Back on three wheels

[67Sport]

Just a quick post to say hello. I picked up a 350x a couple months back, with most of a parts bike too. I had a 185s 20 years ago, but i don't think I'd ever seen a 350x before this one. It's awesome!

I'm slowly trying to make one decent runner for cheap, but lots to do yet.

I'll post some more pics soon. - Mikehttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170407/304f7946417ad87b09c80d17a2f1c84a.jpg

[350for350]

Welcome. Yes the 350x's are great. I hadn't see one either before mine. I was looking at something else for a friend. The owner showed it to me and said it's for sale too. I wasn't interested, but I didn't get 10 miles down the road before I decided to borrow the money to buy it. I just couldn't get it out of my mind and had to have it!

[67Sport]

Welcome. Yes the 350x's are great. I hadn't see one either before mine. I was looking at something else for a friend. The owner showed it to me and said it's for sale too. I wasn't interested, but I didn't get 10 miles down the road before I decided to borrow the money to buy it. I just couldn't get it out of my mind and had to have it!
That's kinda how this went. I put a wanted ad out for a 200x, 350x or any of the 250 models. Ended up coming home with 2 350x's for me and a 200x for my buddy. It's a good day coming home with 3 new trikes in the truck.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170408/fbdc9aa8c5b9a3632228afb8532459f2.jpg

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[67Sport]

So two of the rear tires were full of dry rot and wouldn't hold air. The pic at the top is after i swapped the tires off the parts trike, onto the runner. They have 8" wheels, innertubes, and are heavy compared to the others. I need to put some riding hours into it, but does anyone have pros or cons on this setup?
I'm on the west coast of Canada, so no sand. Gravel pits and forest trails/mud is what we ride.

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[OZQUAD44]

Lots of unsprung weight in those tyres, and they look quite high.

Good for:
A slight increase in top speed
A slight loss of torque, at low speeds (sort of like taking off in second gear instead of first gear)
Traction, and
Ground clearance

Not so good for:
High speed vibration
Any improvements in Handling
Using more horsepower to turn the tyre
Raising the rear of the bike
Jumps,
Rubbing on the fenders, or
Looks (but that's just my opinion)

I don't like the jacked up feeling on my trikes, so I would be looking for a good all rounder 20" tyre. But again That's just my opinion. If you do a lot of mud Boggs, and rock crawling, with a change in sprocket those tyres may be perfect for your application.

BTW, if those rims are steel, try and find some aluminium ones. That's a lot of unnecessary weight to be lugging around.

[emoji106]



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[67Sport]

Lots of unsprung weight in those tyres, and they look quite high.

Good for:
A slight increase in top speed
A slight loss of torque, at low speeds (sort of like taking off in second gear instead of first gear)
Traction, and
Ground clearance

Not so good for:
High speed vibration
Any improvements in Handling
Using more horsepower to turn the tyre
Raising the rear of the bike
Jumps, or
Looks (but that's just my opinion)

I don't like the jacked up feeling on my trikes, so I would be looking for a good all rounder 20" tyre. But again That's just my opinion. If you do a lot of mud Boggs, and rock crawling, with a change in sprocket those tyres may be perfect for your application.

[emoji106]



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Thanks for the info. Any info on the tubes? Are they installed because of holes or rot in the tires, or is there a reason for them other than that?

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[OZQUAD44]

No, usually just an air leak. Be it in the tyre itself, or via the rims. Steel rims (if they are steel) can rust and leak air. A tube stops this without having to buy a new tyre.

However. Tubes on atv tyres suck. Due to the nature of ATV tyres and the fact they are designed to run low air pressure, it is very easy for the tube to spin in the the tyre, which makes the valve stem lean to one side. I had one case, where the tube moved so much in the rim, it cut the valve stem, and the tyre still went flat.

I think tyres are one of the most important aspect of ATV's. They are your only contact with the ground. I like my tyres fresh, and tubeless. Not always an easy ask for 30 year old Machines, but fresh tyres do make a big difference to your ride experience.


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[67Sport]

No, usually just an air leak. Be it in the tyre itself, or via the rims. Steel rims (if they are steel) can rust and leak air. A tube stops this without having to buy a new tyre.

However. Tubes on atv tyres suck. Due to the nature of ATV tyres and the fact they are designed to run low air pressure, it is very easy for the tube to spin in the the tyre, which makes the valve stem lean to one side. I had one case, where the tube moved so much in the rim, it cut the valve stem, and the tyre still went flat.

