Hello from St Louis

vwkurt · 11-24-2023, 02:53 PM

Hello everybody,

Thank you for all the great contributions. I just pulled the trigger on a brand new Tao TBR7. I also ordered about a million upgrades, including new tubes, sprockets and chain, Nibbi carb and jet kit, JFG exhaust, coil, E3 plug, CDI, Hawk digital dash, and a couple of LED off road lights and headlight, and an oil cooler.

So here's my question: do I install all this at once before I even start the engine, or do I just change the oil, adjust the valves, break it in, and then start swapping parts?

Any thoughts on the best path?

**JerryHawk250** · 11-24-2023, 03:47 PM

Welcome aboard! Do everything you just described before doing any modifications.

bigdano711 · 11-24-2023, 04:07 PM

There are some things on your list I would install right away. The digital dash, the spark plug, the off-road lights. I would leave everything else for after break-in and when you feel ready to deal with it. That carb, for instance. Unless you're good with carbs, it's going to be tough to figure out. I don't know about the stock chain on the TBR7, but the one on the Hawk is pretty crappy and needed to be swapped out right after break in. The tubes I would hold off on until you need them. My Hawk's tubes are doing fine after over 1200 miles, but I don't do crazy stuff, either.

Have fun with it first before breaking it down for modding. Change the oil before you start it. Check the valves and adjust if needed. Check tire pressure, fire it up and ride it!!

TominMO · 11-24-2023, 07:05 PM

IMO change oil, check valve adjustment, check tire pressure, then ride it as is, changing only one thing at a time to see what difference it makes. Then after some break-in miles, install the better plug. After riding it like that a bit, consider the other upgrades.

vwkurt · 11-24-2023, 08:18 PM

Thank you all for your helpful replies. I'll do a you suggest... Oil and valves (and other adjustments), a gallon of loctite, and just ride it because making major mods. I think I'll keep a log of fuel economy, 0-50 times, and top speed as well as a seat-of-the-pants measurement to see what each mod does individually as well as cumulative performance.

I'll see you on the trails in Missouri!

Thumper · 11-24-2023, 09:22 PM

What Tom said. My questions would be..."What did I get?, How does it run-OEM?", etc. But not before I checked a few safety things like swingarm/axel position, chain tension, front fork bolts, axel, brakes, lights. Then after a few short rides? Dump the oil hot, put a quart of 5W-40, adjust the valves (again after a few heat cycles).
I guess after that you will have priorities!

Have fun

bigdano711 · 11-25-2023, 12:25 AM

Install the digital dash, especially if the bike is shipped to you and you have to assemble it and you have the better dash in hand. Otherwise, when, not if but when, the stock dash goes out, or you just happen to decide it's time to change it, you won't have to add X miles to the odometer for a true reading. Unless you're ok with that.

vwkurt · 11-25-2023, 09:38 AM

My roommate and I were just poking around the interwebs when we came across these Amazon beauties! I had a hard time choosing between the Hawk, Hawk EFI, the X-Pro Templar, and the TBR7. I ended up choosing the $1399 TBR7 because it was the cheapest, it had the adjustable rear shock, a rack on the back and, if I'm not mistaken, a tiny little tool container. Plus I thought the scalloped brake rotors looked fun! I don't even have my bike yet and part of me wishes I had spent the extra $600 on the Templar with the 6 speed box and counterbalanced OHC engine and inverted forks. Sigh. Maybe next time.

I think the real reason I chose the CHEAPEST bike is because I'm not really sure how well this will all work out. You see, I only have one arm. No nub, no nothing on the left side. No prosthetic either. I'm installing a thumb throttle and moving the clutch lever to the right side, so every start from a stop will be a lovely little thumb and finger ballet. Yup. I'll record the show. Sit down with some popcorn and enjoy. My TBR7 delivery is scheduled for November 27, but I won't even get to unbox it until December 3rd when I get home from Oregon.

So I'll unbox and assemble on Sunday and install the digi-dash, thumb throttle and extra lights during assembly. Initially I'm putting the clutch on the left because my roommate and neighbors want to try it out. I think they're tempted to pull the trigger on one themselves! After their test rides I'll swap the clutch lever (and probably trim the lever for one or two-finger operation) and then record the hilarity of my first ride and first impressions. I drive a stick shift and I'm also a pilot, so I'm pretty sure I can do this, too! As I assemble I'll be checking and loctiting everything as I go. If I don't like all the welds then I'll probably fix some of them, too. Safety third!

