Surprise! For those of you killing time on a Friday, you get it a couple days early. Enjoy.

***

SUBJECT: STRANGE YAMAHA RT180

hey there,

i've got an early nineties yamaha RT180 with an early to mid eighties DT125 motor in it and i was riding it in the mud one afternoon and it's air cooled so it got real hot but it ran perfect all the way home. so the next day i went to go out for a ride and it starts right up, idles fine, and it rides fine until i get about a mile away from home. than it starts to run goofy. later i found out that i ran it out of two stroke oil (it's an oil injected motor). so i fill the tank up with fresh valvoline synthetic and it still runs fine. but than it just stopped running all together. i've had the top end of the bike off and it looks just fine. the cylinder walls aren't scored and there isn't a hole in my piston. it's got spark and it's getting gas but i can only get it to pop every now and than. i only paid $250 bucks for this thing and i love this bike. i don't wanna get something else. do you have any advice for me?

Oldschool
Hamburg, MN

Just because your top end looked OK to your untrained eyes, doesn't mean all is well in that cylinder. From what you've told us, you probably screwed the rings up royally. You can do a quick check by squirting a bunch of oil on the rings and then doing a compression check.

***

SUBJECT: I HATE NEW BIKES

You can have alll the newer MX bike's, you couldnt give me one for all the tea in china , they are uncomfortable,and off in the human dept where nyou hold the bars wayyy tooo low, and seat wayyyy too narrow, Ill Take a 74, maico , Husky, CZ Penton, yamaha and all the rest, and i wont be tired at the end of the day, Motocross needs some normalsy and not this high tech junk ,

Kirk C.
Alton, KS

Most of the new bikes are complicated, nearly impossible to work on and parts/rebuilds are horribly expensive. You can lay the blame for the demise of two strokes directly at the feet of the AMA.

***

SUBJECT: HONDA XE200 OUT OF STORAGE

hi,

have a Honda 200 xr Dirt bIke.Just took out from storage.We have -15 below here in Winter.Anyway,had bike out for a ride..Don't see any smoke while riding and bike seems to be jumping at different speeds.The Jet Needle is set to number 3,down from top.When bike isIdling,the bike BLOWS blue smoke.Just put in new plug.There is one thing,when I cleaned the Carb,the CLIP fell off from one off the Jet Needle Grooves.I don't know what one,sorry.Can you help PLEASE..Thx

Glenn
St. Albans, CANADA

Next time you write, try to make it more rational. Right now, it reeks of babbling and incoherent squeals. If you can't recall which position the clip was in, try the middle one. As for "jumping at different speeds", what exactly is that supposed to mean?

***

SUBJECT: ARTICLE TITLE: PROJECT HONDA CRF230F - PART 1

i have a 2003 crf 230 im woundering if anyone can tell me y my bike stalls after i hit a jump or anything of the sort im not to sure if the fuel is atomizing in the line before it gets to the carb or not i am considering the upgrades if it will help this problem thx

Matt
Peterborough, CANADA

Is there some sort of rule in Canada where you can't use CAPS in your email? As to your problem, there's no way the fuel is atomizing in your fuel line. More than likely, your float level is way off, or you have some crud in your float bowl.

***

SUBJECT: ARTICLE TITLE: PUMP GAS, RACE FUEL AND OCTANE BOOSTERS

Absolutley informative and interesting i know much more about gas and octane ratings and i have been a gearhead for 45 years

thank you

Walt
Cedar Rapids, IA

Thanks Walt. We got most of our hard care info from F & L racing fuels. They're savvy folks.

***

SUBJECT: 1998 KX125 LEAKING FORKS

hey i have 1998 kx 125 two stroke and one of the forks is leaking but im riding at a track on sunday and dont have time to have it fixed what could possibly happen. would i just bottom out or would i crash or would i be fine. please i need to know soon

Mitch
Livonia

Yet another person who cannot use CAPS. Say hello to your buddies in Canada.

