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Originally Posted By PhuzzyGnu: https://c.tenor.com/DozZTQmVXIEAAAAC/tenor.gif Nope thats it If I do anything else its going to be around 600cc  Just going to enjoy it as is. I think theres some engine mods you can do but at the end of the day its still a 300cc |
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Originally Posted By chase45: Alright now Im done modding it Might go back in and trim up the piece I had to cut. Wasnt quite sure how it all went together until I was done. Really happy to fix the mirrors and rear fender 700 miles as of this morning. https://i.imgur.com/BihPIPZh.jpg No rear turn signals? Also, did you just wash it, tires are super shiny in that pic |
"Makes me realize why there are warning labels on hemorrhoid cream about not using it orally" - Weomi
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Originally Posted By StarCityShooter: No rear turn signals? Also, did you just wash it, tires are super shiny in that pic Its integrated into the rear light. They are def brighter than the oem setup but smaller real estate wise It honestly needs to be washed again as its been rained on and through streets that have recently had oil applied to them I did rub a little SC1 on the sidewalls last time I wiped it down but its been a little bit 
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Originally Posted By Scrote: Tire shine on motorcycles is a no-no. Yeah its not really on them so much. I spray the SC1 on the bike and them wipe it down. Then wipe the side walls with the same rag. The tires themselves are not slick I also think that picture is deceptive as there are two cars behind me blocking some light thats hitting the top part of the bike The front tire is getting some light and not particularly shiny |
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Originally Posted By chase45: Alright now Im done modding it Might go back in and trim up the piece I had to cut. Wasnt quite sure how it all went together until I was done. Really happy to fix the mirrors and rear fender 700 miles as of this morning. https://i.imgur.com/BihPIPZh.jpg Looks good! Glad the mirrors are working out, I just might have to get some as well. Those look like the ones I was considering. |
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Originally Posted By ATLDiver: Take a rider safety course from your local DMV is all I’ll tell you. A dual sport is a completely different animal to a cruiser. Depending on your area “defensive riding” is not enough, you really need to be offensive. Being constantly on the look for assholes and obvious soccer moms got old and I became a full time ‘ cager.’ Same here. Rode a cruiser (Vulcan 1600) for 8 years, went down a couple times. Was knocked out (yes, wearing a helmet) and woke up lying flat on my back in the middle of a highway. My wife, daughter, mother, etc. depend on me, and I realized I was not only gambling with my life, but with theirs, too. Sold it, never looked back, never been happier. It was all just a "stage I went through" and, fortunately, survived. |
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Originally Posted By Dynamo: Looks good! Glad the mirrors are working out, I just might have to get some as well. Those look like the ones I was considering. The RH one is a little further out than the left. The RH one I can still see behind me pretty good The LH I sort of have to shift my head or body a little to get a look behind But yeah tons better and I still keep my head on a swivel for shifting lanes anyways I just like being able to see if someone is coming up behind me too quick |
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Originally Posted By Rbass: Yeah bikes tend to do that, but they're so worth it! Originally Posted By Rbass: Originally Posted By chase45: Just let my membership lapse since the bike burnt a hole in my savings account Yeah bikes tend to do that, but they're so worth it! 
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People like all different kinds of mirrors. To each his own. I sit upright on my bike, so I like conventional mirrors up on stalks. Why? Because I only need to look very slightly off to the side to see the rear view. It takes me slightly longer to look at mirrors in other locations, and I prefer to have my concentration on where I am headed diverted for the shortest amount of time. |
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Stay safe! Too many cagers have their noses buried in their cell phones these days. My first motorcycle was a brand new 865cc Triumph that I purchased before I took the MSF. But, my dad taught me how to ride a motorcycle on his 84 Honda CB750F Super Sport when I was 16.....plus my car was a stick, so I was used rowing gears for years. I put my bike away for about a decade and just recently got it running again. That had a lot to do with having young kids. |
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Originally Posted By chase45: Alright now Im done modding it Might go back in and trim up the piece I had to cut. Wasnt quite sure how it all went together until I was done. Really happy to fix the mirrors and rear fender 700 miles as of this morning. https://i.imgur.com/BihPIPZh.jpg Looks great! Are you sure the tag won't hit the rear tire if the suspension compresses completely? 
