Kawasaki dirtbikes – GREEN questions
1. LEAKING FILTER
Q:
I always seem to keep pinching the O-rings on my oil filter housing and, as soon as I start the bike, oil starts pouring out from behind the cover. Why do I keep pinching them and is there a trick to getting the cover on without pinching the little bastards?
A:
This common for the KXs, especially the KX450F which has two O-rings on the oil filter cover. Wipe a good amount of grease around the casing and then again around the O-ring and try to push and twist the cover into place. This will allow the O-rings to slip into place much easier without pinching and damaging them.
2. AXLE NUT
Q:
The rear axle nut on my KX is not a self-locker and I have to put a split-pin through it every time I reinstall my rear wheel. Is there an easier way than always having to remove and replace the split-pin?
A:
Yes there is a much easier way. The rear axle nut from a CRF is the same size and thread and will screw straight on. It is also a self-locking nut so there is no need to fit a split-pin through the nut to hold it in place.
3. MAP PLUG
Q:
I have a KX and I received the standard ignition mapping plug plus two others with the bike when I purchased it. Which one of these mapping plugs does what?
A:
The mapping coupler is located on the right had side of the head stock. The green mapping plug is the standard one. The white mapping plug gives you the aggressive map and sharpens the engine characteristics. The black plug gives you the softer map, which gives you a more torquey power delivery.
4. GRIP CHANGE
Q:
I have tried to remove the stand handgrips from my bike and I can’t seem to get them to budge. They are glued on there solid. Is there a trick to getting them off?
A:
The KX handgrips are glued on so well that the only way to remove them is to cut them off. The throttle grip is moulded onto the throttle tube, so to remove that one you have to sit there with a sharp knife and carve the grip off or just buy an aftermarket throttle tube and fit that with the new ’grip.
5. STIFF FORKS
Q:
The fork on my KX250F always seems to have a large amount of air in it and become quite harsh after a few rides. Is this normally for it to be building up air pressure?
A:
The KX250F SFF forks are known for building up pressure and becoming very stiff. You must let the air out after each ride or the fork will build up so much pressure that it will become overly stiff.
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