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Aug 21, 2014

Ride Report: Cuchara Recreation Area – Aug 20th, 2014

Cuchara Recreation Area Ride Report

Cuchara Recreation Area Clorado Map — Cuchara Recreation Area

The Cuchara Recreation Area is located in the San Isabel National Forest in Southeast Colorado. There are two main trails inside the park, Indian Creek Trail and Trinchera Peak Trail. Indian Creek Trail is by far the longest of around 20 miles, Trinchera, on the other hand, is relatively short but is all uphill. The Trails mostly consist of large rocks and hard pack. The trails run along the side of the mountain, so rainwater doesn’t pool in ruts along the trail, resulting in a dry hardpack that is almost always tacky. In other words, perfect.

Indian Creek Trail

The Indian Creek Trail is long and winding and descents 3,000ft from Bear Lake campground to the Spring Creek trailhead. There are a few tight switchbacks on the main trail I wasn’t expecting, I turned to go down the hill, my front tire hung up on a rock, and I gently fell over… I felt super cool, too bad; no ladies were there to see that!

Trinchera Peak Trail

The Trinchera Peak Trail right off of Blue Lake campground is only 3 miles long, but from the Blue Lake campground to the end of the trail is a 2,690ft climb. The trail is wide enough for Jeeps and side by sides, so you will have plenty of space when taking a dirt bike up the trail.

Cuchara Recreation Area Trinchera Peak North Mountain Range — See The Full Ascent Video!

Elevation

The altitude of the Cuchara Recreation Area will affect you and your bike. Make sure your bike is tuned to accommodate the lack of oxygen in the air. If you are not used to the attitude (like me), budget an extra day when you get there to get used to it. This will give you time to explore the San Isabel National Forest, and will also prevent you from passing out on the trail. (Usually a good thing)

Weather

The weather is unpredictable at best. The sun will be shining while rain pours kind of unpredictable, so be ready for anything. The mountain stays snow-covered through spring, and some snow may still be on the trails in June. The weather is so unpredictable due to the altitude. The Cuchara Recreation area is between 8,000ft and 12,690ft above sea level. Add to that the turbulent air currents affected by the mountains and who knows what you’ll get.

Riding Fees?

Because you are riding inside the San Isabel National Forest, you will need a Colorado OHV Permit. I would suggest buying your permit as soon as you get into Colorado. They are surprisingly hard to come by in the small towns surrounding the forest.

Cuchara Camping

Camping inside the park is not necessary to access the trails; there are full-service RV parks to the north in La Veta, and to the south in Trinidad. La Veta is much closer and easier to get to from the Cuchara Recreation Area because you don’t have to go over a mountain like you do to get to Trinidad. Staying in La Veta also gets you closer to trailheads that start outside the national forest boundaries.

That being said, I highly recommend staying in either the Blue Lake or Bear Lake campground if you have the opportunity (and a small enough camper). Blue lake is right on the Trinchera Peak trailhead, and Bear Lake is on the Indian Creek trailhead. Both lakes are beautiful, and If you are a mounting biker, or hiker, this is a great place to spend days exploring.

Cuchara Recreation Area Final Thoughts

The Cuchara Recreation Area is a destination ride. I would recommend at least a week exploring the San Isabel National Forest. Make sure to bring a camera, even though no photos can do the Colorado view justice.

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Cuchara Colorado Riding

Body Parts Review: SDG Dirt Bike Seat Assembly

Body Parts

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Aug 20, 2014

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Body Parts Review: SDG Dirt Bike Seat Assembly

SDG Dirt Bike Seat Assembly Review

I don’t have to tell you how crucial seats are to your overall performance, comfort, and enjoyment as a dirt bike rider. And unfortunately, not all OEM dirt bike seats are the definition of comfort. Some are downright uncomfortable. And yet others don’t have the durability to withstand the rigorous riding and time we tend to put in on our bikes every year.

