How to set up your dirt bike! 12 important tips︱Cross Training Enduro
www.crosstraini... tractionerag.com How to set up your dirt bike! We are all different shapes and sizes, tall riders and short riders. We will all use our bikes in different ways. So here's a comprehensive guide to setting up your dirt bike with a lighter clutch, good ergos etc. We encourage you to do the free enduro setup mods first then ride your bike for a while before spending money. It is easy to spend a lot of cash on mods that will barely make a difference, including dirt bike tyres. See our tall rider setup video for more information. And now tubes mousse tubliss! Apart from heavy duty tubes, you can also use TUbliss or mousses. Generally speaking, racers and very aggressive riders will benefit from mousses. If you do run tubes, make sure you don't tighten these bolts! If your tyre moves, you won't notice your tube is moving then it will be ripped apart. It's a good enduro setup! First, your hand lever setup. These should be horizontal, or slightly angled down. Learning to ride better will always make the biggest difference! Lets start with ergonomics for your dirt bike setup. This is the relationship between your levers, handlebars, seat and footpegs. The more the bars are angled to the rider, the more inline stability you will have at speed. When the handgrips are actually in line with the forks, the steering is quicker, and this is the positioning we encourage for enduro riding. It also gives tall riders more room on the bike with handlebar setup. Roll your bars forward. You can use high bend bars, bar risers, pad the seat higher, and get footpegs like the Fastway that drop the footpegs down and back. Some riders angle these at 45 degrees but it only encourages bad body positioning. If you have long fingers, consider moving the levers in so you have more leverage with your fingers for your enduro setup. Speaking of lighter clutches, some beginners like to install an autoclutch. Speaking of crutches, some beginners can benefit from the G2 Throttle Tamer. It gives you much more throttle control at lower revs, and takes away that snappy throttle response common with some fuel injected four strokes. We recently did a video about full wrap handguards versus the plastic flag style ones on most new dirt bikes. Each has it's pros and cons. See our video about which will suit you best. Dirt bike tyres. Everyday riders obsess about tyres way too much. Sure there are different types. Some might suit you a bit better. But your riding skills will make a much bigger difference. But you never see anyone obsess over riding skills. Sigh. For enduro riders, I believe air pressure makes a bigger difference than dirt bike knobbies, especially if you want good traction. Look into heavy duty tubes, soft mousses, or the TUbliss system if you want to get obsessive about tyres. Personally we like old worn out dirt bike knobbies as they force us to ride better. A lighter clutch. You can use plumbing tape or electrical tape under your lever mounts for your lever setup so the levers will spin in an accident instead of breaking. If you have short fingers, you can buy this style of lever so it's easier to reach. Handlebar setup. Draw line from your forks to your handgrips. Explore your tubes mousse tubliss options. Suspension for your dirt bike setup. We believe the suspension on most dirt bikes is pretty good nowadays, and you won't need to spend a lot of money on suspension setup. See our suspension setup video, do I really need suspension mods? Another example is handguards for your dirt bike setup. How to set up your dirt bike with your handgrips. It's a good idea to put some wire around your handgrips to stop water getting in and suddenly they are rotating while you ride. Rear brake positioning for your dirt bike setup. Riders who sit most of the time often set the angle very low but it's difficult to use the lever when standing. Are you a short rider? You can shave some foam from your seat to make it lower. The short rider can increase the sag on your rear shock, and slide the forks up through the triple clamps. As your skills improve, you will use your clutch more and more. If your bike has a heavy clutch pull, there are mods to make it lighter. You can just add washers to lighten the springs, change to lighter springs, use a Midwest clutch lever, or go for the expensive but awesome Clake One Light Clutch.
CHAPTERS
Bars, seat & footpegs • How to set up your dir...
Short rider tips • How to set up your dir...
Tall rider tips • How to set up your dir...
Tire pressure & tubes • How to set up your dir...
Suspension • How to set up your dir...
Bike protection • How to set up your dir...
Exhaust & power mods • How to set up your dir...
Tires • How to set up your dir...
Tool kit • How to set up your dir...
