fletchman45
Husqvarna
Pro Class
My Tm only has 17.8 hours on it but did discover a few things. Steering stem bearing did not have any slop but felt a bit notchy. Called Mike at Cycleplayground. Great guy who talks to you and seems pretty up on TM stuff!! While they do come with and SKF bearing (funny thing is it says TM racing right on the darn bearing) and you can not get it from SKF!!! He said for what ever reason the dust seal or whatever lets some moisture in and the bearing gets a little rust on it. Which makes it feel a tish notchy when turning the triple tree with no forks or anything on the bike. I took apart and greased them. better but not perfect. A lot of guys including Mike put a Honda kit in the bike which will last longer I am told. That is what I will do**************************************** Tid bit number two. On 250 two strokes the plastic water pump impeller can fail and spin on the shaft. You know what this means and what will happen right? Not GOOD!!! Keep at least a spare gasket and possibly a water pump impeller on hand. I spoke with Pete and they only keep one on hand at all times so it is not a big problem however I have heard of enough failures to warrant having a ten $$ part laying around! I am going to check every 25 hours and replace if there are any signs of where. While working on this bike (2012 TM 250MX) I get a strong sense of pride from a small company that cares. In a world of inferior companys buying out other companys and plastering false names on this and that it is refreshing to work on this bike!!! No testing yet but first ten minute impression. Sounds NICE!! Engine is strong and smooth fires up on first kick. Good flywheel effect as the MX models I believe have the same lighting coil as EN models. ( I installed 50 tooth sprocket and will see soon if I want to go deeper) engine crawls down low and does NOT stall easily! But will boogie when needed! Clutch pull stiff for a juice clutch but you do not have to pull all the way in! Seat height fine for my short 5 foot 7 frame. Bike is LIGHT do not quote me but I think 216-218 dry!! And believe me much much lighter then a new generation Gas Gas!! Another quirk I was told about. This bike was not even ridden with the stock clutch plates. For 12 I was told the stock plates are not good for some reason and they were replaced when new with Honda CR clutch plates. Ergos wise this thing feels pretty nice and pleasant! When jumping from my 99 tm 250 to this the 99 feels like a dinosaur and the engine in the 99 may be faster or just so pipey that it feels that way. Lots more detailed testing will be coming if it will warm up and quit raining!!! For now I am stoked and really do not feel like I am on the dark side!! What a great story about even how this company started! One thing is for certain it is from Italy**************************************** More tidbits soon............................