Getting Started

[Child]

Hey guys, I'm new to the forum and new to Motard. I've been riding dirtbikes for about 10 years, and streetbikes for a couple years now too. I don't get out on the dirt much anymore, but I still have my old 96 XR400 and want to turn in motard. I'm still very much in love with my old tractor!

Anyway, the point of this thread is that I need to know the basics of what I should get done on the bike to make it work on the street. I've read about pump carbs and new hubs and stuff, but I still don't know where to start really with this bike other than wheels, which I'm not totally sure of sizes, parts, fabricating , etc. Right now I've got about $1,500 to play with, obviously more as time goes on. But what is everyones suggestions?

Thanks in advance, and rock on!

<img src="http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a371/Childfromthewest/P1040029s.jpg">

[XR-rated]

Most people run 17" wheels. There goes $1k. Tires another $200.

http://www.procycle.us/main/supermoto.htm

If you lace them up yourself and take it to local dealer to true up you can probably save a couple hundred bucks.

With the 17" wheels you'll need a new 16 tooth front sprocket and if you haven't changed sprockets and chain for a while you should get a new rear sprocket and chain. Might want to drop a couple of teeth on the rear as well. There goes another $150 or so.

That and a dual sport kit if you don't have one already, will pretty much eat up your $1500.

Next would be the performance stuff like the Mikuni carb, I don't think any after market exhaust system is worth more than the early XR400 muffler plug (which is what you have in that 96' already), revalved shocks and forks (actually the stock set up probably ain't that bad for on the road) and bore and stroke stuff with a cam after that.

[biketrdr]

it may be a little hard to be competitive on a xr4. they are a blast,dont get me wrong. but i dont think the xr even as a big bore will ever get there

[Child]

I'm not looking to race the bike. I just want something to terrorize my town with. I have a ZX-6R that I track, and I just don't use the XR out on the dirt anymore. So I wanted something fun for the streets. Yes, I will play with it in twisty roads and do the occational jump, stoppie, wheelie, and slide with it. But no, I'm not going to race it competatively. I probably won't even bore it out. I'm just looking for something to get me rolling.

And Thanks XR-Rated! Those wheels are spendy... price of the game I suppose

[biketrdr]

I'm not looking to race the bike. I just want something to terrorize my town with. I have a ZX-6R that I track, and I just don't use the XR out on the dirt anymore. So I wanted something fun for the streets. Yes, I will play with it in twisty roads and do the occational jump, stoppie, wheelie, and slide with it. But no, I'm not going to race it competatively. I probably won't even bore it out. I'm just looking for something to get me rolling.

And Thanks XR-Rated! Those wheels are spendy... price of the game I suppose

if thats the case it will be a blast!!! i lased some 17's on my 96 xr4 with a hot cam. TALK ABOUT A WHEELIE MONSTER!!!!

[xrrider]

a word of caution!!! u will get addicted!!!!