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My theory on new models might be flawed, but it makes sense in my head.
In the early 2000's up til about 5 years ago as 4-strokes were making big leaps, I believe most new models were an improvement (I know, 2009 CRF450R, 2013 CRF450R and 2010 YZ450F say otherwise) because they were implementing new things like fuel injection, electric start, weight reductions etc. Now, I believe the bikes are so good that it is harder for them to make gains from chassis to chassis (new KTM is an example of that IMO). Getting a bike later in the update cycle makes sense to me because they've worked out the bugs of that new chassis, aftermarket/suspension companies have a ton of testing time, OEM and aftermarket parts are readily available...
IMO, waiting a year or two into the new model cycle makes sense if you aren't required to ride the latest model year. I got the '23 so I can continue on this chassis and still get contingency money next year. Obviously I hope the '24 is an improvement, but I am also nervous it might not be as stable and forgiving as this chassis.
This is all my opinion, but I have seen first hand the struggles riders/teams deal with when they are forced to figure out a new chassis before a new season. There's a reason you saw MCR ride the old bike a couple years ago!
I agree 100%
has anyone repacked the stock silencer? I tried drilling out the rivets on the mid pipe side but these things must be made of obsidian, cant get a single one out and now im in too deep to turn around since I went at them with a chisel, and then a cut off wheel. Still no luck. What am I doing wrong, should I have gone for the smaller rivets on the end cap side? Am I an idiot?
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My bike just turned 47 hours, I have spotted an oil leak in the center cases behind the cylinder. After a ride there is an oil spot covered in dirt the size of a half dollar. What would you guys do? I was going to put a piston in at 50 hours.
I would find the cause of the oil leak with the bike being so fresh at 47 hrs. I would split the cases if that is what it takes to stop the leak. If it was an older bike....i'd just keep an eye on it.
If you split it i would throw a new rod in it. From your pics looks like you go pretty good.
It kinda sucks, I wanted to rebuild the top end and ride it for 30 more hours and sell. I agree, if I'm splitting cases I might as well put a rod in there.
Is the leak near a case bolt? Could be worth re-torquing them and see if it helps.
It's actually on the top of the cases behind the cylinder, but good idea, I'll put a wrench on the case bolts.
I'm thinking putting a couple more hours on her won't hurt anything and give me some time to get parts.
Sure it’s not coming from crankcase breather? Oil leak on top of case doesn’t make sense, but it is just sealant on the center case, no gasket.
It's coming from the center of the cases, between the starter motor and the backside of the cylinder. I accidentally knocked off a little piece of sealant when I was cleaning it up. I hope I didn't make it worse.
Depends what you want to do, but I’d personally keep running it. You could try rubbing permatex or yamabond over the area and wipe off excess. For the amount of oil you describe and the hours on it I wouldn’t be in a hurry to split the cases.
I wouldn’t trip too hard about a little oil weep, it doesn’t sound like it’s enough to actually lose any volume of oil. Like other said, clean it, scrub the area of the cases clean with a scotch brite, throw some gasket sealant on there and see what happens.
You’re a good rider and work your ass off - why don’t you scoop up a second one and make this your practice bike? They are going for even cheaper than they were a month ago.
It’s honestly saving me a bit of money having 2 bikes. I’m willing to run tires, chains, sprockets etc. down further because I’m not worried about it being fresh again for races. And it’s really nice to have everything feel tight and fresh every time you ride the new one.
Not trying to spend your paychecks, but I could see another bike really dialing in your program.
I could not agree more with all of this.
Back in 2014 I was making a run at Loretta's and had two of the same bike and could not have been happier. One for practice and one for racing made for always rolling up to the start line on a fresh, clean bike.
not to butt in, but just trying to learn. How well have you been able to sell these used KX's? I know generally if they sell new for cheap, the resale is generally cheaper too.
I haven't had to sell one yet - I had a '21 I bought in '21, picked up a '23 a couple months ago and made the '21 my practice bike. I'm really digging having 2 of the same bikes - back in the day when I had 2 bikes, it was always just a 250F and 450 so they both got pretty hammered.
I do have a couple buddies that have sold '21 or '22 KX's in the last few months to buy new ones. They get $5,800 (it was pretty beat), $6,000 and $6,500 (pretty fresh).
People are scooping new ones for $8-9k OTD right now, so $2-3K loss doesn't seem too bad to me for a year or more of hard motos.
gotcha. The two bike thing seems like a sweet set up. Thanks man
Pit Row
Having 2 or 3 bikes keeps the hours very low on all 3 bikes when you ride them on rotation. Saves a ton of money on parts and major engine rebuilds in the long run and you always have something to ride if one is not running for some reason.
Sold my 2019 kx450 today at auction. Bought it may 2019 for 7,500 plus tax and got $4,000 for it June 2023. Bike had approximately 150 hours when sold. Started first time every time. Best bike I have ever owned! I have a new Hinson clutch and some other parts if anyone is interested!
Picking up a leftover 22 this weekend, haven't had a new bike since my 2010 CRF450. Any pages with must see info I should go back and read?
Start on the most recent pages and work your way backwards. There’s a ton of good stuff here on a fantastic bike!
It’s a great bike man. You won’t be disappointed. As always, I’d recommend getting suspension set up for you and then let her eat.
Just bought a leftover 22 and this was the first thing I noticed, have to use my whole hand to use the clutch because it hits my fingers before disengaging. Did you find a fix for it?
ARC Memlon levers were the second accessory I bought after the correct rate springs.
A good bleed with Motul600 in the front/rear brake lines and clutch goes a long ways on the 2019-2023’s! Also, don’t forget not only the lever adjuster, but also going more inboard on the whole assembly to get more leverage/comfortable positioning. Enjoy that new scoot and congrats on a smart buy
Was riding the track yesterday and for the very first time, my '22 SR wouldn't start. I had been riding for about 15 minutes before pulling off to talk to a buddy. 5 minutes later, I was ready to go again and she wouldn't start.
Just checked the bulletin that Nate_Z posted and it turns out my fuel pump is one of the bad ones.
To the guys that have received a replacement, was it a quick and easy process? I bought my SR from out of state so I can't take it to the place I purchased it. I presume I can contact any local Kawi dealer and they should be able to get me the part? I'm happy to fit it myself.
Any dealer can replace it for you.
Just called the closest Kawi dealer to me (Del Amo). The guy was super nice but said that I would have to bring the bike in to prove that I owned it. They would then need to order the part and fit it.
I don't suppose anyone knows a Kawi dealer in SoCal that would be willing to let me just bring in the old pump and swap it for the replacement? I'd much prefer to fit it myself and not have to leave my bike at the dealer for 1-2 weeks.
They won't let you bring the bike in to prove ownership, and then just order the part for you to later install yourself?
Post a reply to: Let's see/review those 2019 kx450s