In that regard, sometimes a seat replacement is a luxury, while in other instances, it’s a necessity. Regardless of the reason, you’re sure to want to make a wise investment in your next seat purchase. And SDG would like for you to choose their Complete Seat Assembly as your next bike seat.

But the question remains if the SDG Seat Assembly is worth the investment, or should you seek out other aftermarket dirt bike seats? I’ve researched the SDG reasonably extensively for use on my project bikes, and I’d like to share what I uncovered about this dirt bike seat with you. Before you rush to a decision, you’ll want to give this review a read first.

The SDG Seat Assembly At-a-Glance

Step Seats Available Too!
Available in three different styles of foam: Standard (OEM style), Tall, and Step
Made of a lightweight, water-resistant, closed-cell foam created for the specific purpose of preventing foam breakdown.
Simple and easy installation (bolts only)
The seat base is made of nylon composite for high strength and durability
The seat also has a two-stage gripper cover with double-stitched seams that are attached to the seat via sturdy brackets.

Benefits of Using the SDG Seat Assembly

In addition to SDG being one of the premier seat manufactures for all types of bikes and their close relationships with major manufacturers, here are some other benefits of the SDG Complete Seat:

The seat fits seamlessly with the bike it was designed for. There are no odd angles or weird junctions to be found when installing the seat. Bolting it on is all it takes for the perfect fit.

SDG offers a terrific selection of seat sizes to choose from: the Standard size is for those wishing to mimic their OEM seat without having to shell out a small fortune to do so; the Tall size is anywhere from ¾” to 1” taller than the standard seat, and the Step size is designed specifically for those riders looking to change their riding position.
The seat itself is made of a combination of durable materials – materials that are usually associated with higher-end products. The foam for the seat was specifically designed to not lose its shape over time while also protecting the interior with a two-stage grip cover.
From the model bikes I’ve seen that have the SDG complete seat installed (in Standard, Tall, and Step), they have all been strikingly appealing. This dirt bike seat looks like it came with the bike instead of an aftermarket addition.

What Customers Are Saying About the SDG Seat Assembly

Based on the reviews I’ve read online from countless verified buyers, most feel the SDG is an incredible value with quality craftsmanship, top-not durability, and great design. Many customers seem to be very fond of the way the seat fits on their bike.

One customer stated that the SDG offered the “perfect fit” and gripped very well. He said it made him realize just how bad off his original seat was.

Another customer exclaimed that the SDG was better than his OEM dirt bike seat.

And finally, another customer commented that he purchased the Tall style and did not originally like the way it looked on his bike. However, after riding for only a few short minutes, he quickly realized the difference the seat made (for the better) in his riding. At that point, he was sold.

Important Information to Know Before You Purchase

The SDG Seat Assembly is not recommended for use with oversized gas tanks.

Make sure you have accurately input the correct bike information before finalizing your purchase. Entering the wrong information and having to go back and fix can delay the delivery of the seat.

The seat does not come with any options for additional seat covers.
Seat hardware is not included with the dirt bike seat. However, you should be able to use the bolts from your other seat in most cases.

Where to Buy the SDG Complete Seat Assembly

The SDG Seat Assembly is available at Amazon.com (Click Here).

If you have any questions or anything to add, please leave them in the comments or on our FaceBook page!

Next Review – Pivot Works Steering Stem Bearing Kit

Video: Trinchera Peak Trail End

Cuchara Recreation Area

Fix Your Dirt Bike

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Aug 19, 2014

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Make sure to check out the full Cuchara Rec Area ride Report!

Cuchara Colorado Riding

Bearings & Seals Review: Pivot Works Steering Stem Bearing Kit

Bearings and Seals

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Aug 18, 2014

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Bearings & Seals Review: Pivot Works Steering Stem Bearing Kit

Pivot Works Steering Stem Bearings Review

If your steering feels notchy, that’s a good indication that your bearings have gone bad. And once you experience that notchy feeling, you need to replace the bearings as soon as possible. Not doing so can lead to a variety of issues with your bike’s steering, with one of the more common problems being steering hesitation (followed by crashing).

