What rim lock should we go with?

 

You can use a stock KDX200 rim lock P# 41024.

Go to the bike shop and ask them to order you a rim lock for a 100/100 rear tire. Or go to denniskirk.com and order this: http://www.denniskirk.com/jsp/produc...fCatId=&mmyId=

You can get some chrome spoke weights to balance it out at Denniskirk.com.
Check out these threads for the specifics rim locks and ballancing them out:

https://www.kawasakiforums.com/forum...light=rim+lock

https://www.kawasakiforums.com/forum...light=rim+lock

Mike

 

If you are going to do any serious off road, rim locks are a must. I have two for my rear wheel. Use at least one for the rear and one is fine for the front. Go look at an off road bike to see the spacing relative to the valve stem. I like Bridgestone or MSR Ultra Heavy duty Tubes. Most of the flats we see when riding are "pinched" tubes from slamming through the rocky sections that slime would not help. I do know a few guys that swear by using slime but they ride the desert where there are prickly things that get you. Any of the rim locks are fine, just get the right size for the front and rear. I recently bought some Tusk rim locks and while they are OK I like the Dunlop ones I have better.

 

Maybe no rim locks is why I spun the stems out out the tube twice.

Rim locks, counter balance weights and a cool little, almost wallet sized, 300 PSI 12v air compressor are on my list.



Other than the stems my problem isn't pinched tubes it's thorns, screws and nails. I'm not on the road nearly as much as off and probably never get to 60 mph even then.

We have a couple of rich old hags that live up the road that think everything within earshot belongs to them and they don't like anything or anybody riding anything but a passenger vehicle anywhere around "their" world. That's the only way I can figure I get so many nails and screws in my tires. I've pulled a couple of nice thorns and 3 or 4 roofing nails out of my tire and didn't lose any appreciable air. I love slime, don't love the old hags.

Most tire shops, some that sell slime and other sealants, don't like or "recommend" sealants but I wonder if it's not because they don't like the mess when they fix your flat. Sealants have saved me more than a few flats. Fewer flats mean less customers needing repair or replacements. My experience with slime has been a positive one. When I hear some well reasoned explaination from unbiased slime users that have had negative effects from slime in similar riding conditions, I'll re-assess.

In the mean time until I get the rimlocks etc. I put the tube in and put a rubber grommet on top of the little crown washer on the stem so it is between the rim and the metal washer so it adds a little cushion. Then I found a hard but pliable adjustement nut from an old set of bicycle handbrakes that threads perfectly over the stem and contoured the end to fit slightly into the rim. I snugged the plastic spacer finger tight and then put a nut on top, finger tight and capped it. It's VERY solid, aligns the stem perfectly and, I think, helps to protect the stem area. I'm running 14 lbs in the tire. We'll see how it works out.

Here's a pic of the stem, spacer and grommet.



My rims DO have a small rubber plug the same size as a tube stem about 6 inches away from the stem hole. Could this be for a rim lock when they put that rim on a pure dirt machine?

 

If it has rubber plugs, that is where the rim locks go.

 

rim lock and balance weights, or if you never ride over 50mph forget the balance weights

 

I run slime because I don't want to mess with my bike out on the trails. Run rimlocks and counterbalance them too.

 

14 psi and no locks is a bad idea imo. Use 2 locks 180 degrees from each other to balance out the wheel and forget about the spoke weights. The extra lock is probably cheaper than paying someone to balance your wheels anyways. You will have to drill the hole for the extra lock. I did mine and would do it on any other bike that I plan on having street miles on.