How often do you change Reeds....

Ronnie Swyers · Joined: 23 Jul 2001 Posts: 95

I was just wondering how often everyone changes reeds in a fully preped Honda CR125. I change mine it seems like every 2 to 3 races. If there are people out there that don't change them but once or so per year, I have several used sets

I get several stories and just wanted to open it up to the forum since I have never seen on here before.

Ronnie Swyers www.RSwyers.com

John Denman · Posted: Mon Aug 06, 2001 8:44 am Post subject: How often do you change Reeds....

Stock reeds should last about 20 hours. Look for fraying at the ends or even fatigue at the hinge (rare with Carbon Fiber).

Oxygenated fuel or Acetone tainted fuel will reduce life a bunch (along with seals, pumps, bearings etc.)

Charlie Tackett

Road racing, we,ve frayed stock reeds in a weekend before. CF, 4-5 race weekends. SOMe reason the bottom outside edge on ours is always the first to go. Cheap security to change them often when roadracing.

Marc Miller · Advertiser Joined: 18 Jul 2001 Posts: 1834

I am glad you brought this up. After 14 races so far and probably 25 HOURS in practice time... I JUST sent back my motor to have the bottom end freshened.

I won't tell my engine builder because this is not a testimonial, but the motor is a 2000 TM 125 moto fully prepped by a good engine guy.

I have not touched the bottom end... the base gasket is still the original, same o-rings, only have changed pistons and rings (maybe 6 pistons/8 rings since new?). It has never seized or had any trouble at all.

I have also NEVER even considered changing the reeds, much less really looked at them. My questions:

Am I REALLY lucky?
Should my engine builder change the reeds when he gets it?
What else should I have done besides bottom end and that?

Thanks-

Marc Miller

Rob Hogenmiller · Posted: Mon Aug 06, 2001 3:32 pm Post subject: How often do you change Reeds....

Never changed my reeds unless they were broken or chipped.

Do they loose there minimum elastic strength after time?

I guess I know where to go if I need some good used ones though.

Ed Weathers · Joined: 19 Jul 2001 Posts: 36 Location: Hood River, Oregon

Hey Ron you might want to check the parts box before you sell too many sets. I change mine every couple of races with some good used sets!!

Steve Clark · Posted: Tue Aug 07, 2001 9:06 am Post subject: How often do you change Reeds....

Forgive my rookie question . .

What is a reed, what does it do and why do I have to change it? (And why are they in ca ge?) :-)

And if I don't change it what will happen. Poor performance or engine go boom?

Where are they on the carb/motor?

Steve Clark, Mr. rookie question

Rob Hogenmiller

The reeds are in the intake of the motor- the part where the carbeurator attaches to the engine.

Normally 4 bolts hold the intake and intake boot on. Take it off sometime and look in there you'll see the reeds. They look like plastic covers over the intake, normally white--black if they are carbon fiber.

As to why you would want to change them, I have no clue. No chance to cause your motor to blow up though if you don't change them. It's a good idea to inspect them. If they are chipped or frayed then yes they do need replaced. I've only chipped one set in 11 years with motocross engines.

[ August 07, 2001: Message edited by: Rob Hogenmiller ]

Marc Miller · Advertiser Joined: 18 Jul 2001 Posts: 1834

ok..

I wanted to re bump this one... because I was serious... after 35 hours on my fully race prepped TM... and never changing reeds, base gasket, basically anything but the plug and pistons... am I lucky??

What should I have done besides reeds and bottom end?

MM

John Denman · Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2001 4:40 am Post subject: How often do you change Reeds....

quote:
Originally posted by Marc Miller:
ok..
What should I have done besides reeds and bottom end?

MM

Not much else. I take it you have the Tassinari reeds as the 2000 TM's OEM reeds seem to have a tendancy to brush the lining on the cylinder housing and abrade the edges.

That you haven't stuck it yet suggests that you run it a little fat. TM is a great motor, just a little tempermental.

You using Tom Barth's services?

Ronnie Swyers · Joined: 23 Jul 2001 Posts: 95

Let me clarify why I change my reeds. If they are chipped or frayed of course you always change them. But when I pull out the cage and look down through the reeds and see that they are not sealing (you can see daylight) I change them. Ooops maybe I just let out a secret

An I right or just being to picky? Don't comment Ed.

Ronnie Swyers www.RSwyers.com

Tim Blaney · Joined: 18 Jul 2001 Posts: 1127

quote:
Originally posted by Ronnie Swyers:
An I right or just being to picky? Don't comment Ed.
Ronnie Swyers www.RSwyers.com

Since Ed can't, is it ok if Miller or I chime in on this Ronnie?

Ed Weathers · Joined: 19 Jul 2001 Posts: 36 Location: Hood River, Oregon

Thanks Marc & Tim for speaking for me!!!! It's all about you Ron!!!!!

David Tallant · Joined: 18 Jul 2001 Posts: 35

Mark, I am also on a set of reeds that are two seasons old. I road race also. I also run a conservative set-up. Knock on wood, no sticks in four years. I do believe, the brand of reed makes a big difference.

Marc Miller · Advertiser Joined: 18 Jul 2001 Posts: 1834

Well Ronnie-

As we all know, and for those that should know..

It's all about YOU man..... it's all about YOU.

hehe

MM