So ..new (2nd hand) KTM 08 450 triple clamps adjustable 18mm - 22mm.
These don't just bolt straight onto an FE 02...the whole bolt down system is different. The 02 Husa has a castle nut which you tighten to put the bearings under the correct pressure - then the top clamp just bolts down on top of that. The KTM 08 top clamp actually clamps down onto the bearings to an exact amount regulated by a turned shoulder on the through shaft preventing the clamp from over tightening on the bearings. Net result however is that it under tightens on the Husa bearing column. You'll need a series of large shims under the top clamp direct on top of the top bearing and add by trial & error till the steering is neither loose nor tight. I added 2no. shims totalling 2.2mm (1.4 & .8) made one & found the other (29mm ID / 40 – 48mm OD). Will add some photos later.
Set these up to 20mm offset as advised (couldn’t really see what 2mm offset change could do for a Tw#t like me – anyhow)!
Fitted a 13 / 52 sprocket set replacing my 14 /50. Chain was too tight but as I was in a hurry & it was only a tad too tight I filed down the aluminium adjusters (carefully & as a pair).
Went out in my field (very flat)...blimey – couldn’t keep the front wheel on the floor.
Anyway, had an enduro with Taff the next day hence the rush on everything.
Taff called off as bust his petrol tank and when I got to scrutineers they picked up that my rear wheel bearings were shot... can’t believe I hadn’t noticed that the day before when fitting sprockets.
Anyhow – they allowed me to continue but it felt like sh@t – like riding with a flat rear tyre.
Also the track was a single track full on hilly sandy, rutty climbs & drops , so never really got to test anything as fighting all the way. Gearing was great though as climbed so easily & controlled and allowed for twists & turns on the steep 1st gear downhill’s without having to continually slip the clutch & the inevitable stalling that usually occurs with me. Track was relentless – no place to catch your breath..just full on all the time....good though.
Picked up my first ever championship points (3 points for eighth). Suppose I should leave it there & not let on there was only 10 in the over 45’s class..doh..still points are points. Overall field was about 100 plus so plenty going on (mx class won as ever).
Changed the bearings – easy enough – and pushed the forks up through the clamps to the 2nd ring on the fork tops (about 6mm protruding now from 0 before).
Went to the local MX track this weekend – winding and rutted. First off found the handling very different – seemed that I was having to correct the steering all the time – very twitchy / hard work, however I soon noticed that it was cornering nicely & not riding up out of the ruts & berms. As I relaxed & let the bike do the work (trust in the machine I suppose) so it all got easier & faster and I managed to complete all the sessions with ½ the effort I’m used to.
Is that me getting better or is it the changes made. Both I suppose but I’m shocked at what a jump it appears to be from what seems like very small changes.
Bring on next season & FRUK 12.........
PS cheers for the tips Taff.