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Originally Posted By CapedCrusader: Looks great! Are you sure the tag won't hit the rear tire if the suspension compresses completely? https://y.yarn.co/7f0bea79-4aab-4d54-9d09-3fd0de66225d_text.gif Hmm Ya know I dont think so It seemed like this one was a popular option for that particular modification. I havent particularly seen anything mentioned with worrying about that with this tidy kit But now you got me wondering. Granted if I ever fully compress the spring that means something went wrong anyways
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Originally Posted By CapedCrusader: Looks great! Are you sure the tag won't hit the rear tire if the suspension compresses completely? That's why mine is at such a jaunty angle. Yeah. Attached File |
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Originally Posted By chase45: Hmm Ya know I dont think so It seemed like this one was a popular option for that particular modification. I havent particularly seen anything mentioned with worrying about that with this tidy kit But now you got me wondering. Granted if I ever fully compress the spring that means something went wrong anyways Originally Posted By chase45: Originally Posted By CapedCrusader: Looks great! Are you sure the tag won't hit the rear tire if the suspension compresses completely? https://y.yarn.co/7f0bea79-4aab-4d54-9d09-3fd0de66225d_text.gif Hmm Ya know I dont think so It seemed like this one was a popular option for that particular modification. I havent particularly seen anything mentioned with worrying about that with this tidy kit But now you got me wondering. Granted if I ever fully compress the spring that means something went wrong anyways If you keep at it then you will eventually bottom the suspension out. But no big deal - it'll just rub and bend the plate a little. But I think it'd look better anyway if it was angled a little. Just something to think about. |
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Originally Posted By CapedCrusader: If you keep at it then you will eventually bottom the suspension out. But no big deal - it'll just rub and bend the plate a little. But I think it'd look better anyway if it was angled a little. Just something to think about. Yeah idk I just didnt really think about that at all until you guys mentioned it  I think I should be good? It looks like the shock doesnt have as much travel compared to the distance between the bottom of the plate and tire. I didnt measure it but it looks like the distance between the bottom of the plate and tire is about double the amount of distance that the shock has to travel before bottoming out on that bumper What do you guys think?   |
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Originally Posted By chase45: Yeah idk I just didnt really think about that at all until you guys mentioned it I think I should be good? It looks like the shock doesnt have as much travel compared to the distance between the bottom of the plate and tire. I didnt measure it but it looks like the distance between the bottom of the plate and tire is about double the amount of distance that the shock has to travel before bottoming out on that bumper What do you guys think? https://i.imgur.com/YjHIlqoh.jpg https://i.imgur.com/5jYHK2Rh.jpg It looks ok but it's hard to tell for sure. There's one way to find out. Start feeding your wife more. |
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Originally Posted By CapedCrusader: It looks ok but it's hard to tell for sure. There's one way to find out. Start feeding your wife more. https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTSj9Q7JOC0bkfOUvUP165PYQIKGJdSp4q6iQ&s Haha Im not sure which would be more tough. Getting her on the bike. Or getting her to that size. I think Im just gunna send it for now |
