Dirt Rider Magazine

I hate this!  I just typed out a three-paragraph response to you detailing every item you bring up, and it got lost in transit!   arggg.

excellent post NZ!  I haven't made too many comments about the new Rekluse, but for sure it is my new best friend.  I found myself riding a gear higher than normal with the Rekluse!  It made a huge difference on steep hills too.     

My concerns on the Rekluse, since I rode a 2005 450 EXC with one equipped, is that they seem to cork the bike. I was hitting on straights about 72 mph using the Rekluse itself. I went to using the clutch and was up to 78/79mph. Now, with that said, I also noticed the bike felt corked when I was riding trails as well. It had less hit and seemed to drag, for lack of better term. I was wearing his 450 out on my 300 that does not have the Rekluse. However, I did like the stering dampener he had though, so I would opt for that as of now.

As for the gearing, I am using a 13t front sprocket and a 50t rear, and the bike is ontop of herself with the way I ride and the way the bike acts now. I am really happy with the way the bike is coming together. The fork bleeders are "micro" and sit far below the handlebars. I read where riders were having issues with teh Tusk brand, which are taller, but the Motion Pro Micro Bleeders I got (for $3.00 more) sit lower and have no issue like the Tusk Pop. Look into the Motion Pro if you want.

As for the suspension, I agree with you Paul. I like the way it is a little plush and I have clickers left to tune it in more if I like, but I do need the stiffer spring for my weight as I am now 220. Not fat, but lean and getting leaner. I need a bit more the stiffer spring will provide me.

I am not doubting you for a secnd Paul as I know you can ride and I also know that know what you are talking about. I stall out on rare occasions, even when hitting up single track. What I though was funny was that I was riding my 300 XC-W (48-49 RWHP, 215+/- lbs., 2t, and rear tire with 50% tread life left), one buddy was on a CRF230F (18-20 RWHP -after mod.-, 240+/- lbs., 45% reat tire life, and 4t) and he and I both made it through Trail 196 at Hatfield-McCoy (second hardest trail there) and I only stalled due to a lay over, and he never did. Neither of us has a Rekluse. My other buddy was his 450 EXC (46-47 RWHP, 230+/- lbs., 4t, new rear tire, and a Rekluse) and he never got 20 yards into the same trail. He can't be that far behind us on riding ability. Right?

The same thing happened on a few more trails of him not making the trail or not making as good as we did even though he made it through, eventually. Yet, when I was riding his 450, and he on my 300, he had far less issues as well, and mind you that he has the Z-Start as well. What gives? Can you shed any light into this? I have plenty of video where he can be seen riding and he does nothing really different than my other buddy and myself.

I told him he should be on a 2t bike. He went from the CRF230F up to the 450 instead of a 250F because, and I quote here, "It is only 20 more Fs.". He also said that he does not like the 2t hit. So, I tried to steer him towards a 300 XC/XC-W or a 250 XC/XC-W. He opted for the 450. Even when shown the price differences between the two in terms of repair and rebuild. *shrugs*

Now, the bike is solid and I had little trouble getting used to it for what we were doing on the trails. However, I did notice that I could use the torque of the bike better, but it felt lacking in the top even when using the clutch compared to my 300, and yes I know this is the difference between a 2t and 4t bike. Sadly, he is getting ready to hate life concerning a 4t. His bike was blowing faint blue smoke when he was here riding, so I know the bike is doing something it should not, or getting ready to do a whole lot it is not supposed to do. It is a 2005 and to our knowledge has never had a vlave job done or refit. He may be in for a ton of money on this bike as it had well over the limit on engine work according to the meter (factory). I feel for him. I really do. Hahaha!

I have, but he refuses to do so. He thinks he is lacking in mechanical ability, though he is wrong. Granted, he is not trained or certified as I am, but he has ability to read a manual and follow procedure. His issue is simple no matter what it is. From the way it was blowing blue smoke, it is burning oil in some way. He is either dropping a valve, has an over oiling head, or has abad gasket or gaskets. My bet is that he has lost the seat to one or more exhaust valves due to the age and lack of revalve. I know that the tools to reseat a valve are fairly cheap, and it can be done in your own garage. It is not hard to reseat a valve, then add in the parts as well. He is just afraid to do it, and is balking at a shop charge. (The only one in the area to him is around $70 for 30 minutes of work. Bastards!)

The cheapest shop here is $65 an hour, $32.50 for 30 minutes. That is pretty fair really. I agree on the top end as well, by the way. I was only talking about the main issue at hand. I know his front suspension is solid though. Hahaha!