To Big Bore, or not to Big Bore
#1
05-02-2007, 07:09 AM
To Big Bore, or not to Big Bore
So, I have spent countless hours pouring over all the different threads on what everyone
has done, wants to do, or did do but didnt work, to their bikes. And here is the question to
to end all, where does a guy draw the line? I know it is always a matter of personal preferance
(and financial means for that matter) but I am starting to wonder, keep up the mods, or accept
the KLX for what it is and get a second bike for the "hardcore" days when you are riding with
the guys that always bring their "A" game. I am 25, married and have a 2 year old and a 10
month old (....yeah) so I am pretty busy. That is kind of why I got a dual sport. I have always
had 2 stroke motocross bikes, and only motocross bikes, since I started riding at the age of
11 when I got my 1979 YZ80. I am a fairly advanced rider (although less ballse since other
people now depend on me to work and not be on crutches!) and I love the KLX for what it
is, but my riding buddies are all still single, still on 2 strokes or 450's, and kicking my ***!
I dont need to be as fast as I was on my CR250, but a little closer than I am now would
sure be nice.
To get to the point, I have noticed that several members have jumped ship, such as Mr. Nobrakes,
(thanks for the awsome posts btw, BIG HELP on several ocasions!) when he had wringed out every
last bit of power the KLX has to offer. I have a muzzy exhaust, modified airbox, klx300 carb kit,
and 13t front sproket. Much better, but do I want to big bore? Cams? and if I do is a pumper
a must, or can I jet the cvk where it will be useable (I know not as snappy)? As far as actually
doing the mods go, it's not a big deal for me on the labor aspect, I am a master certified auto
technition and have a very well equiped garage (nice excuse to get away from kids for a bit too!)
But $$$wise, is it worth it?
Apoligize for the long winded post!!!,,, just wanted to get everyones opinion on the subject and
all are welcomed and appreciated.
Thanks, Josh.
has done, wants to do, or did do but didnt work, to their bikes. And here is the question to
to end all, where does a guy draw the line? I know it is always a matter of personal preferance
(and financial means for that matter) but I am starting to wonder, keep up the mods, or accept
the KLX for what it is and get a second bike for the "hardcore" days when you are riding with
the guys that always bring their "A" game. I am 25, married and have a 2 year old and a 10
month old (....yeah) so I am pretty busy. That is kind of why I got a dual sport. I have always
had 2 stroke motocross bikes, and only motocross bikes, since I started riding at the age of
11 when I got my 1979 YZ80. I am a fairly advanced rider (although less ballse since other
people now depend on me to work and not be on crutches!) and I love the KLX for what it
is, but my riding buddies are all still single, still on 2 strokes or 450's, and kicking my ***!
I dont need to be as fast as I was on my CR250, but a little closer than I am now would
sure be nice.
To get to the point, I have noticed that several members have jumped ship, such as Mr. Nobrakes,
(thanks for the awsome posts btw, BIG HELP on several ocasions!) when he had wringed out every
last bit of power the KLX has to offer. I have a muzzy exhaust, modified airbox, klx300 carb kit,
and 13t front sproket. Much better, but do I want to big bore? Cams? and if I do is a pumper
a must, or can I jet the cvk where it will be useable (I know not as snappy)? As far as actually
doing the mods go, it's not a big deal for me on the labor aspect, I am a master certified auto
technition and have a very well equiped garage (nice excuse to get away from kids for a bit too!)
But $$$wise, is it worth it?
Apoligize for the long winded post!!!,,, just wanted to get everyones opinion on the subject and
all are welcomed and appreciated.
Thanks, Josh.
#2
05-02-2007, 07:28 AM
RE: To Big Bore, or not to Big Bore
Yeah, I'd say it's definitely worth it for the money. Cheaper than a 2nd bike for sure, especially since you can do all your own work the cost is just the parts, no labor. I think Shadetree gets the prize though for squeezing every last ounce of performance with his cam and porting work.
As for the carb, I think the carb - in combination with the 331 or 340 cc big bore will give you the closest thing to your old bike that you can with this one. Without the carb, you'll still have plenty of power, but the pumper and direct pull slide (as opposed to vacuum actuated) provides that instant throttle response that puts the front wheel in the air when you want it.
I was pretty happy with that setup - I wan't planning on cams or anything else, but you know how that goes. Good thing I bought my KTM when I did otherwise I might be going down same path as Shadetree went.
But the CVK is perfectly usable, you'll just want to make sure it's jetted optimally - it really does provide a good mid-range hit, it's the off-the throttle punch where it falls short of the FCR or Mikuni. You can always add the pumper later, though, or at least in the next CC billing period.
As for the carb, I think the carb - in combination with the 331 or 340 cc big bore will give you the closest thing to your old bike that you can with this one. Without the carb, you'll still have plenty of power, but the pumper and direct pull slide (as opposed to vacuum actuated) provides that instant throttle response that puts the front wheel in the air when you want it.