#crosstrainingenduro #enduro #tractionerag #dirtbikesetup
Пікірлер: 154
IMPORTANT! As with all our training vids, read our disclaimer first before attempting any techniques: bit.ly/2U0bgCy
Cave in your expansion pipe on day one. Then you never have to worry about it again.
@vintageludwig
3 жыл бұрын
I just ride open headers.
@hunterhill1013
2 жыл бұрын
Pro tip!
This is such a refreshing video to see after watching hours of vids about all the things I need to change about my new $12k dirtbike.
@crosstrainingenduro
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Chris. In most cases there isn't much extra we'll need to add to the bikes. And it's crazy that some guys automatically spend another $1000 on their suspension when the basic setup will do the job in most cases.
I believe Paul Rodden and Larry Murray said it best in 50 years of kicks: $300 of fuel through the engine will make you a much better rider.
@crosstrainingenduro
3 жыл бұрын
Amen to that. It was a real privilege getting to ride with those guys...
Tires made a huge difference for me. I was almost ready to get rid of my 2019 WR250F or blow over $1k on suspension revalving because the stock, 3 year old tires (previous owner didn't put too many miles on it) were unbearable on rocks regardless of what I did with pressures or suspension clickers. Switching to new Michelin Starcross 5 tires with a much more flexible casing completely transformed the bike to feel amazing in rocks.
@hunterhill1013
2 жыл бұрын
I also use the starcross on all my bikes I am located in central Tx so everywhere to ride single track is rocky like you mentioned. I noticed these are the best handling tires no matter the terrain!
@eduardobagol7478
2 жыл бұрын
Does it mean bigger tires are more manageable on rocks? Maybe its about time to change mine too.
Those valve caps at 3:24 are genius. Never would have thought of looking for them if I hadn't seen them.
Part of my new regime now, take it straight out to the first overgrown lantana track and get some scratches on the plastics..... I feels horrible doing it, but then you can just ride and enjoy the bike and not worry about that first fall/crash /scratch 🙂👍
@crosstrainingenduro
3 жыл бұрын
That's the spirit, Batesy 😂 The dreaded first scratch but then we can all relax...
@redtobertshateshandles
2 жыл бұрын
I prefer used cars for that reason too.
It's super easy to spend a load of cash and make your bike hard to ride.. Keep your ergos close to stock.. Best mod of course is the eRag fender sticker. Increases your skill like 2.1%
@crosstrainingenduro
3 жыл бұрын
So true, Adam. Although I'd drop that decimal point and just run with 21%.
Whenever I get a new to me bike, I reset the suspension clickers to standard settings. Even brand new, some dealers tend to set them to whatever. It’s also very important to properly set your throttle and clutch cable play. If your throttle is too tight you can have the bike accelerate when you turn the handlebars. If your clutch is too tight it can not be disengaging fully and burn up very quickly.
@okuratwarmianski7993
2 жыл бұрын
When I bought my husky, the suspension was so strangely positioned that instead of picking the pits, the motorcycle bounced off them. It spoiled my first day of riding the second I set up and it was great.
Nice to know about twitchy throttles on EFI four strokes. Been off bikes for over 30 years so it's taking awhile to get used to that twitchiness. Thanks
@crosstrainingenduro
3 жыл бұрын
You'll love the G2 then, Mark. It doesn't make all that much difference on two strokes, but it's brilliant on the big FI thumpers. I was really regretting buying a Beta RR480 a few years ago until I popped one on. It was very good on an FE570 too, turned it into a pussycat for the first half of the throttle.
If I get a protector for my anodised fuel tank cap, will I be ready for erzberg?
@Frisky_FZR
3 жыл бұрын
100%
@cedricboivin9422
3 жыл бұрын
It will be ready for the Gumby haft backflip ! A really advance technique for the worst rider only 😂.
@crosstrainingenduro
3 жыл бұрын
A good bumby haft backflip will bypass the Erzberg prologue and get you straight into gold class.
@theslipperface
3 жыл бұрын
You need stickers too
@dmelson7502
3 жыл бұрын
@@cedricboivin9422 There must be video proof. Just the spoken word and x rays are not enough.