Pivot Works Steering Stem Bearing Kit — Click to Shop

You can always go the OEM route when it’s time to install new bearings; however, that’s typically the most expensive option, and if you have an older bike, OEM parts get hard to find. If you happen to be on a budget, or if you just don’t want to drop that kind of cash on bearings, then an aftermarket option might be the route you want to take.

Pivot Works is known for their dirt bike seals and bearings. They were the first manufacturer in the world to make them. These guys are well known in the industry and are known to deliver a quality product on a very consistent basis. Below, I’ve listed a brief review of Pivot Works’ Steering Stem Bearing Kit. I use these bearings for many project bikes, and my review should have all you need to know about their kit for you to make an informed purchase.

Pivot Works Steering Stem Bearing Kit At-a-Glance

Includes the entire kit needed to completely replace the old bearing: top and bottom roller bearings, races, and seals.

The bearing is tapered to decrease maintenance and prolong the life of the steering stem.

Benefits Of The Pivot Works Steering Stem Bearings

The major overall benefit of the Pivot Works Steering Stem Bearing Kit and the reason why it’s so attractive to dirt bike riders is the cheap price point. Buying an OEM bearing kit for your bike will cost you much more than what you’re paying for the Pivot Works model. And to make things even better, the quality of the Pivot Works’ kit is just as good as most OEM kits.

Due to Pivot Works’ popularity in the community, there are several installation videos available on YouTube showing exactly how to install the steering stem bearings. The process is quite easy if you have the tools to do the job. If not, then a mechanic should be able to do the installation for you without breaking the bank.
Pivot Works also features a lifetime replacement offer for the bearing kit.

What Other Riders Are Saying

Looking through the various reviews written about the Pivot Works Steering Stem Bearing Kit, it doesn’t take long to see why it’s such a popular option. Riders rave about the bearing kit’s high quality and durability, its effect on the smoothness of the steering after installation, and its low price.

One rider couldn’t believe the difference in the smoothness of the steering after he installed the new bearings in his dirt bike.

Another customer had to replace a rusted out bearing that completely froze his handlebars. After installation, he stated that the bike steered like it was brand new again.

And yet another installer loved that the bearings were cheaper than OEM and provided the same quality.

Important Information About The Steering Stem Bearing Kit

On most retail sites, there is a “Fitment” guide available that lists all available dirt bike models that the motorcycle steering stem bearings kit is made for. Make sure to use this to avoid wasting time with the wrong part.
Bearing removal will require certain tools that you can build yourself (Like the tools I used for this steering stem service). If you do not have the tools handy, your best bet is to find a mechanic who will be willing to install them for you. Just bring them the triple tree, and they can pull and press in a very short time.

Where To Purchase

You can find the kit readily available and at competitive prices on several retail sites along with a “Fitment” guide that will show you if the kit is compatible with your dirt bike. You can click here for more details on the Pivot Works steering stem bearing kit.

If you have any questions or anything to add, please leave them in the comments or on our FaceBook page!

Next Review – BikeMaster Fork Seal Driver

Serious Problems With Running Ethanol Blended Gas In Your 2-Stroke Dirt Bike

Fuel

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Aug 17, 2014

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Serious Problems With Running Ethanol Blended Gas In Your 2-Stroke Dirt Bike

Ethanol: Death Sentence for 2 Stroke Engines

Blown 2-Stroke engine from running too hot with ethanol — Blown 2-Stroke Engine

I’m sure you’ve already seen it at your local gas station: fuel blended with ethanol. It’s becoming the norm. It’s getting harder to find gas stations that do not use this blend as their standard option.