I was pretty happy with that setup - I wan't planning on cams or anything else, but you know how that goes. Good thing I bought my KTM when I did otherwise I might be going down same path as Shadetree went.
But the CVK is perfectly usable, you'll just want to make sure it's jetted optimally - it really does provide a good mid-range hit, it's the off-the throttle punch where it falls short of the FCR or Mikuni. You can always add the pumper later, though, or at least in the next CC billing period.
#3
05-02-2007, 08:26 AM
Guest
Posts: n/a
RE: To Big Bore, or not to Big Bore
You know it's funny you should post such a message; I went through the same exact thing you are right now a few months back. I had bought a 300 jug from a good guy on here- mmatz. I had plans of sending it off to kustomkraft for the 331 kit. But something inside me kept telling me that after I would have spent the $460w/shipping or so that I still wouldn't be satisfied. I put the bike up for sale a couple times, told myself to keep it because it was more economical than selling and buying another new bike, which was true. But as you may or may not know, I just sold it last week for $4200 which is pretty good for a basically stock sans the BigGun pipe 2006 KLX. I had done a few other minor mods like sprockets and air-filter and of course I had purchased the extra cylinder. I let it all go at the sale. Now I bought a new bike today and I think the smile is permanently imprinted on my face. I cannot tell you how much funner, more powerful, and utterly cool my new bike is compared to the KLX.
More on the new bike later, but I can tell you that it IS worth it to sell the KLX. Let's face it, the KLX even with a pipe is a downright dog, at least to someone like me who is use to riding relatively powerful bikes from 2-stroke MX bikes to Harleys with torque to crotch rockets. I was disappointed with the KLX's power on the first ride but it looked good and that is why I bought it. I knew I would have to pipe it to get extra power and that helped. But let me tell you, whew, was I missing the boat when I bought that bike. If I were you I would definitely sell it. You will never have the fun you want to on it when your buds are roosting you all day long and you're struggling with no torque or horsepower. Even if you do the big bore and carb, you are still going to struggle to make 28 horsepower, and then you won't have the torque of the larger bike, which I found out immediately after riding my new bike is where the fun originates from.
Sure you can put all kinds of cash into the KLX and make it run good, but it still will never have the torque of a larger bike. It's your money, but think about what your kids would say- would they say, "yeah daddy, build up your little 250" or would they think it was cool if you had a big 450 like you want, and like they would think your cooler than you friends have since bigger is better to any kid? Want power and torque? The grass is greener on the other side for me. I do not miss my KLX at all. It was extremely loud but sounded mean, had no torque and couldn't get out of it's own way without the clutch. It was okay for what it was, but it wasn't much compared to other bikes out there. And yes, I know it isn't supposed to be. But it seems to me that alot of guys are buying this bike expecting more and realizing they made a mistake in doing so. Just my .02.
More on the new bike later, but I can tell you that it IS worth it to sell the KLX. Let's face it, the KLX even with a pipe is a downright dog, at least to someone like me who is use to riding relatively powerful bikes from 2-stroke MX bikes to Harleys with torque to crotch rockets. I was disappointed with the KLX's power on the first ride but it looked good and that is why I bought it. I knew I would have to pipe it to get extra power and that helped. But let me tell you, whew, was I missing the boat when I bought that bike. If I were you I would definitely sell it. You will never have the fun you want to on it when your buds are roosting you all day long and you're struggling with no torque or horsepower. Even if you do the big bore and carb, you are still going to struggle to make 28 horsepower, and then you won't have the torque of the larger bike, which I found out immediately after riding my new bike is where the fun originates from.
Sure you can put all kinds of cash into the KLX and make it run good, but it still will never have the torque of a larger bike. It's your money, but think about what your kids would say- would they say, "yeah daddy, build up your little 250" or would they think it was cool if you had a big 450 like you want, and like they would think your cooler than you friends have since bigger is better to any kid? Want power and torque? The grass is greener on the other side for me. I do not miss my KLX at all. It was extremely loud but sounded mean, had no torque and couldn't get out of it's own way without the clutch. It was okay for what it was, but it wasn't much compared to other bikes out there. And yes, I know it isn't supposed to be. But it seems to me that alot of guys are buying this bike expecting more and realizing they made a mistake in doing so. Just my .02.
#4
05-02-2007, 04:36 PM
RE: To Big Bore, or not to Big Bore
Well, thereyou have it. If you modify the KLX to the hilt, you can probablyhave more respectable resultsagainst your bud's -you might even surprise them now and then-butif your ultimate goal isto run with them,I think a new bike is in order.
I have thefeeling"a little closer" will never quite reachwhat you truly want if you are using 2-stroke CR250's and 4 stroke 450's as the benchmark.
