KX Riders
Maintenance & Technical => KX250 / KX125 => Topic started by: umberto on July 28, 2018, 10:48:02 AM
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I have a lot of parts left over from my aluminum frame conversion, including a frame, swingarm, 2004 250 suspension redone by Enzo with the triple clamps, plastic, airbox, and seats. With bike prices high and supply low, I figured I might be able to replace the things I am missing and make a little money on selling what I have. I went to eBay and ran some numbers, and I think I can achieve the dual goal of getting a little cash and a little space at the same time. Today I put together what I had with the wheels, tires, axles and spacers I bought off of eBay. I was missing a few items I stole for the aluminum bike, but I was lucky that I had extras from other projects. I attached a picture of where I got today. I think it will be a nice looking bike once done, and I can feel better about keeping a 2004 in the dirt for a while longer.
The motor comes in tomorrow, and the rest of the pieces should be arriving throughout the week. I'll keep you posted on my progress.
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Looks great. I am jealous of the lift!
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Looks great. I am jealous of the lift!
Thank you Pmcg. I felt bad letting that frame sit when it could be a bike someone could enjoy. Plus it gives me something to tinker on. :-D
The lift is from Harbor Freight. They have it on sale pretty often, if you’re signed up for their e-mails. I’ve had mine for nearly ten years, and have never regretted buying it.
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I got the motor in today. It's a 1997 model, but it was complete and a really good deal. I wasn't sure about what years used similar cases, but it bolted right in and the carb lined up with the airbox boot. I think it will need a replating and a piston, but it came dirt cheap so I'm okay.
It did have one very "interesting" modification. Some previous owner had broken the clutch cable holder on the case, so they rigged up a replacement. It used a small wrench that was trimmed to fit the broken profile of the cable holder. Not very pretty to say the least. It swiftly was taken off and thrown in the trash. I'm also not sure why someone removed all the paint from the ignition cover and put "V-TWIN" on it, but that will get a freshening up as well.
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I bought a 2003 head so I can use the factory head stay, and I will match it with a 2003 piston. I also got the front brake in today. It's from a KXF, but it bolted up with no issues.
Most of my other factory stuff will be in on Wednesday, so I should be able to get this dude mocked up before I blow it apart and start painting, detailing, and motor rebuilding.
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That's a redneck repair even by my standards. How many PBR's do you think it took to fab that?
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That's a redneck repair even by my standards. How many PBR's do you think it took to fab that?
I’d imagine it was several. :-D
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I got a ton of parts in today, and almost completed the mock up phase. I replaced a bad head stud and installed the 2003 cylinder head and stay. Thankfully it bolted right on, and now the motor is fully mounted. I then added new GPI radiators and stock hoses. I was pleasantly surprised at how well the radiators mounted. I am going to have to enlarge the holes to fit the louvers, but everything else lines up nicely. Not bad for $76 with free UPS shipping. I also added the used FMF Fatty and Powercore 2 silencer. I found a complete 2004 rear brake and got that installed, along with new sprockets and an o-ring chain.
The front end got folding green aluminum levers and a new brake clamp for the fork guide. I previously added a Motion Pro throttle assembly, so all I need is a set of grips and I am done with the controls.
The CDI box should be here on Saturday, and then the mock up is done. Then it's on the the engine and detailing.
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I got the CDI in yesterday, but unfortunately there was no spark. It looks like the coil is the culprit, so I ordered a new one from Sandblaster. Today I figured I would test the bore to see if it is worn out or not, and then finish the mock up before I tear the motor down for a rebuild. The bore was worn, which I kind of figured, so it's off to Millennium Technologies on Monday. With that figured out, I continued on to the last mock up items. I made a few small adjustments to the radiators so the louvers would fit, made new brackets for the shrouds with rivnuts, added the throttle cable, and finally started working on the clutch cable. The previous owner of the motor had a few PBRs and fixed the broken mount with an old wrench. I figured I could do a little bit better, so I came up with a 16 gauge metal bracket that I welded an insert on to. Once it is painted, I think it will look really nice and it will be a ton stronger than the drunk wrench.
Once I was done with the clutch holder, I went ahead and assembled the whole bike with graphics to see what it would look like. I think it will be a really nice looking bike when I am done. Now it's on to the motor.
