2007 Husqvarna SM 610 - Lots of Questions

Hi guys, I'm finally getting to know my new used SM 610 and I've done a dozen hours of searching around and self-educating and answered lots of my own questions. I was hoping you could help me with the rest. I know it's a lot of questions for a new guy, and nobody will have all the answers, but I'd love some input. Also, I did post this on Thumper Talk as well, but I think this group seems to know a lot more specialised info. Just answer with the section and number if you don't want to quote, like "B 12." It's nice to meet ya!

A) The Bike:

1. Is it normal for the clutch to drag? For instance, if I'm at a stop with the clutch all the way in it still pulls a bit. I've done the basic adjustments, and can't get it to stop dragging.
2. Is it normal that I find it difficult to put in Neutral at a stop? If the motor's off or if I'm going 5+ MPH then I can get to N from first, and almost never can I get to N from 2nd. I can also get the "N" light to come on when it's still in gear... which was confusing at first.
3. I can't seem to get the neck/throat lock to work. There's a keyhole on the front fork, but turning the key and handlebars don't seem to lock anything... am I doing it wrong? Do you know if I can buy a replacement?
4. It's a total pain that the gas cap and ignition are different keys. Has anyone modified theirs to use the same key?
5. Is there a helmet lock on the bike? Maybe it went missing with my passenger pegs.
6. I've noticed that the Hot Start and Choke seem pretty random. For instance, sometimes hot it won't start unless the Choke is on. Sometimes when cold it won't start unless the Hot Start is on. Weird?
7. What are the differences between the SM 610 and the SMR?
8. What are the differences between the SM 610 and TE 610 (besides the obvious off-road classification)?
9. What years of parts from which models will likely fit a 2007 SM 610? I know it's carb not injection, but that's about it.
10. Is there a rev limiter on the throttle? I haven't risked redlining it for fear there may not be.

Riding:

1. I'm new to supermotos... when you're in your normal riding position do you have the balls of your feet (near the toes) on the pegs? Or, do you have them on the brake and shifter with your heels on the pegs?
2. For this kind of bike in normal riding conditions, use the clutch to up and downshift or no?
3. Anyone know roughly how much range I have left when the fuel light comes on?

C) Parts:

1. The previous owner took of the passenger pegs and brackets... do you know where I can buy replacements? Are there any aftermarket kits I could use if OEM doesn't turn up?
2. The previous owner put on a red Husqvarna branded short clutch lever, anyone know where to find a matching brake lever? It looks kinda' like the new Husqvarna ones on their new site, but not quite.
3. The kickstand is terrible... I can't park on soft soil or on a hill unless the bike leans uphill. Is there a replacement or mod people recommend so that it doesn't lean over so far?
4. There's a Leo Vince slip-on exhaust on it, and gains to be had for adding a full exhaust?
5. I'm having trouble finding aftermarket parts specifically for the bike - I guess they're rare... I found two skid plates, a big gas tank, luggage rack, and once saw a seat... that about it?
6. I'd love to pimp it out a bit with Touratech guards or something, but they don't seem to have SM 610 stuff like headlight guards, any others out there?
7. I don't find the seat that uncomfortable, but I hear people replace theirs a lot. What's the best seat out there? The Corbin? Seat Concepts? I can't go and sit on them to try it out. =)
8. Are there any really easy kits out there to replace the headlamp, turn indicators, brake with brighter ones or LEDs? I don't solder.
9. I'm missing a few nuts, bolts, washers and one rubber gasket for where my headlamp cowl meets the front fender... can I get that stuff?
10. The OEM luggage rack seems pretty useless for anything other than bungies and pretty thing for a mounting plate, do people recommend another?
11. For tracks that require them, is there an easy-to-install catchcan and peg sliders that'll fit? Will the new Husqvarna sliders fit on?
12. Will any of these fancy new Husqvarna parts fit on?

D) Maintenance:

1. I'm not good for much more than pulling faring and changing oil... how do I know if the cam chain needs replacing?
2. I did an oil change and found what looked like little wood chips, metal filings, and even a small bent washer in the bag filter - am I screwed?
3. Can I check the secondary bag filter without a spare gasket when I take the crankcase cover off? Is it a liquid gasket?

Ugh, blah... There are a bunch of inserted links to ads. Sorry about that, please ignore those blue words.

HOLY CRAP! Will I be compensated for answering these?

1. Yes
2. Yes
3. Dunno
4. Search
5. Dunno
6. You sure you don't have them mixed up? Choke is for cold starts and hot start I really only use if I dump it and flood the motor.
7. Dunno
8. Not much, mostly wheels and tires, stock gearing, front brake...
9. Any 2006-2009 TE610 parts will work (besides the obvious EFI/carb stuff). Lots of other husky parts are cross-compatible, for example I can use the same sprockets and brake pads on my '06 610, '12 WR, and my brother's '00 410.
10. Yes. 8000 rpm, I believe.

1. Balls of feet.
2. Generally I use the clutch for both. When accelerating hard I sometimes don't use the clutch to upshift. Nearly always use the clutch to downshift.
3. Figure out how much gas is left when the light turns on, figure out your gas mileage, and multiply them by each other.