It's the same principle that applied when I used to ride sport bikes. The guys who joined the group with 450's, 650's and sometimes even 750's eventually had liter bikes like the rest of us.
I have thefeeling"a little closer" will never quite reachwhat you truly want if you are using 2-stroke CR250's and 4 stroke 450's as the benchmark.
It's the same principle that applied when I used to ride sport bikes. The guys who joined the group with 450's, 650's and sometimes even 750's eventually had liter bikes like the rest of us.
#5
05-02-2007, 04:47 PM
RE: To Big Bore, or not to Big Bore
Or, at 25 with 2 young kids you realize being the top dog isn't so important, having cash in the bank, a 401k and a college fund going for the kids IS more important. One day you will realize that you will never have the best bike, the fastest bike, the newest bling or whateverand even if you do, someone on some POS will burn your *** no matter what you do. My son on his KDX50 thinks his dad is the greatest person on earth, I know, he tells me and it isn't because I ride a Ducati, or have "just" a KLX250s or that I am his T-ball coach, it is because I am his dad and we have fun with our toys together, so long as that remains the same, I personally do not worry that my son may think I am not cool because I do not ride XX450 or whatever.
The KLX is what it is, works for some, doesn't work for others, but to sell it so you can buy something bigger and better just to hang with the boys seems a bit silly to me. Now, if you really are hardcore, use the KLX as a dirt, street and track bike, then perhaps it isn't the best choice. However, dollar for dollar, it isn't all that bad of a bike. Then again, I ride and have a blast on it whether I am in front or behind,we are not racing and couldn't care less who is where on the trail and the KLX is not my street bike either.
The KLX is what it is, works for some, doesn't work for others, but to sell it so you can buy something bigger and better just to hang with the boys seems a bit silly to me. Now, if you really are hardcore, use the KLX as a dirt, street and track bike, then perhaps it isn't the best choice. However, dollar for dollar, it isn't all that bad of a bike. Then again, I ride and have a blast on it whether I am in front or behind,we are not racing and couldn't care less who is where on the trail and the KLX is not my street bike either.
#6
05-02-2007, 06:18 PM
Guest
Posts: n/a
RE: To Big Bore, or not to Big Bore
I hate it when someone brings everyone else down to reality. Very well said there sir. He is right you know. But man, it's fun when you twist the throttle and you get shoved down into the seat. That ain't happening on any KLX 250, big bore or no big bore.
#7
05-02-2007, 06:44 PM
RE: To Big Bore, or not to Big Bore
ORIGINAL: Iowaguy
But man, it's fun when you twist the throttle and you get shoved down into the seat. That ain't happening on any KLX 250, big bore or no big bore.
But man, it's fun when you twist the throttle and you get shoved down into the seat. That ain't happening on any KLX 250, big bore or no big bore.
#8
05-02-2007, 06:59 PM
RE: To Big Bore, or not to Big Bore
I have your same mods but with the 300 cc cylinder, it made a big difference to me. If you want a dual sport that is comfortable to ride I would keep the klx. Iam now happy with the power of the bike, when I get the valves checked for specs in the future I am going to get the head ported and polished.
#9
05-02-2007, 07:23 PM
RE: To Big Bore, or not to Big Bore
Hey, Brian. You'll appreciate this, as I'm sure others will too. On the Arkansas Hillbilly Tour last month, I ran with a guy on a slightly modded DRZ 400. Of course we drag raced a few times. We were almost neck and neck at that time. That was the break in ride for my 331, so it was still very tight and the carb, I learned later, was really lean with a 135 main jet. I have worked on it since then. We met again at an Urban Assault ride in OKC last weekend. This time the Squidflipper left him behind every time. I've been too busy to get back on the final tuning and dyno run, but I'm looking forward to sharing that with you guys once it's done.
#10
05-02-2007, 08:20 PM
Guest
Posts: n/a
RE: To Big Bore, or not to Big Bore
ORIGINAL: Nobrakes
Well, I had one and you are completely wrong about that. I guess since you got your new bike you'll be ******* the KLX like westcanca or whatever his name was. I'm not talking about the stock bike, but the 331 w/pumper. The KLX331 + pumper is the real deal. It's not a 450 that's a given, but it's a fire breathing monster as compared to its humble beginnings in stock form. I wish I could have afforded to keep mine - it was a blast to ride and different enough from the KTM that some days I'd choose one and some days I'd choose the other depending on what I was in the mood for. Both bikes rip.
ORIGINAL: Iowaguy
But man, it's fun when you twist the throttle and you get shoved down into the seat. That ain't happening on any KLX 250, big bore or no big bore.
But man, it's fun when you twist the throttle and you get shoved down into the seat. That ain't happening on any KLX 250, big bore or no big bore.