Ranting and raving..
- Thread starter Jakobi
- Start date
swazi_matt
Active member
The forum is a bit quiet at the moment ... I say go for it, spice things up!
Jakobi
Super Moderator
Haha Matt! I like your style.
I was out riding today! Bloody good ride too! But I was thinking to myself.. This bike.. this bloody bike! Its a love hate relationship.. but overall, I think I've almost spent more hours fixing things on the 2013 than I have riding it... and its getting to the point where I'm questioning if its something I want to continue with.
In the past I've had time, and embraced the learning involved in sorting the little niggles out, but these days I just want to be able to ride and do little more than normal maintenance.
The airbox stinks. While I've been fortunate enough to not flood the engine, hardly a ride goes by where the bottom half of the filter doesn't end up wet. The water gets pulled in and makes the bike run like shit. The duck bill design chokes up in no time, and only adds to the above. If it weren't for a quality filter oil that repels the water to a certain extent I think it would be the dumps.
The shock valving has never been great, and even after several iterations and testing different springs, its still the weak spot.
The stock forks ate themselves alive. Enough said.
The seat continues to flog out on the leading edge, and the plastic frame beneath is also wearing out. The part that rides on the subframe is wearing the subframe away.
The tank was a poor fit that needed work, and still takes quite some finess to line up the top bolt. The addition of 3mm allen heads on the tank was a stupid idea which have had to be replaced with 8mm bolt heads.
The silencer stock looks like a 4 stroke can and needed to be cut down just to stop the drool.
The trail tech speedo went spastic today and has stopped working, and is reading 299 999kms on the ODO... it can't be reset. This is not the 1st trail tech speedo I've had to replace.
The electrical gremlin which I'm trying to sort out that keeps overvolting the system, probably responsible for the issue above with the speedo. Replaced regulator no success. It also impacts on the lights and tail lights. Something I need as part of being a road registered vehicle.
I've had a stator side seal weep that needed to be replaced.
Just a short list of things that I would consider to be outside of typical bike related wear. A short list of too many things.
Don't get my wrong, while I love my Gasser, I think when the time comes to replace it I think I'll be having a long hard look towards other options.
I was out riding today! Bloody good ride too! But I was thinking to myself.. This bike.. this bloody bike! Its a love hate relationship.. but overall, I think I've almost spent more hours fixing things on the 2013 than I have riding it... and its getting to the point where I'm questioning if its something I want to continue with.
In the past I've had time, and embraced the learning involved in sorting the little niggles out, but these days I just want to be able to ride and do little more than normal maintenance.
The airbox stinks. While I've been fortunate enough to not flood the engine, hardly a ride goes by where the bottom half of the filter doesn't end up wet. The water gets pulled in and makes the bike run like shit. The duck bill design chokes up in no time, and only adds to the above. If it weren't for a quality filter oil that repels the water to a certain extent I think it would be the dumps.
The shock valving has never been great, and even after several iterations and testing different springs, its still the weak spot.
The stock forks ate themselves alive. Enough said.
The seat continues to flog out on the leading edge, and the plastic frame beneath is also wearing out. The part that rides on the subframe is wearing the subframe away.
The tank was a poor fit that needed work, and still takes quite some finess to line up the top bolt. The addition of 3mm allen heads on the tank was a stupid idea which have had to be replaced with 8mm bolt heads.
The silencer stock looks like a 4 stroke can and needed to be cut down just to stop the drool.
The trail tech speedo went spastic today and has stopped working, and is reading 299 999kms on the ODO... it can't be reset. This is not the 1st trail tech speedo I've had to replace.
The electrical gremlin which I'm trying to sort out that keeps overvolting the system, probably responsible for the issue above with the speedo. Replaced regulator no success. It also impacts on the lights and tail lights. Something I need as part of being a road registered vehicle.
I've had a stator side seal weep that needed to be replaced.
Just a short list of things that I would consider to be outside of typical bike related wear. A short list of too many things.
Don't get my wrong, while I love my Gasser, I think when the time comes to replace it I think I'll be having a long hard look towards other options.
Jakobi
Super Moderator
Throttle cable is worn where it bends against the tank too. Hooked up at WOT on me today while already hooking in. Scared the crap out of me, for a split second until I got a finger back on the clutch.
All under 100hrs.. but now can't even track the hours until I spend more replacing the busted speedo/hour meter.
..and on a bike maintained probably more than it should be.
The old girl was rock solid. Might be time to get her out.
All under 100hrs.. but now can't even track the hours until I spend more replacing the busted speedo/hour meter.
..and on a bike maintained probably more than it should be. The old girl was rock solid. Might be time to get her out.
Jakobi
Super Moderator
True that Stu!
I hope others don't see this as brand bashing, as thats not what I'm out to do. I'm as loyal as the next bloke.. I just needed a whinge and unfortunately, when you start to add the complaints up she forms a decent list.
I've emailed trail tech letting them know I'm 3 for 3 on their units. I'll see if they have any advice.
I've contacted someone else who has experience and knowledge regarding the regulator.
I've sourced and ordered a replacement motion pro T3 10-3000 throttle cable.
Sometimes you just have to get it all off your chest. On the brighter side of the picture, they have addressed several of the issues in the later models too.
I hope others don't see this as brand bashing, as thats not what I'm out to do. I'm as loyal as the next bloke.. I just needed a whinge and unfortunately, when you start to add the complaints up she forms a decent list.
I've emailed trail tech letting them know I'm 3 for 3 on their units. I'll see if they have any advice.