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looking good. Big improvement on the clutch cable holder!!
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looking good. Big improvement on the clutch cable holder!!
Thank you Pmcg. I was pretty happy with how the bike turned out. It's all back in pieces now, but at least I got to see what it would look like together.
The clutch holder went a lot better than I thought it would. I even eyeballed the mounting holes and got them right the first time. I should have bought a lottery ticket that night. :-D
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I sent my cylinder to Millennium Technologies, and they measured it as being a little bit out of spec. Luckily the cylinder had been sleeved, but not yet bored. They were able to clean it up with an overbore and get me a Wossner piston that fit. I got an e-mail today that it was done and ready to ship out. That was all I was missing to get the bike back together, so hopefully I'll have some progress pictures after the weekend.
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gorgeous bike, man
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gorgeous bike, man
Thank you mjowen, I'm really pleased with how it turned out. Hopefully someone will want to take it home in a couple of weeks.
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I love it when new parts show up. I would be waiting for the UPS guy at the curb when he showed up.
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I got all my parts in this week, and started the motor rebuild. I started by reinstalling the KIPS valves in the head, and replacing all the gaskets and seals. I then removed the old piston, lubed up the new rod bearing and went to install the rings on the piston. That’s when I ran in to a snag. Wossner did not offer a piston in the slight over bore size, so I had to go with a Wiseco. I got a forged piston so I’m not concerned about durability, but I am concerned with their employees and their ability to count. A two groove piston requires TWO rings, which is something the quality control folks at Wiseco are still discovering. So here I am, stuck waiting to call Millennium on Monday to get another ring. :x
In the meantime, I did some painting on the clutch cable holder, ignition and clutch covers. The head is ready to install and the piston is on the rod, so I’ll be ready to put it all back together once the second ring arrives. Hopefully I can get it completed and broken in over Labor Day, and on to a new home after that.
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My son christened the bike with a new name. He calls it the Frankenbike, or Frank for short. I think it's pretty fitting.
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not bad for a parts bike it will be the one you keep...ive got so many parts I have forgotten just what out there..hmmmm
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not bad for a parts bike it will be the one you keep...ive got so many parts I have forgotten just what out there..hmmmm
Do I have a kx100 cylinder of yours?
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not bad for a parts bike it will be the one you keep...ive got so many parts I have forgotten just what out there..hmmmm
I need to sell a bike to keep Mrs. Umberto happy. She never said I had to sell a complete bike. :-D
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I've been busy with family stuff (thank goodness it's weddings and birthday parties instead of funerals), so I haven't had a lot of time in the garage this weekend. Today I did get to finish one makeover that I started yesterday. I think you all remember the "V-TWIN" ignition cover:
(https://i.imgur.com/mVnMiEs.jpg)
How it came to me with the awesome wrench clutch holder.
(https://i.imgur.com/rvDeCss.jpg)
Even after I added a much better cable holder, it was the definition of redneck chic. :?
I painted the cover and sanded off the paint on the letters, and I also painted the clutch cable holder I made. I think it looks a ton better.
(https://i.imgur.com/0GqPIJt.jpg)
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Definitely looking better...
Nice job
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Definitely looking better...
Nice job
Thank you! I was really pleased with the difference it made.
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That looks a ton better.
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That looks a ton better.
Thank you Pmcg. I'm glad to have it fixed, it was really bothering me. I just wish I knew why someone would put V-TWIN on it with a marker. Of course it may have been the same guy who did the wrench mod, and many PBRs could have been involved. :-D
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I talked to Millennium Technologies this morning about my missing ring. The guy said that he normally sees people "missing a ring" when somebody breaks one, but that he had seen a couple of people lately that had legitimately been missing rings. He had me check the part number and it ended in 97, when I needed a 79. It seems the employees of Wiseco quality control might need to get new glasses. :-D
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I got my rings in on Thursday evening, and was able to get the cylinder on the bike and torqued down. The part numbers were very strange, and the guy I talked to at Millennium told me that he thought they had sent me two single rings instead of a package of two rings. He thought that all their packages of double rings were wrong and so they just sent me the single rings. Quality control is evedentially not on their most important things list. :-D
Anyway, I buttoned up all the electrical components and gave it a kick to see if I had spark. Unfortunately, I did not even get a whimper. My multi meter took a big shock from an electric drift trike project that my cousin (now nicknamed Sparky) and I were working on, so I needed a new one to test the components. I found this one at Home Depot, and I really like it. It's a Klien Tools MM 400. It was a little more than the Bosch one I had, but it works a lot better and is simpler to use.
