Author Topic: Ty Davis KX Kit questions...  (Read 6925 times)

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QuantumDuck

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Ty Davis KX Kit questions...
« on: January 29, 2003, 01:15:21 PM »
I was just at the new Ty Davis products website and I got a few questions that I couldn't find the answers for...I think most of these have been covered in the past but my mind ain't what it used to be...

How many gallons does it hold? More or less than stock? The shrouds that come with kit are 250 shrouds right? Is white the only color it comes in or do they make a green one? And lastly...I think someone had a link to a page that detailed an install...anyone have that link or can you let me know about any tips or tricks for the install?

d**n it's good to be back! :mrgreen:

Suicycle

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Ty Davis KX Kit questions...
« Reply #1 on: January 30, 2003, 09:16:47 AM »
yeah the shrouds are from a 250.  that is all i know.  if i hadn't just bought a clarke tank about 3 months ago i'd have the zipty tank.  best looking kx i have seen was the one in dirt bike shootout.  all that thing needs is the rear fender from a 250 :D

Offline Paul

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Ty Davis KX Kit questions...
« Reply #2 on: January 30, 2003, 09:40:06 AM »
This is Rick Corwins assesment of the ZipTy system:
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1. My seat is about 2.5 inches taller than stock, as I am 6' 5" tall.  The taller seat helps keep my toes more parallel with the ground (read fewer lost toenails from hitting stumps and rocks), makes the transition from sitting to standing much easier for a tall rider, and increases quickness in tight woods races and desert draws because of a better riding position for my height.  

2. The bike has 3.5 gallons of fuel in the pictures (about the same as the old IMS tank), and the fuel is just below the top shroud bolt on the tank instead of at cap height.  This helps keep the weight lower in the frame.

3. The installation was simple.  (The top hose clamp on the small hose from the cylinder to the case will need to be moved to the front in order to allow hose to pipe clearance.  This was really the only required change.)

4. Notice that the top front pipe mounting bolt goes on the bottom radiator support.  You will need a longer bolt for this to ensure you get enough threads to secure the pipe.  Your local Kawi dealer has 8mm head bolts to match the rest, and about 1/4 longer will do.  The front lower and back mounting positions are the same.

5. The only riding oddity was that the front of your right boot may contact the pipe just in front of the kick-starter.  This is where the pipe bends to wrap behind the kick-starter.  This was not even noticeable in the last National H&H in Nevada (most of the race was spent standing, just in case you hit a big rock at race speed.  This makes it easier for your legs to clear the bars as you go over.). However, it was noticeable in the 2-day Enduro in the woods the following weekend, but 45 minutes into Saturday's enduro, it was no longer noticeable.

6. The pipe is strong, strong, strong!!!  I had a 4th gear getoff into a pile of trees and stumps in Day 1 of the Enduro will running 2nd expert.  While I was able to get airborne to clear the pile of logs (and only dislocated the radius in my right arm), the bike took quite a hit.  Enough of a hit to break off the bottom lip of one of the forks.  However, I remounted without losing any places, and the bike never faltered.  Finished second expert.  Great pipe, Ty.

7. No modifications to stabilizer mount were required.
8. The FMF silencer fits into place without any modifications.
9. Thanks Ty for allowing access to the spark plug with removal of the tank.  With 4.2 gallons, this was a big concern, as I put in a new platinum plug for every race.  While access is possible, I did find that it is easier to remove the bottom shroud bolt to get the spark plug out.  In fact, the change is faster than with the old IMS tank.

10. The seat fit perfectly, and does not bend upward in the front any more than before.
11. After looking at the tank, I was concerned about cooling.  However, the enduro was a great test, with lots of clutch work needed, at 90 degrees air temperature.  Did not lose one drop of coolant.

12. The thinner tank has a wonderful feel.

How does it run?
1. Stock jetting did not work at all!  I run a stock motor with the only mods being pipe, 1mm shaved slid, and FMF torque reeds.  I also run Platinum plugs, changed frequently, so fire should not be a problem.  I will be putting in a new piston/rings, and cleaning the power valves this weekend, and will check jetting after the new stuff is installed.  I can't imagine there will be any changes, but worth a test since parts are cheap.

