Kippy450's Motocross Shop Rehab Project Reveiw

[kippieland]

I love seeing all the great shops you guys have created. It gives me great ideas for what I can add/change to mine (it never looks the same year to year!) I thought it was about time from me to share with you my shop and all the things that have been done to rehab it to a fairly nice shop. I still have some areas that need help, but I am getting there. I love picture heavy post so I have done my best to find as many pictures as possible.

First, let me give you some background on this shop. My wife and I purchased our house in 2003 after moving from a town just outside Everett Washington. The shop is 24x30 and was a home built project that the previous owner families built since that was their "specialty." It had no lights in it and only one plug box. They ran the electric from the basement of the house through the foundation (did a poor batch that leak that I had to fix) and later I found out used black plastic sprinkler pipe for the electical conduit (obviously it was not inspected...on my list to do!) And lastly, the concrete floor is so unlevel it has a huge peak in the middle of the shop. I like to think of the previous owners work as "special" not "specialty"

Thse picture show my shop with old wood siding on prior to removal

To many of these....

Caused this!

In 2008 we finally decided it was time to go!
Old bike...old shop siding.

New bike...new siding!

 

[kippieland]

For the interior, when we first moved in, I was returning to college and money was tight. So I had an old work bench that my dad had made and a crappy old fluorescent light fixture over it. Over the years, I would add old home furniture to help...not ideal!

In 09 I finally discovered the fun of building your own shop benches out of 2 x4's and OSB. With the table, I added some pegboard, and some selves made from old plywood...it was the start of my obsession!

 

[Bronson]

Cant wait to see what You do with it! Keep the pics coming!

 

[kippieland]

After discovering the joy of working on my shop, I finally added T-8 light fixtures throught the how shop...much improvement over the single fixture and the bulb fixtures I had done years earlier.

Also, I started researching cabinet building and decided that I could build my own cheaper then buying them....I could have reused some Habitate ones, but I was more looking for the challenge....I was right, it was a challenge...and it took forever...but I did it!

Lastly, I painted them to give a better "garage" feel to the cabinets.

Next on the list is to insulate it....not for the winter but for the summer. I roast in that thing! Feel free to give me any suggestions.

 

[DARK AGE 53]

Looks much nicer now, who makes that motorcycle jack/stand you're using?

 

[kippieland]

The lift stand is by the Rockymountainmc.com house brand called Tusk...not the best but it works. The regular stand is by Universal, I like that one a lot. The blue crate is an old one that I had to use when the lift stand broke....it kinda works! I would like to get some of the new plastic stands, but they are little high on price.

 

[sbhockey]

Subscribed, like where this one is going. Your shop is developing like mine, little by little. I started racing MX, but have since moved on to roadracing.

 

[superspec]

like the thumper but love the zing of a 2 stroke. ive got a guy gcoming to look at my old atc250r next week. itll be a sad day but i havent ridden it in at least 10 years.

 

[kippieland]

Subscribed, like where this one is going. Your shop is developing like mine, little by little. I started racing MX, but have since moved on to roadracing.

Money dictated the progression. College for 5 years kills any spending. I think the next thing I am going to build are some large floor cabinet made out of 2x4 and covered with MDF. I need somewhere to put my huge gear bag!

 

[kippieland]

like the thumper but love the zing of a 2 stroke. ive got a guy gcoming to look at my old atc250r next week. itll be a sad day but i havent ridden it in at least 10 years.

I remember riding my uncles 250r...they are worth some bank right now! Like most guys, I started out with the 2-smokers and them moved thumpers. I got the 2-smoker to keep it interesting...its fun to work hard to make it go, plus good in the woods. But if I go to the track, its all 450...so much faster and easier to jump. I am a vet. rider....I need all the help I can get

 

[Nighttrain]

Those cabinets turned out real nice. Sometimes its worth the time building your own to fit the space than getting ones that don't fit.

 

[tinbender 66]

I like that corner workbench. I checked out your under cabinet lights the other night when you left the link and that's how I'm gonna go. Nighttrain has some extras and offered to send me some. Stuff like that happens every day on this site.

Dirt bikes were a lot of fun when I was younger but I think I've fallen off of enough of them.

Lookin' forward to seeing what you do next.

 

[kippieland]

Thanks! The corner workbench was more a must then a choice. There was no way I was going to be able to make an angled cabinet for the two side to meet at. So I thought I needed a spot to set!

I really like my under cabinet lighting. The ones I have turn on when it cold, which is important here. Good score form Nighttrain!

Any ideas for insulation...not for the cold but more for the heat! Mine isn't stick built and has some wierd gaps...like I said...their work is special alright!

I won't be doing any work until spring hits...got love the eastside!

I like that corner workbench. I checked out your under cabinet lights the other night when you left the link and that's how I'm gonna go. Nighttrain has some extras and offered to send me some. Stuff like that happens every day on this site.

Dirt bikes were a lot of fun when I was younger but I think I've fallen off of enough of them.

Lookin' forward to seeing what you do next.

 

[moto367]

Looks much nicer now, who makes that motorcycle jack/stand you're using?

If you keep you eyes open in some of the moto mags, they have adds for Harbor Freight. They have one made of heavy duty steel for around $20.

 

[kippieland]

If you keep you eyes open in some of the moto mags, they have adds for Harbor Freight. They have one made of heavy duty steel for around $20.