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Originally Posted By chase45: Its integrated into the rear light. They are def brighter than the oem setup but smaller real estate wise It honestly needs to be washed again as its been rained on and through streets that have recently had oil applied to them I did rub a little SC1 on the sidewalls last time I wiped it down but its been a little bit https://tstindustries.com/images/D/24KLX300INT_TST-Industries_Integrated-Tail-Light-and-Fender-Eliminator-System-for-Kawasaki-KLX300-KLX300SM-2024+_Detailed-Image-10.jpg Gotcha Originally Posted By Scrote: Tire shine on motorcycles is a no-no. THIS. Thats what I was fishing for Originally Posted By chase45: Yeah its not really on them so much. I spray the SC1 on the bike and them wipe it down. Then wipe the side walls with the same rag. The tires themselves are not slick I also think that picture is deceptive as there are two cars behind me blocking some light thats hitting the top part of the bike The front tire is getting some light and not particularly shiny Dont put any. Zero. Tire shine on any part of the tires. Ever. Unless its a show bike. |
"Makes me realize why there are warning labels on hemorrhoid cream about not using it orally" - Weomi
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Originally Posted By StarCityShooter: Dont put any. Zero. Tire shine on any part of the tires. Ever. Unless its a show bike. Yeah, I knew a guy who laid down his Harley in the 90's because he armor all'd the sidewalls and got just a bit carried away. It doesn't take much to cause a problem. |
I hit 600 miles so I did the first oil & filter change. I also cleaned and lubed the chain as well as washed the bike. I bought & installed some swingarm decals and removed the goofy looking front reflectors that were hanging down from the front fender. Previously I had replaced the halogen headlight bulb with an LED bulb that several youtube videos recommended. It is better than the halogen but still kind of sucks so I ordered an LED 4x6 headlight from JNS engineering that seems pretty impressive in the video reviews that I have seen. It will get installed as soon as it arrives.
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Originally Posted By Dynamo: I hit 600 miles so I did the first oil & filter change. I also cleaned and lubed the chain as well as washed the bike. I bought & installed some swingarm decals and removed the goofy looking front reflectors that were hanging down from the front fender. Previously I had replaced the halogen headlight bulb with an LED bulb that several youtube videos recommended. It is better than the halogen but still kind of sucks so I ordered an LED 4x6 headlight from JNS engineering that seems pretty impressive in the video reviews that I have seen. It will get installed as soon as it arrives. http://i.imgur.com/N2XI9rL.jpg I use cyclops leds. Their turn signal kit cant be beat as well. |
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Originally Posted By Dynamo: I hit 600 miles so I did the first oil & filter change. I also cleaned and lubed the chain as well as washed the bike. I bought & installed some swingarm decals and removed the goofy looking front reflectors that were hanging down from the front fender. Previously I had replaced the halogen headlight bulb with an LED bulb that several youtube videos recommended. It is better than the halogen but still kind of sucks so I ordered an LED 4x6 headlight from JNS engineering that seems pretty impressive in the video reviews that I have seen. It will get installed as soon as it arrives. http://i.imgur.com/N2XI9rL.jpg Lookin great man! I put a crap ton on it this weekend Somehow pushin past 900 miles on it Took it on the highway a few times. To a different state. Got caught out late at a family shin dig and had to ride back in the dark. My exhaust header will glow at night Ive learned Feelin pretty comfy on it. Everything is still lookin good an no issues so far  |
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Originally Posted By chase45: Lookin great man! I put a crap ton on it this weekend Somehow pushin past 900 miles on it Took it on the highway a few times. To a different state. Got caught out late at a family shin dig and had to ride back in the dark. My exhaust header will glow at night Ive learned Feelin pretty comfy on it. Everything is still lookin good an no issues so far https://i.imgur.com/vYWuVvph.jpg Sigh. Now your lawnmower engine scooter will never get ridden. 
