Regarding high speed stability. Couple of things to possibly consider. With the compression full soft, the forks will go further through the stroke on bumps etc. As they do, if there’s too much rebound, they’ll spend more time in the lower position and you’ll end up with less rake. Also, if that’s the Nitro Mousse, a softer bib will run the tire slightly lower, flatter than 12 psi in a tube. Combining the lower forks and tire could be part of the stability issue. Also a full tank of fuel exacerbates the bike having less rake.
Mike the Midwest levers are one of the best upgrades I’ve ever done. A little bit pricey but man are they comfortable and confidence inspiring. In my opinion any time you can make an upgrade to a touch point on the bike like lovers or Peggs or seat it makes a huge difference in ergonomics and ride ability. Can’t say enough great things about these Midwest levers!
I absolutely LOVE my Twisted Engineering bars, can't say enough good about them. I put my bike down hard, many times on my Tour of Idaho attempt and had zero issues. I honestly don't think my old wrist injuries would have taken the abuse of so many consecutive hours/days had I decided to run any other bar. I used the Reflex Racing flag guards, combined with Flo Moto unbreakable levers. The flag guards provided as much protection as my hands needed, and allowed the bars to flex with 100% freedom. I don't think I'll ever go back to using full wrap handguards.
SAM! I couldn’t agree more. I’ll have to take a look at the Reflex flags and give those a try. I’m also a fan of the Twisted and agree my wrists and hands did better with those then any other bar system we’ve tested. Your Tour run was legendary my man
@@TACOMOTOCO Thanks Mike, actually Steve's run was legendary, he was THE man for continuing on solo, but I sure as heck had fun. I'm enjoying living vicariously through your ID travels. I have constant moto dreams of riding in Idaho. Nothing else like it.
That slot in the hand guards is for multiple bar lengths. Also if you plug that slot, then what happened to you would have broken the mount at the inner handle bar mount instead of moving in.
Thought about putting a block in brushguard adjustment slot....: if it don't/can't move upon impact, it will brake... that would be worse than having to adjust and straighten later if a long way out on a trail.. just a thought..
I could never get along with the hand guards for the Twisted Engineering bars. I ended up leaving the bars for the same reason. You fall and they bend.
The Twisted Engineering bars and guards are garbage. Ran them for a year (on a solid recommendation) and the guards did the same thing to me (I threw some basic nuts and bolts (2 to be exact) next to the mount so it wouldn’t slide upon any impact), but the bars themselves will fray where the carbon fiber meets the metal center mounting area of the bars. I had Flexx before and went back to Flexx after. Way better design (flex point is in the same plane as your suspension, not forward and back) and you can use just about any handguard set up. Idaho is a blast. Hope you guys rip it!
Mike, have you tried the Mako 360 bar mounts? I've had Flexx Bars (so so but heavy and cumbersome, and mine broke), three buddies had the TE bars but broke them. I've been using the Mako's on my GasGas 300 and love them.
What is a better setup: Twisted Engineering or Fasst Flexx Bar's for reduced vibration/ trail riding/ overall duration..? Enjoyment of the setup? Sorry for the loaded question! Seems to be a Hot Topic...
You guys that go crazy with mods on new bikes are trying to buy speed. These bikes are good stock. At least ride bike stock first to see what it needs first. It always the rider that makes the biggest difference. Ride more mod less.
Sort of. A modern stock bike is the best machine that any rider could ever get his hands on. This is true. And it’s also true that a rider would do well to improve his skills and competency. But it’s also true that some riders don’t have have the time or live in a place they can get out every weekend. Some guys only get out a few times a year. Some guys can carefully ad some well chosen components and increase is skill and confidence through equipment that works for him not against him. Knowing what is legit and what works and how they can help a rider is what we’re about. Obviously you won’t need aids and components to increase your ride game. Hats off to you. For the other group of riders there’s wisdom in a well sorted and appointed machine. Braaaaaaaaaap
2020 500 exc-f. 6’5”. Needed mods for dual sport / height. Bigger tank. Acerbis 3.9. Lowered foot pegs (knight designs), clutch lever ( Midwest) it is easy to set up. Extra tall extra wide seat concepts seat. (Still narrow at front) 15t front sprocket ( faster road sections). Stock power / torque etc is way more than is ever needed off road. Dunlop D606 rear tire, Pirelli mt21 front. Have fun on the ultimate tall guy dual sport.