Love the dry humor of commentator; good riding tips with some laughs.
@crosstrainingenduro
2 жыл бұрын
Cheers Jeff!
Fantastic as always Barry. Don’t know if they make em for these new fangled bikes, but I love my Hyde pipe guard on my ‘06 300. It’s a relatively lightweight composite, but the big benefit is the guard is integrated into the skid plate that’s tied into the frame. Smash it up all day long and the seal into the cylinder head never moves. Also protects the toes a bit.
@crosstrainingenduro
3 жыл бұрын
I've heard mixed reports about them, plenty of rave reviews but others saying they don't hold up to big hits? So I've never included them when talking about protective gear for the bike.
well i must say.. i was very surprised with this video ,, very informative,, short ,, to the point,, and your right ,,and no crazy riding,,
@crosstrainingenduro
3 жыл бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it, Wayne 😊
Tip for lighter clutch with cable. Drill a hole for the cable end closer to the pivot of the lever. It's free, easy and if you do it right, you might be able to go back to stock if wanted.
@chadrides914
3 жыл бұрын
What size and do you use a flat bottom drill bit?
@cedricboivin9422
3 жыл бұрын
@@chadrides914 Slightly bigger than the end of the cable and I have always used normal drill bit but if you could use a flat tip one it would be better
Solid advice, I’m always a student even when I know everything! 😂 but I have plenty to learn here. Thanks.
@crosstrainingenduro
2 жыл бұрын
Decades in and I'm still surprised at the stuff I'm learning nowadays, Adrian 😎
This video is so right on and wish I had done this before I hurt myself on my Husky.
@crosstrainingenduro
2 жыл бұрын
Bummer.... how long until you are back on the bike?
Well said Barry. Would like to add , keep an eye on steering head and swing arm bearings, seems to be an oft neglected part of maint.
@crosstrainingenduro
3 жыл бұрын
Especially when often the new bikes have so little to start with. 😢
@LostIn207
3 жыл бұрын
Especially given that some of the newer bikes don't have grease fittings on the swingarm and linkage pivots anymore
From what I know about the recluse, if you use the recluse as a crutch you will never gain more skills as a Rider. or it will just take you longer to gain those skills as a rider
@TheKitchenTechnician
Жыл бұрын
A Rekluse has its place. I have one on my Hulk Force cable clutched WR450 and it’s a life saver. I liked it so much I put one on my new Beta 300RR also. The beauty of a Rekluse is that you can still operate the bike like normal. Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it.
Lol tune the rider not the bike moden bikes have been designed and tested by pro riders for many years stock bikes are pretty much bullet proof and ready to race BUT bike to rider set is key and this video is pretty good advice especially if you don't have an extra two or three grand to spend on a 16 k new bike top vid cheers
i really love the images with info on your channel
Best way to set up your bike for optimum performance? 1. Fill up the gas tank 2. Check tire pressure 3. Ride the snot out of it 4. Repeat often Oh....I guess I'm on the "more saddle time/practice" will do more for your riding performance than any other parts you can buy. ;-)
@crosstrainingenduro
3 жыл бұрын
Amen to that Andrzej!
Tip for the mousse bibs. If you can swap between a broke in tire with a new mousse, then a broke in mousse with a new tire, installation is 100xs easier. If any of that made sense. New mousse + new tire is a pita!
@crosstrainingenduro
3 жыл бұрын
I tried once then had to get an experienced guy to do it for me. 🤔
@The-Host
3 жыл бұрын
@@crosstrainingenduro they like to spaghetti out just as you think you're on the home stretch haha.
I like to keep the power valve setting mild until I get a feel of the bike. You can always turn it up later.
All good stuff! Been running Tubliss for about 7 years now. Only tire I can't get to seal well is a starcross 5 soft front 80/100-21. It'll seal for a couple of weeks, then I do a rock garden fast and pfft.. all the magic smoke leaks out. I think the sidewalls are too soft/thin/flexy. I can still ride it flat, but have to take it home to tear it down relube to get it to seal again. Everything else seals up great. Still tempted to go mousse though.. trying to come to grips with the cost/work involved.