I think tyres are one of the most important aspect of ATV's. They are your only contact with the ground. I like my tyres fresh, and tubeless. Not always an easy ask for 30 year old Machines, but fresh tyres do make a big difference to your ride experience.


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Thanks, that's what I'm after. Looks like I need to go tire shopping. I gotta check over both sets of wheels. There is one set of steel 8's, and one of aluminum 9's, but I think the 9's are kinda banged up. Guess I better read up on tire options and 20 vs 22's....

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[350for350]

There's a lot of options for other aluminum rims. The bolt pattern is 4/110. Other atv's that use the same are atc/trx 250r, 200x, 300ex, 400ex, trx 450r. There's probably others that I left out. The selection of new or used rims is pretty big. The 350x came with 22" rear tires from the factory. Since you say that you ride in a lot of mud, you may want to stay with a more aggressive tire. If you know anyone with rims that will bolt onto your 350x, maybe you can talk them into letting you borrow them for a little while so you can try out different rims, tire sizes, and tread types.

[67Sport]

There's a lot of options for other aluminum rims. The bolt pattern is 4/110. Other atv's that use the same are atc/trx 250r, 200x, 300ex, 400ex, trx 450r. There's probably others that I left out. The selection of new or used rims is pretty big. The 350x came with 22" rear tires from the factory. Since you say that you ride in a lot of mud, you may want to stay with a more aggressive tire. If you know anyone with rims that will bolt onto your 350x, maybe you can talk them into letting you borrow them for a little while so you can try out different rims, tire sizes, and tread types.
So I checked over my 9's, and one is pretty bent right at the bead. I may be able to straighten it, but i've heard they are prone to cracking.

Sounds like a buddy is willing to long term lend me (he doesn't want to sell them) a set of aluminum 10's. So I think I gotta find some 22's for a 10" wheel.

Anyone know of good online distributors for us in Canada?

[Rob Canadian]

Welcome. Have a boo at Fortnine.ca for tires. They are out of Quebec and have some decent price on tires. Free shipping in Canada.

[67Sport]

Welcome. Have a boo at Fortnine.ca for tires. They are out of Quebec and have some decent price on tires. Free shipping in Canada.
Awesome. I'll check them out.

[67Sport]

Quick cleanup of the tank, just for the short term, until I do a more serious rebuild. Decals where cheap, and I expect to wear through the finish, but at least it'll be worn from use instead of rusty from sitting.

Really gotta do something about rubber. Leaning towards cst ambush's, but not quite convinced to pull the trigger just yet.241915

[OZQUAD44]

What about kenda vipers in 20x11x9? I always thought they were kool looking boots, and tests back in the day had them outperforming stock 200x tyres.


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[350for350]

Here's my Ambushes, all mounted up and ready to go back on my 350x whenever I get around to replacing the axle bearings. Hope this helps.241930

[Shawn Powell]

I run a tire called the Duro sand and mud. It's available in 22" but the reason I like em is there only 2 ply. Still plenty sting and work great in just about everything I've put them through. Mud rocks sand water crossings etc. they would stink on a race track though. They don't slide well at all. Not impossible but harder. I had 6ply ITP holeshots. Slid great but rode like a tank. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170413/bd248e1ed6250050ecb79a88d6691905.jpg


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[67Sport]

What about kenda vipers in 20x11x9? I always thought they were kool looking boots, and tests back in the day had them outperforming stock 200x tyres.


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I like the look, and the price. My concern is the condition of one of my 9" wheels. I'm worried it won't hold air, even with a new tire. See pics. I'm happy to try and beat it back, but i've been told there's a good chance it'll crack.

My buddy's say kenda bear claw's, but I'm thinking more traditional to start with. Still open to opinions.

When I read that 350x's have enough power to break the rear end loose whenever you want, I think a more aggressive tire is what I want. Most of my seat time is on a 185s though, and I think I'm into a different creature now! Hard to pick tires without knowing the feel of the machine.

Hoping to ride it this weekend as is, tubes and all. Hopefully I'll get a feel for what it wants.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170413/ecf93d31b5452791bfe2dbab0f405d20.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170413/ee284ff7a5a801e8dfc4ea907d0aafa8.jpg

[67Sport]

Shawn Powell - thanks, I've wondered about those, I had a similar tire on my 185s years ago. 350for350 - damn, those look pretty rad. A 350x will kick those sideways with a decent rider, eh?

