First ride

[adv rider]

I finally got out for my first ride today, and it was Great! The bike ran good, suspension felt good. I am super happy, the 300 is awesome in the woods. I was able to use 2nd/3rd gear most of the time,and never stalled when the going got rough.

So I want to Thank everyone that responded to my ?'s, and made it possible to have a 1st ride go so well. Jetting felt close, and i am sure i could leave it, as is. Shock preload at 9mm felt better than my previous bikes. It would have taken a long time to figure this stuff out,without the forum.

Sorry no video or riding pics, just this one after i loaded up.

Oh, and 1 of the most important things- Thanks to Steve @ AfterHours for selling me a great bike to start with.

 

[twowheels]

Ya! Now that's what we're talking about ... glad you enjoyed your first ride (I knew you would).

Now go wash up, get some sleep, and go do it again

 

[Jakobi]

What were all the questions and answers. Post the summary! (just incase I missed anything on mine.. which its 1st ride report is pending).

 

[Coop]

Cool bike hauler. Glad you had a good ride!

 

[Bandit9]

Yeah, nice hauling set up. Love the van!

 

[adv rider]

first ride

Well the most important changes were:
Jetting- NEDJ #2, 42, 172 , 8.5MM float height. The nedj was already in there,just had to adjust for location. And float height was around 11-12mm, and I knew my previous bike ran well @ 8.5

I removed subframe, and sealed up airbox joints to help keep out all the PNW moisture.

I set shock spring preload @ 9mm, based on what I read on here. All clickers currently @ 20. It felt damn good,way better than the 8 years on my kx-f,and my short lived 11' race model. I suppose being so far out w/ clickers mean something,but for now i'll live with it. The bike sat fairly level, and pushing down was level too. I have not measure free/or race sag yet.

Steering damper installed too, since I didn't try bike without. I don't know what difference it made.

Those were the changes I made, and I have a few adjustments to make before next ride-shifter, cable routing, etc.

Thanks for the comments- I love the van too, even though it is a money pit.

 

[Moto7man]

I love the van too! Yea, the VWs can suck up the cash. The bike looks great!

 

[Jakobi]

Thanks Adv

Which brand of stabilizer did you go with?

 

[iamovru]

Well the most important changes were:
Jetting- NEDJ #2, 42, 172 , 8.5MM float height. The nedj was already in there,just had to adjust for location. And float height was around 11-12mm, and I knew my previous bike ran well @ 8.5

I removed subframe, and sealed up airbox joints to help keep out all the PNW moisture.

I set shock spring preload @ 9mm, based on what I read on here. All clickers currently @ 20. It felt damn good,way better than the 8 years on my kx-f,and my short lived 11' race model. I suppose being so far out w/ clickers mean something,but for now i'll live with it. The bike sat fairly level, and pushing down was level too. I have not measure free/or race sag yet.

Steering damper installed too, since I didn't try bike without. I don't know what difference it made.

Those were the changes I made, and I have a few adjustments to make before next ride-shifter, cable routing, etc.

Thanks for the comments- I love the van too, even though it is a money pit.

ADV RIDER

I am in Seattle and have had several KTM`s but I am seriously thinking of GasGas. I was happy to see your write up. I am sure we have ridden with the same people.

Marc

 

[robszombie]

ADV Rider, I like the VW. What make of bike carrier is that?

 

[adv rider]

carrier

The carrier is Harbor freight,aluminum. It is cheap,but also not very confidence inspiring. I would buy a different one,if I had to buy another. But for now,I will continue to test it.

The stabilizer is R T T ,bought it used here on forum. Wanted to see if it will help keep me from eating it,when crossing wet logs,etc.

 

[Bandit9]

Have faith in the Harbor Freight carrier. I've had mine for a few years now and it works great. Just tighten the bolt on the hitch to remove slop. I used to worry and watch it constantly, but after a lot of miles of it just sitting there, I no longer worry.

Also, a stabilizer will not prevent you from eating it when crossing a log. So don't think it will.

 

[liv2day]

I finally got out for my first ride today, and it was Great!

That's awesome man; so cool to read reports like this! Although I had a couple minor initial annoyances on my 200, I was head-over-heels for her during my ride this past weekend - perfect bike for my skills.

Keep up on the ride reports as I completely enjoy reading the fun that others are having - especially if I'm unable to get out for a few weeks.

And your hauler is frickin' awesome - I would love to have one of those for the camp/rides I do

 

[bowhunter007]

And your hauler is frickin' awesome - I would love to have one of those for the camp/rides I do

I've had 2 of those. the 1st one destroyed by a cell phone using/make-up queen. Bought another one...they do work pretty well. I spot welded all the hardware to prevent unwanted self-destruction. I'm long since spoiled with a fully enclosed trailer(lights, heat, stereo...).

 

[adv rider]

stabilizer

Also, a stabilizer will not prevent you from eating it when crossing a log. So don't think it will.[/QUOTE]

I have never rode with a stabilizer before, so even if it works as placebo effect would be good. The wet logs,roots,etc seem to throw my wheel to the side when i least expect it,causing me to go down. I am hoping the ability to keep the front end straight when needs be will help at times. There is the certain trail, that 90% of the time i crash at this one certain corner that has an always wet root at an angle,just as you come around a corner.

It probably doesn't help that i now focus on it, because i know it coming. And it still takes me out-makes me so mad So if i can just get through that section at least 50% of the time, i will be happy.

 

[Bandit9]

Good suspension set up will help you in that situation. My point was to warn you not to get a false sense of security. Don't want to see you get hurt thinking the stabilizer will prevent the front from washing out on you.