To keep your forks functioning, put a strip of rag under the fork boot. Old Bultaco riders used this trick all the time.

***

SUBJECT: ARTICLE TITLE: PROJECT YAMAHA TTR230R: READER QUESTIONS ANSWERED

in the front end part of this article it says you used yzf 250 forks but in a question asked by another reader you said that you used yz 125 forks i was wondering which ones were used and if you use the 125 forks if the original brakes and front wheel would work

Mr. Brown

What is this? No caps day? Read the article again. The 125 and 250 forks are the same, except for the spring rate. We used the wheel and brakes from the YZ.

***

SUBJECT: WHERE OR WHERE CAN HE FIND A HONDA ATAC?

hello there i have 1985 cr125 and in need of that crap atac valve any ideas were i could get 1 from plz

Chris
ENGLAND

Now this might seem like a stretch, but have you considered trying a Honda dealer? You know ... the parts department.

***

SUBJECT: 2002 RM125 QUITS RUNNING

He Rick,

how goes it? I have a question for you, maybe you can help me out. I have a 02 RM125, it usually runs strong however the last time I went out to ride I only made it to about the end of the block and it bogs down as if it were flooded. It wont start back up right away but if I let it sit for about 5 min it will kick over again but of course it does the same thing when I try to take off. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. thanks!

John
Albuquerque, NM

Fairly simple problem. You have a fuel starvation problem caused by a bunch of crud in your float bowl. When you let the bike sit for a few minutes, gas seeps past the crud and the bike will start.

***

SUBJECT: 1981 YZ465 STARTING

Ok sir i just bought me an 81 YZ465 and was just wondering what you thought of this kind of bike? It runs GREAT just has a couple small things like the Float is up to high and i think the Jet is to big but i will get that all done soon. Its a Pain to kick,starts on the 5th or 6th Kick But it is STRONG maybe to strong But o well. When it starts it will put the front end up any gear I have. But i was just wondering what you thought of this Kind of bike was it a good year and everything and it cost me 700 bucks. And do i need a title It has a Bill of Sale i was just wanting to know if i can get the new tags when mine are up with no title. Thanks

Smidty
Klamath Falls, OR

The 465 was a brute when new and is still a brute. Starting easy was never a strong point with the 465. As far as Oregon law goes, I don't think you can license a dirt bike. If anyone from Oregon can shed some light on local laws, I'll run it here. By the way, at $700 bucks, you made a real steal on your bike.

***

SUBJECT: HONDA CRF 230 LURCH

i was looking at the step by step instructions for i also have this same problem, when you say that the fuel mixture screw needs to be taken out 3/4 of a turn, how much out is it already or are you saying 3/4 more out?

i also dont fully understand the spring that you added to the pull cable. if i didnt do this would it still perform better(than stock) or is this something i should definilty do?

Mitchell
Fort Wayne, IN

It means 3/4 turn out from the bottom. The springis added to make the throttle less sensitive to opening. Make the modification. It's easy and cheap. Just an afterthought: what do you have against CAPS and spelling? Were you frightened by an English teacher as a youth?

***

SUBJECT: ARTICLE TITLE: PROJECT CRF 450 - GREASING THE CRF SUSPENSION LINKAGE

I'm not sure if anyone is around anymore to answer this but i'll give it a try.. i blew out the bearings in my suspension linkage... i bought all new bearing and the triangular linkage piece. Actually everything that goes into the linkage piece other than the "pin screws" themselves i bought new... now the bearings are not greased and they are not installed in the linkage piece. do i need to lube the outside of the needle bearing housing before i put it in the linkage piece.?? i would assume not because it seems to be stationary... anyway if you could get maybe detailed about the instaliation of the bearings and sleeves that would be a tremendous help. i don't really think it is going to be that hard but for the money i paid to buy all the parts i would prefer to make sure it is right the first time.... thank you so much.. 99 kx 250 rider.. cddj77

Albuquerque, NM

When you assemble your linkage, liberally coat with grease every surface that pivots or rotates, or is rotated or pivots against.

