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Roll Call / Re: Roll Call
« on: April 18, 2007, 12:19:28 AM »
I plan on being there!
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2
Pilot FL400R / Sarahs Pilot Engine Troubles!!!
« on: August 07, 2005, 11:51:34 PM »
A quick note to Niles - DO NOT over pressure your engine. In other words, when you do the pressure test, be absolutely sure you don't go over 10psi for testing. Anything above that could push gaskets out of the engine creating more problems.
I created a test kit with parts from Lowe's or Home depot. I'll be happy to take/post pictures of it all tomorrow. It included the following parts:
(I will update this if/when I find the sizes I mention are wrong)
1) A 1" PVC pipe end-cap used as a plug in the Carb boot. It is clamped into place with the carb mounting hose clamp.
2) A 1.5" rubber plumbing stopper to go in the exhaust flange. It is the kind that has a butterfly nut and bolt that allows you to tighten the butterfly nut to lock it in place.
3) A plumbing pressure gage on a brass "T".
3a)A barbed hose fitting on one side of the "T" going to the vacuum hose from the fuel pump.
3b)A shrader valve on the other side for adding air.
I suggest using a air tank that you fill to 10psi max and use it to pressurize the engine. Using the tank will help ensure you don't over pressure the tank.
I created a test kit with parts from Lowe's or Home depot. I'll be happy to take/post pictures of it all tomorrow. It included the following parts:
(I will update this if/when I find the sizes I mention are wrong)
1) A 1" PVC pipe end-cap used as a plug in the Carb boot. It is clamped into place with the carb mounting hose clamp.
2) A 1.5" rubber plumbing stopper to go in the exhaust flange. It is the kind that has a butterfly nut and bolt that allows you to tighten the butterfly nut to lock it in place.
3) A plumbing pressure gage on a brass "T".
3a)A barbed hose fitting on one side of the "T" going to the vacuum hose from the fuel pump.
3b)A shrader valve on the other side for adding air.
I suggest using a air tank that you fill to 10psi max and use it to pressurize the engine. Using the tank will help ensure you don't over pressure the tank.
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Ride Reports / Events / Races / Digatron gift certificate draw for those who attended CC
« on: August 01, 2005, 05:16:09 PM »
Sign me up too!
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Ride Reports / Events / Races / Coal Creek Gathering - The Best People Around!
« on: July 27, 2005, 11:37:40 PM »
I don't think any Aussies made it to CC. Brendan came in from somewhere but he never uttered one G'Day, mate or krikey so he must have been from the US. He did use the term "you guys", "y'all" and "git-er-done" on several occasions so I assumed he is a true Southerner. Hell of a nice guy tho!
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General Discussion / Download of the day-
« on: July 17, 2005, 11:43:03 AM »
Go to earth.google.com and you'll find a download for a program called Google Earth. It's an awesome program for viewing satellite imagery. It has a cool "flying" perspective that can zoom in and out. You can input an address and it will zoom you in from outer space. Put in a second address and it will "fly" to the next location. A check box allows you to superimpose roads, hotels restaurants and other points of interest.
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Ride Reports / Events / Races / What to bring for CC?
« on: July 17, 2005, 11:36:42 AM »
I have a spare set for the front that I haven't put on yet. If you need them, I'll bring them to CC. Swapping them out on-site shouldn't take to long if you have a crack pit crew standing around S-T-S and nuzzling long-necks while one person does the work!
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General Discussion / Mapquest to GPS?
« on: July 12, 2005, 08:18:31 PM »
It depends on the GPS. What brand / model do you have? If you don't have a fancy one, you can use simple GPSs like a Garmin eTrex with a laptop PC. The GPS device is set to "receiver" mode and it passes the coordinate data to the PC via a serial interface. Almost all modern software packages like MS Streets and Trips have a navigation mode that allows you to mark your route and the software will do "moving maps" and navigation guidance like the new generation GPSs on the market today.