Anyway, I'll post a link to the video when it's all done. Or my roommate will post it posthumously. I'll probably call it "One armed idiot rides a Chamaha" or some such nonsense. Just a little FYI - this isn't my first motorcycle ever. I grew up riding motorcycles. I lost my left arm in a motorcycle accident in 2000 in San Diego when I was in the Navy. I think you can all see where this foolishness is headed... Sigh.

Alright. Enough of this verbal vomit. It's 5:30am and I driving up to Coleville, WA today. I'll see you on the trails when I get back to St Louis!!!

-=<Kurt>=-
-------------------------------
Hire the handicapped... We're fun to watch!
202? TBR7 from Amazon - Delivery soon!

Thumper · 11-25-2023, 10:16 AM

OK, I think it can be done.

You can probably find compatible cable pull lever for the right side and put the clutch there. How to get a front brake? Maybe combine front and rear brake circuits with the right foot?

bigdano711 · 11-25-2023, 10:18 AM

God bless you, vwkurt. I'll be saying at least one prayer for you. You must've been thinking about this for a while. True grit.

I know how hard it is to get back on and I didn't even get hit/hurt. Woman blew a red and missed me by about .2 seconds, passed in front of me. I pulled over, got off the bike and kissed the ground...nearly puked. Almost couldn't get back on.

You got this.

Do©Hawk · 11-27-2023, 02:21 PM

Welcome and good luck!

McQueen216 · 11-27-2023, 03:31 PM

"You see, I only have one arm..."

Well, this escalated quickly.

Normally, this is when I scratch my head and start thinking through all the interesting resources I know. CVMA. The states and county folks in and around me. Obviousy, the VA - does this count as VocRehab? LOL. Hmmmm. I'm sure this has been done before.

Hmmmmm. This is really, really interesting. Where and how are best practices for something like this shared.

Thumper · 11-27-2023, 04:24 PM

This is what I was thinking to take off hydraulic from the rear brake and route it to the front wheel. This one is on the right handlebar, but could be done behind the engine. You could use braided steel to give it a little more pressure at the front:

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Unfortunately, Tao downgraded the rear brake. I think it will be a mechanical drum brake actuated from the right foot peg on the 2024 model shown in that pic. So you won't be able to piggyback the hydraulic line.

It will take some clever engineering to figure this out! I don't suppose there's time to cancel the order. Other bikes DO have the hydraulic rear brake.

Texas Pete · 11-27-2023, 05:52 PM

Some of the name brands are releasing motorcycles with linked brakes. When you activate one brake it activates the other brake. It has a preset percentage of how much front and rear to activate. That could be something to look into if you want to minimize controls.

vwkurt · 12-10-2023, 11:50 PM

So... I'm back from my West Coast trip and was excited to see that my TBR7 was actually an upgraded TBR7D, so I got the heavier chain and sprockets, skid plates, USB port, LED lights, etc. It seems to have a slightly better quality swing arm, too. I got it all put together with the Nibbi pe28, the Nibbi coil, the "racing" CDI, and the JFG exhaust. I had to make a bracket using some of the steel from the packing crate to mount the muffler, but it's all good. The CDI I purchased is way too advanced. The bike would barely turn over. The engine HATED the aftermarket CDI, so I returned it and remounted the stock CDI. Super happy engine now. Adjusted the valves, too. Really tight! I get quite a bit of popping as I decelerate. I'm wondering if my jets are too rich. 115 and 35 on the middle seat.

Anyway, I got my one handed setup all done. Thumb throttle, aftermarket clutch lever over the brake lever. I'm getting pretty smooth at the starts now! This bike has front and rear disc so I'm happy about that. I decided not to connect them together because I plan to do a lot of dirt road riding and I don't want the front tire falling out from in front of me! I still have full access to the front brake. A little thumb and finger dance and I'm off to the races! I don't bother with the clutch for upshifts, but definitely use it for downshifts. I've attached a couple photos to show you the setup. I milled out part of the clutch lever assembly to allow the strange angle required to fit my oddball setup, but it doesn't seem to be hurting anything.

If you see room for improvement, please let me know!

