07 KTM 250 XCFW Questions

[GWsXR250R]

Fella's,

I bought this bike last year and absolutely love it. But I have a few questions.

Rear brake: I've bled the front and rear brakes (reverse bleed with syringe) but the rear brake is still spongy. Is there a way to pressurize the line? Or do I just need to replace the master cylinder guts?

Battery: it's currently running the stock battery. It's week and hates the cold. Any suggestion on replacements? Maybe something lighter weight? Has anyone looked for these batteries at Battery World?

Valve cover vent hose/oil in air box: this is scaring me a little. After a solid days riding there's a little puddle of oil in the air box. Over filling the oil is a possibility but I've controlled that by measuring. Is it top end issue? Blow by the rings? Some guys say it's common, just spray off the valves? will this hurt the carb if I'm blowing oil through it?
I'm running Shell Rotella T 15 40. No signs of metal shaving in any oil changes, filters or screens.

Your input and advise will be appreciated.

GW

[cerealkiller]

Gnarly parts has cheap Tusk batteries. Same as stock though - not any lighter. Probably around $30 for your bike. Up to you if saving a pound is worth the extra $200 it will cost for lithium.

You probably still have air trapped in your brake line. I've struggled with bleeding the brembo stuff my 350 too (ask Robert about my clutch slave saga). With the brakes, try removing the caliper from the bike so you can position it lower to ensure the air bubbles travel up, then pushing the piston all the way back in. Then push the brake pedal to push it back out (not too far though) and repeat a few times. Seems to me that air sometime gets stuck in the caliper and with the rear brake being pretty horizontal, it can be tough to get the bubble out. You can tap the caliper to encourage the bubble to move too.

[Dobi]

I had lots of issues with my rear brake in 07. I had to rebuild it a few times over the course of 2 years. The rebuild kits are relatively cheap. The other thing to look out for is the rubber piece in the cap. You need to make sure it is fully extended out and blown up like a balloon. I have had some that scrunched up and it would cause the brake to only work for a short time before becoming a sponge.

I run a lithium and feel it makes a huge difference in weight and power. I have had to swap my battery out as a race sweeper and put it into a Husky with no kicker to keep her moving. The stock battery that would barely click on the 4 stroke would crank my 2 stroke with ease as soon as I installed it into my bike. Bottom line. 4 strokes like big battery power.

[boland]

I find air gets trapped in the banjo bolt fittings. I would crack those one at a time during the bleeding process.

[GWsXR250R]

Thanks guys,

I'll try a couple of the suggestion for bleeding the rear brake before I just rebuild it. Might have to hold off on the lithium battery.

Any thought on the oil issue?

GW

[cedric]

The airbox oil is caused by worn rings pressurizing the crank case. The RC4 engine is known for wearing out rings quickly. You likely need new rings, the piston and cylinder are probably fine.

How many hours on the meter?

[GWsXR250R]

240hrs on the meter.

Top end was "supposedly" rebuilt at 180hrs, rings, piston.

Guess it may be time to crack it open

GW

[cedric]

The guys on KTM Talk will suggest rings every 50 hrs for the RC4 250F....Other than that, it is a very durable engine.

[GWsXR250R]

Thanks Cedric,

I appreciate the info!

GW

[Dobi]

Thanks guys,

I'll try a couple of the suggestion for bleeding the rear brake before I just rebuild it. Might have to hold off on the lithium battery.

Any thought on the oil issue?

GW

I was able to buy just the rubbers and not an entire rebuild kit for under $10. Looks like you can still buy just that. It comes off with a c-clip and is a quick fix

[trailguy]

After bleeding the next step is to check your rotor is not worn thin and/or cupped out in the center and make sure your pads are not to thin. With the pistons pushed out farther than spec you will likely not get them bleed properly.

[RJHenry]

Gnarly parts has cheap Tusk batteries. Same as stock though - not any lighter. Probably around $30 for your bike. Up to you if saving a pound is worth the extra $200 it will cost for lithium.

A n D Batteries http://www.affordablebatteryspecialist.ca/ offers a Battery Tender brand lithium ion that is about 130 IIRC. I have bought two for our bikes, and a couple friends have them also... one has died after 18 months but they are working with me on warranty. Your mileage may vary.

RJH

[GWsXR250R]

Anyone runnin DNA Racing rims on a KTM?

Need a new front brake rotor. The stock rotor bolt pattern doesn't match up. I'm pretty sure I need to order it online but I don't want to order the wrong one. There are no markings on the existing rotor.

Help?

GW

[trailguy]

Anyone runnin DNA Racing rims on a KTM?

Need a new front brake rotor. The stock rotor bolt pattern doesn't match up. I'm pretty sure I need to order it online but I don't want to order the wrong one. There are no markings on the existing rotor.

Help?

GW

The local Pro-Action Suspension shop is a DNA wheels dealer, I have purchased DNA wheelsets from him.

[GWsXR250R]

Wicked! Thanks Trailguy.

I will see what they have to say!

GW