@crosstrainingenduro
3 жыл бұрын
I could be tempted to run a mousse up front as they last so long, David... but I've had zero issues with TUbliss for five years now so can't see myself changing in a hurry.
@pegmonkey
3 жыл бұрын
@@crosstrainingenduro Other than slicing a couple of tires and that starcross not sealing, I've had good luck. Another thing that makes me hesitate on mousse is being stuck with limited tire selection for each given mousse size. I have 6 new tires in the garage.. which would require me to buy 5 different sizes of mousse. Too expensive. And if I destroy a tire away from home, fat chance finding a replacement that fits the mousse. With tubliss.. I can just stick whatever tire I can find on there.
Love ur videos bro. Thank you
@crosstrainingenduro
2 жыл бұрын
Cheers! 😎
Hahahaha I love this channel so much! F’n hilarious and informative and the same time!!
My brother asked if ive tried the moose on my bike, i replied "OF COURSE NOT! you told me she has to buy 2 seats on the plane when you go to Benidorm, i dont want her breaking my bike"! Neither of them have spoken to me since 2008.... happy dayz.
those kiss style moto boots are incredible
@crosstrainingenduro
3 жыл бұрын
They make you want to rock and roll all night...
great vid, thank you
@crosstrainingenduro
3 жыл бұрын
You're welcome 😎
By the way thanks for responding, you and Dallas are the only ones on whole interwebs who will bother, is there any riding British Columbia that's close to the border?
@crosstrainingenduro
3 жыл бұрын
I've always been a bit puzzled when I see enduro channels and no one ever responds to the comments, Destry... including a lot of questions. Dallas and I really enjoy meeting other riders out on the trails, and via social media too. 😊 Mt Vedder is the closest riding in BC to the US border that I'm aware of. But there might be some that's closer.
@destryrobinson3708
3 жыл бұрын
@@crosstrainingenduro thank you Barry
Can you guys do a review or something about rieju bikes? Im struggling to find info
@crosstrainingenduro
3 жыл бұрын
Already done, Joey. For the first year they are virtually unchanged from the original Gas Gas model... just search our vids.
I actually need a suspension spring upgrade and revalve. I'm about 100 pounds heavier than what these stock springs can handle on my bike!
Have you ever used a mako 360 bar mount? Not sure whether or not to fork out the $
@crosstrainingenduro
Жыл бұрын
No I've never had issues with vibration but it seems to affect the hands of some riders. I'd definitely try all the cheap options first... e.g. thicker handgrips.
As a new rider aiming to get into enduro more and more, I've started on the trails and taken the bike to a couple of MX tracks too, do you have a list of recommended protection mods, or items to think about? I have also booked training days and will do a dew as you said in the vid cant beat time on the bike and improving skills.
@crosstrainingenduro
3 жыл бұрын
I think our similar bike setup vid on the enduro channel covers a fair bit of that, David. We have heaps of training vids too that will be useful along with the coaching.
I can appreciate the fast paced editing. We are not worthy
@crosstrainingenduro
3 жыл бұрын
Cheers, it's a lot of work but slowly getting faster at it!
I do believe the plural of Mousse is Meese, I migth be wrong though. xD
@cedricboivin9422
3 жыл бұрын
😂 not sure. "Mousse" is the french word for foam. It is like this because it was created by Michelin which is a french company. So I would say that the plural of "Mousse" is "Mousses" (with an "s" at the end)
@xterrential
3 жыл бұрын
@@cedricboivin9422 thanks captain aspergers.
@chipper203
3 жыл бұрын
Moussen
@cedricboivin9422
3 жыл бұрын
@@xterrential Mange une Snickers, t'es pas toi quand t'as faim.
@Jonathan-oy9eu
3 жыл бұрын
@@chipper203 "mice" could also be correct
I hate spokes, I guess I'm not patient enough to true a wheel. But even with over 1/8" of wobble both ways my bike feels okay going 80mph on the freeway. I just pluck them and adjust the ones that are way WAY off. Got a torque spoke wrench, seems useless. I'll just go get the wheels trued at a shop when it's time to change tires, I guess
@crosstrainingenduro
3 жыл бұрын
Same here, I'm not worried if it's not completely true... but a few times a year I'll just check for loose spokes.
