The time has come... Neduro DID Dakar!

[xr400r]

Swag get shipped today?

[neduro]

Originally Posted by xr400r

Swag get shipped today?

It did not, but it will go out later this week/ early next week. Everything is long since ordered, but we're running a little behind on all fronts (including, apparently, a proper update to this report, which is next on the list). Sorry!

[neduro]

I think the best way to start is in reverse- let's look at the whole thing and then back into it.

So, here's the bike in all its glory, at the first assembly:









Some of the big decisions (aka, bling bling):

Acerbis front tank: Over the years, I've bought many tanks from all the different manufacturers- Clarke, IMS, etc. Acerbis is the only manufacturer I've found that has consistent OEM fit... probably because they are an OE manufacturer.

MX1West provided this one, and I think it's the best solution for a rider with my goals. The tank is tough, protects the radiators, requires no fuel pump, and is simple to install and remove- 2 bolts and 2 quick disconnects, and it's off. The bike is clearly a little nose heavy when it's full, but it doesn't do anything evil- here's my buddy Dave doing a whip with it installed:



which I include as unabashed bike porn.

Tank leads me to seat:

I've run Renazco seats for years, and while it sounds a little off to say I wouldn't trust my butt to anyone else, yeah, I'll just stop there. They are beautiful.





Here's the thing. James is one of the only real, honest-to-god craftsman I know in any business these days. He could make more money with a production line, but he doesn't have one. Not because he doesn't understand he could make more money, but because he wants to make absolutely the finest seats he can, and the way to do that is one at a time. To me, a Renazco seat is equal parts quality, sex appeal, and sticking a fork in Henry Ford's eye.

Other big parts: Exhaust.

I've been running FMF exhausts on the 530 for a while now, and been pleased with light weight, reasonable sound, and improved performance over stock. Another plus is that you can grab the rear fender- the stock exhaust is so bulky back there that it's hard to pick the bike up. Being cheap to a fault, I've never tried one of their headers, but when I called to beg an exhaust, they said full system is the only way to go.



The header is so light that if someone hands it to you, you almost throw it, because the bulk makes it seem like it must weigh more than it does. The bike runs really nice with the system installed, too, enough that I've been eyeing getting one for the 400.

Handguards:

Another area where I've tried them all. My experience has led me to the idea that the "pro bend" guards are the best option, because they protect the end of the letter better as well as staying out of the way for your hand. Cycra holds the patent and makes the nicest ones I've seen.

A key part of the handguard equation is getting rid of those cheesy expanding nut jobs in the bar end, and putting in BRP threaded inserts.



Here, my friend Jeff demonstrates. We proved conclusively that he gets more done drunk than I do one footed. The threaded inserts, combined with the Cycra guards, are a system you could comfortably lift the bike with.





Here's the bike assembled at the Wolfman open house 2 weeks ago, and here it is now:



Back down to fix a few things that we glossed over in our initial build, including:



2011 airbox- note the additional protection above the filter, which is great for minimizing water and silt entering the airbox.

I'm getting all of my KTM parts from KTM of Aspen. They are so awesome, it's worth working with a non-local dealer, despite the fact that I have one just up the street. Everyone at Aspen rides, and you'll most likely get either Justin, the parts manager, or Mike, the owner if you call. They never say "year make and model" when you ask a question, they'll advise you on which gaskets tend to break when you do the job, and they close from time to time to go riding, which after all, is what this is all about. Awesome shop.

I'm also putting in a 7602 Racing carb breather filter.



For years, I've been annoyed by the thick layer of cack inside the top of my carbs when I take them apart, this will solve that. Definitely a nice piece of kit, and such a simple solution to a common problem.

Next update: The whole nav system, which deserves some mention of its own.

[Deadly99]

Sweet and simple, looks great!

[Eurobiker]

On board with Team Neduro.

[Dakar Dan]

Bike looks great, Ned. Adhering to the KISS principle will pay off for you. What about your water tank..."Eet's not a tonk...eet's a box", LoL.
Oh, I've heard of Monkey Butt but WTF is Pinnacle Ass???

[Tarheel Wheeler]

Nice Berg leftover rear spring Ned.

I owe you a phone call.

[neduro]

Originally Posted by Tarheel Wheeler

Nice Berg leftover rear spring Ned.

We're all about recycling on Team Neduro to Dakar. Less carbon footprint and all.

[neduro]

Originally Posted by Dakar Dan

Oh, I've heard of Monkey Butt but WTF is Pinnacle Ass???

Pinnacle Asset, the head is strategically positioned.

[Yellow Pig]

Where are those LED headlight night shots?

[Badge320]

I'm in with Team Neduro...money sent.

[hilslamer]

Originally Posted by neduro

I think the best way to start is in reverse- let's look at the whole thing and then back into it.

...just like a properly executed turn!


I'm headed in about an hour and a half to pick up a near-new bike to be used as spares for the effort. Picture to come, although it won't be nearly as sexy as the shots above in terms of rally-porn. But, Ned will have a n exact, matching set of spares for his ride. Will be dropping it off in CO this weekend.

on


BTW, I think you should wrap your tenderfoot in bubblewrap for working around the shop, for effect if nothing else:

Originally Posted by neduro

[neduro]

Originally Posted by hilslamer

I'm headed in about an hour and a half to pick up a near-new bike to be used as spares for the effort. Picture to come, although it won't be nearly as sexy as the shots above in terms of rally-porn. But, Ned will have a n exact, matching set of spares for his ride. Will be dropping it off in CO this weekend.

Pretty excited about this!

I realized I was planning on spending money rebuilding my 400 to bring the motor as a spare, and it made more sense to spend money replacing it, and have a 450 instead of a 400.

Phone calls ensued, new bike procured, team transport arranged. And it better not be "near new" - it's "brand new"!

Originally Posted by Yellow Pig

Where are those LED headlight night shots?

Sir yes sir. We haven't wired the high beam yet, sir. Soon!

[hilslamer]

Originally Posted by neduro

And it better not be "near new" - it's "brand new"!

I thought a break-in ride was part of the delivery deal?

[EvilClown]

Originally Posted by neduro

... And it better not be "near new" - it's "brand new"!

Nothing gets by you.