With a little luck I should have my first TW here by next week. I plan on using it for driving between fields here in South Dakota. I guess my future goal is to modify a 2 inch hitch bar rack and haul the bike on the front of my tractors, and then be able to set the bike off when Im doing field work. But for now what mods should I plan on doing to the little bike right away? Should I really toss the factory chain and sprockets? Carb settings? Foot pegs? Im at about 1300 feet elevation.
I installed an o-ring chain right away D.I.D. 428V O-Ring Chain 122 Length 428V x 122
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Definitely the best initial mod for anyone who plans to keep their bike for a long time. No need to change sprockets for your area conditions unless you have a LOT of sand. I went to a 13 tooth front for the Rocky Mountains, but I think stock gearing will suit you just fine.
And the D2Moto footpegs. When using varying types of footware, sometimes just running shoes for short rides in the dirt at low speeds, I found them much more comfortable than stock and I think less likely to let your foot slip off at an inopportune moment. For only $20, that was an easy decision.
I got by by with the carb by just adding one washer and turning the pilot needle out 1 turn. That worked OK down to sea level, but it wasn't very hot, in the 70's mostly. Perhaps in the hot summer at 1300 ft. the risk of overheating would be significant, but probably only if you rode hard up long hills, miles in deep sand, or on the highway into a 30mph headwind for hours.
I put a Cycleracks rear rack on right away as I usually take a small packbag and cooler on most rides.
I think the bike stock right out of the box will probably do just fine in your environment. Change that oil at 25 miles! And again at 200 to 300 miles. Amazing what crap comes out in those first few hours.
You're gonna love that little T-Dub!!