[Shawn Powell]

Shawn Powell - thanks, I've wondered about those, I had a similar tire on my 185s years ago. 350for350 - damn, those look pretty rad. A 350x will kick those sideways with a decent rider, eh?

Yeah they break loose if you want em to. I like em a lot for trails and desert riding. Price is good too.


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[350for350]

I actually have a pair of those too. I haven't used them much since one only holds air for about a day. I think it has a bead leak, but just haven't taken the time to look for it yet. I'd like to hang onto them to use in snow. I think they'll do ok in the snow we usually get around here. If we get very much, it mostly ends up in the ditches when the wind blows.

[twofastxtreme]

Looks good to me.

[67Sport]

So I had a chance to get the machine out a couple weeks ago to try it out, on two separate days. Once with kids in tow on 50cc bikes (so low speed), and once with a buddy on his 250r (NOT low speed).

Really stoked I ended up with a 350x. Love the torque, love the low end control. Such a cool bike. Kinda wanna avoid work and just hang out in the woods on it.haha.

I really don't like the weight of these tires I'm running tho, so they need to go. I've come into some aluminum 10's, and I will buy tires once I free up a couple hundred bux.

Now, for comment from the gallery - at speed, on gravel logging roads full of potholes, my friends 250r absorbs the terrain much better than my 350x. In MY opinion, it is the only thing his does better than mine, but I'm not looking to start any kind of pissing match here.lol

Is that just his lighter unsprung weight and time tuning his suspension, or is it something that r's just do better than 350x's. I gotta be honest, I haven't tried tuning my suspension at all. Will I be able to improve the dampening on mine?https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170502/a13cfc6cb8290b0796b4aec0fdcb98ce.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170502/ac0f4b6ee1a105c485b92c799fb3d59f.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170502/c4e65851e3807e540e744f80b12a5cfe.jpg

[Shawn Powell]

Regarding suspension , yes on both accounts of tires and tuning. I would check to see if your front end has enough oil in the fork tubes. If it doesn't I'd drain and replace. (Maybe do it anyways) Same for the rear shock and have it charged with nitrogen. Oils is about 10$ (us) a quart here and you can probably do both with one. My local suspension shop will charge a shock for 20$. Easiest cheapest fix. Now Togo further you'll drop some cash. Springs valves and cartridge emulators etc. but I'd start with oil checks. And also get some appropriate tires on the rear. Those are way to heavy and stiff for an old school atc


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[wonderboy]

I'll second the opinion on tires. The shorter harder tires make the ride really uncomfortable (to me). I run the factory 22" tires. They play a pretty big role in softening up the ride quite a bit. I think if you get a lighter and possibly a little bigger tire on there, you'll notice improvement.

Keep in mind though that the 250R does have the more advanced suspension setup (progressive linkage) between the two machines, so it isn't surprising that the ride is nicer.

[67Sport]

Thanks guys. With your comments I started to look into how mine was setup compared to the starting point in the manual. I think the previous owner must have weighed 400lbs and been in an imaginary big air competition. Everything is maxed out and tightened right up. The rear shock is fully preloaded, it's no surprise it rode like it did.
So - I'll buy tires when I can, ambushes, Bearcats, or ?, and in the meantime I'll learn about rebuilding and recharging shocks.
Thanks for pointing me in the right direction.

[350for350]

If everything was set as stiff as possible, maybe you could get away with softening up the suspension and try riding like that. Then try softer tires. Just a suggestion.

[67Sport]

If everything was set as stiff as possible, maybe you could get away with softening up the suspension and try riding like that. Then try softer tires. Just a suggestion.
Yah, for now, that's the cheap option, and it's gotta make an improvement. I'll probably ride it through the summer with that, and get new rubber for fall. I'm gonna be into de-winterizing the boat pretty quick so.... time/money??

Either way, I'll get into the shocks next, and try to post pics/questions once something worthwhile has happened. Thanks.

[350for350]

A few of my 350X with the CST Ambushes mounted.242827242828242829242830

[67Sport]

^^^ I do like that set up, 350. Those tires look great. Is that a giant locknut to the right your rear brake?why does that look different than stock? Are you widened?

[350for350]

As far as I know it's stock. Yes it's a Rad nut (a type of locking nut). They are to replace the nightmarish stock nut setup. If you have to have an argument with the axle nuts to get them off like I did, they are a life saver!