(https://cloudfront.zoro.com/product/full/Z-tzJtkcpIx_.JPG)
After finding a link to a copy of the 94-98 service manual, I looked up the OHM values for the various components and started testing. The CDI leads were all in the middle of the specs, and the coil was as well. The connections for the pickup on the stator were also right in the middle. Unfortunately the ones for the copper coils wouldn't even register, so it's off to be rebuilt and that's where I stopped. At this point I just need get the stator and flywheel, the left radiator, the pipe, and the silencer installed and I am ready to kick her over. I have new tires for the bike, but I'm going to replace those when I'm done breaking it in.
Here is a picture of where I stopped:
(https://i.imgur.com/DzaBh2F.jpg)
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Thats the worst! I remember trying to get the 500 to fire for the first time. Kicking it like crazy, testing everything. Glad you found the issue at least. Some drift trike pictures are probably in order as well.
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The drift trike project is currently stalled, but I'm hoping that we'll be able to get back to it this fall sometime. I'll post some pictures and video when we get them done.
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So life kind of got in the way of this build. I couldn't get spark, got involved in getting my AF bike ready to go, had back surgery, went through busy season at work, got distracted by actually riding my AF bike, and had a seller send me the wrong parts I needed to get spark. Anyway, I'm supposed to get the correct flywheel and stator tomorrow and I've got another coil already installed, so hopefully I will have spark this week and be able to start her on Friday or Saturday. Once that is done, I just need to put the radiators on and get her broken in. I'll hopefully have video this weekend to share.
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Take it away Dr. Frankensteen (love that movie).
(https://memegenerator.net/img/instances/22489608/its-alive-its-alive.jpg)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RA5kO8_jn6c (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RA5kO8_jn6c)
It started on the second kick. It has a really good bark (probably needs the silencer repacked), and it actually scared me for a second when it busted off. I figured I would be kicking for a while. :-D It sounds really crisp, and I think it will be a hoot to ride.
After I got it running, I made a few changes to the look. I am remodeling a couple of my bikes, so I upgraded the look of Frank with plastic from those bikes. I think it will help in selling the bike.
All I have left to do is a few maintenance items, such as tires and brake pads, and I will be able to get it on Craigslist.
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I had a few more nagging things to correct before I break in the motor. The first thing that needed attention was the subframe. It was bent, had obviously been welded heavily, and was missing some brackets. Not to mention that it was powder coated a really obnoxious green. Luckily I had a subframe that was straight and ready to go. The only issue was it was from a 125. I took a few measurements and decided to give it a try. Even though they are different part numbers, it bolted right up. It looks a ton better, and helps with the nitpicking that Craigslist buyers usually do.
I also had a flat front tire that was worn out and ratty looking. I have a new set of tires and tubes for the bike, so I went ahead and mounted the front one up. I'm going to wait on the rear until I get done breaking it in. I'm going to paint the wheel so I going to leave the old tire on for now. That way the wheel can be fresh and not all scuffed up when I get ready to sell. While I had the front wheel off, I noticed that the front disc was bent so I scavenged the parts bin for a new one. I actually had the exact disc from my 2004 that I replaced with an oversize model from Tusk, so I was able to bolt 2004 model right up. I added new pads, and I am ready for the break in. Now I just need Mother Nature to cooperate. The weather here is about to get cold and snowy for a bit.
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2 nights ago we missed the record low of 8f, it got down to 9f. This Saturday 70.
Are we on for the dreaded Black Trail??
Pack sandwiches and eat at the half way point?
Hey after I do the I.B.A. rides on "Little Blue" lets throw some MX bars on it and knobbies.
Frankenbike 2.0
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Now that would be a Frankenbike. :-D. I’m pretty sure I’m down to ride. Did you text ssrlewis?
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Not yet, Thursday I'll if we're working Saturday or not.
