The 2015 Husqvarna TC250 Ultimate Build!!!

So, we are finally done with our TC250 (for now).  It is one SWEET bike.  Here is a list of what we have added and done to the bike to make it the best off-road race bike we can make.  This bike is available for demo rides, rental, and race rental this year. Please contact us if you are interested in checking it out.  Highland Cycles 970-240-2197

We added:

Bullet Proof Designs Radiator Guards and Chain Guide Guard

Fasstco Flexx Handlebars with Enduro Engineering Bark Busters and Pillow top Grips

Fastway adjustable Linkage Guard and Evo Air Footpegs

Warp 9 Front and Rear Wheels (to get an 18" on the rear) With an AT81 Rear Tire

Rekluse Core EXP 3.0 Auto Clutch

DID VT2 Chain

SRT Pipe and Guard

Topar Rear Disk Guard with Plastic Fin

TM Designs Chain Guide

TM Designs Skid Plate

TTO Hour Meter

System Tech Racing Fork Bleeders

System Tech Racing Compression and Rebound Adjuster Knobs

System Tech Racing Oil Filler Cap

System Tech Racing Rear Brake Pedal Tip

System Tech Racing Rear Master Cylinder Resevoir

System Tech Racing Rear Caliper Cooler

System Tech Racing Front Disk Guard

Factory Suspension Works Full Custom Re-valve to Forks and Shock

Jetting and Power Valve Tuning by Highland Cycles

If you have any questions about what we did or why please call us at 970-240-2197 and if you are interested in having us help you build your ultimate race bike let us know!!!!

Tech Tip Tuesday 12/9/14

Hey all you offroad riders!!!  Its time for Tech Tip Tuesday.  This weeks lesson is short but sweet and something we all have to deal with at some point in our riding life.  Tire Changing!!!!!!  I am not going to go over an entire change, but I am going to tell you a little secret not a lot of people know.

When you are installing a new tube into a tire, put the valve stem into the hole in the rim FIRST!!!  Once you get it through the hole, use the little nut that comes with it to hold the stem in place while you mount the rest of the tire.  Just thread it on 1/8" to 1/4", not all the way. 

Once you get your tire on and aired up, put the cap on the valve stem and thread the nut UP to the cap, not down to the rim.  Lots of people think that you need to tighten the nut down to the rim but that can, and usually does, cause the valve stem to be ripped out of the tube at some point while you are riding. 

Hope this helps and if you have any questions please call Highland Cycles at 970-240-2197 or email at highlandcycles@hotmail.com

Tech Tip Tuesday 12/2/14

Wheel bearings are part of your dirt bike that most people just kind of forget about until they fail and then we are usually out in the middle of nowhere and limping back home. This is a way for you to get the most out of your bearings and have less troubles. 

First of all, check your bearings frequently.  They usually start to show signs of failure pretty early on and you can catch it and replace them long before a costly failure.  I just grab my wheels and try to move them side to side and see if there is any play at all.  If there is, STOP right there and replace the bearings.  When they first start to fail it is easy to replace them and you won't be stuck out somewhere with a blown up hub or worse. 

Here is the real tip, when you get your new bearings, pop the little seal out of the bearing (the blue one in the pic below) with a smooth tipped screw driver or something not sharp.  Pack a bunch of extra high quality grease (we use Motorex)  into the bearing and then replace the seal.  While you have your inner spacer out, check the ends of it for wear.  If it is starting to mushroom out or looks worn you need to replace it.  If it isn't the right length you will unnecessarily "load" the bearings when you tighten the axle and cause them to wear out prematurely.  When you install the bearings, make sure you are pushing or driving on the outside race, NOT THE INNER ONE.  Once you get your bearings, seals and spacers installed check the movement of the bearings.  If all is good, grease your axle, put your wheel back on and go ride!!!!

2015 Husqvarna TC250

Well, we got out on our new demo bike this weekend and it was AWESOME!  We aren't even close to being done with her set up but we had to break her in and have some fun since after all its a BRAND NEW BIKE!!!!!