***

SUBJECT: SOMETHING IN COMMON

We have something in common; I too am a sailor, and did a cruise on the Big E. Mine was in 1986 though ;)

John Winton

Wow, a fellow Enterprise sailor. My cruise was in 1962 in Guantanemo.

***

Don't Quit yet... More Pages Loading

SUBJECT: 59 ESO FACTS

have you any info on the 1959 500cc eso dirt bike??? my engine number is 500/379

Mario

Christchurch, NEW ZEALAND

Here's some data on your ESO and a photo. Black Swan or ugly duckling a question of perspective on this Czech scrambles machine manufactured near the Jawa factory. Esos were always limited production machines that ended up in the hands of the best club racers and GP riders. This helped create a mystique that lives to this day.

Taller, longer, and a little heavy compared to the British 4-strokes, the ESO was fast! The engine, the masterpiece of the ESO, was well ahead of its time in terms of engineering. Straight cut gears (no primary chain), unit construction, and a crankshaft that spins backwards are amongst the unique features of the ESO. The chassis measures 1 longer than the Goldstar and other popular 4-strokes and when combined with a few more degrees of rake, is a slow responder. Better find a berm!

***

SUBJECT: SUZUKI RM250 BLOWBACK

Hello Rick.

I just got a rm 250 and i have replaced the reed valves, ring and piston it still is making a lot of engine noise and spitting air/fuel out the carb air inlet and it hesatets tell it gets to the powerband. some help would be grate.

rm 250
Fallbrook, CA

My first guess would be that the timing is off, but it sure sounds like a leaking gasket.

***

SUBJECT: 1975 HONDA MR17R RESTO

Hi, i have never been very big into the off-road scene but ive wanted a dirtbike or motorcycle for that matter since i was little...the other day on of my dads friend gave me a 1975 Honda elsinor MR175, he told me if i could get it out of the garage i could have it. I have no idea what im doing really, but it looks to me like the wiring system is completely shot, and i cannot find a spark plug cap. So i guess im really asking how hard/expensive it would be to find the parts needed to get the bike runnnig again?

Thanks,

Chris
Baton Rouge, LA

We turned this over to our resident MR expert, Matt Cuddy. Here's what he had to say about the bike:

Ah, the green tanked MR175, excellent little enduro bike. What he needs to do is to purchase an owners manual along with a wiring harness, and go from there. Real simple, the black wire from the cases goes into the top coil (just like a Yamaha) and the thing should start right up. Also, don't forget crank seals, carb rebuilds & top end parts. The MR was a great little bike, btw. A "real" enduro with knobbies and everything. Even had that trick little headlight with the aluminum grate over it.

***

SUBJECT: REVISITING THE HARLEY BAJA

I have recently competed in a pre 70 event on my repliaca of the original baha harley as raced by larry berquist and jack froelich My bike appears to weigh considerably less than yours though suspension travel will be not as great.if anyone is interested dave holman in an article incycle magazine from 1973 gave full details of original bike

Nick Taylor
Fort William

The Harley Baja ridden by the Harley Wrecking Crew in the desert. These bikes were highly modified and bore little resemblance to the stock Baja.

***

SUBJECT: OLD TIME RIDERS

Rick, thanks for writing back again. It is excitingto actually exchange words with the great Super hunky!

My father (77 now and still rides a DR200s) and I received lots of enjoyment reading "from the saddle" column in DB mag. I actually ride several different "secret" places on my 06 RMZ250 and get away with it rather nicely. I have a DRD exhaust with the "quiet core insert" so I can sleuth around in the woods likethe bobcat I saw on my ride last friday.

Here are some cool pics of:

My father and his Suzi	My father and I in '72 I believe.

Me jumping the Suzi last year

Keep on riding! Got any pics?

Tom

Great photos, Tom.

