OzVMX Forum
Clubroom => Bike Talk => Topic started by: albrid-3 on February 19, 2010, 11:07:36 pm
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what would be a good choice of bike to race in the over 263 class l am craving for a big bore still, it would need to be pre75.
I have looked at TM 400 or TS 400, but not sure. :'(
Husky 400 cr, what are they like to ride.
Maico 400 to dear.
Bultaco mk7 360 don`t come on sale
Yamaha MX 360 ?????
KX 450 l like, but out of my price range at this stage.
Honda Elsinore 360 l wish honda had produced this model.
Ossa Pioneer 350, turn into a motocrosser.
Honda sl 350 maybe.
CZ 400, Well this model is a needle in a hay stack.
??????????????????????????????????????
What would be the best choice, ( there is not alot around.
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53 viewing, and no one can make a suggestion. Great.
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dave
heres an answer you are not going to like
my trick cr250m is faster and better to ride than my 1972 cz400
at the moment i am doing some mods to the cz
jim
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Dave, I reckon you would have owned at least one of every available pre 75 big bore during your 63 years in the sport. You know quite well what's good, bad and indifferent. Whatever you buy, you'll race it once and sell it anyway! ;D
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TM400 - end of story.
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Mk 7 360 without a doubt is the nicest big bore to ride. Shame about the gearbox's but you can't have everything.
Stan
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Mark, you are right, l just love talking to you all, but l still need your advise because l take it on board and then l deside, Jim your right too, checked out the elsinore in USA, I would like a big bore elsinore. or (a Mk7 360. quite light ), VR MONTESA Cappra with a 360 engine the same as gary o`Briens. May be a am dreaming.
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Stan, that comment is what l like to here. cheers mate.
Smooth power.
useable power.
not arm renching power.
Not hard smacking power that turns you off every time you turn the throttle on.
I am got the burning desire to have a ride in the 300 class, my AJS 370 was good, but vibrate a lot.
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Thanks Luke, l have never ridden a TM 400, PEOPLE SAY, they are scary.
My racing mate years ago had a mx 400 or yz400, and l am sure it had twinshock at the rear had an up pipe, the bike was white and yellow tank. He raced Maico for years and changed to Yamaha.
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I have an MX360, a real beast to ride, but oh what fun, has so much low down grunt. I rebuilt an MX250A last year, a lovely bike, so much easier to ride. but i'm selling that as i enjoy the big brother so much more. I think the older i get the easier it is to ride the big bikes as you don't have to keep them screaming on the pipe for the to go.
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.............................. I think the older i get the easier it is to ride the big bikes as you don't have to keep them screaming on the pipe for the to go.
thats a very true statement and i can easily relate to that, i'm not that old but very bike unfit, when i stepped up from a 250 to the 500 it was less tiring/busy in some ways but the pull from the 500 and vibration was a different animal.
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ThANKS Tossa and Hoony
Good Honest opinion. I have owned 400 but didn`t ride them , shyde away from them. had bad experious with a 450 Husky, 370 AJS Stormer, but that was machanical, 69 360 montesa when l was 14 years old nearly broke my back. like 4 strokes, and l like a light bike. loved my Metisse 441.
Has anybody ridden a 400 husky.
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I got the same question in mind .
I'd like to get a 250 Honda and turn it into a bigbore or just a 360 Yam .Im familiar with these makes but actually Id consider any of the euro or jap pre 75 bigbore s - its just for fun -right?
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I have always been racing 125 and 250, l rode much quicker in my day on a 125s in the allpowers class and did very well, and shyde away from bigbores and now as l am older l feel that l have missed out on something. In 1974 l had the opportunity to be sponored on Yamaha TZ 125 AND 250 road racer, my brother squash the deal, for what reason l will never know, and that has pissed me off till this day. So l feel its time for me to mix it up with my old racing mate that l rode against years ago and have some fun. and that is where you fellows come into it.
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Forget the pretenders Dave....Go out and get yourself a '74 400/440 Maico and nobody will come near you. The'yre the best pre '75 open classer by 100 metres. Nobody will beat you to the first corner or get under or around you in that corner. I've learned to respect the TM400 a bit more in recent times but it's not in the same league as the Maico, Husky, CZ or even the Yamaha 360. Even better, get yourself a 350/400 squarie and you'll be competitive in both pre 70 and pre 75. Double bang for your buck. Problem solved. ;)
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I'd like to get a 250 Honda and turn it into a bigbore
Unfortunately the fly in the ointment is the gearbox. It can't handle the stock 250 so with a 360 kit it'd be doubtful you'd get through a days racing with third gear intact.
It's been done by a friend of mine twice (MT gearbox and stock box and different bore/stroke combos) with the same result both times. Heartache and an empty wallet.
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That real good advice Mark, I had a 250 Macio, l stoke to the new owner at connondale the old boy was haven a good ride, Stacker built that bike, l remember racing it at warnambool and hole shot the start, yes you may be right. Thanks.