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I had a number of 250 Ninjas. This one was a dedicated race/track day bike I put back on the street later. Fun little bikes. None left now. Picked up a 2015 Yamaha R3 and doubt I will go back.
(http://i61.tinypic.com/2rwn7ye.jpg) (http://i66.tinypic.com/2je5ylx.jpg)
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I finally got around to breaking in the motor and getting this dude ready to sell. I’m at my parent’s for Easter, so I brought Frank and my aluminum conversion for a little casual riding at my parent’s place. Before I brought the bike down, I went ahead and put the rear tire on. I have never struggled with a rear tire like that. After I got it on (bending a tire iron in the process), of course I had a pinch flat. I was tired, sweaty, and all out of curse words. I decided that a trip to Cycle Gear would save a few years on my life. It ended up taking the guy almost two hours and three tubes to get it mounted. He had to get help from another employee, and they were both amazed that I got it on the rim at all. I was just glad I didn’t have to buy three tubes. :-D
Anyway, the bike fires up quickly, runs really strong and crisp, and everything works well. It’s been raining every few days in SE Oklahoma, and the fields were like rice paddies. The bike handled it all in stride, and I am very pleased with the final product. I think it will make someone a great bike.
One interesting thing about riding both bikes today is how far ergonomics have come in thirteen years. Riding Frank after getting off the aluminum bike was like riding a chopper after being on a sport bike. I think I appreciate the aluminum bike so much more now.
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I saw this picture over on VitalMX. Looks like the infamous wrench fix was done by someone who posts on that (or a similar) site. That particular picture angle was not on the eBay listing, which tells me the owner posted a picture of it to show everyone his repair skills. 😂😂
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Let the fun with Craigslist buyers begin. :-D
(https://images.craigslist.org/00000_5XgmNlM5ZN5_600x450.jpg)
https://oklahomacity.craigslist.org/mcy/d/edmond-2004-kx250-fresh-top-end-many/6875578236.html (https://oklahomacity.craigslist.org/mcy/d/edmond-2004-kx250-fresh-top-end-many/6875578236.html)
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Let me start the tally of my six types of annoying Craigslist trolls:
1. The Scammer - From another country and just looking to follow my scam script no matter how much you call me an assclown. (0 so far)
2. The Dreamer - I don't have the money to buy this, but I'm going to waste as much of your time as possible. (0 so far)
3. Mr. Unnecessary Information - I may or may not buy your bike, but I'm going to get you updated on my entire life's history either way. If you're lucky, I'll branch out to family members as well. (0 so far)
4. Lack of Boundries guy - I'll call you when you say text only, or I'll text or call after hours. (0 so far)
5. Mr. Lowball - I don't care that you've only had it on Craigslist for a week, I think you must be desperate, or I firmly believe in if you don't go, you won't know. (0 so far)
6. The Irrational Trade Guy - I think you want to trade for my collector's edition Obi Wan doll, no matter how much you said no trades in the ad. You just don't know you want it, and it's worth at least twice what your bike is, because I say so. (0 so far)
(https://media.giphy.com/media/xXpJ7qm7lcoFy/giphy.gif)
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Let me start the tally of my six types of annoying Craigslist trolls:
1. The Scammer - From another country and just looking to follow my scam script no matter how much you call me an assclown. (0 so far)
2. The Dreamer - I don't have the money to buy this, but I'm going to waste as much of your time as possible. (0 so far)
3. Mr. Unnecessary Information - I may or may not buy your bike, but I'm going to get you updated on my entire life's history either way. If you're lucky, I'll branch out to family members as well. (0 so far)
4. Lack of Boundries guy - I'll call you when you say text only, or I'll text or call after hours. (0 so far)
5. Mr. Lowball - I don't care that you've only had it on Craigslist for a week, I think you must be desperate, or I firmly believe in if you don't go, you won't know. (0 so far)
6. The Irrational Trade Guy - I think you want to trade for my collector's edition Obi Wan doll, no matter how much you said no trades in the ad. You just don't know you want it, and it's worth at least twice what your bike is, because I say so. (0 so far)
(https://media.giphy.com/media/xXpJ7qm7lcoFy/giphy.gif)
LMFAO I'ma combo of 3,4,&5 to be 💯
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I should probably add a 7th type as well:
7. Mr. Point Out Any Problem I can find and greatly exaggerate its affect on the bike's worth - this guy looks at any scratch and acts like it should reduce the price by hundreds of dollars. Got a dent in the pipe? That's $300. Bike doesn't start on the very first kick? $1,000. Tear in the seat cover? Bike's free...