11-24-2023, 02:53 PM	#1
vwkurt Join Date: Nov 2023 Location: Deep Space (St Louis, MO) Posts: 10	Hello from St Louis Hello everybody, Thank you for all the great contributions. I just pulled the trigger on a brand new Tao TBR7. I also ordered about a million upgrades, including new tubes, sprockets and chain, Nibbi carb and jet kit, JFG exhaust, coil, E3 plug, CDI, Hawk digital dash, and a couple of LED off road lights and headlight, and an oil cooler. So here's my question: do I install all this at once before I even start the engine, or do I just change the oil, adjust the valves, break it in, and then start swapping parts? Any thoughts on the best path? Attached Thumbnails
	2

11-24-2023, 03:47 PM	#2
JerryHawk250 Moderator Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Houma, La. Posts: 11,715	Welcome aboard! Do everything you just described before doing any modifications. __________________ 2024 Linhai 300 ATV 4x4 2023 Lifan Lycan 250 Chopper 2023 Venom Evader 2022 Lifan KPX250 2020 Kawasaki Vulcan S (Sold) 2004 Honda ST 1300 2016 Black Hawk 250 (sold) Keihin PE30 carb,125 main,38 slow.Pod filter,ported & decked head 10:1 CR,Direct Ignition Coil,15/40Sprockets,NGK DPR8EIX-9,De-Cat,Dual Oil Cooler,Digital Cluster 2016 Cazador180 XL 2014 Coolster150 JerryHawk250.com My YouTube Channel
	1

11-24-2023, 04:07 PM	#3
bigdano711 Join Date: Jun 2023 Location: Big Piney, WY Posts: 617	There are some things on your list I would install right away. The digital dash, the spark plug, the off-road lights. I would leave everything else for after break-in and when you feel ready to deal with it. That carb, for instance. Unless you're good with carbs, it's going to be tough to figure out. I don't know about the stock chain on the TBR7, but the one on the Hawk is pretty crappy and needed to be swapped out right after break in. The tubes I would hold off on until you need them. My Hawk's tubes are doing fine after over 1200 miles, but I don't do crazy stuff, either. Have fun with it first before breaking it down for modding. Change the oil before you start it. Check the valves and adjust if needed. Check tire pressure, fire it up and ride it!! __________________ 2023 Hawk 250 from XPRO off of Amazon MOUNTAIN MAN RC + MOTO on YouTube "If there were more bloody noses, there would be less wars." - Hagbard Celine John 2:15 So He made a whip out of cords and drove all from the temple area, both sheep and cattle; He scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables.
	1

11-24-2023, 07:05 PM	#4
TominMO Join Date: Sep 2021 Location: De Soto, MO Posts: 1,976	IMO change oil, check valve adjustment, check tire pressure, then ride it as is, changing only one thing at a time to see what difference it makes. Then after some break-in miles, install the better plug. After riding it like that a bit, consider the other upgrades. __________________ 2021 Lifan Xpect--sold 2022 Lifan KPX 1972 Honda CT90--The Carrot 1969 Honda CT90--The Tomahto Cheesy is the WDK (workplace drama king). Now retired. Nope, back in the saddle. Nope, finally retired. Climate: The Movie https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A24fWmNA6lM How our government really works https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjadCd0VRBw Question all authority.....think for yourself
	4

11-24-2023, 08:18 PM	#5
vwkurt Join Date: Nov 2023 Location: Deep Space (St Louis, MO) Posts: 10	Great advice! Thank you all for your helpful replies. I'll do a you suggest... Oil and valves (and other adjustments), a gallon of loctite, and just ride it because making major mods. I think I'll keep a log of fuel economy, 0-50 times, and top speed as well as a seat-of-the-pants measurement to see what each mod does individually as well as cumulative performance. I'll see you on the trails in Missouri!
	0

11-24-2023, 09:22 PM	#6
Thumper Join Date: Feb 2021 Location: Kansas City Posts: 2,738	What Tom said. My questions would be..."What did I get?, How does it run-OEM?", etc. But not before I checked a few safety things like swingarm/axel position, chain tension, front fork bolts, axel, brakes, lights. Then after a few short rides? Dump the oil hot, put a quart of 5W-40, adjust the valves (again after a few heat cycles). I guess after that you will have priorities! Have fun __________________ No matter where you go, there you are
	1

