Weldangrind's First China Dual Sport

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Tombstone

http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/pml/mcy/3690086168.html

just came across this on craigslist, looks pretty similar to yours doesnt it?

maybe you can get parts that work on many models, if this one looks close enough you could try searching for parts for it.

PS if you or anyone you know is ever selling a TW200 pleae let me know!

I'm surprised how much that bike looks like a Honda CRF.

Spud

[Weldangrind]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

Yes, my CRF250X muffler has the U.S.F.S approval stamped on the end plate. :?

Spud

The end plate on this muffler says HONDA SPARK ARRESTOR TYPE HM KSC A1. :?

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

The end plate on this muffler says HONDA SPARK ARRESTOR TYPE HM KSC A1. :?

Oops! :oops: I was operating from (failing) memory. :roll: Therefore, I went and examined my muffler; it has exactly the same wording inscribed on it as yours. It does not specifically state it has U.S.F.S. approval.

However, in my defense, my muffler has never been inspected in Idaho. Also, I have read many forest rangers in other states don't even bother to inspect OEM mufflers with spark arrestors; they accept these mufflers even if they lack specific wording indicating U.S.F.S. approval. Finally, if the rangers test a spark arrestor, they merely poke a coat hanger down the outlet. If they hit an obstruction, the muffler passes the "spark arrestor test."

Spud

[FastDoc]

Even in the state of California, a coat hanger test passed for a spark arrester test.

[Weldangrind]

Works for me. I bought this muffler for the USFS approval stamp, but it sounds like it isn't an issue. I'm guessing that USFS approval is a bigger issue with aftermarket exhaust.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

Works for me. I bought this muffler for the USFS approval stamp, but it sounds like it isn't an issue. I'm guessing that USFS approval is a bigger issue with aftermarket exhaust.

Yes, that's the best way to summarize it! The forest rangers love OEM exhausts, and sometimes don't even poke them with a coat hanger. Here in Idaho, I have never seen a forest ranger after riding 75,000 miles. Needless to say, they don't bother us here.

Spud

[FastDoc]

I agree with Spud. In all the riding and I have done, which is extensive, although not nearly as much as his, I've never seen a forest ranger.

[Weldangrind]

I welded the new muffler on today. Pics to follow.

Please recommend tire sizes for me. The original tires are still on the bike, and they're 2.75-21 and 4.10-18. I can buy Shinko 244's in those specific sizes, but I'd like to expand my search criteria by shopping for the metric equivalent. I've done some searching on the topic, but I haven't found specific direct conversion sizes.

Any feedback on the 244's?

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

I welded the new muffler on today. Pics to follow.

Please recommend tire sizes for me. The original tires are still on the bike, and they're 2.75-21 and 4.10-18. I can buy Shinko 244's in those specific sizes, but I'd like to expand my search criteria by shopping for the metric equivalent. I've done some searching on the topic, but I haven't found specific direct conversion sizes.

Any feedback on the 244's?

The Shinko SR244 tires are very good on pavement, rocks, gravel, and just about any dry surface. However, they are absolutely terrible in mud! :(

Size 80/100-21 tires are equivalent to size 2.75-21 tires. Size 100/100-18 and size 110/100-18 tires are equivalent to size 4.10-18 tires.

Unless you are grinding up steep, rocky slopes, the Kenda, TrakMaster, K760 rear tire is very good. The Dunlop, D952 rear tire is better yet.

The Shinko 520 and Shinko 524, front tires will perform much better in mud than the Shinko 244, front tire.

Spud

[Weldangrind]

Excellent! Thanks for the info, Spud. I'll report on what I buy.

[Weldangrind]

I notice that the Kenda K270 tires look a lot like the DS tires on early '80's Hondas. Any comments on that specific tire?

[SpudRider]

The Kenda 270 tires perform very much like the Shinko 244 tires. They are good tires for pavement, gravel, rocks, and hard packed earth. However, they don't perform well in mud. You can cross an occasional mud puddle and short sections of sloppy terrain, but you can't ride them in generally muddy terrain. The tread will pack quickly with mud, causing the rear tire to spin, and the front tire to dump you suddenly, without warning. :(

Spud

[zingshoen]

FWIW i ve got dunlops on the xl 185s, actually i ve got dunlops on all the bikes :-) their rubber is softer and they grip better in the wet than the cheng shins any day

[Weldangrind]

The Kenda K760 Trakmaster is only a few dollars more, so perhaps I'll try that. http://www.bikebandit.com/kenda-k760...otorcycle-tire Bike Bandit is the only retailer (of the three that I deal with) that has both front and rear available in the K760. At least I'll get free shipping.

[Weldangrind]

Any comments on the Shinko 700?