According to the EPA, you should be fine using ethanol as long as your car or truck that was manufactured in 2001 or later. Unfortunately, some two-stroke engine owners had to find out the hard way that it doesn’t matter what year the engine was manufactured; ethanol is a death sentence for 2-stroke engines.

Due to how two-stroke engines operate, there are a variety of problems that come from using ethanol-blended gas. In this article, we’re going to cover what those severe problems are with ethanol. We’re also going to cover precisely why you should never consider putting ethanol inside of your engine!

Ethanol Causes Lubrication Issues Between Oil & Engine

Most two-stroke engines require premixed gas. This is when the oil is premixed with the gas at a specific ratio before going into the gas tank. This premix ensures that oil reaches the engine without any issues, and in most cases, this is true.

In a typical scenario (regular gas with oil), the lubricating molecules in the oil adhere to the metal components inside of the engine. However, when ethanol is introduced into the gas, it forms a type of barrier between the molecules and the metal components. This prevents the oil from adequately sticking. And as you already know, when oil doesn’t stick, bad things happen to your engine.

Ethanol Corrodes & Dissolves Various Plastic & Rubber Components

Ethanol can soften plastics and degrade rubber. Therefore, if there are any rubber o-rings or gaskets located on your bike, there’s the possibility that ethanol-blended gas will eventually eat through these parts if left in the bike when stored.

Ethanol Causes Hotter Operating Temperatures In 2-Strokes

Studies performed by the Department of Energy showed that ethanol-blended gas (specifically E15 octane) caused hotter operating temperatures than regular gasoline when used in two-stroke engines. Also, they noticed that the engine ran inconsistently throughout and even found that some engine parts failed.

Ethanol-blended Gas Has A Lower Fuel Economy Than Regular Gasoline

Edmunds.com published a study in 2007 where they tested the effects of ethanol-blended gasoline (E85) on fuel economy as compared to regular gasoline. In the study, researchers made two separate round trips from San Diego to Las Vegas and back in a 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe LT. They used regular gasoline for the first trip and E85 gasoline for the second trip.

The results of the study were staggering:

With regular gasoline, the entire trip used 36.5 gallons of gasoline. They achieved an average fuel economy of 18.3 mpg, and cost $124.66 with the average price per gallon being $3.42.

With ethanol E85 gasoline, the entire trip took 50 gallons of gasoline. They achieved an average fuel economy of 13.5 mpg, and cost $154.29 with the average price per gallon being $3.09.

That’s almost a 5-mpg difference with nearly a $30 price difference. Not to mention that the average price per gallon was $.33 more for regular gasoline.

The results speak for themselves.

(If you’d like to read the full study, you can find it at this link: http://www.edmunds.com/fuel-economy/e85-vs-gasoline-comparison-test.html)

What Are Your Options For Working With Ethanol-based Gasoline?

Your best option is to not work with it at all. There are still gas stations available that do offer ethanol-free gasoline. However, they are few and far between. And as a result, many dirt bike riders are forced to still use the stuff in their two-stroke bikes.

While it’s still not recommended, if you have no other options but to use ethanol-blended gasoline, then make sure you use full synthetic oil or high-end castor oil as your premix. Full synthetic partially counteracts the ability of ethanol in the gasoline to get between the lubricant molecules and the metal components.

If you have any questions or anything to add, please leave them in the comments or on our FaceBook page!

Keep Reading – Do Octane Boosters Work?

Bearings & Seals Review: BikeMaster Fork Seal Driver

Bearings and Seals

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Aug 16, 2014

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Bearings & Seals Review: BikeMaster Fork Seal Driver

When you see oil dripping out of one or both of your front forks, that’s usually a good indication that it’s time to replace your fork seals. If left unattended, the oil leaking from the fork could end in you crashing your dirt bike; not to mention that running something without oil that should have oil in it is never a good idea.