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Technical / PILOT SIDES AND FENDERS ????
« on: July 10, 2005, 11:19:46 PM »
Brand new 350 fenders (front and rear) are only $250 from Hillside Honda. You'll spend twice that amount on used and 4 times that amount on new Pilot plastic. The fit won't be great and you are likely to be unappy with the final product.
If you want to stop debris from coming into the drivers compartment, you can buy or make side panel pieces that fit in the open triangular sections of the frame . The heat issue will likely be trouble with Pilot plastic since you don't have a water cooled cylinder.
The best deal on getting Pilot plastic is to buy it with a Pilot attached! One common reality with a 350 is you end up spending more on one after you buy all the extras for it then what you would have spent on a Pilot in the first place.
If you can buy a Pilot for $5000, why would you spend thousands on a 350 trying to make look and feel like a Pilot? I can ask this becasue I've "been there and done that".
If you want to stop debris from coming into the drivers compartment, you can buy or make side panel pieces that fit in the open triangular sections of the frame . The heat issue will likely be trouble with Pilot plastic since you don't have a water cooled cylinder.
The best deal on getting Pilot plastic is to buy it with a Pilot attached! One common reality with a 350 is you end up spending more on one after you buy all the extras for it then what you would have spent on a Pilot in the first place.
If you can buy a Pilot for $5000, why would you spend thousands on a 350 trying to make look and feel like a Pilot? I can ask this becasue I've "been there and done that".
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Technical / A couple pics of the trailer mod
« on: July 10, 2005, 11:38:16 AM »
Not only would I carry a spare, you might want to consider carrying two. I carry two, although I have a tandem trailer, since the possibility of loosing 2 at once are greater with a tandem. Don't forget the obvious; a lug wrench, jack, plug kit and 12v compressor. A spare set of wheel bearings are cheap, so if you can, bring a set. The chances of those going out on a long trip are incredible.
Don't forget to pin the radiator fan of the rear facing Pilot to stop it from spinning backwards. I usually take a Zip-Tie and push it through the fan guard plastic to keep it from spinning. Use the biggest one you can and don't worry about getting it "locked". I've never had one fall out and if it isn't locked onto something, it will allow it to spin free if you forget to remove it before riding.
Once last thing I want to mention that I have used is the safety chain links that are of the removable locking variety. I don't know what the name is but it's a replacement for the "S" hooks on the trailer safety chains. It has a bolt type closing lock that is tightened with a wrench. It can't bounce out like the "S" hook and it makes it a little harder for thieves to walk off with you trailer.
Don't forget to pin the radiator fan of the rear facing Pilot to stop it from spinning backwards. I usually take a Zip-Tie and push it through the fan guard plastic to keep it from spinning. Use the biggest one you can and don't worry about getting it "locked". I've never had one fall out and if it isn't locked onto something, it will allow it to spin free if you forget to remove it before riding.
Once last thing I want to mention that I have used is the safety chain links that are of the removable locking variety. I don't know what the name is but it's a replacement for the "S" hooks on the trailer safety chains. It has a bolt type closing lock that is tightened with a wrench. It can't bounce out like the "S" hook and it makes it a little harder for thieves to walk off with you trailer.
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Technical / Big tires, little tires and the physics of CVT trannys.....
« on: July 06, 2005, 06:23:42 PM »
On many occaisions I have had conversations debating what effect the overall height of a tire has on the performance of a Pilot in relation to speed, traction, and stability. Others state that a taller tire won't accelerate as fast, bite as hard in a turn and will make a Pilot, or any other buggy, more likely to roll. I'm comparing low profile 22x10 combinations to larger 25x12 tire/rim combo.
I believe that with a CVT tranny that is torque sensitive, the only time the increased diameter comes into play it at initial take off and at top speeds. I think that at all speeds in between the nature of the CVT will adjust for the tire size and there would be no adverse effect at all. I think that a taller tire could provide a better foot print than a low profile tire and that the increased height of the buggy isn't necesarily going to make it any less stabil.
