Dear Mr. Know-It-All,

This looks as if a ridiculous quandary, however right here’s my drawback. When I regulate my chain, I be certain that I’ve the jam nuts actual tight on each of the adjuster blocks. I put a screwdriver within the sprocket and run the chain backwards so the axle is comfortable in opposition to the adjuster blocks. Once I do know the chain is completely lined up, I tighten the axle nut. The drawback I’m having are the jam nuts on the axle blocks hold backing off. No matter how onerous I crank on all the pieces, it nonetheless manages to return unfastened. How do I hold issues tight?

Johnny B.

by way of [email protected]

Mr. B, it is a widespread subject that has a myriad of hacks that folks imagine is the remedy. I exploit an reverse tactic of adjusting the chain to the correct stress. Shove a screwdriver or rag between the sprocket and chain, and roll the wheel again till the chain tightens and the adjusters are taut within the block. Then, tighten the axle. Here’s the place my approach differs from most: I depart the rear axle tight. I then again off the adjuster bolt, taking stress off the bolt, comfortable it again with slight stress, after which tighten the jam nuts. With this method, my chain-adjuster jam nuts stay of their correct setting.

CHAINED UP

Dear Mr. Know-It-All,

I lately put in a brand new chain and sprockets on my 2005 Honda 250F. I’m very pleased with this machine and hold it buffed out—from the plastic to the stickers. I felt that with a view to make the chain last more, I might run the axle all the best way ahead so it has extra room to stretch earlier than I’ve to purchase a brand new one. On my first trip after putting in the brand new chain, all the pieces felt totally different. The bike obtained tremendous twitchy, the suspension felt harsh, and I had hassle controlling it even within the turns. I don’t perceive how a brand new chain and sprockets could make my bike deal with dangerous. The chain is an O-ring, and the rear sprocket is metal. Is the additional weight of the chain and sprocket screwing up my dealing with?

Curtis

by way of [email protected]

Curtis, my buddy, right here’s some sage recommendation from a diligent one who has little regard for idiocy. Sticker placement over correct machine setup is the proper storm—for a skateboarder. Here’s my analysis of your drama: while you moved the rear-wheel place to the very entrance of the swingarm, this successfully damage three key areas. It shortened your wheelbase, it stiffened the swingarm and successfully altered the leverage on the shock, lowering free sag. Always run the wheel in the midst of the adjustment zone, favoring extra rearward versus extra ahead. This maintains correct swingarm flex, correct leverage on the rear damper, and correct dealing with traits by way of a wheelbase that embraces stability and cornering bias.

I DON’T GET IT

Dear Mr. Know-It-All,

My buddy and I have been speaking about this text, and I’m attempting to get my head across the idea. Do you thoughts explaining in additional element on what is actually occurring?

Thinking about it, I might suppose the bigger diameter would take much less drive because of the bigger space. Pressure is what strikes the piston within the clutch: Pressure = Force/Area. Therefore, for a similar stress, a bigger space would require much less drive and subsequently much less drive on the lever from the rider.

Conversely, the smaller-diameter piston would require extra lever motion to displace the identical quantity of fluid, giving extra finesse to the management of the clutch (however would require extra drive as above).

Thoughts?

Jeff

by way of [email protected]

Here’s my take: The smaller piston has to push much less fluid, requiring much less energy to maneuver it by way of the hydraulic blood. These (9mm) techniques work for the 250 four-strokes and the 250/300 two-strokes as a result of they lack the horsepower and torque numbers of a 450. Those machines require the 10mm piston; in any other case, the clutch pull doesn’t transfer sufficient fluid to keep up correct engagement. The backside line: it really works beautifully on the 250/300 machines, offering a lighter pull and excellent engagement.

THE SORTING HAT

Dear Mr. Know-It-All,

I’m a 12-year-old with a 2021 KX85 and I find it irresistible. It’s the perfect bike I’ve ever had, however now I’m shortly outgrowing it. I can’t consider anybody else I wish to give me recommendation about what my subsequent bike must be. Up till lately I might contemplate myself an intermediate-level rider with some racing expertise. My ability stage and confidence have improved loads lately, and I’m leaping most jumps at my native tracks and am “on the pipe” more often than not. I additionally do some path driving with filth bike buddies right here in Florida, which is generally flat, sandy terrain. Additionally, I take pleasure in studying to keep up my bike. I’ve all the time been Team Green, however now I do know there are not any two-stroke choices for me aside from the KX112. My dad says he doesn’t suppose there’s a large distinction between my KX85 and the brand new KX112s—and, oh yeah, my dad says he’ll disown me if I develop a passion for four-strokes. I’m presently 5-foot-6 and 130 kilos, and would contemplate myself slightly above common within the energy division. I positively plan on persevering with my newbie racing and hope sometime it develops right into a profession, in addition to a passion.

My dad is aware of I’m scripting this to you, though he says you’re an imposter and that the true Mr. Know-It-All met his demise by way of dehydration after throwing a sequence throughout a clandestine trip at an undisclosed, now-defunct hare scramble. Dad says the fashionable Mr. Know-It-All column is much too good to be the identical sardonic and formidable Mr. Know-It-All that he grew up with. I imagine in you, nonetheless, and might’t wait to listen to your unmatched recommendation regarding my new trip.

Zane

by way of [email protected]

Even this dehydrated, drive-chain-hurling imposter can paint some recommendation onto a canvas that your father can respect. I, too, imagine that making the change to a 250F steed is a big step contemplating your age and dimension. It’s way more applicable that you just segue to a 125cc two-stroke. The four-stroke 250 makes substantial torque and energy, and far of that’s from the midrange on up. It requires a heavy hand to manage, the machine calls for extra care and feeding, and can ultimately fit your needs like a proverbial tube sock. But, for now, my vote goes to the Yamaha YZ125. The energy, mobility and competitiveness will make for a seamless transition from the KX85. And please, inform papa that in case your ardour doesn’t wane, a four-stroke will ultimately invade your world.

electronic mail: [email protected] | mail: Dirt Bike Mr. Know-It-All 25233 Anza Dr. Valencia, CA 91355