Ok, did a little research in the MCM thread. Found where JeffWard justifies his assessment that the MCM doesn't work as well on 06's and 07's as it does on 09's and up..

It's on page 37.

His english is terrible. Bottom line is that he thinks the MCM won't be as effective on the 06 and 07 250's as it is on 09's and up.. I am not impressed with his methods or conclusions - For instance: I don't know if a 2000 KLX300 exhaust cam is the same exhaust cam that is installed in 06 and 07 KLX250's - I don't know if a european 09 250 EFI exhaust cam is the same exhaust cam that's installed on 09 and up KLX250S's - Nothing is said about intake cams at all - Even if he is correct in all this, and the exhaust cams of KLX250S from 06 and 07 carries more lift and less duration than 09+, I can't see why that would make the MCM ineffective.

 

That "adventures in real life" guy seems to know a lot about the differences in 06 & 7 models compared to the 09s and up, one of us could ask him about it.

I was riding a bit today but road was slippery so didn't get a proper test. And I still have to tune my fuel screw. My idle is erratic and the bike seems jerky in 1st.

From what I was doing today, it seems to start really picking up at 5k and didn't stop after 7k. I'll run more tests once the weather is suitable.

I'm trying to think what would be better for woods, having the torque down low or having that extra kick at high rpms for tough hill climbs

 

No, it should pull hard to 9.4K (stock header runs out of flow around that point) but does the pull increase noticeably at some point above 7K ?

The erratic idle is a concern. Did this just start happening all the sudden? The circuits likely involved (pilot system) also affect throttle response and power levels up to and below about 4k RPM.. If it's something more - like a leaking diaphragm, screwy choke system, etc - there would be wide ranging effects on the fuel curve..

2.5 to 3 turns out on the fuel screw (If you do have a stock Keihin #35 pilot jet) will be correct and if the bike doesn't idle/run right, there could be other issues at play.

Once it's running correctly, if you still sense a loss of TRQ below 6.5k, you really should "play" with the clip setting.

 

I'm sure it's just the cold weather and needing to fine tune the fuel screw. There is def more torque than before, I can pop over a curb or wheelie no problem compared to before. The bike is more powerful everywhere. I'll keep the carb settings as I think it's pretty much optimal. Just need to mess with the idle and I'll try that test once it's nice enough to find a wide open spot.

 

One other thing I'm noticing is the shifting is so much better now. I read running rich (or was it lean?) Makes the shifting harder. But now it clicks with ease all over the power band. Makes me think everything is jetted nicely. Thx to your help

 

Well I don't understand the shifting thing. I haven't read or heard that before. Perhaps I'm not understanding what you mean by "shifting is so much better now."

Colder weather will lean a given fuel curve - but not drastically enough to cause issues unless the fuel curve or a circuit was already borderline "too lean". Certainly, the only affect you should notice with colder weather is an increase in overall power levels everywhere - once the engine is up to proper temp.

 

Don't believe that for a moment. A considerable difference on my '08.

 

Well, I don't think there is any extra power after 7k. I will test it once I take it on the hard dirt, whenever that may be,but there certainly isn't any boost on the road in higher gears. It just seems like uniform acceleration.

To be honest, my bike is pretty underwhelming. I recently spoke to a guy who owned both the 07 and the 09 and he said the 09 was better in every possible way.. Better throttle response, better delivery, suspension, wheel strength etc.

There is no way id ever be able to get the bike on one wheel without popping the clutch as it is now. Not even close. Not even in first.

I rode a klx 450 a week ago and it really puts into perspective how wimpy my klx250 is. Even my KTM 250 puts it to shame, I can get it up on one wheel in first without popping the clutch and it's stock everything, aside from possibly a more aggressive fuel map.

I think I will try the m cam mod. Anything for some more power. I rode thru the city with my buddies and they just destroyed me on their 450s. While my klx is dependable, bulletproof, plush, comfy and forgiving, I'd like it to have a lot better performance without having to spend on a big bore kit and pumper carb, which in my opinion for the money I'd be better off selling it before dropping 1400 when it's all said and done with shipping, us to cdn exchange rate and the parts

 

The MCM will give you another "big" increase in power everywhere. The time you spend researching,learning,and then performing the MCM will be a distant memory after your first "MCM ride".. Deactivate the ACR (on the exhaust cam) by simply removing its' spring..

Your carb/airbox setup is ready to roll with the MCM.. Once done, you'll be close to 22hp and 16 lb ft TRQ .. To get more power, you'll be replacing expensive parts with more expensive parts ( A PowerBomb/Megabomb header would be next - then your choice of Webcams #101, TM36-68, Big Bore kits, etc..)

 

It is generally accepted in here that the 06/07's are superior to 09+... Something about the exhaust bearings and radiator sprockets..

So, no power "surge" above 7k anywhere.. Just linear pull.. Ok, thanks for the info.. Lets test for that "surge" again after the MCM..?