I've contacted someone else who has experience and knowledge regarding the regulator.
I've sourced and ordered a replacement motion pro T3 10-3000 throttle cable.
Sometimes you just have to get it all off your chest. On the brighter side of the picture, they have addressed several of the issues in the later models too.
And......these newer bikes (not just Gas Gas) are not inexpensive to purchase, so you really don't want to have to deal with these things
Years ago I bought a new RMX 250 and never had to do all that much to it. And I rode that thing hard. Now on a 95 KTM 300 (and I envy you guys on much newer bikes) which really has been good....just no fun to get jetted correct. Still want something new, and it's nice to read how others are truthfully getting along with what they ride.
Years ago I bought a new RMX 250 and never had to do all that much to it. And I rode that thing hard. Now on a 95 KTM 300 (and I envy you guys on much newer bikes) which really has been good....just no fun to get jetted correct. Still want something new, and it's nice to read how others are truthfully getting along with what they ride.You are talking about the joys of owning an "offbrand" bike. It is what it is. At some point we all get tired of what we ride and hope for a clean start with a new bike. But then we add all the necessary accessories for bashing around offroad and that alone is a good chunk of time. Past that effort, it seems like too much wrenching and too little riding.
Here's what I've learned; buy the machine that has:
1) the best suspension
2) a good solid engine
3) available accessories (large tank, better seat, high output stator etc.)
The only problem is that no one manufacturer has all this.
Here's what I've learned; buy the machine that has:
1) the best suspension
2) a good solid engine
3) available accessories (large tank, better seat, high output stator etc.)
The only problem is that no one manufacturer has all this.
Vindicator
New member
GasGasDreamer
Platinum Level Site Supporter
to be Raving don't you need some fluorescent colors and drugs with DJ playing the same music for hours?
VxZeroKnots
Gold Level Site Supporter
Right there with you on the love hate. Thank god for good filter oil, I just took the duck bill completely off and things certainly haven't gotten any worse but at least it drains consistently now.
Despite all the annoying things I just can't get past the way the bike looks, sure the plastics are expensive and filmsy, the seat is awful but holy smokes is it a sexy looking bike.
There is also nothing better when all my friends are spinning their wheels and stalling out on some steep, rocky, rooty, gnarly climb and that brilliant motor just happily chugs it's way on up. So what if it is heavy, I love love love the motor.
That being said I do see some green pastures out there.
Despite all the annoying things I just can't get past the way the bike looks, sure the plastics are expensive and filmsy, the seat is awful but holy smokes is it a sexy looking bike.
There is also nothing better when all my friends are spinning their wheels and stalling out on some steep, rocky, rooty, gnarly climb and that brilliant motor just happily chugs it's way on up. So what if it is heavy, I love love love the motor.
That being said I do see some green pastures out there.
swazi_matt
Active member
This is what happens (reading between the lines and just been watching Bones on TV so in the detective mode) when you go riding during the week while others are at work!!
It's called karma!!
It's called karma!!
Rick
New member
Let's see.....bolt up a flywheel weight, top shelf suspension, massive aftermarket support, one of the best 250 motors out there... I get it it's not a wide ratio...but does it REALLY MATTER????
Jakobi
Super Moderator
Some good points made here.
They are dirt bikes and I've always been impressed how well they handle the environment we ride them in. Overall very resilliant. Periodic maintenance of a dirtbike is a big job, and takes time.. Washing, cleaning, lubricating, checking tolerances, replacing air filters, tyres (and setting pressures), bearings, bushings... the list goes on. These aren't an issue to me. They are what they are and part of ownership.
But then you have nuiances beyond the normal. These can happen anywhere, any bike, etc. But just take more effort than the later, both in time, thought and dollars.
Could be karma Matt.. But I'll be at work all weekend while you're all out riding.
Looking at the positive side, I have some more information to work with re the stator and reg, and Trail tech have provided me with the info to hard reset the unit (and reprogram the fixed data) - I agreed not to make publically available for obvious reasons.
/end rant
PS. I'll go give my bike a cuddle and a kiss tonight and remind her I still loves her.
PPS. Better take some glow sticks and the strobe, pump some doof too!
They are dirt bikes and I've always been impressed how well they handle the environment we ride them in. Overall very resilliant. Periodic maintenance of a dirtbike is a big job, and takes time.. Washing, cleaning, lubricating, checking tolerances, replacing air filters, tyres (and setting pressures), bearings, bushings... the list goes on. These aren't an issue to me. They are what they are and part of ownership.
But then you have nuiances beyond the normal. These can happen anywhere, any bike, etc. But just take more effort than the later, both in time, thought and dollars.
Could be karma Matt.. But I'll be at work all weekend while you're all out riding.
Looking at the positive side, I have some more information to work with re the stator and reg, and Trail tech have provided me with the info to hard reset the unit (and reprogram the fixed data) - I agreed not to make publically available for obvious reasons.
/end rant
PS. I'll go give my bike a cuddle and a kiss tonight and remind her I still loves her.
PPS. Better take some glow sticks and the strobe, pump some doof too!
siaknijustin
New member
When it's my $, yes it matters. I don't like 5 speeds and I especially don't like close-ratio 5 speeds. I also don't like the YZ250's handling characteristics; they're too neutral.
Now if they threw a six-speed in, made it a 300 and made it handle more like their 125 then they'd have my attention.
Yes.
It matters a lot. Having rode bikes with close ratio trannys I'll never go back to that. Way too limiting.
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