We took Elsa (that is her name) out to Peach Valley Recreation Area which is just North and East of our shop about 10 minutes.  After letting her warm up for a bit I sent her out underneath numerous different riders and then took her for a spin myself.  All in all we put about 1.5 hrs on the bike and it was a blast.  Like I said, we haven't even come close to finishing the bike but here is my first impression of the new girl.

First and foremost, even though it is just a differently dressed KTM, the Husky feels different.  From the moment you throw a leg over it to the first set of whoops you hit, there is something unique about the TC.  The first thing I noticed and really liked is how firm the seat is.  I know people complain about seats being stiff and all that but last I checked you weren't supposed to sit on a race bike very often.  The Husky's seat is nice and stiff and they have put some sort of cool grippy cover on it too which is really sticky.  After we took off on the ride I was nervous about how it was going to handle since I keep reading and hearing how terrible the new 4CS forks are.  Well I can say that this amateur rider really liked the suspension on the moto bike.  I can't speak for the enduro models but the TC rocked.  It was stable in the whoops and not nervous in some choppy stuff.  It turned on a dime and gave me some serious confidence.  We didn't take Elsa into the rocky world because we don't have all the guards on it yet so I don't know how she will handle that yet, but we are also having our local suspension guru set her up perfectly soon.  That being said, I think I could ride this bike bone stock just fine. 

The next big worry I had was about the carburetion.  We have struggled to get the 14 and 15 KTM enduro bikes jetted as clean as the older ones so I was concerned about how this new bike would run but again, I was pleasantly surprised.  I used the book specs and a little tweaking of my own and it was great.  I still have some work to do on the bottom end but it ran really well.  No hesitation, no burble, just clean power all the way through.  I did some research and found that for whatever reason the TC's come with a completely different needle series than the enduro bikes and maybe that is the ticket. I know the ignition mapping is different too but I just don't see that making a huge difference.  Either way, I am really happy with the factory suggestions on this carb. 

After about 1.5 hrs of riding and about 10 different riders we all came up with what we believe to be the best single word to describe the new Husky:  SPIRITED!!!!!

That is exactly what she is.  So lively and light.  After riding it for a while I put her away and got back on my 2012 300XC and went out for some rocky stuff.  I love my 300 a lot and in the gnar it is flawless and easy to ride but honestly the fun factor was higher on the new bike and I don't think it is just the newness.  I think the light weight, moto feel of the motor, and different geometry make the difference and I am excited to make this thing into the best offroad race bike we can.  Stay tuned, its going to get exciting!!!!

2015 Husqvarna TC250, nicknamed Elsa!!!

TM Designs Chain Guides!

There are lots of nasty things in the woods and desert that try to reach up and grab the bottom of my bike while I struggle through a ride.  Rocks, roots, bushes, dust, sand, all sorts of things.  So my goal on my bike is to toughen up all of the parts that hang below the plane of the skid plate and swing arm.  One of those things is the chain guide.

Chain guide aren't cool, they don't look neat, they really just don't inspire me but if you mess one up during a ride you will wish you had paid more attention.  For instance, I was riding an area South of Montrose near Kinikin Rd.  Every thing was going well and then all of a sudden, on a very steep side hill, my rear wheel stopped dead.  As I almost went over the bars and then almost down the side hill I stopped and looked to see what could have happened.  Then I noticed it.  My metal chain guide had hit a rock, and broken off of the swing arm and wrapped itself into my chain and rear sprocket.  I though well that sucks but I will just dislodge it and be on my way.  No such luck, when that happened it had bent the heck out of my rear sprocket to the point I couldn't ride out.  That was the first and only time I have had to be towed (knock on wood). 

Well I have the solution now.  The TM chain guide is a "plastic" guide that bends and flexes and goes back to its shape instead of breaking or staying bent over and causing your chain to derail or wear your sprocket out really fast.  I have been using TM guides for years now and have had no problems what so ever.  And they come with a 1 year warranty!!!!  1 year??? the manufacturers don't even give you more than 30 days.  You can confidently buy one of these guides and know that you are getting your money's worth. 