2.  The new pipe has more snap off bottom than the FMF pipe, and pulls smoother through the lower and mid RPM range.  I run 14/45 gearing in the tight woods races, but run 15/45 in the desert, so top speed has never really been a problem.  However, the new setup does seem to sign off a little earlier than before (you really have to pay attention to notice anything, but it is there).  However, in my opinion, the tradeoff in power band personality is well worth it, as the 500 simply does not hurt for top speed.

Now for the big question, "Would I buy it again?".  The system is a little pricey at a retail price of $545, but since you get pipe, tank, shrouds, and graphics, it's about the same as buying the OLD FMF pipe, old IMS tank, stock shrouds, and graphics to your liking.  Heck, call it a birthday present, sell your old stuff to someone without a birthday, and you can get the final cost of the deal into a manageable range  After jetting was fine tuned (Stock pilot and main, but the stock needle moved to the highest position on the needle), there is no doubt I would put down the cash for the new system.  

To this point, I have not even talked about the new look, which I like a lot better.  If you're going to spend the money, spend the added $25 for the '93 UFO KX250 rear fender, as it completes the package.  

Hope this helps anyone in the process of making the decision.  Keep the rubber side down, it hurts less.

Rick
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Rick

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Ty Davis KX Kit questions...
« Reply #3 on: February 06, 2003, 04:22:00 AM »
Wow, didn' t know anyone still had my old post detailing the installation of Ty's system.  Thought I would add a few notes.

1. Not sure I was very clear in my old post, but the spark plug is easy to access with the romoval of the bottom shroud bolt on the clutch side.  While it is accessable without removing the shroud bolt, it is more difficult.
2. After 8 months, still would lay down the cash for the package.  The pipe is still in great shape, with the exception of the little welded on plate on the side of the pipe that says the pipe is from Ty Davis.  No big deal.  
3. I have not had any problems with frame cracks, or frame pipe mounts breaking.  Also, all rubber pipe mounts are still in good shape.
4. Don't even notice than my boot rubs the pipe, and neither pipe nor boot are any worse for wear.
5. Ty' s graphics have held up well, and only one small spot coming loose.
6. Having the 4.2 gallons of fuel has been a welcome addition on several occassions, as even the old IMS tank would not have held enough fuel on a few rides.
7. The new IMS tank is showing no signs of wear, and seems to be a great fit.

As a note, last weekend, I went riding with a group I had not ridden with before, and while we were discussing fuel usage, one rider noted that we had two big bores in the group, speaking of 2 Honda CR500's.  Not until I started my baby did anyone realize I was riding a KX500.  Too much fun.

Let me know if anyone has any specific questions about the system.

Rick

QuantumDuck

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Ty Davis KX Kit questions...
« Reply #4 on: February 06, 2003, 01:36:02 PM »
Rick...I don't have any specific questions for you ...yet :D ...I'm sure when I get the system I may very well have a few questions for ya though...just make sure you check back here in a month or so:mrgreen:

mikesmith

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Ty Davis KX Kit questions...
« Reply #5 on: February 21, 2003, 10:35:01 PM »
Rick,did you get the FMF or Flow pipe?

Offline demographic

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Re: Ty Davis KX Kit questions...
« Reply #6 on: February 23, 2003, 07:06:09 PM »
Quote from: QuantumDuck
Is white the only color it comes in or do they make a green one?:mrgreen:


I reckon if your putting the bike on the road a white (or near enough, see through) tank is FAR better cos you can see how much petrol is in the tank and you know how much oil you need in it when you are filling it up.
I would even put graduations up the side.

It just means you don't look like a divvy standing at the petrol station fourcourt looking in the filler hole as you try to work out your ratios.

I have a green tank :( and at the moment am too skint to buy a large capacity white one