Every year when the new bikes start to hit the marketplace and show up in magazines, I look at what each
manufacturer has done to their bikes. Some years you see completely new bikes and other years you see Bold New
Graphics. Each time I see a new bike I like, I go out to my garden to see if my money tree is growing. I must
be a horrible gardener or my kids like to raid the money tree. Either way, each year buying a new bike is out
of my budget. Fortunately, I've been able to find quality used bikes to satisfy my addiction to single-track.
In the early part of 2010 I picked up a 2008 KTM 300 XC. It had very little time on it and came loaded with all
of the necessary items for off-road survival, and the suspension was already set up for my weight and riding
preferences.
Brushing teeth is critical,...
Brushing teeth is critical, even the hard-to-reach ones.
After a year of riding and racing, parts were starting to show wear. I thought to myself, "It's time for a
freshening up, a makeover for my bike." Ideas of "Extreme Makeover, Motorcycle Edition" started popping into my
head. I had dreams of exotic wheel sets, factory tires and works engine parts. Then reality set in. My money
tree was only producing one check every two weeks, so I had to set a budget. I went from dreaming of an extreme
makeover to an extremely practical makeover.
I made a list of the parts I would need now or in the near future. After reviewing my parts list and adding up
the cost, I was way over budget. Did I really need the orange Renthal Fat Bars, orange Z-ring chain, new levers
or those anodized engine pieces? I narrowed the list down to what I really needed and added in new plastics and
graphics to complete the makeover.
Through these stories we learn...
Through these stories we learn that proper maintenance really helps the core of how bikes perform. And even with that constant service, a full make-over can bring that new bike feeling at a fraction of current new bike cost, no matter where you live and ride.
When I work on my bike, I often end up breaking something. So I took my ride to Arizona Moto and the expert,
Jason Hiles. We discussed the makeover plan; I ordered up the parts and let him do his magic on the technical
stuff. Having a pro work on the motor and suspension is money well spent.
The graphics add bling and...
The graphics add bling and even make the pipe look new!
Now I have fresh suspension, engine, brakes, drivetrain, plastic and custom graphics. My bike is in better
condition than when I bought it. On the trail it felt like a new bike. The power was crisper, smoother and
stronger. The suspension action was plush and controlled. The new tires stuck to the ground and the brakes
stopped on a dime. With the fresh feel, my confidence went up and I can ride my favorite trails at a faster and
more comfortable pace.
Noise reduction never looked...
Noise reduction never looked so rad.
Keeping a bike feeling fresh can be expensive, and money trees are hard to come by. Consistent maintenance is
crucial to keeping costs under control. When the time comes for a makeover, thoughtful planning of the project
can hold down the costs and allow you to have more fun riding.
Parts And Service
Arizona Moto: 480.981.5001
BRM Offroad: www.brmoffroad.com
2008 KTM 300 XC
Pro X top end kit with bearing: $132.99
Tusk gasket kit: $19.99
Top end labor: $175
All Balls wheel bearings, front and rear: $42.98
Polisport white plastics: $124.95
Polisport white fork protectors: $29.99
BRM Offroad custom graphics and numbers: $194
Suspension service, fork and shock: $150
Chain: $73.99
Orange Superspox 50T sprocket: $44.99
Dunlop MX51, front and rear: $143.98
Cycra white hand guards: $19.99
EBC brake pads, front and rear: $62.98
Total: $1,215.83
*Price of spending time with son working on bike = Priceless.