Oh, and they come in colors so they can look cool too!!!

Morgan Spradling (destroyer of motorcycle and hack rider)

Flexx Handle Bars Are On Sale

Just another note to let you all know that the wonderful people at Flexx Handlebars are giving us a discount on a limited number of Flexx Bars.  From now until November 29th if you use "50flexx" coupon code you will get $50 dollars off a set of Flexx Bars.  We are only getting 5 sets at this price so order soon to get your favorite rider a set for Christmas.  www.offroadmotoparts.com  is your source for awesome off road parts.  And remember please call Morgan with any questions or requests  970-240-2197!

Tech tip Tuesday

TECH TIP TUESDAY!!!  A fresh spark plug is never a bad idea when servicing you bike but make sure you apply anti-seize to the threads before installing it into your cylinder head.  It not only helps you get an accurate torque but also keeps the steel in the plug from "welding" itself to the aluminum of your motor.  Stay tuned every Tuesday for a new tech tip!!

The Grand Junction/Utah Desert!

Yesterday a crew and I headed North and West to escape the cold that was settling in the Montrose area.  We ended up just out side of Colorado into Utah in an area know as Westwater.  We unloaded in Mid 20's temps and suited up for an 80 mile ride. 

As we headed out into the desert single track we started to warm up and find our pace (which was quick I must say).  Our trail boss guided us through a maze of moto and sheep trails onto what is called the Thompson Trail.  We followed that back towards Colorado at a high rate of speed, always on the look out for the dreaded "Death G Out."  We found a few of those but no one had any issues.

We approached our stashed gas near the CO/Utah boarder and grabbed some snacks.  Then I noticed we were missing one.  Crap, where is Chrysanthemum????  He is a damn good rider and never far behind.  I knew I need to go look for him since he rarely makes mistakes and couldn't have missed the trail.  As I slowly headed back I realized what must have happened and upon finding him I was right.  His miniature gas tank on his CRF450R had run completely out of fuel. 

We giggled and got a transfer bottle out to get some of my 2 stroke gas out of my tank and into his.  After the transfer we headed to where we had fuel and food.  We took a little break and headed to the rockier, more technical section of the day.  As we climbed towards the top of the mesa in front of us we spotted a new trail to us.  We decided to try it.  I am so glad we did.  It was awesome.  Rocky, hard, steep and totally new to me.  We all made it up to the top and headed in the direction of the trucks.  The trails in this area are awesome.  Some rocky, some flowy, some whooped out, and some just plain FAST!  As we approached the trucks the idea of a cold adult beverage filled our brains and the pace quickened. 

We got to the vehicles, loaded up and had a beer.  The sun was descending in the West and shook hands and promised to get as many rides in as we could before the winter really set in.  

Riding motorcycles is the greatest thing I can even think of doing.  Get out and Ride!!!!!!!

Morgan

Desert Riding

Tomorrow we are headed to the Colorado/Utah border for some desert action.  Stay tuned here to read a wrap up on the day's ride.   I will be filming so we should have some great footage.  See you all soon.

Who we are!

Offroadmotoparts.com is a small online retailer that was started to help increase the buying power of Highland Cycles in Montrose Colorado.  Highland Cycles is a locally owned and operated, independent motorcycle shop that delivers the best service and parts in Western Colorado. 

The Owner of both of these businesses is Morgan Spradling.  Morgan eats, sleeps, and breathes motorcycles.  His passion for the sport is why these two businesses exist. He started Highland Cycles in the spring of 2007 and has weathered the worst economy since the great depression.  It hasn't been easy and it hasn't been fun the whole time but his determination to bring great work and great parts to the offroad community has gotten him through. 

