2003 KX 250 SF Conversion

[DP3601]

Ever since the big wreck last year, I've been a little uncomfortable with Goliath.  I just have a hard time not thinking about the forks turning in the triple clamps, and even though I swapped out for the 2001 models, it's still in the back of my head.  I have been looking for a set of aftermarket triple clamps with a little more clamping surface, but no one made them for anything earlier than 2002.  I always remember Foxx's advice about watching eBay, and the other day it paid off.  I saw an ad for a set of upper clamps for a 2001.  They were gold, but at least they were the correct model year.  In the ad it gave a phone number to call if you had questions, so I gave them a call to see if they had any other clamps for sale.  In turns out the company selling them was Topar Racing, which makes the case saver for the KX 500 that several guys have on their bikes.  I spoke with Henry, and he hooked me up with a set of triple clamps and handle bar mounts for $236 plus shipping.  They are coated with a substance that looks like anodizing, but is more fade resistant.  It's called Endurocoat, and was originally developed for Navy Seals.  I talked to him on Wednesday, and he shipped them out to me on Thursday.  I got them in today, and can't wait to get them mounted.  They are really nice for the price, and very beefy.





Here is a link to their site if you are interested.  Ask for Henry.

http://www.toparracing.com/

Pro Circuit did a run of clamps for the 04 KX250/125 and they were VERY proud of them.    I like the looks of these and a reasonable price.  Ive been looking for a long time.  Good Find Umberto!!  Do you happen to know what the offset is on these?

[umberto]

These are stock offset.  I didn't ask about other offsets, but I'm sure they make them.  Henry is a super nice guy, I would just call him and ask.

I'm going to mount them this week sometime, so I should have a report on how well they fit.  I'll keep you posted.

[umberto]

I was able to get the stem pressed out of another set of 2003 clamps I have and into the new billet clamps.  Big thank you to Danger for allowing me to use his 12 ton shop press.  I can say that these clamps are very nice and well made.  I did have to chase the threads where the coating got in (fender mounts, front plate mount), but they really get a bite on the forks.  Here's a pick of them mounted; I'll try to get a few more whole bike pics later today.

[umberto]

More pics:

[zz3gmc]

Your bike is looking good! Mine should be back together by next weekend. Just in time for our WV vaca!

[umberto]

Thank you zz3gmc. I'll bet there are some fun places to ride in WV. Take some pics if you can.

[umberto]

I got a chance to ride the bike today with the new triple clamps installed.  Danger and I went riding for a little while, and I was really pleased with the way the bike rode and handled.  My main concern coming in was that the solid handlebar mounts would transfer too much vibration, but they actually seemed to have less vibration. 

All in all, I would highly recommend the Topar clamps, they are well worth the money.

[Danger4u2]

Pushed out the stem. The dog is checking umberto's hotwheel.
Install in the new clamp.
A little trail maintenance after we rode.

[umberto]

A little trail maintenance after we rode.

Man, you got a lot done after I left!  There were only two piles when I was there. 

[Danger4u2]

Yes, 7 burn piles, I only drag limbs/logs or rake 10 feet from the fire.
Piles are 20 feet apart, I did 7 piles.  I weedeated the loop north of
the west end of the half pipe.  There is a big pile of dirt up there, very steep.
I'll let you have the honor of being the first to ride over, since you have the
better triple clamps...

First two pic's are 3 weeks ago, last was one week ago.

[umberto]

These are stock offset.  I didn't ask about other offsets, but I'm sure they make them.  Henry is a super nice guy, I would just call him and ask.

I'm going to mount them this week sometime, so I should have a report on how well they fit.  I'll keep you posted.

I spoke with Henry at Topar Racing today, and he indicated that while they stock a lot of clamps for even vintage bikes, they are almost all stock offset.  They can do different offsets, but it they would be custom order and more expensive.

[umberto]

Look what I got in this week:



I'm waiting on my dad to mill out a clutch cover spacer for me, and I'll get it installed. I have to say EFM is excellent to work with, and turned around my clutch really quickly. I'm pretty excited to get it installed. I'll keep you posted.

[mikectanker]

Haven't  sent my clutch to them yet. waiting for that ride report. If its good I may need to hurry up and get mine done.

[umberto]

Make sure you have your two piece clutch cover and 1/2" cover spacer sorted out before you send it to them. My bike is basically a great big towel holder right now until I get my spacer. 

[mikectanker]

I  had mine fabricated to sandblasters specs just for an auto clutch from the start!