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Originally Posted By CapedCrusader: Sigh. Now your lawnmower engine scooter will never get ridden. I need to fix a few welds on the frame and get it down the road I believe Although I have less concern about using that thing for the river bottoms which are gravel. Havent quite got the new bike down there just yet |
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Originally Posted By chase45: I need to fix a few welds on the frame and get it down the road I believe Although I have less concern about using that thing for the river bottoms which are gravel. Havent quite got the new bike down there just yet Originally Posted By chase45: Originally Posted By CapedCrusader: Sigh. Now your lawnmower engine scooter will never get ridden. I need to fix a few welds on the frame and get it down the road I believe Although I have less concern about using that thing for the river bottoms which are gravel. Havent quite got the new bike down there just yet Don't you have any kids that could use the lawnmower scoot? If not, make some!! You can't let all that money and work go to waste. |
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Originally Posted By chase45: ...My exhaust header will glow at night Ive learned... That would concern me. I do not know what is normal for that bike (ask on a model-specific forum is my advice) but a glowing header can indicate a very lean condition that may cause damage. Did the FSM mention going over all of the fasteners at the 600 mile service? I would check the nuts on the header studs and also any intake-related fasteners to make sure there isn't an air leak causing a lean condition. |
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Originally Posted By Emoto: That would concern me. I do not know what is normal for that bike (ask on a model-specific forum is my advice) but a glowing header can indicate a very lean condition that may cause damage. Did the FSM mention going over all of the fasteners at the 600 mile service? I would check the nuts on the header studs and also any intake-related fasteners to make sure there isn't an air leak causing a lean condition. Originally Posted By Emoto: Originally Posted By chase45: ...My exhaust header will glow at night Ive learned... That would concern me. I do not know what is normal for that bike (ask on a model-specific forum is my advice) but a glowing header can indicate a very lean condition that may cause damage. Did the FSM mention going over all of the fasteners at the 600 mile service? I would check the nuts on the header studs and also any intake-related fasteners to make sure there isn't an air leak causing a lean condition. It's because it's so lean. They all come really lean due to epa bs. Another good reason to get exhaust, fuel programmer and air box mods if necessary. |
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Originally Posted By Emoto: That would concern me. I do not know what is normal for that bike (ask on a model-specific forum is my advice) but a glowing header can indicate a very lean condition that may cause damage. Did the FSM mention going over all of the fasteners at the 600 mile service? I would check the nuts on the header studs and also any intake-related fasteners to make sure there isn't an air leak causing a lean condition. They run lean from the factory due to the emissions stuff people in specific fb groups say Just right where it "U"s out the engine is where I saw it getting a little red. On the highway for a about 10 miles chugging along at 6500 rpms or so Think its just the way it be on this bike |
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Originally Posted By chase45: They run lean from the factory due to the emissions stuff people in specific fb groups say Just right where it "U"s out the engine is where I saw it getting a little red. On the highway for a about 10 miles chugging along at 6500 rpms or so Think its just the way it be on this bike If they are that super lean from the factory, that is all the more reason to periodically confirm that the exhaust and intake fasteners are properly torqued, because it wouldn't have to be much leaner before you hole the piston. |
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Originally Posted By Emoto: If they are that super lean from the factory, that is all the more reason to periodically confirm that the exhaust and intake fasteners are properly torqued, because it wouldn't have to be much leaner before you hole the piston. Ill give it a tug for sure Kinda miss the carb in this regard But its their factory tune so I went to snatch a pic of it but by the time I slowed down on a off ramp it had already stopped being red. More like reddish. Enough to notice but nothing crazy. Id imagine its pretty thin metal too since it cooled down so quick so perhaps thats also why it glowed a little I work with a guy that worked at the shop I bought my bike from. He said it was normal Dont think I mentioned it here but also my oil filter when I changed it smelled of gas a little bit. I did not notice that on the oil itself but when I pulled the filter I definitely smelled gas. He also said this was normal |