Morgan has big dreams for his little businesses.  His goal is to build multiple shops that all stay small and personal but have the collective buying power to offer internet pricing to the folks who walk in off the street.  He wants people to be able to ask a human, in person, about a part or accessory and get a real, honest and informed answer.  That is why he is giving out his shop number on this site.  If you have a question about a part or its function then please call 970-240-2197 and talk to either Morgan or one of his amazing employees.  They all ride and race and can help you in your decision on what you need.  This ISNT motosport.com, this ISNT rocky mountain.  Those are great places but we can guarantee that if you call that number or order a part, you will be dealing directly with an offroad motorcyclist, not just someone in a cubicle! 

Please let your riding friends know about us and spread the word. If you subscribe to our email list you will receive great offers on amazing parts and we promise to take care of each and every one of you!!!

Thanks, www.offroadmotoparts.com

Topar Racing Billet Guards

Brakes are an important part of your motorcycle!!  I know that sounds funny but I am reviewing a really great way to protect your precious brakes while slamming through the rocks and gnar of everyday off-road motorcycling. 

Topar Racing out of Trinidad Colorado is building what I believe to be the best of the best when it comes to disk, caliper, and fork guards. 

Their guards are amazing.  They are built from solid billet (I know that is redundant) aluminum and machined to fit perfectly.  The fins both front and rear are replaceable as well as the rear caliper guard that comes with the rear disk guard.  As you can see from the photos below, mine have seen some serious action and my brake rotors are still straight. 

A bent rotor isn't the end of the world of course and you can buy them for less than you pay for one of these guards but when you are charging hard through a trail and you need to slow down for a turn and all of a sudden you brakes aren't working, the amount of money you saved doesn't really seam all that important.  I remember very clearly an instance before I used these guards when I ended up wrong side up and off the trail because I had bent my front brake rotor but didn't know.  As I careened out of control towards the corner (this is before I knew I didn't have brakes) I went to put the binders on and...    NOTHING!!!  I stabbed the rear but it was way too late.  I launched so far off the trail.  I was lucky to not be injured. 

I have tried numerous other brake rotor guards and these are by far my favorite and have held up the best.  And there is the added benefit that they are built in the great state of Colorado!!!

Cycra Handguards

As you all may be figuring out, I am really hard on equipment.  If a part isn't built really well then I will destroy it.  I think it has mostly to do with all of the crashing.  I know for a fact it isn't because of speed. 

I started my motorcycle career with plastic Acerbis hand guards.  Those didn't make it a week before I had broken both levers and ruined the guards.  Next I went to the Acerbis guards that had aluminum in them and they were better but I still managed to mangle them pretty quickly.  Then I thought I was really smart and went with some flag style guards.  That experiment ended with a broken and permanently misshapen finger.  Finally I tried the expensive but really well built Cycra ProBend CRM guards.  I have had the same pair now for 2 bikes and haven't been able to destroy them.

The ProBends are great.  They made from billet aluminum and designed to be easy to mount and easy to get your hands out of the way in case of a crash.  The CRM (Center Reach Mount) design is awesome too.  With the mounts reaching all the way to the cylindrical part of the bar (not the tapered part) you get more strength and consistent tightening.  

I have crashed and crashed and banged mine against all sorts of obstacles and they are still great.  I recommend pairing them with the threaded inserts we sell to because they give you a super positive mount.   

As always, FOREVER TWO WHEELS!!!!!!

Ironman Sprockets

I never in a million years thought I would do a glowing review of a sprocket, but here we go!!!

I switched to Ironman Sprockets quite a few years ago.  I had grown tired of replacing chains and sprockets multiple times a year and a friend suggested the Ironman.  Well since I switched I have been so impressed.  The pic in this post is of my last Ironman Sprocket that had at least 250 hrs on it and 2 chains. 

I know that the sprockets are expensive but when you look at how long they last and the lack of maintenance needed it makes sense to buy the Ironman Sprocket. 

They are tough as nails when it comes to impact too.  I have hammered mine and never had a problem. 

I guarantee you will be pleased with the Ironman Sprocket if you get one.