***

SUBJECT: YAMAHA TTR230 REV LIMITER

Please help me! I need to get a 2007 ttr230 aftermarket rev limiter for it, but can't find one. I know it affects the engine life, but we need one to get itto rev out , the shop said. So please give us a phone number or website we can go to purchase an aftermarket rev box. We need one to increase it by 1,000 or more rpm"s.

Thanks,

Richard
Newport Beach, CA

I believe you can get a rev device from Big Gun, but it would affect engine life dramatically, in my opinion. Why don't you just shift gears?

***

SUBJECT: HONDA CRF230 PROJECT FORK SWAP

I purchased some 97 cr 250 forks and trees and noticed the upper and lower bearings are a different size, is that correct and if so do both the upper and lower races need to be modified as the one in your illustration?

Allen
Spring, TX

Yes, they are different sized on most bikes. Modify the races as described in the how-to article.

***

More Q&A Still Coming Your Way

SUBJECT: RESTORED 1976 ELSINORE

good to see you still are doin it in the dirt. was the preston petty desert tank called a camel back tank? seems to me that was what the big tanks were called. i got a 76 elisnore back to life this year, and we are building a 75 rm125 for my bro. our tech is a yamaha guy, so we found him a yz125 from 78 to restore. we sure miss the golden era of the 70s!!! but we can still recall what it felt like when we ride. read dirt bike cover to cover at least 20 times for each issue. those were the days---i miss my 76 maico aw 400 more than any old girlfriend!!!
William Weslow

Preston never made a gas tank, but he did sell some PMC tanks in his catalog. Nice Elsinore.

***

SUBJECT: IMPORTANT PEOPLE IN THE INDUSTRY

Rick,

I was wondering, of all the motorcycle racing stars, and motorcycle industry people you have met over the many years of your careerwho are some of the people you came to admire, or like the best, and why?

Rick Salazar

Great question and one that I didn't have to think too long and hard on; in no particular order, here are some truly great people:

Gil Vallaincourt, owner of Works Performance shocks. He took the time to explain all kinds of stuff to me and you could ALWAYS count on him.

CH Wheat. Owner of IMS. Man of his word. At 85, he's still a rocket on twisty fireroads.

Paul Clipper ... my right hand man for many years in the magazine business.

John DeSoto ... a great racer. He helped me in the early days and is still a good friend.

Jim Connolly ... Original test rider for me and savvy person. A man of his word.

Louis McKey ... The legendary Phantom Duck. We fought for years in Federal Court to keep land open.

Alan Ghaleb ... our lawyer. Honest and hard working. He also rode with us.

Dick Miller ... Tough as nails and a straight shooter.

Peter Lamppu ... My golfing buddy in LA and one of the truly great Euro racers. He died
at 54.

Vic Krause ... the original Mister Know It All and friend for four decades.

Rex Staten ... Toughest man alive and a long time test rider.

Jim O'Neal ... Owner of O'Neal Dist. We race together for 30 years and traveled the world.

John Gregory .... Owner of JT Racing. Good guy who helped us in the land battle
throughout the years. We're still friends.

Uli Schuenemann ... Former manager of Maico and good friend/drinking buddy.

Lee LaGorio ... My co-driver for 10 years in race trucks.

Big Jim ... Good friend and neighbor. We race together a bunch of times. Was a former
outlaw street biker turned off-roader.

Dave Coombs ... Man who started the Blackwater 100

Andy Poole ... former boss at Metzeler tires ... married my sister.

Steve McQueen ... was a regular test rider for me and a normal decent guy. He also always popped for the beer after riding.

George Lazenby ... James Bond number two. Great story teller and riding/drinking buddy.

That's all I could think of right now and I'm sure I left out some good people.

