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Makotosun

DT400 Shakedown

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DT400 Shakedown was created by Andy_C

Clocked up just over 100 miles on my still new to me DT 400C.
I am impressed with how it rides and general performance, the brakes just seem to keep getting better.
Couple of questions;
Do they tend to run pretty hot? I am suprised just how hot the engine fins are after a run, they feel a lot hotter than my H2 Kawasaki.
I think some of the heat may be down to it running a little weak - the needle was in the 3rd groove from the top, and should be in he 4th, so I have now moved it, the plug colour also looked a little weak.

It seems to be really happy to cruise at 60 MPH - are they happy to be kept at this speed for long distances? It feels like it could easily keep it up all day long.

Not had any issue with "bucking" / "surging" - only a very little bit on the overrun and at low speeds, in fact the carburation feels really good.
Ex Yam DT400C, Triumph Trident 660, Triumph 865, Kawasaki KH 400
11 Feb 2023 11:42 #1

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Replied by darinm on topic DT400 Shakedown

In my opinion you can't go wrong with the Trail Tech spark plug gauge(14mm). My '72 CT2 tends to run in the low 300f degree range, up to 375f on a long climb. If it's approaching 400f I stop and let it cool off. I also have an '86 IT200 and '72 Suzuki TS185, they both run a bit hotter staying around 375f most the time there is load on the engine.
1972 Yamaha CT2 175
1972 Suzuki TS185 Sierra
2000 Suzuki RM100
2003 BMW F650GS
2009 Yamaha WR250R
2013 Yamaha XT250
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11 Feb 2023 12:54 #2

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Replied by Andy_C on topic DT400 Shakedown

Darin - thanks for that infomration.

I have a hand held IR temp gauge, next time I go out I will take it with me and measure the temp.

Those trial tech gauges or their equivalent are pretty expensive over here in the UK - but still less expensive than fixing a siezed motor !!!
Ex Yam DT400C, Triumph Trident 660, Triumph 865, Kawasaki KH 400
12 Feb 2023 00:21 #3

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Replied by Andy_C on topic DT400 Shakedown

Took it our for a longer run today and measured the head temp with my hand held IR Temp Gauge.

Max Temp I saw was 275 Deg F after some longish runs at a sustained 60MPH, ambient temp was around 55 Deg F so not particularly hot.

Pulled the plug when I got back and the insulator is a nice chocolate brown, so I think I will leave as and see how things are when the ambient temp increases.

For ref, stock carb / air filter / jetting, needle clip in 3rd groove instead of the stock 4th, air screw 1.25 turns out - very little almost no surging. Oh yes, and stock exhaust.

Very happy with it.........
Ex Yam DT400C, Triumph Trident 660, Triumph 865, Kawasaki KH 400
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19 Feb 2023 05:46 #4

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Replied by AirborneSilva on topic DT400 Shakedown

That's awesome, and the plug color sound like you've got it running great. Hopefully I'll be able to get my DT400 back together sometime this spring.
2023 Tenere T7
1976 DT400C
1975 DT400
1981 DT175H
1972 DT2 250
1980 GT80
1972 JT2
19 Feb 2023 16:15 #5

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Replied by Jammyyammy on topic DT400 Shakedown

Hi Andy_C, does your bike accelerate cleanly right through the rev range? (ie, do you get any spitting/farting in the higher revs?). If so, do you change gear early to avoid this?
The above is what is happening to my DT400B.
At the moment, my bike is completely stock, except for the Rex Speedshop electronic ignition).
I will start to experiment by changing the needle / air screw position to see if things improve a bit.
Thanks…
 
Last edit: 20 Feb 2023 02:43 by Jammyyammy.
20 Feb 2023 02:40 #6

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Replied by Andy_C on topic DT400 Shakedown

It hapilly revs out - no hessitation.
When cold it is not happy, bucks  surges etc but once warmed up, usually about a couple of miles it runs really well.
No need to change gears early or anything.
Ex Yam DT400C, Triumph Trident 660, Triumph 865, Kawasaki KH 400
23 Feb 2023 04:54 #7

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Replied by Jammyyammy on topic DT400 Shakedown

Many thanks for that - I just needed to know before I start my ‘tuning’ (needle position and air screw) this weekend….
 
23 Feb 2023 05:05 #8

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Replied by Andy_C on topic DT400 Shakedown

Good luck - mine seems very sensitive to air screw position, I usually make adjustments in 1/4 turn increments.
Let us know how you get on.
Ex Yam DT400C, Triumph Trident 660, Triumph 865, Kawasaki KH 400
23 Feb 2023 05:53 #9

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Replied by Jammyyammy on topic DT400 Shakedown

Thanks for all the info. Very interesting that you have gone ‘leaner’ on your needle setting. Will let you know how I get on…
23 Feb 2023 06:23 #10

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