11-25-2023, 12:25 AM	#7
bigdano711 Join Date: Jun 2023 Location: Big Piney, WY Posts: 617	Install the digital dash, especially if the bike is shipped to you and you have to assemble it and you have the better dash in hand. Otherwise, when, not if but when, the stock dash goes out, or you just happen to decide it's time to change it, you won't have to add X miles to the odometer for a true reading. Unless you're ok with that. __________________ 2023 Hawk 250 from XPRO off of Amazon MOUNTAIN MAN RC + MOTO on YouTube "If there were more bloody noses, there would be less wars." - Hagbard Celine John 2:15 So He made a whip out of cords and drove all from the temple area, both sheep and cattle; He scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables.
	1

11-25-2023, 09:38 AM	#8
vwkurt Join Date: Nov 2023 Location: Deep Space (St Louis, MO) Posts: 10	Yes, it's from Amazon! My roommate and I were just poking around the interwebs when we came across these Amazon beauties! I had a hard time choosing between the Hawk, Hawk EFI, the X-Pro Templar, and the TBR7. I ended up choosing the $1399 TBR7 because it was the cheapest, it had the adjustable rear shock, a rack on the back and, if I'm not mistaken, a tiny little tool container. Plus I thought the scalloped brake rotors looked fun! I don't even have my bike yet and part of me wishes I had spent the extra $600 on the Templar with the 6 speed box and counterbalanced OHC engine and inverted forks. Sigh. Maybe next time. I think the real reason I chose the CHEAPEST bike is because I'm not really sure how well this will all work out. You see, I only have one arm. No nub, no nothing on the left side. No prosthetic either. I'm installing a thumb throttle and moving the clutch lever to the right side, so every start from a stop will be a lovely little thumb and finger ballet. Yup. I'll record the show. Sit down with some popcorn and enjoy. My TBR7 delivery is scheduled for November 27, but I won't even get to unbox it until December 3rd when I get home from Oregon. So I'll unbox and assemble on Sunday and install the digi-dash, thumb throttle and extra lights during assembly. Initially I'm putting the clutch on the left because my roommate and neighbors want to try it out. I think they're tempted to pull the trigger on one themselves! After their test rides I'll swap the clutch lever (and probably trim the lever for one or two-finger operation) and then record the hilarity of my first ride and first impressions. I drive a stick shift and I'm also a pilot, so I'm pretty sure I can do this, too! As I assemble I'll be checking and loctiting everything as I go. If I don't like all the welds then I'll probably fix some of them, too. Safety third! Anyway, I'll post a link to the video when it's all done. Or my roommate will post it posthumously. I'll probably call it "One armed idiot rides a Chamaha" or some such nonsense. Just a little FYI - this isn't my first motorcycle ever. I grew up riding motorcycles. I lost my left arm in a motorcycle accident in 2000 in San Diego when I was in the Navy. I think you can all see where this foolishness is headed... Sigh. Alright. Enough of this verbal vomit. It's 5:30am and I driving up to Coleville, WA today. I'll see you on the trails when I get back to St Louis!!! -=<Kurt>=- ------------------------------- Hire the handicapped... We're fun to watch! 202? TBR7 from Amazon - Delivery soon!
	2

11-25-2023, 10:16 AM	#9
Thumper Join Date: Feb 2021 Location: Kansas City Posts: 2,738	OK, I think it can be done. You can probably find compatible cable pull lever for the right side and put the clutch there. How to get a front brake? Maybe combine front and rear brake circuits with the right foot? __________________ No matter where you go, there you are Last edited by Thumper; 11-25-2023 at 11:02 PM.
	1

11-25-2023, 10:18 AM	#10
bigdano711 Join Date: Jun 2023 Location: Big Piney, WY Posts: 617	God bless you, vwkurt. I'll be saying at least one prayer for you. You must've been thinking about this for a while. True grit. I know how hard it is to get back on and I didn't even get hit/hurt. Woman blew a red and missed me by about .2 seconds, passed in front of me. I pulled over, got off the bike and kissed the ground...nearly puked. Almost couldn't get back on. You got this. __________________ 2023 Hawk 250 from XPRO off of Amazon MOUNTAIN MAN RC + MOTO on YouTube "If there were more bloody noses, there would be less wars." - Hagbard Celine John 2:15 So He made a whip out of cords and drove all from the temple area, both sheep and cattle; He scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables.
	1