He or she is not to be confused with the person who actually points out legitimate issues and calculates reasonable repairs. These people are rational and reasonable, and probably include most of us when we go to look at a bike.
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Let me start the tally of my six types of annoying Craigslist trolls:
1. The Scammer - From another country and just looking to follow my scam script no matter how much you call me an assclown. (0 so far)
2. The Dreamer - I don't have the money to buy this, but I'm going to waste as much of your time as possible. (0 so far)
3. Mr. Unnecessary Information - I may or may not buy your bike, but I'm going to get you updated on my entire life's history either way. If you're lucky, I'll branch out to family members as well. (0 so far)
4. Lack of Boundries guy - I'll call you when you say text only, or I'll text or call after hours. (0 so far)
5. Mr. Lowball - I don't care that you've only had it on Craigslist for a week, I think you must be desperate, or I firmly believe in if you don't go, you won't know. (0 so far)
6. The Irrational Trade Guy - I think you want to trade for my collector's edition Obi Wan doll, no matter how much you said no trades in the ad. You just don't know you want it, and it's worth at least twice what your bike is, because I say so. (0 so far)
(https://media.giphy.com/media/xXpJ7qm7lcoFy/giphy.gif)
LMFAO I'ma combo of 3,4,&5 to be 💯
Oooooohhhh, a hybrid! You guys are very rare. Like an unicorn... :-D
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Universal Wife Zone Matrix Chart
There's a Unicorn in this chart.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jokc2Bo2ghw
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Universal Wife Zone Matrix Chart
There's a Unicorn in this chart.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jokc2Bo2ghw
That s**t is hilarious
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In all seriousness if that bike doesn't sell in a week's time I will be very surprised!! Nice job Umberto and it's great you are realistic with ur pricing. If I weren't saving for an X3 I'd snatch it up
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In all seriousness if that bike doesn't sell in a week's time I will be very surprised!! Nice job Umberto and it's great you are realistic with ur pricing. If I weren't saving for an X3 I'd snatch it up
Thank you! You know you could just load it up and take it home when you come down here to ride. :-D
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In all seriousness if that bike doesn't sell in a week's time I will be very surprised!! Nice job Umberto and it's great you are realistic with ur pricing. If I weren't saving for an X3 I'd snatch it up
Thank you! You know you could just load it up and take it home when you come down here to ride. :-D
Oh you know I would but the wife says the next toy has to be an x3. And she's been cool with my choices up to this point so I'm not trying to rock the boat😂🤣
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In all seriousness if that bike doesn't sell in a week's time I will be very surprised!! Nice job Umberto and it's great you are realistic with ur pricing. If I weren't saving for an X3 I'd snatch it up
Thank you! You know you could just load it up and take it home when you come down here to ride. :-D
Oh you know I would but the wife says the next toy has to be an x3. And she's been cool with my choices up to this point so I'm not trying to rock the boat😂🤣
I understand. I would keep this bike if I hadn't already promised Mrs. Umberto. :evil:
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I swapped out the stock tank and added a different seat in an attempt to attract a little more attention. I have a couple of guys circling, but I can't seem to get someone to bite. I had it off Craigslist while I was overseas, so I relisted it tonight. Wish me luck.
(https://images.craigslist.org/00q0q_jNPNtrk0m6M_600x450.jpg)
https://oklahomacity.craigslist.org/mcy/d/edmond-2004-kx250-fresh-top-end-many/6901929650.html (https://oklahomacity.craigslist.org/mcy/d/edmond-2004-kx250-fresh-top-end-many/6901929650.html)
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So there is a new Craigslist scam that I just thwarted (inadvertently). The person says they went to look at a bike in your city, and it was a lemon (strange term for a dirt bike). They want you to get a carfax on your dirtbike to make sure your bike is legit, which seems really strange since there wouldn't be a report for a dirt bike. They are very pushy, and say that they will buy the bike once you e-mail them the report. Then they send you a link to a better service to get a report (their brother or boss works in the industry and recommended it). They get a commission for every report they sell, so it's a fairly harmless scam, but it still pisses me off. Thankfully for me the guy wasn't listening to the fact that I had two other guys interested, and just stayed on his actually well written script (no grammar issues or misspelled words). If you're selling on Craigslist, be on the look out for this.
