ANOTHER '10 TC 250 Review

Well,
I picked up my 2010 TC 250 this week and with much anticipation went to WIR MX (Waterman International Raceway) yesterday to start breaking it in and getting use to this "can't start/underpowered bike". A little bit about WIR: it is an indoor riding facility located in Waterman, IL, laptimes were a little bit less than 1 minute I would guess, and it is obviously a supercross/arenacross type of track. It was about 25-30 degrees inside the building (it's NOT heated) SO if this bike was supposedly a "hard starting" machine, this would be a true test. Prior to ever starting the bike or putting my gear on, I was already talking to and answering TONS of questions for people about the bike...."Man that thing is cool", "Dude, that thing looks so different than anything I've seen", "That thing looks so light" and on and on. The bike hadn't been started for 3 days and had been sitting in my un-heated garage with average temperatures being high teens to low twenties. I will be honest in that it took me probably 10-12 kicks to get it fired the first time on the day (it fired several times in those dozen kicks but just wouldn't keep going). Last thing about starting is that EVERY SINGLE TIME the rest of the day it started on the VERY FIRST kick.......period! Once the bike was fired for the first time on the day, it was the easiest bike I have EVER started including past CRF's, CR 125, RM 80, KX 60, and on and on. Seriously, with being properly set-up, I don't see how people can be complaining about the starting issues.....PERFECT! About the bike, it is great. Coming off a 2009 TC 450, this thing really does feel like a 125.......just point and go. The bike feels SUPER light which relates to how good of handling it has. It really does feel like you can just pick a line and put it there without any feeling of washing out. Jumping the bike you can also tell how light it is, can throw it around very easily and change direction without much effort. The motor of the bike to me felt like it had SO much power for a Lites bike but according to a lot of people, I guess I'm suppose to say it feels like it is down about 15 horsepower......well IT DOESN'T! This bike isn't even close to the '07 TC 250 I raced, leaps and bounds ahead of that bike. My buddy was there on an '07 RMZ 250 and he said my TC was considerably faster and much better handling. The motor is bone STOCK on my bike but does have some carb settings done to it. I can't imagine this motor with an aftermarket complete exhaust system that is suppose to supply 2+ more HP.......this bike will be more than competitive with any other Lites bike on the track I guarantee it. I have Ohlins TTX Fork Cartridges installed along with the lower fork tubes coated......the front end suspension was AMAZING. I didn't do any sort of clicking as this was mainly just a ride to break in the motor rather than to start testing stuff. In the whoops is where I could tell the most difference of these Ohlins inserts , they just floated on top and never wanted to dive in between each whoop. The rear shock was stock (although is soon to be replaced with an Ohlins TTX rear shock) but still handled really well. I know not much critical info here but thought I would share my few thoughts. If you're wanting another humble opinion on anything in particular pertaining to this bike, ask and I will gladly let you know my thoughts.

Blake Young

*I did take video with my new Epic Wide Action camera, but the place is SO dark inside you can't even make anything out. It's not worth posting but I will post as soon as I can get the bike outside and really open it up.

Great write up Blake. Thanks!!

Well congrats Blake and your ride report and findings are the same as ours. My son loves his (so do I) and at this time we are waiting on the carb update kit from Husky and then he will be adding an exhaust. I think the TC250 feels 125 2-stroke weight and balance with 300 4-stroke power. My son's stock TC runs circles around a friends 08 YZF250 and the handling isn't even close IMHO. Great report, ENJOY.

the best part of Blakes post is that he is a pro level rider. So everyone can see what level his opinions are spawned from. Great stuff Blake get that baby sorted for you and let the big five know theres a new (slow!!) lites bike on the grid!!

Blake, did you give it a throttle twist (all the way open) when cold? Mine will start in 1 or 2 kicks 90% of the time when cold using the following method... (40 pilot jet) with Flex Jet fuel screw:

• In colder temps, my fuel screw like to be about 7/8 to 1 & 1/8 turn out.
• Choke on
• One full throttle twist
• With kicker at one click past TDC, smooth full stroke kick... do NOT jab it fast like a 2T or you're doomed.
• If not on the first kick, try another smooth, full stroke kick without the throttle twist.
• If it's under 32 degrees F, I will sometimes give it two throttle twist prior to kicking.

It always cracks me up when friends hop on my bike and try to 2 stroke kick it and get all frustrated because it wont start.