Supermini’s and Reliability?

brocsdad
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Thompsons Station, TN US
Edited Date/Time 4/12/2015 9:07pm
My son is currently on a 15 KX 85 but by fall it will be time for a KX Supermini. Locally a couple guys have had problems from (2) different builders while others seem to be problem free.

My current 85 was built by Varner and it runs great. I was considering him for the Supermini KX build because I feel a stock KX100 or even the KTM 105 gives up a lot in the Supermini Class.

What is everyone’s experience with the Superminis and who built the bikes?

Thanks!
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rmartin517
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Dickinson, TX US
1/27/2015 7:09am
Ktm 85, put the 105 kit on it they sell and the wheel set. Can't go wrong with it. Stock kx 100 jetted and piped good bike too. Yz 85 with the Athena kit is also reliable. Once you start getting into raising the compression and stroking them you will begin to see issues. Main problem I have seen people have problem with on super mini is not changing the top ends as needed.
brocsdad
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1/27/2015 7:19am Edited Date/Time 1/27/2015 7:20am
rmartin517 wrote:
Ktm 85, put the 105 kit on it they sell and the wheel set. Can't go wrong with it. Stock kx 100 jetted and piped good...
Ktm 85, put the 105 kit on it they sell and the wheel set. Can't go wrong with it. Stock kx 100 jetted and piped good bike too. Yz 85 with the Athena kit is also reliable. Once you start getting into raising the compression and stroking them you will begin to see issues. Main problem I have seen people have problem with on super mini is not changing the top ends as needed.
Thanks for the reply.

I normally change the piston in our 85 at 12hours so I if we had to go to ten or so I don't see that being a problem. The KX 100 even with a pipe is more like a trail bike than a motocross bike. They bike is all low end and flattens really bad. The KTM 105 is great bike but overall a lot more expensive than making the KX into a supermini.
rmartin517
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1/27/2015 7:47am Edited Date/Time 1/27/2015 7:49am
Procircuit have a pretty sweet carb and cylinder setup that will make a kx 100 rip. I have never dealt with the yz supermini but I have seen em and they are pretty impressive. I believer Gytr sell the swing arm, wheels, Athena cylinder, stroker crank, and a badass cone pipe.
brocsdad
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1/27/2015 8:45am
Procircuit does work for the factory level guys but they are not going to sell the public what the best riders have. I'm not saying it's not better than stock but I feel you will get more for your money with some other tuners. I would rather go to a smaller reputable builder that will actually be doing the work.

We are staying on Kawasaki's due to great dealer support and some Team Green help.

The Shop

Tracktor
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1/27/2015 10:39am
Our YZ 105's have been bulletproof. Built by a local guy and my only complaint is once my kid rode this bike he wouldn't ride anything else. Motor sounds like a healthy 125 from a distance.............I think one of the keys is keeping the stock stroke. Most of the problems I hear of came from 112's. That said, I know a few of them that have bee reliable as heck also...........
1
1/27/2015 10:48am
Varner does good work, if you are happy with his work on the 85 contact him and at least see what he thinks/recommends and then make up your mind
brocsdad
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1/27/2015 11:00am
Varner does good work, if you are happy with his work on the 85 contact him and at least see what he thinks/recommends and then make...
Varner does good work, if you are happy with his work on the 85 contact him and at least see what he thinks/recommends and then make up your mind
I did talk to Varner and will probably use him for the build. I just wanted to get some opinions as to the reliability of the super's when you start stroking the cranks etc.

I cannot afford to spend $1500+ and then loose a motor.

1
Bressler11
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Lock Haven, PA US
1/27/2015 2:03pm
pick up a left over 15 or 14 kx 100 next fall from your dealer it will be reasonable and you then do not have to dick around with swing arms and wheels,

Get the suspension done and dialed
by reeds
a pipe and a silencer


You will Have the money to keep the bike fresh with tires and top ends

its pointless to go any other route unless your boy really needs more power
Bressler11
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1/27/2015 2:07pm
Bressler11 wrote:
pick up a left over 15 or 14 kx 100 next fall from your dealer it will be reasonable and you then do not have to...
pick up a left over 15 or 14 kx 100 next fall from your dealer it will be reasonable and you then do not have to dick around with swing arms and wheels,

Get the suspension done and dialed
by reeds
a pipe and a silencer


You will Have the money to keep the bike fresh with tires and top ends

its pointless to go any other route unless your boy really needs more power
This would be reliable too by the way
brocsdad
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1/27/2015 2:20pm
Bressler11 wrote:
pick up a left over 15 or 14 kx 100 next fall from your dealer it will be reasonable and you then do not have to...
pick up a left over 15 or 14 kx 100 next fall from your dealer it will be reasonable and you then do not have to dick around with swing arms and wheels,

Get the suspension done and dialed
by reeds
a pipe and a silencer


You will Have the money to keep the bike fresh with tires and top ends

its pointless to go any other route unless your boy really needs more power
Bressler11 wrote:
This would be reliable too by the way
Agreed but the stock kx 100 even with a pipe and reed leaves a lot to be desired. The 85 he is currently riding is faster than a KX100 with a pipe and reeds.