This bike is over-engineered for what you need it. You either get your parts at 50% or for free. When you ride with others your top modded bike is as fast as the slowest bike. These 500 are great out of the crate, other than the tank, the rest is unnecessary unless the rider cannot ride and keep up with the pack.
Mmmm, not sure I follow you at all. Every choice on this bike is to make it more rideable, reliable, safer and smoother. This set up would be ideal to ride the GRIT, a local trail, a month long expedition or a truck ride with your buddies.
Great info! Is there a follow up to this on how the end cap swap and ECU swap performed?
Man i wish i was there with you. Idaho has been on top of my list for quite a while now. Dream job!!
Regarding high speed stability. Couple of things to possibly consider.
With the compression full soft, the forks will go further through the stroke on bumps etc. As they do, if there’s too much rebound, they’ll spend more time in the lower position and you’ll end up with less rake.
Also, if that’s the Nitro Mousse, a softer bib will run the tire slightly lower, flatter than 12 psi in a tube.
Combining the lower forks and tire could be part of the stability issue. Also a full tank of fuel exacerbates the bike having less rake.
Mike the Midwest levers are one of the best upgrades I’ve ever done. A little bit pricey but man are they comfortable and confidence inspiring. In my opinion any time you can make an upgrade to a touch point on the bike like lovers or Peggs or seat it makes a huge difference in ergonomics and ride ability. Can’t say enough great things about these Midwest levers!
I agree. Big fan of the Midwest levers on my '20.
So, what was the consensus on the super silent end cap? Did it make up for the loss of low end by removing the reeds?
I’m wondering to. I kinda regret pulling my reeds
I absolutely LOVE my Twisted Engineering bars, can't say enough good about them. I put my bike down hard, many times on my Tour of Idaho attempt and had zero issues. I honestly don't think my old wrist injuries would have taken the abuse of so many consecutive hours/days had I decided to run any other bar. I used the Reflex Racing flag guards, combined with Flo Moto unbreakable levers. The flag guards provided as much protection as my hands needed, and allowed the bars to flex with 100% freedom. I don't think I'll ever go back to using full wrap handguards.
SAM! I couldn’t agree more. I’ll have to take a look at the Reflex flags and give those a try. I’m also a fan of the Twisted and agree my wrists and hands did better with those then any other bar system we’ve tested. Your Tour run was legendary my man
@@TACOMOTOCO Thanks Mike, actually Steve's run was legendary, he was THE man for continuing on solo, but I sure as heck had fun. I'm enjoying living vicariously through your ID travels. I have constant moto dreams of riding in Idaho. Nothing else like it.
That slot in the hand guards is for multiple bar lengths. Also if you plug that slot, then what happened to you would have broken the mount at the inner handle bar mount instead of moving in.
Good observations. I believe you’re speaking the truth there
Thought about putting a block in brushguard adjustment slot....: if it don't/can't move upon impact, it will brake... that would be worse than having to adjust and straighten later if a long way out on a trail.. just a thought..
I could never get along with the hand guards for the Twisted Engineering bars. I ended up leaving the bars for the same reason. You fall and they bend.
The Twisted Engineering bars and guards are garbage. Ran them for a year (on a solid recommendation) and the guards did the same thing to me (I threw some basic nuts and bolts (2 to be exact) next to the mount so it wouldn’t slide upon any impact), but the bars themselves will fray where the carbon fiber meets the metal center mounting area of the bars. I had Flexx before and went back to Flexx after. Way better design (flex point is in the same plane as your suspension, not forward and back) and you can use just about any handguard set up. Idaho is a blast. Hope you guys rip it!