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I got my first irrational trade guy today. Even though the ad says no trades, he asked if I wanted to trade for a 2005 CR450F. Yes, I want a 14 year old four stroke that probably needs everything redone.
(https://media.giphy.com/media/TlK63EyU3S2yK0JoCsg/giphy.gif)
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carfax for a dirt bike... :lol: thats a good one!
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I have to add a new one to my list of Craigslist types:
8 - I needed my wife's approval, and didn't get it before I came to look at the bike. This guy just wants to think he can make this kind of decision without making his wife so mad he never gets to see her naked again. :-D
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I know you guys have guns and all but I never sell MX bikes from my home address, too many people checking out your security etc so they can come back to have your bike away with a five fingered discount, sounds like a proper lame excuse just to case your joint out! I had 3 bikes go when I was a kid and learned a lesson from that, they took the garage doors off!
Why not put it on ebay via a classified advert?? no extra fees to pay with a fixed price classified listing!
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I know you guys have guns and all but I never sell MX bikes from my home address, too many people checking out your security etc so they can come back to have your bike away with a five fingered discount, sounds like a proper lame excuse just to case your joint out! I had 3 bikes go when I was a kid and learned a lesson from that, they took the garage doors off!
Why not put it on ebay via a classified advert?? no extra fees to pay with a fixed price classified listing!
I make sure to screen the potential buyers very thoroughly on the phone. If the person make me the least bit uncomfortable, I won't show the bike. I also roll the bike outside and close the garage door, so they can only see that bike and none of my nicer stuff or tools. I've never had an issue with it. Plus our garage doors are on internally mounted tracks and locked down by the opener or a track lock. You would have to work pretty hard to get in, and my garage faces the street and is very visible. My dogs bark like crazy if anyone comes up the driveway too.
I don't like eBay because people can bid nationwide, and I just don't want to mess with shipping a bike to them. Plus the fees on eBay are pretty high. Craigslist is free and still attracts a ton of people. I've had pretty good luck with it, besides the few annoying people that always show up when you are selling stuff.
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In Oklahoma it's "beware of owner" not beware of dog.
On my neighbor's gate it says "If you want to meet God, Trespass here."
My elderly neighbor across the pasture had a break, ran out in to the front lawn to call the cops.
Just his luck a cop was driving by, waved him down. 3 minutes later, dead bad guy in the bedroom.
If anyone thinks of defending themselves with a gun you should watch this channel on YouTube.
Even if you don't own a gun this helps with situational awareness. It could save your life.
Active Self Protection
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsE_m2z1NrvF2ImeNWh84mw/videos
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I finally sold the bike today to a friend of mine. It’s nice because I got a new riding buddy, and made a little money as well. I have to admit I did feel a little sad seeing the old girl go down the street on my buddy’s trailer. It really turned out to be a nice bike. At least I know it’s going to a good home.
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Right on, hope ya got close to what you were asking!! For as long as it was for sale I was starting to wonder if people even rode in your neck of the woods
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Right on, hope ya got close to what you were asking!! For as long as it was for sale I was starting to wonder if people even rode in your neck of the woods
i have him a pretty good deal on it, because I know he’ll enjoy it and take care of it. I still made some money on it, so I’m happy too.
The bike took a while to sell, partly because of the trip to Europe I took for my 25th wedding anniversary (I took it off Craigslist while I was gone), and partly because it has rained every weekend, and most weekdays, since March. I think guys just weren’t thinking about riding, and the riding area is closed because of washed out trails anyway. The funny thing is that I ended up getting two other offers on the day my buddy told me he wanted it. The bike went from no offers to three at the end. That’s usually my luck. :-D
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I have not sold anything on CL for years because of some bad experiences. Put three items on in the last two weeks and had NO weird issues and all three sold quickly. Probably overdue for a bad one as I am putting some more items on...