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Husky 400 what are your thoughs on them. Mark
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Husky 400 what are your thoughs on them. Mark
An acquired taste :P - some love 'em, most hate 'em. Quirky handling for my money.
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I'd like to get a 250 Honda and turn it into a bigbore
Unfortunately the fly in the ointment is the gearbox. It can't handle the stock 250 so with a 360 kit it'd be doubtful you'd get through a days racing with third gear intact.
It's been done by a friend of mine twice (MT gearbox and stock box and different bore/stroke combos) with the same result both times. Heartache and an empty wallet.
Thanks for the info - seems that I wrongly assumed that an M with its bigger casings etc would be at least as strong or stronger than the R's running around with mugen kits on them.
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why the fixation on pre-75?
what sort of riding are you intending to do?
how much work are you prepared to devote to it?
how much money are you prepared to spend on it?
get any of them, and you have the usual triangle of FAST/GOOD/CHEAP - you only get two :-)
(if it is fast and good, it ain't going to be cheap)
Any 30-40 yr old MX bike is going to be fun to play with and ride.
Make your own choice and be bloody happy falling off the thing and grinning.
Luke
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I have been after tm400 for ages :P If I only get one more bike that will be it for some it isn't about performance or handling your still going to have fun I just really like the thought of a over powered motor in a low slung frame with no suspension or brakes doesn't sound good but would be very fun hopefully I will get one sooner than later thanks Michael.
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Agree with Luke, there is a few questions to be asked, Lukes questions, then there is your budget?
Looks like you have a favour for yamaha, mX 360's are still around, especially the imports, then there is the odd SC500 pops up. They are grunty and torquey if you tweek them, but they will always have the irononing board frame, so you wont be able to jump them far without bottoming out, 35 years, thats another type of riding, great for grass track/TT Circuits. But thats my recommendation. MX 250/360 SC500.
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I found the bike
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So what is it?
Stan
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Stan, you may laugh but l have wanted to do this for a long time, and 090 has the bike, you will need to veiw on General discussion ,thread how many bikes. check o90 bikes
and come back this and tell me whether l am mad or not.
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Stan, you may laugh but l have wanted to do this for a long time, and 090 has the bike, you will need to veiw on General discussion ,thread how many bikes. check o90 bikes
and come back this and tell me whether l am mad or not.
Oh I can tell you that without looking at the other thread!!!!
Stan ;D ;D ;D ;D
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Do you mean the CZ/Honda?
Stan
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yes, what do think, tell me the true stan.
would it be a 250 bottom end or a complete 350 engine.
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Suzuki TM400? I get a real kick out of finding out that, in 1974, I earned CMC Open Pro #8 on the most vicious, malevolent motorcycle ever produced, on the meanest and roughest track in world history: Carlsbad (and Saddleback). It's fun to read historical stories about things we didn't realize back then. But to really appreciate what we are talking about, we need to hop into the "Wayback" machine. In retrospect, was the TM400 hard to ride? Yep, as were ALL Open Class bikes of the day. It was faster, accelerated past anything else on the market, was cheap by comparison, dependable, and was as traditional in design as you could find for the time. As with all MX bikes; even today's, the difference between winning and losing was more rider than machine; most especially back in those days. Although I had mucho experience with CMC for over six years (raced virtually EVERY weekend), I knew that the 10% difference between motorcycles was less than the 20% difference in rider talent. Hence, I saved money and bought a TM400. It was all the critics said. The throttle could have been replaced with a toggle switch, it handled kind of weird, everybody was afraid of it. But I could win on it, perhaps for those very reasons. I'm restoring one now, with NO intentions of riding it, or any other Open bike. I'm 63 and will have plenty of fun on a 250; a TM250, by the way. The Husky was too short, the CZ was too heavy, the Montesa was underpowered, and on and on. There was always something wrong with every Open bike. The bottom line was if you had the balls, or lack of brains, to get on one. I won on that TM against the best CMC had. Not always, but often enough. For today? They are easy to find, easy to restore, easy to find parts, they are supported by the aftermarket group, and they STILL take balls to ride. But you CAN win. Just use the same discretion and caution that you would apply to any other bike you would ride, and you will have fun. Well, gotta go. The pain medicine is starting to work and typing becomes a chore. Damn, I left my pills in the other room. Check out www.motomanrules.com for pics of my latest project.
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I reckon money will stop this from being a realistic alternative but I have fallen in love with my YZ360B. I am actually faster on this than I ever was on my 250. It handles miles better than anything I have ridden and is so much more comfortable for my getting old fat body. And Firko - I know what people say about Maico 400s/440's etc but I can still outdrag them to the first corner even in the Open (A,B,C) class - I just love it - grunty, fasty, revvy (?) and just does everything I want - downside - if you can find one they are expensive. Parts are easily found as well.
But if people disagree - I don't mind - more for me so to speak ;D
Rossco
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What happens after the first corner though Rossco?? Beware the new TM250 project - it's getting closer!!
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What happen after the first corner, 4 stroke power takes over, then we use you all for traction. ;D
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pbear - who are you? I remember a guy who sued to ride called that - :D
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after the first corner he has to change his outfit for a clean one!!!!!
