setting up a CRF450 X for winter

[mellis]

Guys,
I purchased a Timber sled this year for my CRF 450 X - Cannot wait to get on it.
I am hoping maybe some of you have already went through all the tricks setting this up and the things I need to do to keep the carbs from freezing, etc.
Any words of advice or links to prior post would be great.
Thanks guys.
Mike Ellis

 

[mtn-doo]

Guys,
I purchased a Timber sled this year for my CRF 450 X - Cannot wait to get on it.
I am hoping maybe some of you have already went through all the tricks setting this up and the things I need to do to keep the carbs from freezing, etc.
Any words of advice or links to prior post would be great.
Thanks guys.
Mike Ellis

Hey Mike, I have installed the KTM carb heater and fabbed a "carb jacket" out of gortex and had awesome results. You have electricity available for the carb heater. There should be a bossed area you can drill and tap. Easy install. Then velcro or fasten as you wish, a "jacket" to keep excessive snow off the carb. You then can jet it and it will work better than some efi bikes. No fuel in the oil, no getting rich. They work super well. Give me a shout with any questions or give PST a message for help. Brad at PST has a lot of hands on time with your 450X and is a professional tuner.

 

[mtn-doo]

If you want detailed photo's and install of that heater, go to the Service Honda KX500AF build thread. Part way down I go through the details with pic's etc. That should help you out.

 

[mellis]

thanks

Thanks a ton for the help. I am supposed to get my kit in the next couple weeks. I will start investigating the carb heater / wrap and will touch base with any questions.

Thanks again.

Mike

 

[sodahucker]

I have an 05X and I've only had my carb freeze up one time when it was near 0 and I stopped to eat. I'll probably wrap it with something this year, but I'm not going to worry about the heater. The biggest problem I've had with my X is that I store it outside in -10F weather and it doesn't want to start when it's that cold. Some people say they have no problem...

I can usually get it to start if I have a warm fully charged battery. Some people say it helps to go up a size on your starter jet. I can't verify that until later this year because I just put it in this summer. Once it's started the first time I'm good for the rest of the day.

The stock seat on the Honda is really hard, especially when it's cold. I would recommend finding a better seat, then let me know if you find one. I bought a Durrelle Racing seat which is wider but not much softer. I'm going to try drilling out some of the foam to see if it will soften up some more.

I don't think the stock stator will run handwarmers and the headlight, but I added a 3 way switch so I could run one or the other. In my experience, you definately want them.

You're going to love it. Let's hope for early snow this year.