The KTM 105 is decent out of the box but when compared to the built superminis you are still down 5-7hp and that's a lot.

I will probably go with Varner's 109 stroker with the stock bore and 4mm stroke.

Thanks!
Jakes Dad
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1/27/2015 2:30pm
Stock KX's are down about 3 to 4hp to the Ktm's. There's a fix for the reliability issue of head gaskets on the Ktm's. Most won't hold the rubber o-ring past 27hp especially with the Squish over .030. A custom machined stainless o-ring will hold 34hp 50+hrs. This guy will take your motor another builder did dyno tune it and then disassemble and build it his way and show you another 5+HP in most cases. These are motors running Dailey at places like MTF and other facilities. KTM 85's are at 26hp and he has done a couple Yz 85's one at 28hp. Torque curves are better than stock so they aren't dyno motors. I've been accused of spamming this guys business on here so if interested snrbender@aol.com He may not be taking on any work for a few weeks but well worth the wait.
brocsdad
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1/27/2015 2:47pm
Jakes Dad wrote:
Stock KX's are down about 3 to 4hp to the Ktm's. There's a fix for the reliability issue of head gaskets on the Ktm's. Most won't...
Stock KX's are down about 3 to 4hp to the Ktm's. There's a fix for the reliability issue of head gaskets on the Ktm's. Most won't hold the rubber o-ring past 27hp especially with the Squish over .030. A custom machined stainless o-ring will hold 34hp 50+hrs. This guy will take your motor another builder did dyno tune it and then disassemble and build it his way and show you another 5+HP in most cases. These are motors running Dailey at places like MTF and other facilities. KTM 85's are at 26hp and he has done a couple Yz 85's one at 28hp. Torque curves are better than stock so they aren't dyno motors. I've been accused of spamming this guys business on here so if interested snrbender@aol.com He may not be taking on any work for a few weeks but well worth the wait.
You are saying the kx 100 is 3-4hp down compared to the ktm 105 correct? I know the Stock KX 85 is about 1 3/4 down from the KTM but the KX handles better. My kid prefers the handling of the KX.

Does your guy have a website? Who is riding for him?

Thank you!
Jakes Dad
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1/27/2015 3:03pm Edited Date/Time 1/27/2015 3:04pm
Www.tdc2strokeperformance.com. His name is Brent tell him you got his name from Steve Bender. Leave a voice mail and he will call you back. He got 12 mini motors in the last 3 weeks. My kid stuck with the KX bikes also our 112's were about 30hp 2mm stroke 2mm overbore. Very reliable after he taught me proper tune up with squish etc. Never had a failure from detno only powervalve blade having pin failures nicking the rings.
Cola22
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1/27/2015 3:10pm
Stick to a local mechanic or another company for stuff that involves engine. Big companies are good but you can get a better experience with other companies. Plus when it turns time to step up to the big bikes and the money gets big you'll know who to go too. I had a 100 and loved the bike, had the bike rebuilt best decision before jumping onto my 250 i have now.
jmpatt79
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1/27/2015 4:39pm
if you stroke it keep the stock bore , if you bore it to a 105 keep the stock crank , i just sold a yz105 that ran forever and made good power , also sold a stock kx100 ,so all we have left is the kx110 jm racing motor and suspension ..... all i know is i called him with some jetting issues and he gave me his personal cell number and said if you have questions at the track testing call him .so i did and put some different jets in and bike pulls hard as hell now J&M racing 281-353-7729
brocsdad
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1/27/2015 6:30pm
jmpatt79 wrote:
if you stroke it keep the stock bore , if you bore it to a 105 keep the stock crank , i just sold a yz105...
if you stroke it keep the stock bore , if you bore it to a 105 keep the stock crank , i just sold a yz105 that ran forever and made good power , also sold a stock kx100 ,so all we have left is the kx110 jm racing motor and suspension ..... all i know is i called him with some jetting issues and he gave me his personal cell number and said if you have questions at the track testing call him .so i did and put some different jets in and bike pulls hard as hell now J&M racing 281-353-7729
Hello Jmpatt79,

Would you mind giving me a call when you have a chance? Anytime in the evening or up to 10pm central is fine.

