List of cheap fixes and helpful hints

[racerfty]

I would say this goes hand in hand with riding tips, bike tips. I was just wondering what little hints and tips are out there to fix little problems on the bike. for example i do alot of gncc racing and i know that the mud and water getting on riding boots and kick starter make for some extra kicks due to foot sliding off, i discovered intalling zip ties on the kick starter helps. Along with the fact they are cheap to install, funtional and cheap to replace. So what other tricks and hints are out there?

[ktm_cody_199]

This is good idea,I have an 07ktm250sxf and the paint likes to wear away on frame.To keep it looking good I put grip tape from a skate board on where my boots rub to keep it looking sharp and adds extra grip for muddy races.When it gets really muddy I put grip tape every where!!Levers,subframe air box covers,under the back fender for some where to grab when lifting out of mud.tool kit in camel back and a special compartment for LOTS-O-ZIP TIES.A nice clean rag in my camel back just in case you get some serious mud on your face and hands.

[pjg351]

When i get a new bike, i put a dab of silicon sealant on all the plastics bolts. This stops them vibrating loose but doesn't grab hard like lock tight glues do.

[ktm_cody_199]

Originally Posted by pjg351

When i get a new bike, i put a dab of silicon sealant on all the plastics bolts. This stops them vibrating loose but doesn't grab hard like lock tight glues do.

Well that is a good idea

I spray pam under my fenders and on my mud flap so nothing big sticks to it.

[racerfty]

Got a new one, i have been having problems with items hitting my valve stems and causing them not to seal, after i fixed them, or replace the tube, i started putting the valve stem cap on, and using a small piece of sponge cut into a square with a hole in the center of it and sliping it over the valve stem, so far so good, i just have problems finding the sponge after a good pressure cleaning.

[ktm_cody_199]

Im confused?How does that work

[racerfty]

by putting the sponge on the valve stem, it reduces the energy from a stone or any other item hitting the stem and compresses the sponge, and not transfering as much energy to the stem, it wont help if you dead on a root or something, but it helps for those roost pebbles.

[JS89]

spray paint works good as grip glue

Goof-off work good to clean plastics off good were it scratched

when puting new tires on put baby powder in the tire move around KEEP tube from sticking to tire TUBE LAST LONGER Done use WD-40 dosent dry and will casue your tire to spin on the rim

[racerfty]

With the wd-40 i had the best lock with it for spinning new tires on, if i use soap and seat the bead, it takes a while for the soap to wear off, and when i run low pressures the bead will back off. If i use wd40 and seat the bead, i can lower the pressure down to 7-10 psi and ride with out a problem, my bike has a bead lock so spinning the rim, really dont happen. I like the baby powder, i will have to try that.

[JS89]

WD-40 dosent dry and it will cause the tire to then causeing the vavle stem to get ripped out and it also bonds the tube to the tire and tube dosent last long at all

[pjg351]

Got this of TT, for your plastics

Removing flex marks and scratches from plastics

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Got white flex marks on your plastics?

Tools needed: cleaner, heat gun (adjustable works best)

Work description: Clean the plastics, take the heat gun and slowly heat it from the back side. Slowly heat until the plastic is changing the color. Let it cool and you´re done. In some cases you need to treat both sides. Test the procedure on some old parts first to get a feeling for the right temperature.

###

Got scratches on your plastics?

Tools needed: Sand paper (#100 - # 1000), cleaner, heat gun (adjustable works best)

Work description: Wet sand the plastics starting with the low grain first (# grain depending on the depth of the scratches) und finish with #1000 sand paper. Clean the plastics. Slowly heat until you see the plastic changing the color sort of like starting to melt. Let it cool down and you´re done. Test the procedure on some old parts first to get a feeling for the right temperature.

[Freak]

Better to keep the tube dry so it don't move around. That's when valve stems go bye bye.

[MXtras]

Keep your levers loose enough that they rotate rather than break in the event of a crash. Make sure the ends of the levers do not extend past the end of the bars.

Get a few spare air filters for your bike. Clean and oil them all at once putting them in bags for future use - this promotes good filter changing habits.

To properly align your chain, spin the wheel and adjust so that the chain runs in the center of the sprocket with an even gap between both sides of the chain and the sprocket. This works best on new chains - it's not too consistent on a used chain but still aligns it mechanically true better than the marks on the axle blocks.

Baby powder works well for short term use but using heavy duty silicone spray works better in the long term for keeping the tube free inside the tire. Keep all oils away from the bead.

WD-40 sucks for just about everything. It will rot rubber and most elastomers.

Scott

[MotoMan]

When installing new grips use hairspray to allow the grips to slide on easily, then saftey wire the grips in place so they NEVER move. About the easiest most full proof method I have found.

[char393]

Hey, that's my method! Exactly why I have a can of hairspray in the garage.

[ktm_cody_199]

Dont forget to spray pam for the oven all over your motor front of frame and exhaust,this way nothing sticks,bike cleans good,attracts ants,and smells good going around the track

[MotoMan]

Originally Posted by char393

Hey, that's my method! Exactly why I have a can of hairspray in the garage.

Yep I have a can in the barn as well.

[JS89]

Clear coat also works good for grips two, on the throttle tube put a peice of tape over the hole on stock tube keeps dirt out and smooth throttle action, When washing bike spray chain with WD40 clean it up good then dry it off and lube it up

[racerfty]

When Changing my Tires, since i am too cheap to buy a stand for the tire, I got a piece of 1/2 in iron pipe about 12 inches long with a adapter 3/4 to 1/2 on the end, i put the 3/4 end in the vice letting about 1/4 in stick up and slide the tire over it. the 3/4 adapter stops the hub from hitting the vice, the 1/2 pipe is just the right size for the axle and allows for a nice area to work. Plus i can splin the tire, when needed, along with the rotor does not get harmed, and the sprocket does not destroy hands, items, or any thing else. Plus i had all of the things laying around the house. so it is a free tire stand. Plus i can vise it at 90 degrees and true up the spokes when needed.

[kdx220]

Here in CA, you must have your bike's registration onboard. I take the handlebar crossbar pad cover off, roll the registration paper around it, and put the plastic cover back on. Registration's always with the proper bike then. Especially helpful when you have several bikes...