Maintenance Time

[valverde]

I am in need of some serious 1:1 with my bike (03 CRF450) and wanted to get some feedback on a few things.

1. I need to buy new tires, most everyone in this area runs Dunlop 756's any other suggestions on Tires?

2. I want to replace sprockets, what kind do you suggest?

3. I also want to replace my chain, I have read all the debates over X's and O's, what would you guys buy if you had the money?

FYI...my boss at work gave me a little bonus and my boss at home said I could spend it on my bike since it needed it. Boy I got good bosses!

Thanks for the feedback!

[Kirtwell]

The only tire I will run on my CRF is the Michellin M12 on rear...the only thing I would consider otherwise would be the Maxis intermediate. Your call depending on what type of dirt you ride on.

I run a 51T JT steel sproket on the back....I can eat up an aluminum sprocket in 3 rides...the Steel is cheaper and holds up 3 times longer.
I usually buy 2 at a time because they are only 20 bucks....I can get 6 months of hard riding out of one.

I run a DID X-ring chain...I've probably wore out 25 chains in the past 5 years...and this chain is by far the best I've ever seen...In fact...I bought the bike last May and I've made 2 very minor adjustments to the chain the first couple of rides...since then...I haven't touched it ...not once...and I ride alot! ...Even my wife commented on the fact that she doesn't ever see me cleaning or adjusting chains anymore The only complaint I have about X-ring chains is the master link always gives me fits...you have to compress the master link while trying to put the clip on...I found that I am too clumsy to get it done the first time

[Dano426]

I am running almost the same setup as Kirtwell.

Michellin M12 on rear
JT Steel sprockets on front and back
Moose oring chain

I have been very happy with everything.

[jaybird67k393]

I have to agree, I run the DID X ring chain with a Sunstar steel sprocket on back of my YZ 450.
I can eat an Aluminum sprocket, regardles of the brand, in a 1-2 month period.

Later, Jason

[valverde]

Thanks for the feedback!

Any suggestions of where to get the goodies?

I know alot of folks say I should support my local shops but at present none are supporting me so I am looking for best price.

Thanks Again.

[Dano426]

You can get JT sprockets at [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] and primary drive sprockets at [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

I have never used primary drive sprockets, but have heard the hold up pretty well for the price. I usually purchase JTs at a local dealer.

Don't be afraid to ask a deal to match prices (after shipping). I now have a great relationship with a dealer. He gives me his best price and I don't have to mess with it. Best of both worlds. Plus if you buy it from a dealer, they will usually help you with the install if there are problems.

[mad_biker]

I got my D.I.D x-ring chain from rockymountainmc .They have them for $30 less than anybody else I've seen.

[Vintage Dave393]

I just did all of this to mine. JT 51 tooth in the rear (stocker lasted 25 hours). DID X Ring chain (it has 25 hours on it and I have adjusted it once). For tires, it depends on which tracks you ride the most. For Splendora type dirt, I have used Dunlop 756, Dunlop 773, and Michelin S-12. The S-12 wears the best and is the lightest of the tires. I am not real impressed with the Dunlops. They loose their edge and get loose pretty quickly. That being said, I just put a new 756 on both ends since that is what I had in the garage. The next tires I buy will probably be Bridgestone 401 & 402. The front is available in the new 90/100 x 21 size and I would like to try one.

If you ride much at Rio, just find a hard pack tire and go for it. Al hasn't prepped the track since we had our Vintage Pro-AM last October. It should be getting a good blue groove any day now. When we raced there about a month ago, traction was totally optional.

Ditto what someone said about Rocky Mountain and their chain prices. They are by FAR the cheapest place to find DID X Ring chains. I believe it was right around 70 bucks.

[Woody_393]

I run 51 tooth on back too (going to 49 though after rebuild), have an RK X ring, and have had great luck with it.

i currently run the S-12 on the rear and quite like it, with an M-12 up front (best front tire ever IMOP, and last forever).

The S-12 has been good but is starting to chunk on one of the knobs. Maxxis MaxxCross IT is what I"ll be goign to next. Bates runs it and has had great luck with them, good hookup, slides well, and last a long time too. Can't beat the price on it from RMMC.com either.

ATM does have a store But not all the goodies

[Mr.Boof]

[Only registered and activated users can see links. ] for everything, best mail order.