Great video, did you have any trouble setting up the ME clutch lever? I cant get mine right, either lets out too close to the bar or too far out !
@crosstrainingenduro
3 жыл бұрын
No but I hear other guys have trouble, Phil... I'm not sure what the fix is.
I need a fan to help pull me up the trail, but you didn't cover those.
Something I see new riders do that imo sets them up for failure is add power mods to a bike that is already too powerful for them. What is the process for fixing a dented pipe? I hate riding with a large pipe guard.
@crosstrainingenduro
3 жыл бұрын
We've got a vid about fixing two stroke pipes. We didn't include the hydro method which is now getting popular, I think there's a link in the pinned first comment of that vid.
@bigKANG420
3 жыл бұрын
@@crosstrainingenduro thanks, I'll go watch
@andrzejtaramina2709
3 жыл бұрын
Best process to fix a dented pipe? Improve your skills to the point where you don't dent it. ;-)
@bigKANG420
3 жыл бұрын
@@andrzejtaramina2709 Ha yeah and in that fantasy world a new ktm isn't 10 grand
@crosstrainingenduro
3 жыл бұрын
🤣
Wheel bearing maintenance is important, what is you recommendation?
@utahdesertrider1806
3 жыл бұрын
If you ride in wet terrain all bearings need more maintenance. If you ride dry terrain like the desert you need less bearing maintenance.
I have 2013 ktm excf and watching this made me think when you mentioned 4 strokes have a snappy throttle. I find the single trail very jerky when riding slow speeds ect. Maybe it’s my poor clutch work not sure. That throttle mod, can you elaborate more or maybe a link so I can research to see if this could help me ?
@crosstrainingenduro
3 жыл бұрын
We have review of the G2 on this channel. 👍
@TheZakkmylde
3 жыл бұрын
@@crosstrainingenduro couldn’t find it. Thanks anyways 👍🏻
@crosstrainingenduro
3 жыл бұрын
Weird. I just google 'cross training enduro g2' and it came up straight away.
@TheZakkmylde
3 жыл бұрын
@@crosstrainingenduro thx I’ll try again 👍🏻
Bike protection is good I recon the main three are a skid plate, hand guards and a pipe guard that’s all you’ll need unless you have the money then go ham
@JacquesEng
3 жыл бұрын
Very True, What I did was bought an Old Bike and messed that one up to get better before moving to a newer bike and then get all the guards, a person would know what you normally do and what you normally break. but those suggestions are spot on.
@gpaull2
3 жыл бұрын
I’d add rad braces/guards to that list. A rad can be ruined just by the bike falling over in the garage. Pipe guard is debatable ass it can lead to a broken cylinder flange instead.
@cedricboivin9422
3 жыл бұрын
@@gpaull2 Yup, I was about to add the rad brace. Usually cheaper than a rad and you do kinda need them if you want to get back to civilization.
@crosstrainingenduro
3 жыл бұрын
I've opted out of radiator braces for the time being as I'm really enjoying keeping my bike as light as possible. But yeah, I do run the risk of bending or holing it. I carry some metal epoxy in the tool kit to fix any leaks, and hope I can repair any mild bends when I get back home. I'll probably regret not fitting the braces eventually though!
@cedricboivin9422
3 жыл бұрын
@@crosstrainingenduro Don't forget to drink a beer before you ride. Having a full blader might be useful to fill that radiator 😂
What is name/brand of those short hand levers?
@crosstrainingenduro
Жыл бұрын
What time mark in the vid? Saves me watching the whole vid to see which bit you mean.
@TRK30
Жыл бұрын
@@crosstrainingenduro 0:52
@crosstrainingenduro
Жыл бұрын
Gotcha. No idea unfortunately. I just googled something like 'clutch lever short fingers' and grabbed a pic.