BikeMaster Fork Seal Installer — Shop BikeMaster Fork Seal Drivers on Amazon.com

That being said, switching out fork seals isn’t quite as simple as 1-2-3. If you don’t do it, right the first time, oil could continue to leak out of the new seals. The best way to ensure the seals are correctly installed is by using a fork seal driver. BikeMaster makes one of the better fork seal installers on the market, and below I cover all the details you’ll want to know about the BikeMaster Fork Seal Driver before you buy it.

BikeMaster Fork Seal Driver At-a-Glance

Is made of two inter-connecting parts (which allows an easier and better fit around the fork)

Has a variable diameter that allows it to fit more fork sizes.

Features a Nylon insert designed to protect your fork tube when sliding the seals into place.

Currently available in three application sizes: 32-47 mm; 47-48 mm; 49-50 mm
Has a manufacturer’s lifetime warranty.

Benefits of Using the BikeMaster Fork Seal Installer on Your Dirt Bike

The most significant advantage of owning the BikeMaster Fork Seal driver is that you never have to take your bike to a mechanic to get your fork seals installed again. You can now install it with relative ease from the comfort of your garage.

What Customers Are Saying About This Fork Seal Installer

The reviews for the BikeMaster Fork Seal Driver are mostly positive. However, there are a couple of negative reviews I’ve come across that I feel are important to address.

A couple of customers have complained about the design of the fork installer. One reviewer expressed his disappointment with the Nylon insert, comparing it to using PVC. However, he did think the driver performed okay. Another individual stated that the two pieces of the fork installer were hard to manage.

That being said, the vast majority of other customers had nothing but positive things to say about the fork seal installer and had no specific complaints about its design.

Important Information About the BikeMaster Fork Seal Driver

The installer comes with a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty. So, if it ever breaks, you can contact BikeMaster to have a replacement sent to you.

If you’d like to see the installer in action before you commit to buying it, You can see it in action on one of my fork rebuild videos.

Make sure to get the proper measurements for your suspension fork, so that you purchase the correct size installer for the job.

Where to Buy The BikeMaster Fork Seal Installer

The BikeMaster Fork Seal Driver is currently available for purchase on Amazon.com.

Next Review – Race Tech Gold Shock Valve Kit

Octane Rating & How It Will Affect Your Dirt Bike Engine’s Performance

Fuel

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Aug 15, 2014

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Octane Rating & How It Will Affect Your Dirt Bike Engine’s Performance

What Octane Rating Do You Think You Need?

Not all fuel is created equal, and not all vehicles can run on the same type of fuel. As a result, octane ratings were established to classify the different qualities of fuel into distinct performance categories. And it’s this octane rating that ultimately determines what we put into our fuel tanks daily. Therefore, it’s essential you know the ins and outs of what octane ratings mean. More importantly the effects they can have on your bike.

What Is Octane?

Hydrocarbon chains account for a vast majority of fuels. These chains are split apart and “rearranged” to form different types of fuel. Methane, butane, propane, and octane are all derivatives of this breaking up and rearranging of hydrocarbons.

You can guess by its name that OCTane fuel consists of eight carbons. But what you may not know is that the fuel we use in our engines also contains heptane (seven carbons). And it’s the mixture of octane and heptane that starts to define the octane rating of the fuel.

What Are Octane Ratings?

The numbers you see in gasoline ratings (87, 91, 95, and up) coincide with the percentage ratios of octane-to-heptane (or, in some instances, other combinations of fuels). Therefore, an 87 octane rating represents the fuel that consists of 87% octane and 13% heptane. Ergo, 91-octane fuel is 91% octane and 9% heptane. But what’s the significance of the two?

How Do These Ratings Affect Engines?

Octane can handle compression much better than heptane can. As a result, the two are combined to control the compression level of the fuel. This is essential to an engine’s performance.

When fuel ignites by compression rather than by the spark created by the spark plug, knocking occurs in the engine. Knocking leads to various engine issues, which could ultimately lead to engine replacement.

