Interested in building a motard

[netra709]

I want to put together a bike to race the motard class. I have two bikes in the garage now, and its going to be one of them. I have got a 95 WXE610 husqvarna with about 12 original hours on it, and a 09 KX450F. I'm leaning towards the Husky because of the 6 speed gearbox,the bigger motor and the fact its too much bike for the woods. I could use the KX, but I have already dialed it in so well for the woods, I hate to undo the work I have already done. I also have a auto clutch in the KX, anyone ever run one on the race track?
Any reason not to use the 610? It is technically almost the exact same as the TE570 they were selling in 2002. Thanks for any feedback, Tim

[13]

I'm no motard guy, but I'd have to say the husky is probably not the better of the two for the track.....

[R7]

I'm no motard guy, but I'd have to say the husky is probably not the better of the two for the track.....

The KX450 for sure

[Kurlon]

I can't find any specifications, but the mags from the era show it competing against the XR600, so I suspect it's going to be a porker compared to a modern 450. It'll likely do ok for Novice work, but you'll need something lighter by the time you get white and black number plates.

[netra709]

Thats surprising, I thought it would have been a good candidate, but I don't know. Thats why I asked. Your right, its heavy, about 255-260lbs. Thanks Tim

[Rambunctous]

The site is down tonight. But supermotojunkie.com is a good bet to get answers for that question. The Husky has a rather large piston. But a guy does race a Husqvarna 630SM RR at Loudon. If you do use the 610 you want to gear it high to take advantage of its massive torque and to keep the revs down. The KX450F is a Kawasaki ??? 4 stroke motocrosser??

[Kurlon]

If it's 250lbs or less, hammer it!

[netra709]

The site is down tonight. But supermotojunkie.com is a good bet to get answers for that question. The Husky has a rather large piston. But a guy does race a Husqvarna 630SM RR at Loudon. If you do use the 610 you want to gear it high to take advantage of its massive torque and to keep the revs down. The KX450F is a Kawasaki ??? 4 stroke motocrosser??

Yes, the KX is a mxer. I love the fuel injection on the KX, smoothest motor I have ever had. Tim

[Tricky Mike]

Hands down the best way to get into a motard is to buy one already built.
Converting a dirtbike isn't as easy (or as cheap) as it seems.
That said, definitely the 450. You'd have a lot of trouble getting the '95 610 set up properly. Nobody's gonna have parts for it.

[netra709]

Would I start as a novice, I didn't know if it would stir stuff up that I have raced offroad for 13yrs as a expert, but only have 3000 miles on the street under my belt. I wasn't sure where I would fit in.

[lrrs699]

The site is down tonight. But supermotojunkie.com is a good bet to get answers for that question. The Husky has a rather large piston. But a guy does race a Husqvarna 630SM RR at Loudon.

if we are talking about the same guy...not anymore he blew the engine

[Pittenger5]

if we are talking about the same guy...not anymore he blew the engine

Yup, Brian 501 popped his engine

[R7]

Would I start as a novice, I didn't know if it would stir stuff up that I have raced offroad for 13yrs as a expert, but only have 3000 miles on the street under my belt. I wasn't sure where I would fit in.

Yes, you'd still start as a novice

[netra709]

Yes, you'd still start as a novice

Cool. I miss the novice days.

[lrrs699]

Yup, Brian 501 popped his engine

he is running a 900ss now

[R7]

You could buy a nice Aprilia SXV, add a little safty wire and start the next race weekend...you can even have a race bike with a warranty for the rest of the season

[Rambunctous]

Yup, Brian 501 popped his engine

Brian has a 510. The guy I am talking about has a Limited Edition Eddie Seeles Replica. Blue and Yellow. This guy is a expert. BTW it is for sale.

[Rambunctous]

Hands down the best way to get into a motard is to buy one already built.
Converting a dirtbike isn't as easy (or as cheap) as it seems.
That said, definitely the 450. You'd have a lot of trouble getting the '95 610 set up properly. Nobody's gonna have parts for it.

I agree. No matter what get all the brake you can afford.

[lrrs699]

Brian has a 510. The guy I am talking about has a Limited Edition Eddie Seeles Replica. Blue and Yellow. This guy is a expert. BTW it is for sale.

I guess we should let brian know about it....

[R7]

Brian has a 510. The guy I am talking about has a Limited Edition Eddie Seeles Replica. Blue and Yellow. This guy is a expert. BTW it is for sale.

Is that Graham's bike you're talking about?

[Rambunctous]

I guess we should let brian know about it....

Brian is fast enough.

[lrrs699]

Brian is fast enough.

or maybe we wont.....

[GixerJockey]

Is that Graham's bike you're talking about?

That's what I was thinking too... 'Cause there can't be two of those things around.

[a13x]

You'd be wasting your time making the WXE into a motard. Maybe it'd be a decent trackday toy but would get stomped as a competitive motard racebike at LRRS. Also the 6-speed gearbox isn't ideal, the 5-speed is mint at Loudon (coming from a guy that races a 4-speed) Too much shifting with the 6'er.

The KXF450 is the way to go (or any other modern MX 450).

Minimum items you need are:
17" wheels - 3.25F and 5.0R
Upgraded front brake rotor (preferable to add aftermarket caliper along with)
Catchcans
Barkbuster-style handguards
Safety wire


Come on out and join the fun Check www.twowheelsteals.com for some nice deals on parts. Calipers, rotors, etc.

[Kurlon]

17" wheels - 3.25F and 5.0R

Is there a noticeable difference on a tard between a 155/4.25 vs 165/5 setup?