About Kyle

Kyle

I owe you a visit! Would love to take one of your hand-shift bikes for a spin.

Kyle

Just saw this comment-- Would love to chat with you about what you are proposing. Shoot me an email at klsmith@hagerty.com when you find a minute. Look forward to hearing from you.

Kyle

Thanks! Gonna have a good time no matter what.

Kyle

The heads on my 140 were done about 5 years ago, and I have a spare set of heads on the shelf that I intend to send out and have the seats and valves done just to have a set ready for a future engine build or if this engine ends up needing them again sooner than later. Good 140 heads are hard enough to find that I keep any I can!

Kyle · ‎22-05-2021

You are correct, a modern 450 easily makes triple the power at 80% of the weight. However, I am not a good enough rider to use a 450 to its capability. In fact, me on a modern 450 would not end in a podium, but a hospital bed. Also, I am going vintage racing--and six different forms of vintage racing at that. This is not the best tool for any of the jobs I am taking on, but it will certainly do each respectively. The XR250R is a neutral bike that I can tailor to each event fairly easily. If and when I get faster as a rider, there will certainly be a more modern machine in my garage.

Kyle · ‎22-05-2021

100% sure. It was an interesting conversation with the NGK representative on the phone. Switching out the spark plug boot is very simple, just a $2 part. You are correct that a lot of plugs have the threaded cap, but with the thread change I shifted from the powersports and small engine portion of the NGK catalog to the motorsports section. Solid top plugs are much more common in automotive engines than motorcycle/snowmobile/ATV engines.

Kyle · ‎22-05-2021

I'll admit I have a spare, but questionable, engine in the corner. The work to finalize the assembly on this engine is worth it for the fact that I know what is inside. There is a halfway point where I could have attempted to call up that spare engine but likely would have spent as much time getting it into running shape as I did fixing the problems I came across here. Figure I might as well get the fresh engine after the work rather than all the work and having something that may or may not make it.

Kyle · ‎07-05-2021

I sprang for a bit of overkill, but new ball joints, upper control arms, and inner and outer tie rods are now installed. The kit I went with included sway bar end links but the ones on the truck were in good enough shape I decided to leave well enough alone. Appoint on Tuesday to see if it was worth the effort!

Kyle · ‎06-05-2021

I'll admit I have had my fair share of projects go sideways but (knock on wood) just about everything I have done on this truck has been pretty easy. It lived all of its life in Washington state until about three yeas ago, and every bolt I touch reminds me of that. For instance, the snap rings for the lower balls joints just came right out. I was so blown away I called a friend and they didn't believe me. The leaf springs were from General Spring in Kansas City and fit right up beautifully, all the other hardware was from LMC and was the same. The front suspension is all from A1 Auto and I have always been impressed by fit and finish when I order from them (let alone the speedy shipping!) The brakes and other pieces were from the local parts house here in town. Maybe I've just been lucky, but at this point I'd rather be lucky than good!

Kyle · ‎06-05-2021

That was what really drew me into this truck. I wanted a GMT400 with the Vortec V-8 and a long box, but that is a tough find--at least finding one in condition worth buying.

Kyle · ‎30-04-2021

The TTR125 is really perfectly sized. It's not full-on "mini" like a Honda XR80 so we as riders aren't cramped but it's clear the bikes are "small." TTR125s are 19" front wheel to give some scale for those images.. I'm 6 foot tall and of meager strength but could toss that TTR around no problem.

Kyle · ‎30-04-2021

For sure! If you aren't careful you'll attend just to play around and leave with a handful of new skills.

Kyle · ‎23-04-2021

I'll have to do some calling around and see if I can locate the right bike and collector. I am sure they are out there, and would much enjoy taking a Hummer for a spin. Those bikes are an interesting point in the Harley Davidson story.

Kyle · ‎23-04-2021

I'll admit I've got a close eye on how Euro 5 could affect the motorcycle market. AS for the bikes you listed, we will keep them in mind as we move forward!

Kyle · ‎23-04-2021

You sound like a man I need to talk to. Send me an email if you have a minute: Klsmith@hagerty.com. I'd love to chat and see what we can do.

Kyle · ‎23-04-2021

A couple of those bikes are certainly on our short list, and we will add the others!