The type of fuel that can be used in your vehicle is determined by the compression ratio of the vehicle’s engine. Most standard cars and trucks have a lower compression ratio. This means that “regular” 87-octane fuel can be used in them.

On the flip side, high-performance vehicles (such as many of the dirt bikes we ride) have a higher compression ratio, which means a higher rated premium octane rating is needed to maximize its efficiency and power. The higher the compression ratio on the motor, the higher the horsepower (usually). Higher compression requires a higher octane rating.

A Quick Word (of Caution) On Octane & Ethanol

this is what a Blown 2 Stroke engine looks like — Blown 2 Stroke Engine

In recent years, ethanol-blended fuel has become a regular staple at gas stations and is seen in fuel more frequently than ever before. Ethanol acts as an oxidizer for the fuel allowing it to burn more fully during combustion. And while most late-model vehicles have no problems using the blend, there are still some potential dangers of using it, especially in older vehicles and two-stroke engines.

The problem with ethanol is that it absorbs water. In the case of long-term storage, ethanol can absorb moisture from the atmosphere. This creates a reservoir of water and ethanol at the bottom of your fuel cell. And when the engine turns over, the first thing to get sucked up into it is that water/ethanol blend. And in the engine world, that can mean an early death.

On top of engine damage, prolonged use of ethanol can lead to corrosion in the fuel system and carburetor. Avoid ethanol as much as reasonably possible.

Now You Can Make An Informed Decision

So, you now know that octane gas is made up of heptane and octane, that the octane rating reflects the percentages of the ratio of each, that 87 octane is for standard vehicles and 91-octane for high-performance vehicles, and ethanol and octane gas are never a good combination, regardless of the octane rating.

Now, you should be able to choose the type of gasoline you want to use in your bike with more confidence. And if by chance, you’re still not sure, then you can always check with your dirt bike owner’s manual. It should tell you which octane rating is best for your engine (most likely not ethanol).

If you have any questions or anything to add, please leave them in the comments or on our FaceBook page!

Keep Reading – Ethanol Damages 2-Stroke Engines

Suspension Review: Race Tech Gold Shock Valve Kit

Suspension

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Aug 14, 2014

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Suspension Review: Race Tech Gold Shock Valve Kit

As serious dirt bike riders, we spend a good bit of our time tweaking our bikes to suit our tastes and goals. The more fine-tuned to our needs we can make the bike, the better off our rides (and times) will be. So, the more we can tweak, the better, especially if it results in more control over the bike.

Shop Race Tech Gold Valve Kits On Amazon!

The Race Tech Gold Shock Valve kit was designed to “rise above” the less-than-stellar performance of stock piston designs. When you can drastically decrease the piston friction, the toughness and harshness of the suspension are significantly reduced. And as you can guess, it results in a far smoother ride.

If you want to know all the details about the Race Tech Gold Shock Valve kit and how it works, feel free to keep reading the review below.

Race Tech Gold Shock Valve Kit At-a-Glance

The kit includes the following: Shock Gold Valve Piston, valving shim, access to the online valving database, the “Technical Edge Shock Maintenance and Gold Valve Installation” video (available on DVD), and complete instructions on how to use the kit.

Benefits Of Using the Gold Shock Valve Kit

The Race Tech Shock Valve Kit’s primary goal is to improve the overall performance of the dirt bike, and it accomplishes that goal in a variety of ways:

The system itself helps improve traction and gives you better bottoming resistance while increasing the overall control of the bike.

A higher flow area allows for much-improved tunability – easily adjusted to fit your particular riding style.
Upon purchase, you gain access to Race Tech’s online valving database, which features the various fork and shock stacks.

What Customers Are Saying About The Gold Shock Valve Kit

While there aren’t too many reviews currently available for the Gold Valve, what I have found has been all positive. Customers are more than satisfied with the valve’s performance, its detailed instructions for installation (including modifying it to fit the particular rider), and the ease of installation.