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And Firko - I know what people say about Maico 400s/440's etc but I can still outdrag them to the first corne
You wouldn't be trying to get me into one of those "my bikes faster than your bike'' arguments that seem to be so popular here would you Rossco? :-\ I share the love between by beloved big bore Maicos and 360 Yamahas so your evocative jibes bounce off me like bullets off Supermans chest!
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Suzuki TM400? I get a real kick out of finding out that, in 1974, I earned CMC Open Pro #8 on the most vicious, malevolent motorcycle ever produced, on the meanest and roughest track in world history: Carlsbad (and Saddleback). It's fun to read historical stories about things we didn't realize back then. But to really appreciate what we are talking about, we need to hop into the "Wayback" machine. In retrospect, was the TM400 hard to ride? Yep, as were ALL Open Class bikes of the day. It was faster, accelerated past anything else on the market, was cheap by comparison, dependable, and was as traditional in design as you could find for the time. As with all MX bikes; even today's, the difference between winning and losing was more rider than machine; most especially back in those days. Although I had mucho experience with CMC for over six years (raced virtually EVERY weekend), I knew that the 10% difference between motorcycles was less than the 20% difference in rider talent. Hence, I saved money and bought a TM400. It was all the critics said. The throttle could have been replaced with a toggle switch, it handled kind of weird, everybody was afraid of it. But I could win on it, perhaps for those very reasons. I'm restoring one now, with NO intentions of riding it, or any other Open bike. I'm 63 and will have plenty of fun on a 250; a TM250, by the way. The Husky was too short, the CZ was too heavy, the Montesa was underpowered, and on and on. There was always something wrong with every Open bike. The bottom line was if you had the balls, or lack of brains, to get on one. I won on that TM against the best CMC had. Not always, but often enough. For today? They are easy to find, easy to restore, easy to find parts, they are supported by the aftermarket group, and they STILL take balls to ride. But you CAN win. Just use the same discretion and caution that you would apply to any other bike you would ride, and you will have fun. Well, gotta go. The pain medicine is starting to work and typing becomes a chore. Damn, I left my pills in the other room. Check out www.motomanrules.com for pics of my latest project.
Thanks for putting some words down and sharing your days gone by.
www.motomanrules.com is also a nice little trip to more pre75 bikes,stories,photos and restorations. 8)
Here are a few pages on the American Eagle and her family ;D enjoy
http://ozvmx.com/community/index.php?topic=8321.0
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nah - not at all Firko - not that stupid :o - in actual fact it was a realistic and accurate fact based on sound processes and experience which clearly shows the 360 YZ to be a vastly superior machine in all ways, shapes and forms over anything else that was available at the time..................................really all I have to go on is my bike ;D
:P
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and Firko - you would have to admit - after have met me - that if my 360 can outdrag Maicos to the first corner (and afterwards the 4 strokes Dave ;D) - it has to be impressive :o
luv yas all!
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Rossco do you ride the yz360B or just gaze at it in the your garage, why l say this, is that people who own them are to affraid to ride them, because they think that they are so fragile if you ride any race bike with respect you won`t have a problem with them and you can enjoy the bike. and have it out there, vmx is not about finding a bike and restoring it, and never riding it., VMX will never grow if we all had that attitude. By the way, Rossco, l ended up with that TM125 that you where selling for Andy Caldercote built, it was a very nice bike, l sold it to a 71 year old fellow who is coming back to ride. l thought that was great. cheers david #46
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Dave - I ride mine and love it. Yes it all comes down to personal preference etc and I haven't had many pre 75 bikes but love riding this one. Actually I wasn't trying to say my bike is faster than your bike sort of thing like Firko was tlaking about (know what he means though ;D) just trying to highlight the fact they are a very competitive bike in the class. I found mine requries a lot of maintenance but I certainly wouldn't describe it as fragile.
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They dont ride 2010/2011 450's to there full potential now days....
Wasn't it the same back in the day ?
cheers
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Rossco, I raced the Yz 250 A back in 1973 they where very quick bike, VR Montesa Where quicker, l have ridden and owned a YZ250 B and sold it to a fellow in Tasmania and know l have regreted it, l would have bought your mates in W.A., The BSA B50 are very good lovely to ride, your YZ360 where the best in there day and in the hands of a very good rider like Ronny Dinsdale on board racing one in moderns you would find that he would hold his ground. I saw him do it on a 360 mk7, against todays A, Graders and he cleaned them up. Enjoy your ride and l am happy that you are racing it, we will see you at a meeting , l would like to meet you one day.
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I have the opportunity to buy a TM 400, fully restored engine totally rebuilt by a well known and respected for his work, one the best l would have to say. I am in two mines wheather to buy it. ???
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Buy it Dave! Dont die wondering! Cheers Jerry
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David,David, David, lets get real here! Nothing but a 580CCM, throw in a 3 speedbox and away we go!
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CCM sounds wonderfull, but l all ready have it in a B50 same engine but less power and weight.