615-636-four one seven six

Thanks!

Todd
zziptie
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4/6/2015 3:21pm
We have a ktm105 and a '14kx107. Both fresh, My son says the kx feels faster and is easier to use and jump. I would say stronger midrange and bottom, just pulls like there is no need for a fourstroke. The ktm has great bottom too, just is a more crazy feeling when hitting the pipe. For reliability, I would say ktm. The cylinder is solid, looks like it could go 20 pistons. As for the kx107....The intake bridge ports get thin at the large bore. You don't want to overheat it or they will crack. We use Wiseco and powerseal for the bore and coat.
brocsdad
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4/6/2015 5:10pm
Did you stroke the KX or bore and stroke it to get the 107?

Who built the KX motor?

I would agree the KTM is built better but the KX handles better and they have a better support program.

Would you mind giving me a call?

615-636-four one seven six.

Thank you!

Todd
Paw Paw 271
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4/7/2015 7:36am
The words "super mini" and "reliability" should not be used together as they don't go together. They are fast, but they are very high maintenance items and can become a money pit very easy.

Paw Paw
brocsdad
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4/7/2015 7:56am
The words "super mini" and "reliability" should not be used together as they don't go together. They are fast, but they are very high maintenance items...
The words "super mini" and "reliability" should not be used together as they don't go together. They are fast, but they are very high maintenance items and can become a money pit very easy.

Paw Paw
Paw Paw,

So what was your experience?
Paw Paw 271
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4/7/2015 10:08am
These are high rev engines with higher strain on them than was designed and thus they wear faster. They require a high amount of maintenance and dollars to keep up.

Paw Paw
T.Page
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4/7/2015 10:23am
My sons surf and turf racing 112 with the big carburetor Steve sells was super reliable. I had great torque and compared to our Pro circuit 109 was not a rever and made much more low/mid. we ran stock radiators and never ran hot, even at Loretta lynns's. we were not on a crazy piston replacement schedule either. My son was about 130lbs and were were having to gusset the frames in one spot.
zziptie
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4/7/2015 10:31am
Curious t. Page, what brand bike?
T.Page
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4/7/2015 10:43am
Kawasaki...we had a marzocchi front end which was much stiffer and helped the bike turn better. The larger stiffer forks may have led to the need to gusset the frame. Steve builds all brands, look at website.
brocsdad
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4/7/2015 10:48am
T.Page wrote:
My sons surf and turf racing 112 with the big carburetor Steve sells was super reliable. I had great torque and compared to our Pro circuit...
My sons surf and turf racing 112 with the big carburetor Steve sells was super reliable. I had great torque and compared to our Pro circuit 109 was not a rever and made much more low/mid. we ran stock radiators and never ran hot, even at Loretta lynns's. we were not on a crazy piston replacement schedule either. My son was about 130lbs and were were having to gusset the frames in one spot.
Are you saying the PC was a revver? Or the surf and turf bike?

I hear a lot of people saying not to bore the KX due to thin transfer ports and heat.

Was the 112 hard to keep jetted? What type of race fuel did you run?
T.Page
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4/7/2015 10:58am
The PC was a fever compared to the str 112. Steve gets most of his displacement from the crank. Steve makes his own one piece powervalve also. We did not have jetting problems. We ran powermist race fuel in our supermini. Was a great package.
brocsdad
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4/7/2015 11:03am
T.Page wrote:
The PC was a fever compared to the str 112. Steve gets most of his displacement from the crank. Steve makes his own one piece powervalve...
The PC was a fever compared to the str 112. Steve gets most of his displacement from the crank. Steve makes his own one piece powervalve also. We did not have jetting problems. We ran powermist race fuel in our supermini. Was a great package.
PC bike ran hot? not cosidering PC but they will only build a 109 or stroked motor now. The 2014 and up PV design is different.
T.Page
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4/7/2015 11:18am
Def ran hotter than the 112. The STR 112 had a different carb, not a bored stock carb.
T.Page
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4/11/2015 10:54am
Talked to Steve, the 112 uses stock bore. This is good for reliability and makes getting a topend easy.
brocsdad
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4/12/2015 6:05pm
Called and left a message but no return call???

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