***

SUBJECT: 1990 YAMAHA RT 180

I have a 1990 RT 180 that was given to me, they told me that I could have it if I could fix it. I got most all of it fixed except for that I have a busted seal inside my crankcase. I am now trying to get the flywheel off but cannot figure out how. I have pulled the screws out of the top of it, because my uncle and I thought that it would knock it loose and come off. Do you have any ideas or suggestions on how I can get it off? I need to replace my seal asap so that I can get back to riding again. Also, do yuo happen to know what the mix-gas ratio is on a bike like this? I have heard 3:1 ; 10:1 ; and 30:1. Thanks
Bscatcher
Foley, AL

As per our usual practice, we turned this question over to Matt Cuddy, our older Yamaha expert. If Matt doesn't know, it isn't worth it.

Sigh.... Go to any local Yamaha shop and purchase a flywheelpuller that they've been using since the Earth's crust cooled. They run about $10.00 and will save you from ruining the flywheel and threads for the puller. Put those screws back in, as they hold the collar in the flywheel.

The puller uses reverse threads (meaning you tighten it up by turning the opposite way you normally would). Then CAREFULLY screw the center bolt clockwise, that will remove the flywheel, eventually. Do not hit the flywheel with a hammer, use a claw puller, of a blow torch. That will only make things worse.

Yes, I would run the oil-gas ratio at 2.1, using Pep Boys Pure as Gold reclaimed motor oil. That way you won't be able to start the machine, andhurt yourself...

But if you must ride the machine, after replacing the crank seal, use four fluid ounces to one gallon of gasoline, which will work out to a 32.1 mix. Use Yamalube R, as it's about the best lubricating and carbon free product I've ever used.

Your 180 is a re-hashed IT 175 that uses cheaper parts all around. Go find a junked IT and swap some parts (forks, tank, swingarm, etc) for a better motorcycle all around.

You really should have known...

***

And finally, Page 4

SUBJECT: HEAT TREATING SWINGARMS

Hi Rick.

I have a 1982 Honda XR200-R that I ran a Cal-Fab/White Bros. swingarm until it cracked. I had it heli-arced and it cracked again. I have had it heli-arced again. Do I needt to re-heat treat it? What alloy is it if I need to specify that to the shop? If it needs to be re-heat treated can you reccomend a shop? I miss that swingarm. I have been running the stock boat anchor swingarm. At least it never cracks! Love this little bike for the tight stuff. Have Simons 38MM forks and shock is Fox Twin Clicker. I have been reading your journalism since the first issue of "Dirt Bike" My neighbor stole that issue. Curses!
Bruce
Oakland, CA

If you have a chrome moly swingarm, then you should not heli-arc it unless you can put it in a heat treaters oven. Gas welding can be used without heat treating in many cases. If the arm is aluminum, then it MUST be heat treated.

***

SUBJECT: FIXING UP A 76 MR175 HONDA

i have a 1976 honda elsinore mr175 2 stroke. i tore the engine down and i am now having thoughts bout just not fixing it. it only needs a kick crank and a clutch. do you think it is worth my time

Elsinore Fan
Westmoreland, TN

The MR175 is a fun little bike, but not worth a whole bunch if you want to sell it later on for a profit. By the way ... who taught you how to write? One of your pets?

***

SUBJECT: HONDA CRF230 GEARS

how many teeth does the rear sprocket have?? and did u have to have the front sprockets custom made from sidewinder??

Matt
Streeter, ND

We ran the stock teeth numbers on the rear and a 15 c/s up front. Sidewinder has the 15s in stock.

***

SUBJECT: OSSA IRZ CARBS

Rick,

I must protest. I had a 1971 OSSA Stiletto for many years back in the day, and I loved the IRZ carb. I never had an issue getting jets, and once tuned, the carb worked flawlessly. I raced in District 37 for a number of years and my OSSA was ultra reliable. I had several friends who converted to OSSA's based on my experiences and they all had the same great luck with the IRZ carb. The low speed jet circuit worked great for plunking in the slow stuff - I never had an issue with fouled plugs and it ran great on the top end. I can only wonder if you're experience was with a carb that was faulty in some way.

Thanks,

Rob

I never experienced problems with IRZ carbs on OSSAs, but most people were intimidated by the complexity of the carb.

