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XR650 and 525MXC/EXC maintenance questions
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Posted by: BadBronco---------------------
I am saving the funds to get back into riding. So, for now all I can do is gather info so I can make an educated choice when the time comes.
I have come to the decision at this point that I will be looking at several different bikes. The possible 4 strokers are, either a XR650 or KTM 525 MXC or EXC.
My question is simply, what should I expect for required maintenance on either the Honda or KTM? I've always had 2 strokes when I was previously into bikes, so I'm not used to oil filter changes or checking the valves on a bike.
I am fairly mech. inclined, having changed many engines, swapped many a carbs, intakes, heads, cams, trannies, etc., on V8 muscle cars. So it should not be difficult for me to physically do.
I'm just in the initial planning stages so I thought I'd hit you guys up first to get an idea what to expect.
If you could, please elaborate on for example what is involved in changing oil filters and checking the valves, etc? Like, am I going to be draining the coolant to check valve/rocker clearances, etc? Or doing a lot of dissassembly of the bike to do this kind of maintenance? Am I going to be having to worry about valve stem seals, lash cap or rocker tip wear? Are there a lot of valve train parts that have to be replaced as part of maintenance? Is the valve cover gasket even something you have to replace every time you have to check/adjust the valves?
I have read that the KTM's do require some fairly frequent work, even getting into frequent bearing changes, like really frequent. Which is a drag as I was kind of leaning towards the KTM untill I read that.
Any info is greatly appreciated.
Posted by: BadBronco---------------------
I'll try to word this one differently as well.
What kind of maintenance does a 525 MXC/EXC require and how often?
If you wish to see my more elaborate questions and the reasons for them, please see my original post that the moderator felt the need to move to the what bike should I get section.
This is a thumper only question, so if this one gets moved I will attempt to contact the moderator to ask "WTF" chuck.
Thanks for any info.
Posted by: Rodzilla---------------------
Ok I do not have a 650 I do have a 400 both of the XR and KTM variety
here is the difference...
The XR is closer to a "ride hard & put away wet" bike
Basically clean the air filter, change the oil and do a valve check a couple of times a year.
Not sure if draining the rads is needed to do a valve check on the 650.
The XR650 is heavier, by far, but has killer power it was designed to do one thing..go fast as hell in the desert
As far as the KTM...
Not "harder" maintenance just different.
The KTM needs more frequent oil changes (it only holds 1.2 quarts) so figure doing a change every third ride or so. Also the KTM has two filters and two screens. The oil change is messy on the KTM (you have to lay the bike on its side to do the filters)
Valve clearance is the same (hand tools) and needs to be done a couple of times a season (1 hour job +/-) but you need to drain the coolant (5 minutes) remove the tank and seat (2 minutes) find TDC and do the adjustments then button it back up.
The KTM comes with better components (bars, clutch, chain etc...) and I would guess is about 20lbs lighter. The KTM may be a bit more versitile if you ride different terrain.
This all seems intimidating but it's really pretty easy (Then again I consider any time with my bike to be quality time 
)
Rod
Posted by: BadBronco---------------------
Right on Rod, thanks for the details.
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