One customer upgraded from stock and stated that the installation was not difficult. He said it took some time for him to get the adjustments right, but once he did, he felt very comfortable on the track.

Another customer installed the kit on his 2005 CR250, made the instructed adjustments to fit his criteria and preferences (weight, riding skill, and riding discipline), and was very surprised at the Race Tech Gold Shock Valve Kit’s performance. He also had nothing but good things to say about Race Tech’s customer service.

Important Information to Know About the Gold Valve Kit

The kit does not fit all models of dirt bikes. For a list of current models, it does fit; you can view their fitment guide, or input your bike’s make, year, and model before making your purchase.

The kit does include valves for both forks. There is no need to buy two separate kits.

Where To Buy The Race Tech Gold Shock Valve Kit

You can find the Race Tech Gold Shock Valve Kit for your dirt bike on Amazon.com!

If you have any questions or anything to add, please leave them in the comments or on our FaceBook page!

Next Review – Pivot Works Fork Seal & Bushing Kit

Should You Trust The Oil Injection System On Your 2-Stroke Motorcycle?

How Things Work

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Aug 13, 2014

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Should You Trust The Oil Injection System On Your 2-Stroke Motorcycle?

Ever since the two-stroke engine gained mass appeal a few decades ago, debates have been waged in various communities (dirt bike included) over whether the 2-stroke oil injection system was a solution or a disaster waiting to happen. Those debates are just as intense today; however, over the years, research and experience have changed some riders’ views on the subject.

In this article, we’re going to weigh some of the injection system’s benefits versus some of its significant risks. From there, you’ll be able to form your own opinion on how beneficial you find oil injections systems to be.

The Difference Between Premixes and Oil Injection

Let’s go ahead and state the obvious – all internal combustion engines must-have oil to operate. However, specific engines receive their oil in different ways. For example, four-stroke engines receive their oil via the top of the engine. It then flows down to the oil pan and is circulated throughout the engine and oil filter. Two-stroke engines work completely differently.

The common two-stroke engine (be it lawn equipment, dirt bikes, outboard motors, etc.) receives its oil via being mixed in with the engine’s fuel, called premixing. Depending on the engine, there will be a set ratio of oil that must be mixed in with the gas to achieve the proper lubrication. Get the ratio wrong, and you risk damaging the engine.

As an alternative to premixing oil, oil injection systems became popular in America in the late 60s and early 70s when foreign-made motorcycles began dominating the market. The oil injection system made applying oil to the engine very similar to the 4-stroke engine, which created a couple of immediate advantages to premix (which we’ll cover in just a minute).

How Injection Systems Work

The typical injection system is simple in its operation. The oil (usually a little over a quart for most bikes) is poured into the oil tank where it is fed to the oil pump. Instead of having only one throttle line, the bike will have two – one traveling to the carburetor and the other to the oil pump. When the throttle is opened, the oil pump then feeds oil to both the crankcase and intake manifold. In the manifold, the oil will mix with the gas and air and make its way into the bike’s engine.

The Advantages Of 2-Stroke Oil Injection

The first advantage that sticks out in most people’s minds in regards to oil injection systems is the ability not to have to measure and premix oil with the gas every time you fill-up the gas tank. This is one of the main reasons why you’ll find old road bikes with injection systems. It’s much simpler to stop at a gas station and fill up. With Premix, you need your gas can and premix oil. Then mix it to the right ratio at the pump, and then fill up your bike.

The second advantage also involves not needing to worry about premixing. With premixing, it’s important to get the right ratio of oil-to-gas to maximize engine performance and prevent potential future engine issues. And unless you run the tank to empty before filling up every time, this can prove to be quite tricky sometimes. With an oil injection system, you don’t have to worry about premixing. You simply pour the oil in its tank and the gas in its tank, and you’re ready to go. Keep in mind there are several types of 2-stroke oil out there; make sure you use an injection compatible formula.

