Operation Supermoto complete!

You know, there's always a learning period with every new vehicle.. that time during which you get to know your new vehicle. It can be frustrating hunting down all the information you need, sourcing parts, and learning your way around the machine mechanically.

Thankfully, though, the day finally comes.. the day that you suddenly feel like you've got it all sorted out.. and last night's ride home was exactly that for me and the XR.

I've been confused about the jetting and seemingly lean running condition, but I had the 'right' jets installed, the 'right' fuel screw setting, and it was still a mystery..

I know I had to check valve clearances first before going any further.. which is exactly what I set out to do.. until...

... This is the cover to the crank case where you attach a wrench to turn the motor by hand.. Well, it didn't feel like coming out.. I started by rounding out the allen, tried a few other methods and finally removed the crank cover and the stator inside, and bolted the whole damn thing to the work bench so I could put some elbow grease on the extractor and just be done with it.. Have you EVER seen an extractor go all the way into something? I mean that little f**&er was IN there! Anyway, I obviously got that thing out, but never got around to checking valves until the replacement part came in..

I set the valve clearances to factory specs, bolted 'er back up and went for a ride... and it stalled on me twice.. DAMN!

Someone had suggested setting them a little loose and trying that first, and plus I then read something about the HRC cam not only being longer duration, but also higher lift (I thought it was ONLY longer duration).. so it all made sense and I re-set the clearances .001 over the factory specs... result: no stalling. (so far)... isn't it amazing that .001" makes that big of a difference?

Anyway, with that part seemingly sorted out, I replaced the intake boot for good measure, and finally wired up the supermoto headlight.. I think I'll call this project done...