Who rides motorcycles?

[Milo]

This is one thing that irritates me...why can't the manufacturers just jet/program a motorcycle to run the way it should for peak performance and longevity from the factory? Playing those little games like cutting fuel completely when you close the throttle sacrifices smoothness....

Some manufacturers spend a lot of time developing mapping with excellent throttle response that meets Euro 5+, EPA, etc. emissions. Others don't concern themselves so much with smooth low speed throttling, just meeting emissions.

While it can contribute, cutting fuel at closed throttle doesn't have to sacrifice smoothness but it sure reduces engine braking. Poor mapping and throttle shut off can be irritating, same with abrupt off idle throttling. I've had three bikes that were awful with off idle abruptness, 2017 Honda Crosstour, 2020 Honda Africa Twin, 2015 Yamaha FJ-09. They were all but impossible to ride slow, smoothly, especially on a rough road.

 

[scootr]

This is one thing that irritates me...why can't the manufacturers just jet/program a motorcycle to run the way it should for peak performance and longevity from the factory? Playing those little games like cutting fuel completely when you close the throttle sacrifices smoothness. Jetting/programming it purposefully lean is detrimental to the health of the engine.

I could transition this rant to the automotive side but will stop now.

Our "overlords" do not have any allies in this house.

In the US, thank or blame the EPA. Manufacturers have to meet emission and sound restrictions to be able to sell.

 

[Bocephous]

In the US, thank or blame the EPA. Manufacturers have to meet emission and sound restrictions to be able to sell.

I phrased that wrong probably; sarcasm. I understand it's the EPA, hence the overlords reference. I'm sure some good was done at some point but they seem to be best at ruining vehicles now.

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

Yup. She's a Husky FE350s Heritage. Hopefully my dream bike. The waiting for delivery is killing me But the dealer with this one offered $2500 off MSRP for last years model. They are an hour away and offered free delivery and a cheap 2 yr extended warranty. My local dealer is just 10 miles away for parts and service. Nice people but didn't have any leftover Huskies. 2026 models went up considerably due to applied tariffs

I wonder about reliability. What does this mean?

 

[scootr]

I wonder about reliability. What does this mean?

View attachment 5302756

This is the same engine used in the KTM bikes. KTM owns Husqvarna motorcycles and they are built in the same factory. I believe only the suspension is different. KTM builds race bikes, these are dirt bikes with blinkers. Definitely not your Japanese type of motorcycle.

KTM has been a dominant force in the racing world for over two decades, particularly in off-road and rally competition, with a rapid rise to prominence in the last 20–30 years. While they have secured over 370 World Championship titles since their first win in 1954, the yr I was made. lol

KTM sold 292,497 motorcycles in 2024, experiencing a significant decrease from the 372,511 units sold in 2023

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

This is the same engine used in the KTM bikes. KTM owns Husqvarna motorcycles and they are built in the same factory. I believe only the suspension is different. KTM builds race bikes, these are dirt bikes with blinkers. Definitely not your Japanese type of motorcycle.

KTM has been a dominant force in the racing world for over two decades, particularly in off-road and rally competition, with a rapid rise to prominence in the last 20–30 years. While they have secured over 370 World Championship titles since their first win in 1954, the yr I was made. lol

KTM sold 292,497 motorcycles in 2024, experiencing a significant decrease from the 372,511 units sold in 2023

I'm not knocking their competitiveness. Just wondering what they mean by crankshaft service intervals of 135 hours?

My buddy raced 4 stroke KTMs about 10 years ago. He says that to keep it in tip top running condition, a top end rebuild every 25-30 hours for the motocross bikes.

 

[ponytug]

Personally, I think high specific output engines and short service intervals go hand in hand.

You can 20HP out of a highly modified 220cc Honda, but it won't last as long. There's a high specific output version of one of my diesels, with triple the HP output, and an out of vehicle rebuild interval of 600 hours. That doesn't work for me, but I know it works for others.

All the best,

Peter

 

[ponytug]

@Kyle_in_Tex If that is a FC350,
Here's a snapshot of part of the maintenance (columns are 1,15,45,90 hours and 24 months)

Engine off of bike seal changes start at 45 hours, and the "major engine" service at 90, including replacing all the bearings...

(That's from a 2023 manual, so perhaps that is now 65, and 135 hours...)

All the best, Peter