A little 2 stroke help at Homestead track day on March 28th?

[vance]

First time on the tz125, and first time riding a 2 stroke in general.
I would hate to blow the thing up my first time out.
If anyone else is gonna be there and doesn't mind me pitting beside them for some general info and help, I would appreciate it.
I'll even buy lunch

[beer]

Have fun Paul and let me know how it goes, I'm heading back to Tally this weekend.

[erock768]

If you've built the motor correctly and insured that it isn't leaking air, Start with conservsative jetting and lean it out as the day goes. Keep in mind to watch your water temp, read the plug, top of the piston ect. Do you have an owner's manual? Are you looking for tuning help or riding advice?

[erock768]

It would definately help if you had the bike well sorted out before you get to the track so you can concentrate on learning to ride the thing in stead of tuning it.

I just saw that you we're looking for help this past weekend.....How'd it go?

[vance]

Well, it went.  Overall it was a good day.  No damage to the bike, no wrecks, etc.
I bought the bike, didn't build it, and have very limited knowledge of engines (read VERY LIMITED)
Owning a two stroke is probably more than I should be handling, but I'm giving it a shot.
I race, and although I'm always looking for riding advice, I think I'm progressing pretty average in that department.  Yes, I would like to be winning races, but in reality I'm just not that good yet, or maybe never will be...
This was/is just a plea for general help with a 2 stroke.
I met John Long and thankfully he gave me some pointers throughout the day.
My overall concern is for the care of the bike.
For example, now that my first day is done, what all needs to be done before I put it back on the track in May?
Thanks for the reply.

[Burt Munro]

I'm guessing you already know about the USGPRU website - the best source for 2 stroke info in the country.

usgpru.net

[vance]

Yes, the USGPRU forum is awesome.  The general response has been "find someone", which I did meet John Long.  I just would like to gather some info before I go in order to not bother the guys at the track so much.  I know most don't mind, but on a forum it's completely voluntary.  If someone is giving advice on here, it's because they want to, not because you've introduced yourself and keep walking over to their pits
Just don't want to be a pest.

[Ducmarc]

john's one of the best 2 stroke guys out there . he put his boy's 2000 model TZ on the grid at the indy gp last year. you just have to stand his sarcasm. steve weiner and manny zambrana are also good two stroke guys down there

[vance]

I met Manny at Homestead on Sunday.
There was a slight language barrier
He nicely told me, in broken english since I don't speak Spanish yet, that 15 pounds equal one horsepower.  I think that means I need to lose about 60 lbs
Seriously, I could not have had a better time between Jonh Long helping me and Manny just hanging out and talking to me.

[Ducmarc]

manny had a pork shoulder in his car at palm beach last year man, i licked my fingers all the way back to leesburg.

[erock768]

Also, check out the TZ 250 forum. Tons of advice and information regarding TZ250s and TZ125s. It is www.tz250racing.com

In response to your questions. Firstly, read the manual and stick to the service/replacement intervals.

Secondly, buy a torque wrench. Use it for every thing. A wrench up to 200 in-lbs is the right size. A real GP bike like the TZ or the RS is a delicate instrument. Treat it accordingly.

Thirdly, after every race weekend I strip down the top end, clean, inspect, check clearances, inspect the piston top for det. damage, check the skirt and cylinder wall for scoring ect. I run a ball hone through the cylinders to break the glaze and then if all the parts are in spec, look ok, and are not at their replacement service interval I rebuild the top end to my specs. (squish band, deck height ect.) Inspect the clutch. Check the friction plates for wear, replace if out of limit. Check the steel plates for warpage. replace if warped. Its not necessary to strip the bike down to the crank after every meet, maybe every other meet or every three meets. Check the crank run out, insure that it is in spec.

Hope this info helps. 125's and 250's are fun, but they do take alot of care. But you'll get the hang of it. Definately check out the tz forum. It has everything you need to know and a wealth of knowledge.

[vance]

erock,
1st, thanks for the info
2nd, that's what I was afraid of.  Everything you just mentioned will be the first time I'll have ever done any of it.
3rd, as far as torque wrenches, should I buy one online or is there a good brand that is available at a part store, etc?