Valve Question

[bjec907]

Ok, I can't imagine how old it must be getting answering these questions but here goes nothing. I race off-road, hair scrambles/enduros, and have not had any problem whatsoever with my valves or bike for that matter(outside of having to drain the gas/carb and changing the oil about 8-9 times after sinking it in about 3 feet of water, heh). It's a 2005 KX250f, and was planning on going ahead and going to the stainless steel valves. Since from what I am hearing, it's basically an ultimate outcome, so in my eyes better to pay quite a bit now while I have the money, than a lot later and not have it. When I do go ahead and get the SS Valves, besides the heavy duty springs, what else needs to be purchased and put in as well? Buckets? Thanks in advance for the help.

[MXER43]

You should always go back with new keepers and retainers and it's a good idea to change the valve stem seals while your in there too. The good buckets are a pretty good idea, the stock ones have had problems and the heavier stainless valves do put more strain on the old ones. I went with a DLC coated bucket and they have been perfect so far, they still look new after 30 hours.

You will want to re-cut the seats before installing the new valves also.

[bjec907]

Okay.... Well I already know I am going to try getting the Kibblewhite SS valves, simply can't afford WMR due to starting college in the fall. Are the KW spring kits heavy duty or should I try getting the WMR conical springs. Beyond that, where should I look for the others for a combination of reliability and relatively inexpensive, even tho its not like anything is these days... Can we say college?

[bjec907]

A good price estimate for redoing the valves, springs, buckets etc.. would be nice as well... so I can start trying to convince my mom and dad who are entirely motorcycle illiterate how good of a deal that is and why we should go ahead and get them now...

[greenman250]

I race harescrambles on my o4 kx250f in ks/mo/ok.My last race I attended in april was the death of my bike.I have had kw valves on order since feb.I finally got my valves in mid june,still no tappets.I wish I could tell you how they have worked but I am on month 3 of a dead bike.If I was you buy your new valvetrain parts now so you have them when you want to change them but before something comes apart. I get my parts at 10% over cost from my parts shop I would say I have less than $200 in 4 valves and a spring kit.I would also get the hardened tappets.

[bjec907]

Ya, thats what I intend to do. Thanks.