We’ve got a bunch of miles and a few get offs on these and they’re my favorite bar system to date.
Mike, have you tried the Mako 360 bar mounts? I've had Flexx Bars (so so but heavy and cumbersome, and mine broke), three buddies had the TE bars but broke them. I've been using the Mako's on my GasGas 300 and love them.
Always good info on parts sales, how about ride vids, and comparisons or independent ride impressions with and without mods?
Seat Concepts Comfy XL all day everyday.
what is/where did you get the little ram mount ball that mounts on the handlebar clamp screws? Thanks.
That’s a RAM product
@@TACOMOTOCO thank you, sir!
What tires are you running?
Couldn’t you drill and tap those bars for hdb gaurds?
What is a better setup:
Twisted Engineering or Fasst Flexx Bar's for reduced vibration/ trail riding/ overall duration..?
Enjoyment of the setup?
Sorry for the loaded question!
Seems to be a Hot Topic...
For me Twisted
How can you set your bike up with such big bar risers I tried it it’s impossible
Thanks!
Love Pine. Sadly I have only made the 2 hour trip up there once this year.
Are those Trailtech guards? I had to grind a ton off those. How did you fit yours?
Fit fine straight away no issues
What radiator guards/braces are you using?
what kind of light/signal control switch is that?
tacomoto.co/products/taco-moto-co-slim-line-left-hand-master-switch
Would like to see some information on the 350 EXC with respect to testing these different mods.
All are essentially the exact same outcomes on the 250, 350, 450, 500, 501🤘🏽
You guys that go crazy with mods on new bikes are trying to buy speed. These bikes are good stock. At least ride bike stock first to see what it needs first. It always the rider that makes the biggest difference. Ride more mod less.
Sort of.
A modern stock bike is the best machine that any rider could ever get his hands on.
This is true. And it’s also true that a rider would do well to improve his skills and competency.
But it’s also true that some riders don’t have have the time or live in a place they can get out every weekend. Some guys only get out a few times a year. Some guys can carefully ad some well chosen components and increase is skill and confidence through equipment that works for him not against him.
Knowing what is legit and what works and how they can help a rider is what we’re about.
Obviously you won’t need aids and components to increase your ride game.
Hats off to you.
For the other group of riders there’s wisdom in a well sorted and appointed machine.
Braaaaaaaaaap
2020 500 exc-f. 6’5”. Needed mods for dual sport / height. Bigger tank. Acerbis 3.9. Lowered foot pegs (knight designs), clutch lever ( Midwest) it is easy to set up. Extra tall extra wide seat concepts seat. (Still narrow at front) 15t front sprocket ( faster road sections). Stock power / torque etc is way more than is ever needed off road. Dunlop D606 rear tire, Pirelli mt21 front. Have fun on the ultimate tall guy dual sport.
About 9 mins in all I see is a face on the silencer 🙄
By the exc-f 250 and save same many! 🤦♂️
Mmmmm, that’s not the point. I can make a 500 feel like a 250. I can’t make a 250 feel like a 500.
This bike is over-engineered for what you need it. You either get your parts at 50% or for free. When you ride with others your top modded bike is as fast as the slowest bike. These 500 are great out of the crate, other than the tank, the rest is unnecessary unless the rider cannot ride and keep up with the pack.
Mmmm, not sure I follow you at all. Every choice on this bike is to make it more rideable, reliable, safer and smoother. This set up would be ideal to ride the GRIT, a local trail, a month long expedition or a truck ride with your buddies.
How would you know what somebody needs on their bike Eddie? Stop being that guy
@@scottc4433 you are right, Happy to delete my comment
Like to see the bike in action on the trail. But great video otherwise