.5% duty + 7% GST (canadian tax) + $?? shipping. The
> total will be  >=$600 !! 
> 

Ouch!!

I have resorted to US mail order for most big-ticket items because of the
outrageous Canadian prices. I needed center cases for a KDX200 2 years ago.
The local dealer wanted $530 Cdn (including taxes). I ordered from Midwest
Action Cycle for $240 US. With exchange, shipping, duty and taxes, the
total was $360 Cdn, delivered to my door!

It isn't quite as good a deal with the low dollar these days, but you can
still save a lot. What was the Canadian price for the cylinder?

I haven't been riding for 3 monthes so I think I will stud my bike for some
winter trail and ice riding. Is there some place close that you practice on
the ice?

Gordon   1990 KX200
____________________________________________________________________________
Standard disclaimer: opinions are mine, not BNR's
From: donald@dvinci.USask.Ca (David Donald)
Newsgroups: rec.motorcycles.dirt
Subject: Re: POWER BANDS
Date: 13 Dec 1992 02:41:12 GMT
Organization: University of Saskatchewan
Distribution: usa
NNTP-Posting-Host: dvinci.usask.ca

Andy wrote, about something I said a looong time ago (read news much, Andy? :)

>>By far the ugliest, nastiest, meanest, cruelest, somtimes called downright 
>>evil bike I have ever heard of (or seen; I'n not foolish enough to ride one)
>>was also made by my favourite bike manufacturer:  Suzuki.
>>
>>The 1974 TM 400.  
>>
>>Now, THAT'S a powerband.  And it handled horribly, too, from what I understand.
>>

>Didn't Suzuki call it the Cyclone or something like that?  What a monster.

Ah.... that's what it was.  I kept thinking it was a Tsunami or something...
knew it was a storm...

Anyways, it did indeed handle absurdly... I believe Super Hunky once refered 
to it as "lurching" through the corners... not someting I'd like to try on a
bike that's power is basically binary.  On, or off.

Dave
-- 
| donald@dvinci.usask.ca		|  "Are you going to kill me now,    | 
| Communications Systems Research Group | Snake?"  "Nope, I'm too tired. And |
| University of Saskatchewan		| the name is Plissken." - Kurt      |
| Saskatoon, Canada                     | Russell/Escape from New York, 1981 |
From: oconnor@eng.umd.edu (Mark O'Connor)
Newsgroups: rec.motorcycles.dirt
Subject: Re: Old 250R Elsinore
Date: 16 Dec 92 23:32:10 GMT
Organization: College of Engineering, Maryversity von Uniland, College Park
Originator: oconnor@coffee.eng.umd.edu


brian@pdx.csd.mot.com (Brian Vandewettering) writes:
>I have access to an old 250R Elsinore.  My friend tells me that the
>bike just needs a new top end.  I'm interested in using it as a 
>trail bike but have heard that these things are very pipey.  What's
>the scoop?  Could it be de-tuned for trail riding or should I just
>look for a used XR250?

Aaahhhh!  Some may not remember, but in it's day, this bike was
king.  For years, European machines dominated.  Then came those
damn Jap machines.  What a pleasure!  I had a 1975 CR250 Elsinore.
Still remember the explosive power that thing had (for its day).
When fresh, this bike is pipey.  But by today's standards, I wouldn't
call it neck-breaking (like I use to in '75).  To me, I'd love to have
one just to ride and own a piece of history.  Sure, I trail-rode
the hell out of the thing.  Depends on the trails you will be riding
as to whether this thing will be _enjoyable_ or not.  For the trails
we (use to) have here in the Eastern Mid-Atlantic, the Elsinore was
fabulous.  Imagine continually roosting your buddies...
But we never tried to run the thing through tight woods.  Truly
a "real" motocrosser is not a lot of fun when the clutch is in 
more than its out.  This bike was made to run with the throttle
open.  You decide if it will suit your riding.  If you decline,
send me the sellers phone number.  Maybe I'd put an offer in
on it.  I get to So. Cal. about twice a year.  It ain't Oregon,
which I'd love to see, but it's closer than D.C. .....

