Rick,

I'm 47 and the oldest of six boys (my poor mother). We all grew up riding in the early 70's and 80's. I have read your wise offerings since the inception of dirt bike magazine. We have all learned a lot from your magazine columns through the years and i recently adopted vintage 2-stroke restoration and modification as a hobby. While digging around on the internet, i was elated to find your column. I have a cherry kawasaki 1977 ke-250 and a 1974 ks-125,   both with less than 2000 original miles. I have a few "builders" also.

In 1999 we lost my brother Steven in a car accident.  He was the star of the "crash & burn" page in what i believe was the september or october 1982 issue of dirt bike. Maybe it was sept. Or oct. '83 or '84 ,  i just can't remember, it's been 23 years ago. My mother sent in the photo and i'll be damned if you guys didn't publish it. His feet were sticking straight up in the air while he hung on to his yz-125....funny stuff.  Nowdays the "kids" do that on purpose.

My question is;   how would i go about getting a copy of that issue?  I figure if anyone had a complete set of the magazines and could help me identify the correct year/issue,  it would be you.  I also hoped you might tell me how to go about getting a copy of that issue...(or maybe a high-res scan of that crash & burn page...hint,hint).

I am building "sleeper" versions of the ke250 & ks125's in addition to the pristine stock versions. I think i'm pretty much on my own as far as the ke250 is concerned but, will the '74-'76 kx125 cylinder & top end drop onto the ks125?  If so, will i need to retain the ks crank and put a kx "cut" on the rotary valve?  I think a vintage kx downpipe will fit. I realize that my potential rpm will be somewhat limited due to the enduro having points as opposed to cdi.  If none of this will work, i guess i'll drag out the die grinder, welder and cone rolled tubing.  Any information will be appreciated.

Rick, i'm glad to see you're still at it and will resume digesting the plethora of knowledge that you spew forth, oh great one.

Sincere thanks,

Ed Lindsey

Here you go with the crash & burn, ed.  I can’t help you with the Kawasaki question, though.  I’ll run this is in october issue with your email address to see if that helps.  Let me know.

***

Dear Super Hunky,

I have enjoyed your columns since the early days of dirt bike. I thought i would pass on my new found use for your much loved Yz490. I grafted the disc brake front end on my xt500 and threw the Rest away!

How's your health? We haven't had an update lately.

Best regards

Alan
Halifax , Canada

Perfect use for the 490! Congrats for making something on the YZ 490 work. I’m getting better as the days go by.

***

Dear Rick:

Here is another “odd” bike for you, my Saracen Trials with Sachs 125 six speed.  (assembled from parts in 1973)

See some other trials pictures and videos from vancouver area at www.ronwalsh.ca

Best regards,
Ron walsh
Port Coquitlam , BC
Canada

Great Ron. We’ll share the photos with our readers.

***

Hey Rick,

I just bought my first vintage bike this year, 1978 Maico Magnum 250, just got her put back together. The bike had a set of Fox air shocks, they seem like a lot of maintance.

What I have read is the seals only last about six mouths if your lucky before you have to rebuild them again. Is that true? Are they worth the trouble? One's I seen on ebay are selling for over 700.00 a set, so I would think there worth it, but I ride every weekend, don't know wheather to spend my money rebuilding the Fox air shocks, or find a better set that what I got on her now, any help would be great.
B. Gardner

I would go for Works Performance shocks and sell the Fox units. Phone is 791-1010.

***

Rick,

Shot of my 1983 490 maico restoration project now completed (attachment above). Thought you might enjoy. Canadian maico, vintage iron, rage racing and lots of pesos and manhours later...it is a second kick starter. Runs great !! Hope all is well with you.

Rob loubier

Phoenix , AZ