11-27-2023, 02:21 PM	#11
Do©Hawk Join Date: Oct 2023 Location: Western PA Posts: 308	Welcome and good luck! __________________ 2022 Hawk DLX EFI * 17T Front / 47T Rear / 428 x-ring chain * Kenda K-760 front + rear * Banjo brake light switch * LED headlight + front turn signals * Custom cutting board skid plate * Debadged (I don't like to brag about the superior strength!) * Top speed, GPS verified, as equipped: 68 mph (so far)
	0

11-27-2023, 03:31 PM	#12
McQueen216 Join Date: Aug 2022 Posts: 231	"You see, I only have one arm..." Well, this escalated quickly. Normally, this is when I scratch my head and start thinking through all the interesting resources I know. CVMA. The states and county folks in and around me. Obviousy, the VA - does this count as VocRehab? LOL. Hmmmm. I'm sure this has been done before. Hmmmmm. This is really, really interesting. Where and how are best practices for something like this shared. __________________ SYM Wolf Classic 150 - SOLD Triumph T100 SE RE Scram411 - SOLD Honda CB350 Honda CL450 Tyrion the Pit Bike KTM 890 Adventure S
	1

11-27-2023, 04:24 PM	#13
Thumper Join Date: Feb 2021 Location: Kansas City Posts: 2,738	This is what I was thinking to take off hydraulic from the rear brake and route it to the front wheel. This one is on the right handlebar, but could be done behind the engine. You could use braided steel to give it a little more pressure at the front: Unfortunately, Tao downgraded the rear brake. I think it will be a mechanical drum brake actuated from the right foot peg on the 2024 model shown in that pic. So you won't be able to piggyback the hydraulic line. It will take some clever engineering to figure this out! I don't suppose there's time to cancel the order. Other bikes DO have the hydraulic rear brake. __________________ No matter where you go, there you are
	0

11-27-2023, 05:52 PM	#14
Texas Pete Join Date: Nov 2022 Location: Dallas TX Posts: 612	Some of the name brands are releasing motorcycles with linked brakes. When you activate one brake it activates the other brake. It has a preset percentage of how much front and rear to activate. That could be something to look into if you want to minimize controls. __________________ 2022 1/2 Templar X 250 - 6 gear model - 13 Front / 40 Rear Sprockets - #42 / #120 Jets - 1mm thick nitrile O-ring needle shim (removed) - Kenda K761 Dual Sport Tires - Sedona Standard Thickness Inner Tubes - Stock OEM battery, carburetor, spark plug still going strong - https://youtu.be/dhAYEKH-jFQ Texas Pete's Templar X 250 Torque Specifications Sheet Texas Pete's Engine Displacement Calculator Texas Pete's Tire and Rim Compatibility
	0

12-10-2023, 11:50 PM	#15
vwkurt Join Date: Nov 2023 Location: Deep Space (St Louis, MO) Posts: 10	I got my one-handed setup working! So... I'm back from my West Coast trip and was excited to see that my TBR7 was actually an upgraded TBR7D, so I got the heavier chain and sprockets, skid plates, USB port, LED lights, etc. It seems to have a slightly better quality swing arm, too. I got it all put together with the Nibbi pe28, the Nibbi coil, the "racing" CDI, and the JFG exhaust. I had to make a bracket using some of the steel from the packing crate to mount the muffler, but it's all good. The CDI I purchased is way too advanced. The bike would barely turn over. The engine HATED the aftermarket CDI, so I returned it and remounted the stock CDI. Super happy engine now. Adjusted the valves, too. Really tight! I get quite a bit of popping as I decelerate. I'm wondering if my jets are too rich. 115 and 35 on the middle seat. Anyway, I got my one handed setup all done. Thumb throttle, aftermarket clutch lever over the brake lever. I'm getting pretty smooth at the starts now! This bike has front and rear disc so I'm happy about that. I decided not to connect them together because I plan to do a lot of dirt road riding and I don't want the front tire falling out from in front of me! I still have full access to the front brake. A little thumb and finger dance and I'm off to the races! I don't bother with the clutch for upshifts, but definitely use it for downshifts. I've attached a couple photos to show you the setup. I milled out part of the clutch lever assembly to allow the strange angle required to fit my oddball setup, but it doesn't seem to be hurting anything. If you see room for improvement, please let me know! Attached Thumbnails
	2