I disagree on tyres- that is the only thing touching the ground (hopefully). I’ve been with much better riders than me that struggle on the super slow, tight stuff due to tyre choice. Of course, I’m a crappy rider and have mostly given up on improving- I just want to keep riding and not get hurt (falling down). For very slow, slippery ‘tracks’ - I personally find radial trials tyres with Tubliss, at about 3-4psi work fabulous. BUT you have to ride with the tyre, meaning never spin or lock it up. Braking is fantastic- unless you lock up the tyre, then it is worthless. Of course, not so great at fast speeds.
@unfunny2258
3 жыл бұрын
yeah my dads tires make his bike feel like it on rails in sand while mine wants to go everywhere but straight, really makes keeping up in sand a pita
Hi wanna set up my drz400E by putting stickers on it with "Cross Training Enduro". Do you guys have stickers for me? Cheers
@crosstrainingenduro
3 жыл бұрын
No Douwe, but the Traction eRag guys will probably make some later this year. They have just started on some t-shirts.
@ChrisPChicken361
3 жыл бұрын
@@crosstrainingenduro thank you👊 I can't wait. And thank you for your great video job🙏🙏
Lots of rally good ideas but I'm just looking for you to tell me what to do to my bike so I can have someone to blame my bike breaks down in the middle of nowhere :-)
@crosstrainingenduro
3 жыл бұрын
Replacing the engine oil with olive oil, Dave? 🤔
@davehowe_just_an_old_dirtbiker
3 жыл бұрын
Not a bad idea...I could use it for a salad with some weeds when I got hungry!
I cannot understand horizontal levers. Wire on the grips should be a double pass, that way you don’t rely on the twist to so the tightening. Go around twice, wiggle the pliers up and down a few times and watch it tighten up, then twist to hold, fold and insert into the grip.
@crosstrainingenduro
3 жыл бұрын
If the levers are near horizontal it encourages you to use the correct body positioning and squat slightly with your weight to the rear... instead of standing straight up. See our body positioning training vid.
@spotthedogg
3 жыл бұрын
@@crosstrainingenduro is it not straining the wrist? I run mine down maybe 25°
@crosstrainingenduro
3 жыл бұрын
As per the previous comment... all good if you use the correct body positioning.
Software (training, practice, courses, time w butt on bike) WAY before Hardware (bling, upgrades w dubious improvement)
@crosstrainingenduro
3 жыл бұрын
Amen!
Finally you step up! What kind of bike should I get? Best oil? What kind of underdrawers create the perfect seat/butt drag. If I comb this chain lube in my hair will I get laid? Could my dream of being a poorly skilled rider of questionable morals and dentistry possibly be true? Will you ever tire of my 590 various twists of the same tired joke?
@crosstrainingenduro
3 жыл бұрын
When 590 twists of the same joke just isn't quite enough... 😂 I gotta try me that chain lube in the hair!
Well... guess I shouldn't be obsessing with what rear tire size to use lol
Words of wisdom, if you are able to even understand a word of what the old Gumby is saying ofc ;)
@leevancleef553
3 жыл бұрын
I just hope he never does the North American accent again. Truly nauseating.
@theailer
3 жыл бұрын
@@leevancleef553 hear ye, hear ye. Took me a couple of months in an asylum in order to get sane after that.
@crosstrainingenduro
3 жыл бұрын
Racism! You'll be hurting the feelings of many Canadian maritimers as it was actually their accent I was meant to be imitating (the author is a newfie). 😂
Two stroke?? Mix your fuel thoroughly and before every ride give it a shake.
My tyres are whatever i can find at the local rubbish dump
@crosstrainingenduro
3 жыл бұрын
Should last forever after they've been sitting in the sun for a while, Joey. 😂 I've used hand me downs from other riders that were sitting outside for months.
The new corrugated KTM/Husky/Gas Gas pipes are a prick to repair. Better off just putting a guard on it
Tire pressure: [2/4 stroke], WTF 🤔
I have a tip. Get clothes that fit and dont bother you, if something pokes you you just cant ride good
A great commonsense video, just get what you really need and don’t load the bike up with all the fruit. 👌
@crosstrainingenduro
3 жыл бұрын
Amen to not over blinging the bike!