Kyle · ‎07-04-2021

After the go-around with this rear wheel it is likely that I will cut and thread my own spokes for the next time I build wheels. I think this particular situation is a combination of so-so quality from the company that cut and threaded them for me and a 30-year old used hub. It's really fighting to get to a roundness that I am comfortable with. Will probably be spending most of today getting it finalized.

Kyle · ‎07-04-2021

I've got to finish up the exhaust system I have planned on this one, it's been sitting nearly two years now and that is simply not acceptable!

Kyle · ‎27-03-2021

I'd rather be able to stop than have the choice of what I am going to hit.

Kyle · ‎20-03-2021

I'll let you in on a secret. One of the delivery trucks dropped off a surprise box earlier this week. I figured Millennium Tech would be shipping all of my engine pieces back together, but the crankshaft is already on the workbench now. This means I can take my time with the bottom end assembly (what I am most nervous about) and all I will be waiting on is the relatively easy cylinder and head.

Kyle · ‎20-03-2021

@RW68RSConv - Good idea! I'll keep an eye on these comments and might run with that for a future article.

Kyle · ‎20-03-2021

There was a tiny part of me that really wanted to be able to write at the end of this project that "see, there is such a thing as affordable racing" but that would be wholly ignorant to write--even at this point, and I haven't even hit the track yet!

Kyle · ‎20-03-2021

You'd be surprised! Stay tuned later this month when I get the parts back I will be writing more about the process and will not hide the price!

Kyle · ‎20-03-2021

The turbocharger draws the air and fuel through the carburetor. In my experience and expertise this is the accurate description of how the Corvair is set up. Curious what you would call it? Many cars of the era had non-collapsing steering columns, the only reason people talk about it on the Corvair is because the engine is located in the rear, but that only marginally raises the risk. The heater pumping CO is a danger--but only if the heating system is not properly maintained. Keep the gaskets between the manifolds and the exhaust tubes on the cylinder heads in proper shape and you can drive with confidence.

Kyle · ‎13-03-2021

The TV is there for a two reasons: I ride my bicycle on a trainer in the garage in the winter, that TV makes the time on the rollers a lot more tolerable. It's also nice to put a concert or other live music on when I am cleaning up or just hanging around with friends. The tough part is that TVs don't like being put in a dusty/dirty environment like a garage. I don't expect this one to live a long life, but it came to me for free so each day is a gift I guess.

Kyle · ‎13-03-2021

@Billygoat33 -- Those drill/impact holders are simple. Just a couple pieces of PVC that I notched with a hand saw and glued to the underside of a shelf. It works quite nice, and the only upgrade I want to make is to have a friend 3d print some battery holders that would put those on the underside of the shelf as well.

Kyle · ‎06-03-2021

That's a good tip on the sanding angles. On a few of these parts it would be quite tricky to switch directions with each grit, but knowing it would speed up the process does make it worth the inconvenience.

Kyle · ‎06-03-2021

I would replace the plastics, but replacements for the XR are actually quite tricky to find and not cheap when available. I have a Maier rear fender on the way because the original is cracked and my previous repair didn't hold up very well, but at $65 for the cheapest version I wouldn't call it cheap. The side panels are each over $100. For what I am doing with this machine, this (not so) quick restoration is perfectly presentable.

Kyle · ‎06-03-2021

I am very curious how history will treat the more recent Erik Buell creations. My crystal ball has been broken for the last few years, so I guess I'll just have to wait and see.

Kyle · ‎05-03-2021

Out of curiosity, if folks who own cars and are passionate about cars but do not have the ability (for one reason or another) to work on their vehicle are not car enthusiasts, what are they?

Kyle · ‎05-03-2021

Your thoughts are spot on. I would add that a good handful of folks I talk to think that "young folks have no idea how to do things" because these young folks know how to do different things. A tired example, but I know a lot of younger enthusiasts that can easily re-tune an ECU but wouldn't know where to start on a carburetor. These folks often get labeled as "not knowing how to do anything" because the knowledge is in tech, not mechanical. It's still a lot of knowledge and expertise though.