-Mark
Newsgroups: rec.motorcycles.dirt
From: baxter@epcot.spdc.ti.com (Mike Baxter)
Subject: little 'ole me
Organization: TI Semiconductor Process and Design Center
Distribution: usa
Date: Sun, 13 Dec 1992 04:44:43 GMT

Framp, Andy and I went riding a while back at the local practice spot.  While
we were there a couple of guys showed up with a '90 CR500.  They tried and 
tried and tried to start the beast, but couldn't.  I offered my 120lbs of 
assistance.  They let me try.  I was able to get it started after laying it 
over till gas overflowed from the float bowl and kicking it thru slowly
between big kicks.  It felt good to start that pig, seeing as I'm a light 
weight and I am short also.  

_____________________________________________________________________________
DoD #359                    '91  CR250 |         Mike Baxter   
AMA #607249                      #P61  |              
TCCRA  #P61  "Team D."                 |      baxter@spdc.ti.com
Pro Class	                       |
Texas Cross-Country racing series      |   Texas Instruments, Dallas Tx.   
50 miles of off-road Hell (FUN)        |  
_______________________________________|_____________________________________
Disclaimer:  The opinions expressed above are my very own, becuase 
             if they were worth anything TI would patent them.
From: checksix@flyboy.EBay.Sun.COM (Al Conte)
Newsgroups: rec.motorcycles.dirt
Subject: Re: ATV's
Keywords: BARF !!!
Date: 14 Dec 92 23:00:28 GMT
Reply-To: checksix@flyboy.EBay.Sun.COM
Organization: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
NNTP-Posting-Host: flyboy.ebay.sun.com

>Does anyone know of a newsgroup for ATV's?

				Thanks,
				  B.C. Kensing
				  (kensib@its.rpi.edu)


Yeah, rec.spode !!!!!!
Newsgroups: rec.motorcycles.dirt
From: rbp@well.sf.ca.us (Bob Pasker)
Subject: Re: req faq list
Organization: Bob Pasker, Software & Communications Consultant
X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.1 PL8]
Date: Wed, 16 Dec 1992 22:37:41 GMT

frampton@skitzo.dseg.ti.com wrote:

:   Has anyone been keeping a FAQ list for this group?  We've had some
:   really neat dirt and maintenance tips that should be about due for 
:   a posting.

i have pieces of one, but have not had time to assemble yet.  school ends
end of thi week.  y'all can always forward stuff to me & i will archive
until i get the chance to compile.

- bob pasker
From: donald@dvinci.USask.Ca (David Donald)
Newsgroups: rec.motorcycles.dirt
Subject: Re: Warning... may be offensive!
Date: 14 Dec 92 05:32:52 GMT
Organization: University of Saskatchewan
NNTP-Posting-Host: dvinci.usask.ca

frampton@skitzo.dseg.ti.com writes:


>  Where the hell is George?  With the time he's missed, he'll
>  be posting for two days straight.

I agree... with the weather he's likely getting, ie, summer, in Oz, he's 
probably riding all the time while I freeze off all the important parts in the
snow.  

Oh well, I hear Heli-skiing is only $350 per day! 

>    If you are easily offended, "don't go to the next page"!
>    No offense Merf, but it's so funny I couldn't resist
>    tinkering with your sig.  Ok, so you owe me one. :-)














>  O
> <H>   Hung Man.  Bwaaaaahaaaahaaaaaa!    
> /U\ 

Ho ho ho ho.... Now, I wonder why someone didn't think of this before.
Dave
-- 
| donald@dvinci.usask.ca		|  "Are you going to kill me now,    | 
| Communications Systems Research Group | Snake?"  "Nope, I'm too tired. And |
| University of Saskatchewan		| the name is Plissken." - Kurt      |
| Saskatoon, Canada                     | Russell/Escape from New York, 1981 |
Newsgroups: rec.motorcycles.dirt