[350for350]

I won the argument!242921 Thanks for the compliment. I couldn't let Shawn Powell steal all of the glory. Lol. I bought the tires because they were the most reasonably priced 22" sport tires which is what I wanted.

[Shawn Powell]

lol congrats? I guess? I did not know we were arguing. Haha. Only thing I don't like about the cst (or many other for that matter ) is the ply is too heavy for a 300lb machine. The duros and kendas are 2 ply. Much more forgiving and plenty durable. IMO. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170510/2c47db2bf28d104c548e30904b633d0f.jpg


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[350for350]

I meant with the tire pictures. My 350X can't hold a candle to yours in the looks department. I didn't remember the CST's being four ply. I though they were two. You're right. I know a lot of people run the Kenda Scorpions.

[350for350]

The argument I had was with the axle nuts not you.

[Shawn Powell]

I meant with the tire pictures. My 350X can't hold a candle to yours in the looks department. I didn't remember the CST's being four ply. I though they were two. You're right. I know a lot of people run the Kenda Scorpions.

Lol. Yeah I just dislike the stiff ply ratings on such a light bike. No need for it. Unless your doing serious desert racing. Mines a trail rider


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[350for350]

I guess I'll find out how much I like them later this summer when I take it out to Colorado. If I'm ok with them there, they're good anywhere. Of course you know all about riding in the mountains and I don't have to tell you about rocks.

[Shawn Powell]

I guess I'll find out how much I like them later this summer when I take it out to Colorado. If I'm ok with them there, they're good anywhere. Of course you know all about riding in the mountains and I don't have to tell you about rocks.

Oh yeah I'm sure there a good tire. I had ITP holeshots xts on mine for a while. They were 6 ply but they worked great. Very similar. But in the slow chattered up stuff they hopped a lot. The 2 ply doesn't. Really depends on preference. Also they were heavy af in comparison. Have fun in Colorado looks beautiful. Watch out for the reefer I hear it's everywhere now lol.


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[350for350]

Yes I know it is. The worst of everything seems to be along the Front Range (the eastern edge of the mountains). Once you get out into the mountains, all of the small mountain towns seem to be a lot more laid back and relaxed. More like I'm used to around here. And I will post pics from the trip.

[350for350]

Just so everyone knows, the CST Ambush tires are two ply tires.243016

[Shawn Powell]

Oh wow. My bad. Coulda swore that's why I counted those out. Take it all back.


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[67Sport]

That's awesome they're 2 ply. Some websites indicate they are 4 ply, I wonder if it changes with size. I do like them either way.
I also can't find a weight for them, or other tires to compare with.

[350for350]

Maybe they are made in both ply ratings so we're both right. I know some like Holeshots and Maxxis Razrs are made in two, four and I think also six ply so these could be too. I haven't actually run these much even though I've had then for a few years. I bought them from Golden West Cycle if I remember right. They were the most reasonably priced.

[Shawn Powell]

Yeah the website says there all 4 ply all sizes. And that's all I can find from retailers also. These peaked my interest again when Matt showed his. I think maybe his are older maybe they used to make 2ply?


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[350for350]

I think I got them in '12 or '13, but can't remember. They haven't been used much since it sat for about three years. I just did a quick look at ebay and found a seller that listed his 20x10-9 as 2 ply and another that listed his 22x10-9 as 2/4 ply. I don't know if that means 2 ply sidewall, 4 ply tread or that he sells both two and four ply tires.

[67Sport]

Well, I haven't made tires for the 350x a priority yet, but I think I'll end up with ambushes when the time comes.

I did end up having a couple machines follow me me home over the last couple months though, so I've been busy with them. The 85 sx is a little rough still, but runs great and is an awesome machine. The 125m is an 85 too, I think. It's very clean, all I've done is oil change, cleaned the carb, and tuned it up a little. I will need to go through the carb again I think, it's not quite idling like it should.

Another month or two and i should have time to get them in the woods!https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171011/2d8acf536f6764e7bba5d3af1a7eb92f.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171011/a0f157eb086a2a4b8cf8ace3af722b52.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171011/8a1e25ed39432a6cdcd88777011b04a7.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171011/6aa8a618934f813b9c63b2cc72877a26.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171011/501c2f6f92a2bd058ce3d377d7722abc.jpg

[350for350]

Those are both some good looking trikes!