***

SUBJECT: YAMAHA TTR230 MISSING AT HIGHER RPM

I have a mysterious problem that I have not been able topinpoint/resolve. My TT-R230 is choppy from three-quarter to full throttle. I figured it was the main jet which had been replaced with a 130 with teh pilot changed at the same time to a 38. I removed all mods (FMF, Powernow, K&N filter, larger jets) and set the bike back to stock but I am still experiencing the same problem. The carb has been completely diassembled, cleaned, blown out and reassembled. No air leaks or cracks in the boot or air filter case. Thought it might be the rev limiter but still did the same at stock. No blown head gaskets, new spark plug, fuel screw turned out 2 turns from bottom. Any ideas?
Richard
Newport Beach, CA

Best bet is a failing ignition system. Does the problem get worse as the motor gets hotter?

***

SUBJECT: 87 YAMAHA YZ250 SEAL PROBLEM

I have a 1987 YZ250. It's a great bike, when I can get it started. I tow start it with a golf cart (don't laugh) and it takes a few times up and down the dirt road before she fires up. It runs OK, but if you stall it, you can kick until your leg falls off, she just won't kickstart. If I hook her back up to the golf cart and tow-start her, I'm back in business. Does this sound like crank seals to you? I forgot to mention that I have a brand-new .020 over top end in the engine. My theory is, it takes a while for the oil/gas to seal up the bottom end, but when it finally does, it starts. Am I crazy, or do I need crank seals?

Hope you're feeling better, we're glad you are back in the USA! What did you think of the '87 YZ250 back in the day? I know it's no '81 Maico, but it seems like a decent bike to me!

Bert W. Carrier Jr.

Once again, we referred to that wizard of Yamahas, Matt Cuddy. Here's what Matt had to say:

Can you say "Crank Seal"? Sure you can. Most likely on the mag side, an '87 250 was the easiest starting motorcycle in the universe.

The seal is failing, that's why when you build up enough cranking pressure, it starts, and then the seal deforms against the crankshaft, sealing it while the bike is running, when you stop, the seal looses pressure, and quits working. And you can't start it again without towing it.

***

SUBJECT: WHERE TO FIND OLDER YAMAHA PARTS

I was lucky to get a TY from an exploration company still on standard bore. I wish to go 1st O/S but so far havent been able to buy an original cast piston or find an aftermarket cast piston. Going forged piston I returned the DT yamaha wiseco piston as the ring spacings were getting close to the transfer ports. Do I have to get a custom piston built, does anyone manufacture pistons for the TY, not DT but TY or would anyone sell me a DT piston and let my engineer (Ray Eason) set the dowels into the piston.
Hev
Perth, AUSTRALIA

Once again, we referred to our old Yamaha expert, Matt Cuddy:

Speed & Sport Yamaha in Bloomsberg PA. They have EVERY YAMAHA PART ever produced on Earth. Talk to Cindy.

http://www.speedandsportinc.com/

(888) 455-6831.

***

SUBJECT: MYSTERY CRF230 CLUTCH TOOL

iown an 05 Crf 230 ind i was changeing the clutch but i cant seem to be able to remove the pressure plate it has some nut on the end of it that i dont think i have the tool for how can i grt it off??
Chris
Auburn, MA

Now this might come as a shock to you, but have you considered getting the right tool for the job? No? I thought not. Oh yes, nice writing.

***

SUBJECT: TRACKMASTER FRAME I.D. NUMBERS

Greetings from down under!I have just bought an oil in frame Triumph Sonicweld/Trackmaster framed bike with triangular swinging arm which looks very like the one Doyle Fields is riding in 1970(from the book Triumph in America)The engine is 1965 vintage .The frame and engine have identical numbers starting with DRF and the engine number has a four on its side.The bike is an import from the US.I havnet been able to find a numbering system for sonicweld or trackmaster and as a long shot wondered if this could have been one of Doyle Fields bikes.His daughter Carlyn McBride did correspond about her father after this article .Can anyone help me on this or put me in touch with his family?? The bike is a beauty by the way and I cant wait to reassemble and ride.

