We're starting a new department to describe what it takes to keep a particular bike running for an entire year. As we discover how to make it suit our riding style and areas, we'll let you in on what we did to dial it in. Plus, if it needs any extraordinary maintenance, you'll be the first to know.
With motorcycles becoming increasingly specialized, I find that the same is happening with my tastes in machinery. A decade ago, I was prone to like the same bike for the track and the trail. Now I feel that any bike I prefer for the track has no business being on the trail, and vice versa. But in this era of narrowly focused bikes, I have a plan for one-bike-fits-all. The plan begins with KTM's MXC four-stroke. The secret to do-it-all-ness is the six-speed, close-ratio transmission. The first four ratios are the same as on the 450 and 525 SX motocrossers, but there are another two ratios piled on top. That means that 90-plus-mph speeds are available with moto gearing.
By starting with the 525, I'll have all the jump-clearing boost I need; but go easy on the loud handle, and the bike is a big puppy dog. Of course, the tank and seat will have to be jettisoned, but IMS and Clarke both make tanks that are capacious enough for long loops yet slim enough for the track. As a bonus, if you put only a gallon in the tank, the fuel is carried lower than in KTM's own SX tank. The SX seat is different, but I'll be using one of Enduro Engineering's flat-bottom units anyway, so I should have all-day comfort with track-slim ergonomics. The suspension may be a challenge, but adding a high-speed compression adjuster from an SX model will be a good start. I'll be giving Dicks Racing the first shot at the legs.
Most long-term tests begin with a new bike, and I suppose this one did, too, but the test is already well under way. There are more than 700 miles on the bike so far, and nearly 500 of those are race miles. The rear master cylinder was replaced at about 500 miles during a race. It can be rebuilt, but we installed a new one. We are beginning the suspension work earlier than planned, since the shock seal began to weep a bit. In the past, we have seen fork seals leak (not on this bike) but never a shock seal. The valves are beginning to feel as if they could use a second adjustment, but otherwise, the bike still rides like new. Most important, I'll see if one bike can fill the shoes of the several bikes I have in the garage now.
Running Tally
Hours on the bike: 36
Modification cost total: $711.99
Acerbis Multiplo Touring hand guards, $119.95
ACN Machining & Welding Magura hand guard mounts, $39.95
Enduro Engineering Complete Comfort Seat, $129.95
IMS 3.1-gal. KTM 525 SX tank, $225.00
KTM right and left radiator shrouds, $57.24
Scotts Performance Products washable/reusable oil filters, $69.95 (2)
Repair cost total: $266.19
Rear master cylinder, $141.19
R&R shock seal (Dicks Racing), $125.00
Maintenance and consumable parts:8 oil changes
1 valve adjustment (self)
4 Bridgestone M402 rear tires
(3 during 24-hour race)
2 Bridgestone M402 front tires
2 Dunlop D773 sand/mud rear tires
1 Dunlop D742 front tire