Rider Updates
May 30 2021
Suspension Adjustment Advantages...
Yesterday, May 29th, race day... While down in between races, I took a second opinion from a fellow racing buddy regarding the harshness of my suspension. He agreed that it was pretty harsh and might beat the tar out of you for woods racing. (Which, it has been!)
** Note: I had suspension rebuilt last year by a local suspension shop. They were supposed to set F/R back to factory spec's, so I just left it. **
What I'm finding/suspect is that the suspension shop set the compression to factory spec's of a 2003 KX250 not a KX125.
I wound up resetting and running F/R both at 14 clicks out. It was a much better ride and I felt like I had a lot more energy at at the end of the race!
I'll continue to play with the settings but think I've found a nice starting point for the woods' races.
May 29 2021
The wrong spare parts...
Today in race 1 of 2 I dropped a chain. After getting to my spare parts, I didn't have an extra master link and clip. After 40min, I did find a fellow racer that was willing to sell me an entire chain set with new master link and clip.
I bring many spare parts with me to the races, but this was one I'd kept putting off. I did check the chain but didn't notice any irregularities. The master ended up stretched I'm very curious if I didn't pop the clip on the parade lap.
I was able to repair the chain and get back on the track for race 2 of 2.
May 22 2021
Lower it a little...
Today in preparation of the upcoming Moto GP, I installed a lowering link.
I was looking for an opportunity to run at a track prior to any upcoming IXCR's.
Brand: Kouba Links
Model: KX-1
Install Time: Approx 30min (after finding appropriate spacers 2mm thick to maintain use of factory mounting hardware)
May 3 2021
Why an '03 KX 125? ...
I'm out to find a way to turn this sentimental MX bike in to a competitive woods bike.
I'm not the only midwesterner looking to take recreational riding into a more competitive focus while only able to utilize the equipment they have. I want to help find/prove there's a way to do so and document it along the way.
How:
Looking for any and all options to evaluate for effectiveness in helping others take an MX bike and utilize it enjoyably and competitively in woods and XC style riding.
May 3 2021
My Bike:
2003 KX 125 ...
- Stock motor and drivetrain with a fresh top end and a few basic woods bolt-ons.
- Bark Busters
- Pipe Protection
- Gripper Seat
- Tugger Strap (front)
Parts on Order for Testing:
- Lowering Link
- Flywheel weight
- More to come...
Apr 25 2021
A LONG way down...
I'm finding that my 2003 MX bike is full of challenges, mostly not the fault of the bike.
The biggest two issues:
1. Bike height (too tall)
2. My height (too short)
I'm finding it extremely difficult to manage technical hills that require me to get footing down before tipping as they become more sloppy throughout the race, more rutted, and/or uncover more roots that break traction and tip or stall. (Especially 3/4 of the way up)
Frequently I can't manage recovery nor seat myself on the bike in a manner that allows me to finish the hill climb.
I'll be looking into options for lowering the bike.