Adriane Treholme
Aukland, NEW ZEALAND

Trackmaster did not serial number their frames until very late in 1974. They were stamped TM A and a number which had nothing more than a sequential significance. They started building frames in late 1968 so there are a lot of them with no numbers.

***

SUBJECT: BUBBLES IN THE COOLANT

I have a 1993 kx 250 with a 1992 kx 250 motor. the problem i am having is when the bike is running it blows coolent out of the overflow tube. I've checked the cap and that seems fine, I've also tried bleeding the system but it still does it. any help would be great.
Mike
Interlaken, NY

Chances are very high that you have a leaking head gasket.

***

SUBJECT: MISSING THIRD GEAR OF 84 HONDA CR250R

I have a 1984 cr250r that wont go into third gear. When you shift up from second gear its like it goes into Neutral. I can kill the motor and shift into third and push it and the motor turns over. I split the cases and found that the shifter forks on the left shaft have stamped markings facing up. The center shifter fork is stamped faced down. I think someone replaced it with the wrong shifter fork. Is this normal or does it need to face up? Please help.
No Name
Mount Pleasant, TX

This was puzzling enough that we solicited the help of Father Cuddy. Here's his eclectic thoughts on the matter:

That was a design Honda released in the end of the 1984 World Championship series inTurkey as a bow to the Eastern Orthodox Church, thathad outlawed third gears as"being a tool of the Devil".

That rule was repealed however, when it was found Pope Ignacus Symonininianian had said "third beers" not third gears. Honda quickly put out a service bulletin rectifying the issue with a new shift fork that pointed up.

Fr. Matt Cuddy
Parrish of St. Finbar

***

SUBJECT: WHATS IT WORTH?

Rick,

Would You happen to know what an original Dirt Bike Photo Annual #1 would be valued at? I won't say that My mag is perfect or pristine, but it's gotta be in excellent condition.

Additionally, I had the 1st issue of Dirt Bike Mag, but currently I only have the cover and back sleeves....(little rug rats destroyed the issue back in the mid 70's).

I also have the June 1972 issue of Cycle Sport Magazine (with Frank Stacy) on the 250 Stiletto (plate 105) on the cover.

Rounding out the pile, I own the Trans_AMA souvenir program from September 1971 (with Joel Robert at Delta Motosport Park in 1970)on the cover.

If there's some good collector value for these items, and You could steer Me to the right avenue, and/or give Me some insight as to values, I'd be very thankful!

David Kozlowski
SW Florida
941 423 0738

FYI: I worked for the Stacy Family (Dean's Transmission & Sales) frommid 1970, until late 1974. Used to rebuild Andy Stacy's engine about every other day, cause He'd blow it up.

Also, met Dave Bickers, Chris Horsefield, Johnny Banks, and Gaston Rahier, at the shop......August or Sept 1971....(foggy memory.)

Bicker'sengine went bad in His Plymouth Station wagon, and We installed a new engine in it. Of course, We also did the brakes, and other items to the car. Those world class MX'ers worked along side with Me on the car. They also taught us a bunch of tuning tricks for all the MX machines. We sold CZ, Ossa, Hodaka, and Carabeladirt machines.

Take Care, and Thank You!

The value of these items varies a great deal. While I had a few, I sold Number One Dirt Bike for $150 to $200 each. I can give you some estimates on what I would ask for on eBay for your items.

1. The Photo Album in excellent condition should go for $50 or more.

2. You might get $5 to $10 for a cover of Vol 1 Number 1 in good shape.

3. CYCLE SPORT was never really very popular. Maybe $10 to $15 tops.

4. That TRANS-AMA program might go for $50 or more.

***

SUBJECT: GREEN STICKER 92 RM250

im loookin at buyin an 1992 RM250, im just wonderin if that is a green sticker bike in california?
Nick
Auburn, CA

You bet. Darn near any bike built is a green sticker bike in the Golden (Tax) state.