The Disadvantages Of Using 2-Stroke Oil Injection

While regarding convenience, it appears that oil injection systems are the clear winner. However, there are quite a few costly disadvantages to using injection versus premix. While taking good care of your dirt bike is mandatory to keep it running for years to come, it is far more tedious to keep an oil injection bike running smoothly, and the results of not doing so are much more costly.

Not priming the system after the fuel tank is empty is one common mistake many first-time oil injection owners make. Most 2-stroke oil systems do not prime very well. Your engine can run without properly priming the system. However, during that time, the system is not primed, your engine is only receiving a fraction of the oil flow it should.

Winterization is also a major concern with oil injection systems. Many riders do not properly winterize their bikes when the cold season hits. And as a result, plugs can form in the lines due to the old oil. This can also lead to oil starvation and a blown engine.

Closing Thoughts On Injection Systems

The ability to add oil separately without premixing is a nice convenience. It’s not a convenience that’s worth damaging the engine beyond repair. With premixed gas, I know that the oil is going where it needs to go. Due to the delivery system established in oil injection systems, that’s never a guarantee.

If it were my personal choice, I would go with a premix two-stroke any day of the week.

If you have any questions or anything to add, please leave them in the comments or on our FaceBook page!

Keep Reading – Castor Based 2-Stroke Oil

Bearings & Seals Review: Pivot Works Fork Seal & Bushing Kit

Fix Your Dirt Bike

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Aug 12, 2014

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Bearings & Seals Review: Pivot Works Fork Seal & Bushing Kit

When it comes time to replace the fork seals in my dirt bike, I usually stay away from OEM parts and use parts from a well-known company by the name of Pivot Works. Chances are you’ve already heard of them.

Pivot Works was one of the first companies offering aftermarket seals and bushings. They know a thing or two about fork seals.

In this review, I’m going to take a look at Pivot Works’ Fork Seal and Bushing Kit and touch on a few of the more important aspects you need to know about the product if you need to change your fork seals soon.

Fork Seals & Bushing Kit At-a-Glance

Includes fork seals, wipers, upper and lower Teflon bushings, and O-rings – all custom-made to fit your dirt bike.

Are available for both open, closed, and dual-chamber suspension forks.

Comes with a lifetime replacement offer.

Benefits of Using Pivot Works Fork Seals & Bushing Kit

Both the seal and bearings are made of high-quality materials and have been manufactured to last for an extended period.

Comes with everything you need inside of one kit – no trying to buy separate parts from separate buyers.

The prices are much lower than your standard OEM replacement seals and bushings.

You’re using one of the world’s top manufacturers of seals and bearings for high-performance equipment.

What Customers Are Saying

Based on the countless reviews I’ve encountered about this Pivot Works kit, it looks like I’m not the only rider happy with this kit. Others have said that the seals hold nice and are very durable. And as is usually the case with Pivot Works products, customers love the affordable price.

One customer states that he installed the kit on his dirt bike five years ago and that seals and bushings are still holding up perfectly fine. He also says everything is still working smoothly on the bike and that he’ll buy from Pivot Works again. I can’t imagine going that long without servicing my forks, but it’s good to know how long these seals can last.

Another customer has used this kit with dual-chamber and cartridge forks with great success. He loved that for the dual chamber, the kit even included O-rings for the internal chamber.

Important Information You Need To Know Before You Buy

The kit does not include a fork seal driver. One will have to be purchased separately to install the fork seals.

There is a fitment guide available that shows the available models that the kit is currently made for.

There have been some reports about oil leaks occurring shortly after installation. However, it appears that most issues occurred due to an installation error.

Where To Purchase

If you think you’re ready to move forward and would like to learn more about the Pivot Works Fork Seal & Bushing Kit and its current prices, you can find out all the details (and get competitive prices) on Amazon.com!

Here’s the Pivot Works Fork Seal Kit installed on a dual-chamber fork.

If you have any questions or anything to add, please leave them in the comments or on our FaceBook page!

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