New Rig

[HPIguy]

I couldn't take it anymore, found a NIB one on ebay with a make offer on it, and they took my offer. It's a V2 also, which is a good thing, mainly the steel gyro gears. Man, I've wanted one for so long, I'm super pumped to run it tomorrrow!! Gotta go through and check some things first, like the gyro assembly, get rid of the stupid on/off switch, and setup the suspension (knowing big bike suspension actually helped LOL). Then, off to try to learn how to run these things.

With Vinnie on it

And of course, supermoto tires

Also picked up the alloy chain adjusters, as I read the plastic ones didn't hold very well.

 

[slowngreen]

There goes the vacation. lol. Vids are a must!

 

[tmaxxfreek]

Purty!!!!!

 

[hamz9561]

+1! We also want pictures of any carnage!

 

[Rolex]

Wow, 1/4 scale off road. Welcome to the bike forum.
Hopefully we'll be drawing a crowd.
Let me know how easy it is to handle with the gyro in the rear wheel.

 

[HPIguy]

Thanks guys, there will definitely be video for sure. Just finished up a while ago, got some pics along the way, too tired to sort and post them tonight though.

Rolex, I'll let you know what I think after running it tomorrow, even though I have no other bikes to compare it to.

Cleaned and setup the gyro gears as they weren't timed right (imagine that) and lubed them and closed up the rear wheel, installed the alloy chain adjusters, the nylon side bars I forgot I had bought, Moved the rear shock out one hole and added preload so the front and rear suspension compresses and rebounds at the same time for better balance (I hope ), and put a Deans plug on the ESC.

Just tested to make sure everything works, and it's all good. Tomorrow is go time.

There goes the vacation. lol. Vids are a must!

What can I say, I'm an addict Even better pal, you guys get to come along for the ride

(I've since lowered and moved the camera forward)

 

[tmaxxfreek]

Now i want one......lol

 

[HPIguy]

LOL, I've heard there's quite a learning curve to running the bikes, we'll see tomorrow.

 

[Rolex]

I don't think you'll want to run with the camera on till you've mastered the counter-steer.
Hurry up. We want video.

 

[HPIguy]

Rolex, I'm sure you're right. But, given our bike section is new, I thought I'd document my journey into RC bikes as a true bike n00b from the beginning. I was also advised to use the rider, as he's made of foam and helps protect the bike, so here's my new setup, headed out in about an hour.

 

[Rolex]

That's a great idea! The camera is well protected, and the rider is already brainless.

 

[HPIguy]

As is the driver, sometimes.

 

[Rolex]

I wanted to be polite.

 

[HPIguy]

LOL, headed out now, video to come later.

 

[HPIguy]

Well, it was short lived. One side of my rear axle moved, causing the chain to come off and snapped it at the master link. Chain adjusters are a bad design anyway compared to big bikes IMHO.

I will say this though, I'm totally hooked on RC bikes now, this thing is a blast to run. After a few falls, I kept it upright for a pretty good while (more like 2 mintues actual time LOL). It needs some more tuning, like a lot heavier oil in the steering damper to get rid of the tank slappers, but I'll get it dialed in. Video is uploading now.

 

[Rolex]

Do you have steering dampers on that bike? The weight of silicone oil as well as the spring tension is adjustable to prevent front end wobble or tank slap.
I've upgraded mine to alloy, and they're actually mini shocks. Other than that, I hope you're running a computer radio with end point limits.

 

[HPIguy]

Rolex, it does have a damper, just needs much heavier oil in there. I think I'll start with 60wt, and go from there. It actually came with a 3 channel computer radio. Later on, I'll be adding the front disc brake kit, and playing around with mixing for the amount of brake bias front to rear. That will really come into play on the pavement in supermoto trim, for some backing it in action.

 

[Rolex]

I tried getting a front brake kit for my nitro bike but it's out of stock everywhere.
For the Thunder Tiger bikes you add a micro servo then set the mix to get the proper front to rear balance.
I'll be upgrading my electric bike to brushless, and being electric I don't think it's worth $65 plus the extra servo since I can program a drag brake.

 

[HPIguy]

Wow, that's pricey! That's all you do on the VMX / MM450's, is set the mix once you set your EPA adjustments. Luckily the kit is only $30 or so. The front brake for me will be more for when it's in supermoto trim, so I can back it in, like this

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_LDpGKHUiw?t=53s

EDIT: I tried 50wt in the damper (all I had here) and it still felt loose and floppy to me. So, I had some 1,000wt diff oil I had never used, and I tried that, and it seems about right. I'll know tomorrow or the next day once my master links show up.

 

[HPIguy]

Did a few mods over the last couple of days.

Turns out throwing the chain was a blessing in disguise. Tore into the bike and my pinion gear pulled off in my hand :whhooo:

Also did the following

Removed footpegs
Changed shock oil to 50wt, feels balanced better F to R now on compression and rebound
Changed damper back down to 45wt, need some 40, but oh well
Removed on / off switch
Set pinion / spur mesh (was way too tight)
Centered my steering servo horn
Mounted my RX in thin foam top and bottom
Installed new master link
And of course, installed those chain adjusters properly.
Also, built a wheelie bar for it

Pics of said wheelie bar

With shell on

Also, put a dab of goop over my master link, same as I do on the big bike. Just extra insurance.