Off-Road

[Dan Atsma]

How many of you ride your scramblers off road? Any mods to make them perform better?

[rustywrench]

Dan,
Last year I had a whole load of spare parts piled in the shop getting in the way. I figured that if I put the knobbies on this frame, then I could role half of the parts around and get them out of the way. The temptation was a bit too big however and the roller soon became a trail bike. I had to play with the gearing cuz the stock 15/37 was still too tall for my tired ol' bones so I went to a 41 tooth rear and found that better on the hills. I had found myself on a jeep road hill and ran out of power half way up (I'm not a very aggressive dirt rider). There is nothing funny about a 64 y/o man wrestling a 350lb bike on the hill side. Was going to try a 13 tooth counter but sold the bike for other adventures. Rusty

[Hotshoe]

Without knowing your intentions or skill level, here are a few suggestions;
A new set of rear shocks with progressive springs about 1" longer.
Change your fork oil to some PJ1 30wt.
45t rear sprocket.
Trials universal or knobby tires 3.50 front, 4.00 rear.
Take off your head light, taillight and mirrors.
Change your hand grips to some sticky grips with flange ends.
If you'll be making water crossings, water proof your electrical connections and points cover.
Loosen your brake and clutch lever handlebar clamps so they're snug but able to move.
Check and lube all your control cables, replace any that are frayed.
Include a set of tire irons and a tube in your tool kit and a first aid kit in your back pack.
If it's not a race, always ride with someone and plan your ride.
Tell someone where you're going and when you expect to be back.
Hope that helps.

[Hotshoe]

Pretty obvious but I forgot to mention a tire pump or a CO2 cartridge tire inflator.

[Dan Atsma]

Without knowing your intentions or skill level, here are a few suggestions;
A new set of rear shocks with progressive springs about 1" longer.
Change your fork oil to some PJ1 30wt.
45t rear sprocket.
Trials universal or knobby tires 3.50 front, 4.00 rear.
Take off your head light, taillight and mirrors.
Change your hand grips to some sticky grips with flange ends.
If you'll be making water crossings, water proof your electrical connections and points cover.
Loosen your brake and clutch lever handlebar clamps so they're snug but able to move.
Check and lube all your control cables, replace any that are frayed.
Include a set of tire irons and a tube in your tool kit and a first aid kit in your back pack.
If it's not a race, always ride with someone and plan your ride.
Tell someone where you're going and when you expect to be back.
Hope that helps.

Looks like good advice, I'm not looking to go full out, off road. I have some friends that run dual sports that want me to ride with them, just wondering if I'm nut's for thinking I can keep up! I'll definently use some of your advice, probably stop short of losing the lights! Thanks!

[cbxmountainman]

13 front 45 + rear, knobbys and water proof ignition. Loosen front perchesd so they will turn when ,(not if) you drop it. JMHO