6.Boooo Touratech.
7. If you don't find it uncomfortable, why change it?
8. You'll have to do some easy crimping or soldering.

1. Search. You need to count the number of "clicks" on the cam chain tensioner.
2. Maybe
3. Should be ok to reuse the gasket. It is a metal type with some polymer on it.

A:
1-Yes.
2-Yes.
4-JonXX did this: http://www.cafehusky.com/threads/610-gas-cap-key-eliminator.29569/
5-Yes, it's on the right passenger peg.
10-Yes: 8250 rpm

B:
1-I have the balls of feet on the pegs and I lift the feet when I shift down or I brake.
3-You have 3.6 liters of fuel left.

c:
11-Usually the peg sliders for Husqvarnas are designed for the SMR models. I tried a pair and I had to modify them to make them fit properly. I doubt that the ones for the new models will fit withoud modifications.
Since I lost the right one during a fall, I had to buy/make a new one. So, I bought a cutting board which looks just like this, for somthing like 3 €, if I recall correctly: http://www.cedtrade.co.uk/p/12-inch-white-low-density-cutting-board
and I got this:

Then, I modified it melting it and adding some other material from the board with a soldering iron for tin soldering, paied about 4 € and similar to this:
http://www.harborfreight.com/30-watt-lightweight-soldering-iron-69060-8913.html
getting this:


D:
1-This is the right way to check it: http://www.cafehusky.com/threads/cct-11-clicks-out-at-3k-miles.1614/#post-27804
2-You could have this sissue: http://www.cafehusky.com/threads/help-debris-found-in-my-engine-610-630-clutch-issues.16604/

D2- As per Theo's post above....the bent washer could be a busted clutch cup. The little wood chip looking bits are probably broken off bits of epoxy from the stator magnets. I bought my 2006 with 3900 miles on it and was bummed to see lots of those little brownish orange chunks when I chnaged the oil. I'm at almost 9k miles now with no bits to be seen at oil change time and no problems.
D3- reuse the gasket

You didn't ask about axle sliders, but you can find the rear axle block/slider combo units I make here:
http://www.cafehusky.com/threads/official-six-nine-design-axle-block-slider-thread.41916/

These 610 are such fun bikes!!! Enjoy!

I am new to the SM610 as well and you have many of the same questions that I have. I am glad to hear some re-assuring responses and hope to contribute what I have learned.
A2 - This bike does seem to be touchy on finding neutral. I imagine, like all other bikes that I have found difficult at first, once you get used to it, it will slide right in to Neutral when you need it to. Unlike every other bike I have had, I have yet to hit a false neutral.
A3 - the whole cylinder pushes in when you get to the locking point. I think you can turn the key, then push on it while moving the bars around until it slides in. I messed with mine for five minutes before I accidentally got it to work and I was surprised by the way it went in.
A4 - until this thread, I just accepted the key issue. I have a two part key chain that I can un-clip the gas key from easily without taking the ignition key out of the bike. Seeing that you can just grind off the tumblers, I just may do that!
A5 - helmet lock was on the right passenger peg bracket. I took my passenger brackets off for now, but may put them on in the future when my daughter is big enough to reach them.
A6 - I have found that my hot start and choke (or is it an enrichment) only make my bike run worse. I don't know what this says about the jetting, but even cold the choke doesn't help. Only hurts.
B1 - Balls for riding, then move your feet around to use the controls. In thick protective boots (like dirt boots) you don't have the feel to be able to flex the levers gently. You are generally using the whole foot to bang the levers down. As an aside, I tried to adjust the shift lever to a more usable position for non-dirt boots, and found that access to the lever is rather challenging. Looks like you have to remove the counter sprocket and get the chain out of the way. goofy.
B3 - I don't know how the low fuel light is supposed to work, but mine never came on. I ran out of gas on my very first ride home on the bike with zero notice. I second I was doing 75 mph on the highway, the next it was dead like someone hit my kill switch. I am looking for more info on the fuel switch.
C1 - I would almost consider selling mine, but I may need them in future. Sorry.
C3 - I feel you on this one. I almost pull the bike over on every dismount.
C7 - I went with a Seat Concepts seat with Gripper top and carbon sides. Looks - good in its own way, but strays from the "batmobile" styling. Feel - nice and soft with WAAY more surface area for your body parts and I foresee it paying off on longer rides. Performance - It is too grippy and soft to be able to move around easily. As a shorty, I have a hard time getting my leg over it, and the fact that I can't slide up on to it, doesn't help.
C9 - There are a number of Husky dealers on line. Look the parts diagrams, write down the part numbers you need and request a quote.
C10 - Seat Concepts also offers a rack. It looks big and sturdy, and doesn't require any cutting to mount it. It also seems like a good value. I will only mount it when I go camping, or on a trip with luggage.

I've been reading and digesting your replies over a week now, and I'm super grateful at all this excellent advice! Thank you all very much, and after I do some wrenching I may come back with a couple follow-ups. You rule.

-a