Our Youtube Channel

Here is the link to our Youtube Channel.  You will be able to see that we do test the parts to the fullest extent.  Have fun watching, we had a blast making them.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC8Ip0TyVJSbNbphPpS0JtA

Evans Powersports Coolant

Here in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado trails are tight and slow compared to lots of other places. And where I like to ride we have problems with bikes overheating in the really rough terrain. In the past the solution has been a fan kit or picking up the pace to a level that is dangerous. A few years ago I learned about Evans waterless coolant and the game changed. Evans doesn't use any water at all and because of that doesn't boil over until a much higher temp. The benefit isn't just keeping coolant in your bike, it also ensures that the coolant continues to touch the hot parts of your motor and draw that detrimental heat away. What that means is that your motor is in better shape for longer. The other upside to not having water in the engine is that you don't have corrosion or electrolysis which degrade parts of the cooling system. I stand behind Evans Powersports Coolant 100% and believe that everyone should use it even if you don't have overheating problems.

Morgan Spradling
Owner and Founder of Highland Cycles

Fastway Linkage Guard

I am really hard on my motorcycle.  Its not that I am fast or talented, in fact its probably the opposite problem.  I hit every rock, root and obstacle in the trail without fail.  Because of that I really test the protective parts I put on my bike.  If they don't hold up, I don't put them on this site. 

  One product that I believe in completely is the Fastway Linkage guard.  Links on motorcycles are inherently vulnerable and really expensive to replace.  The biggest problem to me is that if you break one or part of one, you day is over and you may have a really hard time getting back to the truck.  Enter the Fastway Linkage guard. 

  This thing is TOUGH!  It is built from billet aluminum and it is heavy duty.  The design is sleek yet protective and they just look good if you ask me.  Unlike other guards the fastway guard doesn't add a part to your bike, it replaces one so you don't end up with more stuff hanging unnecessarily from your motorcycle.  

  The other really cool benefit of the fastway linkage guard is that it is adjustable.  It allows you to adjust the length of the link thereby allowing for seat height adjustment and over all geometry changes that can increase tractability or improve turning. 

  I am a big fan of the guard and I think it is absolutely worth the money. 

Morgan Spradling

Owner and Founder Highland Cycles

FLEXX Handle Bars

I don't know about you but after years of riding and unfortunately crashing, my body isn't as limber and pain free as it used to be. I have one wrist that aches and recently it started keeping me from doing long hard rides. I considered having a doctor look at it but the idea of paying someone way too much money to tell me that I'm banged up didn't appeal to me.
For years I had been seeing some of the older fast guys running Flexx bars but the price of those scared me away too. Finally, with my annual Bataan Death March (gnar fest we do every year near Crested Butte) approaching I decided to give the a try. I called the boys in Utah and became a dealer.
I mounted the bars up and after some initial struggling got my bark busters mounted too. They didn't seem to do anything when I first mounted my steed. But as the 150 mile day progressed I began to forget about my wrist and started focusing on just getting through the rough terrain. At the end of the day I was drinking a celebratory beer and remembered that my wrist should be hurting but it wasn't!!
I have run the bars since then and can say without reservation that they are worth every penny! That is why we are offering them here on www.offroadmotoparts.com. I absolutely believe that you will love them if you try them.

Kriega US-5

I absolutely LOVE my Kriega pack. I have used it on my KTM 300 XC for over 30 hrs of hard riding and it's been flawless. I even pressure washed it to check its "waterproofness" and everything stayed dry. If you don't like carrying tools on your body this is THE fender bag for you!!

We are live

This site has been a dream of mine for quite a while.  I own Highland Cycles in Montrose Colorado.  We are an independent repair shop that specializes in off-road performance.  We have been providing quality service and parts to western Colorado for 8 years now.  My goal is to provide incredible customer service and the best prices on the best parts to the off-road community that I can while still making a living.  I won't give parts or service away but I will stand behind everything we sell and all the work we do.  I will work tirelessly to make sure that each and everyone of you is happy with what we provide and excited about riding!  If you don't mind I would love it if you could share this page with as many people as you possibly can.