Anyone want to discuss this from a scientific perspective?
I believe that with a CVT tranny that is torque sensitive, the only time the increased diameter comes into play it at initial take off and at top speeds. I think that at all speeds in between the nature of the CVT will adjust for the tire size and there would be no adverse effect at all. I think that a taller tire could provide a better foot print than a low profile tire and that the increased height of the buggy isn't necesarily going to make it any less stabil.
Anyone want to discuss this from a scientific perspective?
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Ride Reports / Events / Races / Coal Creek July 22-24
« on: July 04, 2005, 01:59:32 AM »
I'll be bringing 2 Pilots and a bike. One of the Pilots has been offered up already to "a special guest". (just cause he walks funny is no excuse to call him that) Anyway, I too am willing to share with anyone who is coming a long distance or has acquired "special guest" status. So if you guys want to fly in, I'm sure we can accommodate you!
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Ride Reports / Events / Races / Coal Creek July 22-24
« on: July 01, 2005, 10:34:48 PM »
Bucked
Betel
Rocketman
Vrroom & Tyler
Throttle & Austin
PilotHawk
Moskito
RedRider
ET
Rooky
Niles
Stoneman
Stoneman's son
Moskito's friend (??)
PH's Brother (maybe)
Ride Red (maybe - needs a little help after reassembly)
350Maniac (if he gets it running)
If you have updates, add it to this list!
Betel
Rocketman
Vrroom & Tyler
Throttle & Austin
PilotHawk
Moskito
RedRider
ET
Rooky
Niles
Stoneman
Stoneman's son
Moskito's friend (??)
PH's Brother (maybe)
Ride Red (maybe - needs a little help after reassembly)
350Maniac (if he gets it running)
If you have updates, add it to this list!
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Ride Reports / Events / Races / Coal Creek July 22-24
« on: June 29, 2005, 11:32:55 PM »
So far - the confirmed are.....
Bucked
Betel
Rocketman
Vrroom
Throttle
PilotHawk
Moskito
Bucked
Betel
Rocketman
Vrroom
Throttle
PilotHawk
Moskito
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Pilot FL400R / What to change on the Pilot
« on: June 28, 2005, 05:45:48 PM »
I've driven a "Sidewinder" from TheEdge. Shifting it was a bitch and it never really got any easier as time went on. Some have pointed out that once it is rolling, you can shift without a clutch if you want. The other thing that bugged the crap out of me was that it had rack and pinion steering. Between shifting and trying to turn the freakin thing, I was all over the place. I considered that buggy and accident waiting to happen.
Now that there are Rekluse and Revloc "auto" clutches, I wonder if one of the street bike motors could be easily adapted to a Pilot while retaining the stock tranny. You could servo the shifter and pick "the right one" for different speeds and terrains. Anybody got a spare CRF450X with an auto clutch I can borrow? I guess I could just buy one and swap the motor back and forth......
Now that there are Rekluse and Revloc "auto" clutches, I wonder if one of the street bike motors could be easily adapted to a Pilot while retaining the stock tranny. You could servo the shifter and pick "the right one" for different speeds and terrains. Anybody got a spare CRF450X with an auto clutch I can borrow? I guess I could just buy one and swap the motor back and forth......
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Pilot FL400R / Repairing a-arm tabs - What / how to do?
« on: December 23, 2004, 11:48:55 PM »
Thanks Steve! I hope to have it all back together this weekend and won't know for sure wether what I'm trying will work until I'm done. The plan is to get grade 8 washers TIG welded to the existing tabs where the bolts ripped out. I only had 3 holes ripped out and I think it'll be OK after the washers are welded in as reinforcements. If the repair doesn't look like it will be perfect, I'll want to get a new set of mounts. If so, I'll get back with you on buying them.