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Originally Posted By chase45: Ill give it a tug for sure Kinda miss the carb in this regard But its their factory tune so I went to snatch a pic of it but by the time I slowed down on a off ramp it had already stopped being red. More like reddish. Enough to notice but nothing crazy. Id imagine its pretty thin metal too since it cooled down so quick so perhaps thats also why it glowed a little I work with a guy that worked at the shop I bought my bike from. He said it was normal Dont think I mentioned it here but also my oil filter when I changed it smelled of gas a little bit. I did not notice that on the oil itself but when I pulled the filter I definitely smelled gas. He also said this was normal I'm glad you checked with someone. When I was wrenching, a red pipe meant the jetting was dangerously too lean. I don't have a manual for your bike, but the torque spec for header nuts is not usually very high, so don't go nuts on them. Do check the intake side, too. I don't mean to be all preachy, but I would really hate to see your first bike have a problem that could have easily been prevented. |
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Originally Posted By Emoto: I'm glad you checked with someone. When I was wrenching, a red pipe meant the jetting was dangerously too lean. I don't have a manual for your bike, but the torque spec for header nuts is not usually very high, so don't go nuts on them. Do check the intake side, too. I don't mean to be all preachy, but I would really hate to see your first bike have a problem that could have easily been prevented. Oh no for sure Im here for the advice and Ill take it any way I can get it The header glowing was interesting but I also found reports that its common online and not cause for concern on this bike anyways I would say that I would think about correcting the fuel mix after the warranty is up but honestly I dont think Im going to put anymore monies into this bike The other poster has me eyeing a DRZ now if I ever put more monies into the motorcyle thing. But honestly Im pretty satisfied. Theres enough punch on the top end to make it fun. Still need to get it on the hitch mounted carrier and check and see how all that feels. Going to FL next month and Im sorta thinking about lugging it along. But boy thats a long trip for my first one lugging it around on a carrier I carried the mini as far as East TN but I didnt care too much if that thing fell off . Then again the KLX300 is fully insured soSpeaking of advice I will hear out some advice on tying this thing down. Whats the best way? |
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Originally Posted By chase45: Oh no for sure Im here for the advice and Ill take it any way I can get it Originally Posted By chase45: Originally Posted By Emoto: I'm glad you checked with someone. When I was wrenching, a red pipe meant the jetting was dangerously too lean. I don't have a manual for your bike, but the torque spec for header nuts is not usually very high, so don't go nuts on them. Do check the intake side, too. I don't mean to be all preachy, but I would really hate to see your first bike have a problem that could have easily been prevented. Oh no for sure Im here for the advice and Ill take it any way I can get it Just not in formal rider training |
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Originally Posted By chase45: I've been plagued with this yearning for a motorcycle the last few years. I have never ridden a real motorcycle. I've puddled around with a mini bike the last few years but have never ridden anything that has gears. My family isn't big on the idea which has weighed on me. But at 35 I'm not getting any younger. The decision to buy or not has been really messing with me. Haven't wanted something this bad since I was a kid. I've found myself both daydreaming and actually dreaming about purchasing one I'm finally at peace now. I've decided to just use some savings and make it happen next week instead of talking about doing it for a few years and having to pay more. Tuesday I'm going to take a half day at work. Head to the bank and grab a small pile of cash. Straight to the dealer in town I've found this 2025 "phantom blue" Kawasaki klx300sm that has to be mine. Guess I better figure out how to get a motorcycle permit too somewhere in between all of that lol https://www.cyclenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2024-Kawasaki-KLX300SM-Specifications.jpg that's a quality bike and a good choice. I've personally been looking at a DR 650 for a while. Perhaps maybe sometime in the first quarter of next year I might actually do it. I'm probably a little too old to be on the highway with a bike which is why I'm looking at the DR 650 and will stay close by around the house. Anyway, do it while you're young. |
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I was set on a CRF300, but I somehow just noticed KTM makes a dual sport and supermoto version of their 390. I know the CRFs are pretty much bulletproof and I can probably find one used for 4-5k. Thoughts on the KTM 390 Enduro R and 390 SMC R? Seem to be hard to come buy used, so maybe looking at $7k OTD new. Its almost exactly what I want. I plan on hitting some trails eventually, but it will be primarily on the street. |
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Originally Posted By smarquez: Has anyone else suggested a CR500? Me? I know I dont want a 60hp 2 stroke race bike. A plated dirtbike might be a down the road thing. I strongly prefer to have ABS on my "first" bike and would rather have something FI after having a carburetor bike 20 years ago. |
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Originally Posted By smarquez: Has anyone else suggested a CR500? 
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USN Retired: APR 1988 - MAY 2008
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"My center is giving way, my right is falling back, situation excellent, I attack." —Ferdinand Foch