***

SUBJECT: THREADED FRONT YZ125 SPROCKET?

I have a @007 yz125 i was wondering if the front sproket is reverse thread and how to remove it?
Toby
Huntington, WV

I don't of any bike that has a threaded sprocket. Not one. Chances are your YZ125 rides on a splined shaft and has two 10 mm bolts holding the retainer plate in place.

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SUBJECT: 1992 RT180 YAMAHA PROBLEMS

Hi, I have a 1992 RT180 Yamaha. The bike ran fine up untill about a month or so ago. I went for a ride with my buddies, and it ran fine, i brought it back home, and the next time I went to ride it, it had no power and was missing like crazy. After several days of tinkering, I finally discovered that leaning up the jetting on the carb made it run better, but it still has no grunt, and when I get the revs up, the engine pulsates, like it is hitting a rev limiter. I have had the carb apart four or five times now and cleaned it to within an inch of it's life, I have also taken the reed valve apart and inspected it, and I'll be damned if I can find anything wrong with it.

What would cause the jetting to suddenly go very rich.(I have to have the pilot air screw turned the whole way out, and the needle clip in the leanest position just to get it to run without missing. Also, when I shut the bike off fuel pours out of the carb vent tube.) P.S. I just looked at a 1996 YZ 125, and took it for a test ride, and it has more power than my RT ever did. The guys asking 800 bucks for it, and it is in very good condition. I do pretty much all trail riding with my buddies with their big quads and I want something that is better able to keep up with them. Do you think switching to the YZ would be a good choice. Any thing you could tell me would be greatly appreciated.
Adam Cousins
Kitanning, PA

Yet once again, we turned to the short-fused Matt Cuddy for enlightenment. Here are his comments, no holds barred:

Sigh...float needle is screwed up. And no, he shouldn't get a YZ125, he should get a Winnebago, or Boat. Stay away from motorcycles. Better yet, buy a telescope, get into astronomy. Or paint those sad clown pictures by the numbers. Take up needlepoint, or open a worm farm. etc. etc....

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SUBJECT: WHATS A BULTACO MATADOR WORTH?

Could some one give me some idea of the value of my 72 Bultaco Matador. It's showroom clean.

Ron

Farmington, ME

If the bike is really clean as you say, ask $2000 o.b.o. for it. If it's just decent, something around $1500.

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SUBJECT: 1985 KAWASAKI KDX250 MIX RATIO

i have an 1985 kawasaki kdx 250 i dont know what the owners manual wanted the oil mixed at and its a discontinued bike could you help me with the best mix i should run in it? and the grade of gas as well please it would be greatly appreciated

Ghost

Shelbyville, MI

Gee Mister Ghost, they discontinued the 1985 KDX 250? What a surprise! Just run 32:1 with hi-test gas and you'll be happy. For what it's worth, the KDX 250 is a below average bike in all categories except weight. There, it's a boat anchor.

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SHAMELESS PLUG

Want your very own copies of the Glory Years of Dirt Bike Magazine? That would normally set you back a huge sum of money. Well, heres the next best thing. I scanned all 42 issues and theyre now available. Thats every issue from June of 1971 through all of 1974. The June 71 issue was the very first issue. I worked on all of these magazines until that last issue in 1974. Youll see a big difference in content in that last issue and the ones that preceded it.

Every issue has every page included. All the color pages are reproduced in color. You can print out every page if you want to, since the issues were produced in Picasa 3 format. Or you can put it in your computer (or CD/DVD player) and simply enjoy a slideshow of each and every month. There are seven discs included in the package. Each disc contains one-half of a year (six issues) in order. This comes to about 4400 pages total.

The cost is $75 and that includes postage and shipping anywhere in the US. Accept Paypal (Paypal address: superhunky@gmail.com), personal checks or money orders. No plastic. All orders are shipped Priority rush mail.

Rick Sieman
36607 W. Costa Blanca Dr.Maricopa, AZ 85238
Email: superhunky@gmail.com