Kyle · ‎26-02-2021

The tech might not be the best fit for off-road currently, but we have been seeing fairly rapid advancements over the last few years. The HD Livewire claims 146miles of range, that is double that of my KE175 that I traversed the upper peninsula of Michigan with last year--all with no range anxiety. The instant torque and fewer moving parts of an electric powertrain would be great for a commuter bike.

Kyle · ‎26-02-2021

If the razor blade is parallel to the plastic it is very likely to dig in and gouge the surface. The photo does show the razor laid flat, but I have found the best method to scrape that layer of oxidation off is to hold the razor blade almost a perfect 90 degrees from the panel.

Kyle · ‎21-02-2021

From what I gather, that is the entire unit (engine, transmission, and outdrive)

Kyle · ‎21-02-2021

True, that would make things a lot easier. Mercury's V-8 I/O engines captured my attention a few years ago. Some really cool stuff going on over there.

Kyle · ‎21-02-2021

I would wager it would be even more difficult to compete on the electric side in three years. Sure, they could buy a battery and motor from a third party or source the package from another manufacturer, but then its bikes come with a decent asterisk of "being a tarted-up _____" (insert other company name here).

Kyle · ‎18-02-2021

@Firstdrive - No problem. The wheels are ET Wheels LTIII in 17x7 fronts and 17x8 rears. 3.5" backspacing in the front, 4" backspacing in the back. Tires are 225/50x17 rear and 215/45x17 front. I did a small amount of "re-shaping" in the front fenderwell, but nothing significant and I believe no more than most do to fit 16" wheels and tires. The front tires have close diameter to stock and therefore my stock speedo is still accurate and usable.

Kyle · ‎12-02-2021

I've glued a magnet to the back tip of my tack hammer. Really nice for single-handedly setting a nail or tack then flipping the hammer around and driving it. Coming after that "Heartbeat of America" Corvair plate? My father found that for me years ago, I still have no idea where it came from and have never seen another one.

Kyle · ‎09-02-2021

Interesting. I've never been one to completely glue a cover in place, but on a drag bike it might make more sense. What kind of bike were you racing that time?

Kyle · ‎06-02-2021

I have heard this trick, but I've also been warned that it will wear out the tips of your screw drivers quicker. Any firsthand experience?

Kyle · ‎05-02-2021

There is a chance your vintage Brit bikes might have Pozidrive fasteners, but for the most part they are typically standard flathead and Phillips. One thing to consider on British machines of that era are Whitworth fasteners though. Hex heads that your metric or SAE wrenches simply wont fit. The square drive is Robertson, and I have always been amazed it never caught on inn automotive production. Torx is great, but I've watch Torx splines strip out but I've never seen a Robertson strip out.

Kyle · ‎05-02-2021

Something like that.

Kyle · ‎04-02-2021

I love my pair of Vessel Impacta screwdrivers. However, they are a blend of JIS and Phillips--a compromise that is marketed to work well in both. You and I both know that a tool designed to do it all, rarely does it all well. I grab them for things I know aren't truly stuck in place, but tend to lean on my true JIS bits for the heavy lifting.

Kyle · ‎04-02-2021

Interesting, the Ribe is a new one for me!

Kyle · ‎04-02-2021

Are you sure you want to know where I was?

Kyle · ‎04-02-2021

that one's easy, they are all marked! All the replaceable screwdriver bits I have ever purchased are stamped from the factory, and most all of my screwdrivers are labeled on the shaft. Also, if it's cross point and not labeled, it quite safe to assume it is a Phillips since that is the most popular.

Kyle · ‎04-02-2021

Good catch. I've corrected the caption.

Kyle · ‎03-02-2021

The Reed & Prince (also goes by Frearson) is a second take on the same idea as JIS. The Frearson is slightly deeper and the angle on the tip of the driver is steeper. From what I can tell, the Frearson is an older design than the JIS, but I am not 100% sure since I was unable to find patent information on both (JIS isn't really in the US patent system and I haven't found a source for when the JIS screwdriver standard was introduced.)

Kyle · ‎03-02-2021

The only screw I'll use for woodworking! I don't do much woodworking though...

Kyle · ‎30-01-2021

I could paint it in the garage with a rattle can, but rattle can paint doesn't have a very good reputation of holding up well on motorcycle frames like this XR. I could opt for a catalyzed rattle can, but at the cost there it would be easier and cost about the same to have a pro fog it.