A Harbor Freight stand would scare me.

 

[Weekend_warrior]

Nice space.... Love the polished up YZ250. I recently rode my wifes KTM125EXC and had a friggin blast. It pulls when you keep it on the pipe! Did some ruff trail and had one of the best days I've had in a while on a dirt bike. I want a 250 or 300 2 smoker for racing. My 450 is plated and fun on the trails and in the mountains, but man that 300 is sounding tempting. I bought mine for the button..... a year and a half later they are on 2 strokes. Its not the kicking that gets me. Its the doing it where I don't have good footting. Short legs ****!

Nice job on the cabinets.


Don't be scared of the HF lift. I would like one and the coupons are around all the time in most MC mags. Just replace the chaulk with one that is worth a ****....

I have one of these....

http://www.gregsmithequipment.com/ATLAS-Motocross-Lift-Black

Caught it a few years back for 99 bucks plus shipping. Works great since you can clamp the pegs down and remove both ends. I just want to make some casters for it. I'm about to throw a top end on the 450 and do some cleaning up as well as greasing so It will get a work out. Its nice to keep you off the floor.

 

[tinbender 66]

Thanks! The corner workbench was more a must then a choice. There was no way I was going to be able to make an angled cabinet for the two side to meet at. So I thought I needed a spot to set!

I really like my under cabinet lighting. The ones I have turn on when it cold, which is important here. Good score form Nighttrain!

Any ideas for insulation...not for the cold but more for the heat! Mine isn't stick built and has some wierd gaps...like I said...their work is special alright!

I won't be doing any work until spring hits...got love the eastside!





Thanks! The corner workbench was more a must then a choice. There was no way I was going to be able to make an angled cabinet for the two side to meet at. So I thought I needed a spot to set!

I really like my under cabinet lighting. The ones I have turn on when it cold, which is important here. Good score form Nighttrain!

Any ideas for insulation...not for the cold but more for the heat! Mine isn't

For insulation maybe look into that Prodex stuff. It's R-15 point something and fairly inexpensive. I'm going to use it at my roof. Other than that you could go for foam but that could get spendy. Prodex comes from Insulation for Less. I don't have the link handy.

 

[kippieland]

Nice space.... Love the polished up YZ250. I recently rode my wifes KTM125EXC and had a friggin blast. It pulls when you keep it on the pipe! Did some ruff trail and had one of the best days I've had in a while on a dirt bike. I want a 250 or 300 2 smoker for racing. My 450 is plated and fun on the trails and in the mountains, but man that 300 is sounding tempting. I bought mine for the button..... a year and a half later they are on 2 strokes. Its not the kicking that gets me. Its the doing it where I don't have good footting. Short legs ****!

Nice job on the cabinets.


Don't be scared of the HF lift. I would like one and the coupons are around all the time in most MC mags. Just replace the chaulk with one that is worth a ****....

I have one of these....

http://www.gregsmithequipment.com/ATLAS-Motocross-Lift-Black

Caught it a few years back for 99 bucks plus shipping. Works great since you can clamp the pegs down and remove both ends. I just want to make some casters for it. I'm about to throw a top end on the 450 and do some cleaning up as well as greasing so It will get a work out. Its nice to keep you off the floor.

That stand is cool...I thought of one of those but they are still to expensive for me...maybe later down the road! I'm all good with my stands...they are all working great.

I just finished taking the header off of my 450 and cutting off the guard so it has an aftermarket look. Then I polished it....it smok'in hot know..lots of work but I like it.

I personally think most MX 250 2-smokers are better in the woods then MX 450. Lighter, easier to start, and just a touch slower. I had an old 426 and it was awesome in the woods, my 03 was HORRIBLE....4 gears did not help! My 08 is alright in the woods...nothing like a KTM 450 EXC though!

 

[kippieland]

For insulation maybe look into that Prodex stuff. It's R-15 point something and fairly inexpensive. I'm going to use it at my roof. Other than that you could go for foam but that could get spendy. Prodex comes from Insulation for Less. I don't have the link handy.

I saw that...but its still would be $600 for the roof alone. I am actually thinking of the styrofoam board that is an R-7 and cost $7 dollars. It would only be around $300 bucks. I don't need it for the winter...just to damn cold here...but in the summer I roast, so hopefully something like this would help.

Whats that shop fabric insulation R-value at? Can't be high, its super thin. Let me know if you see any deals or think of anything else.

 

[Naq]

...nothing like a KTM 450 EXC though!

Where are you seeing $7 sheets of R7. The stuff I was looking at is R5/inch of thickness and 4x8 sheets were $20!!

 

[UncleDirty]

Very cool moto shop.
I noticed Too Tech stickies on your first pic of your old YZF, I had Rick do my XR suspension years ago when I still lived in the So. Bay. And speaking of the old XR (I still have it) I rode a thumper when everybody rode 2 strokes, and now I ride a KX 500 and everybody else is on a four stroke. I'm a dezert racer not a motocrosser and the big five hundy does just fine against the new thumpers, until it's time to turn .
As far as your climate control issue, is it dry in Spokane? My shop gets hot in the summer too so I have a big swamp cooler on wheels that I use. I need to insulate my ceiling also.
Again cool shop. Roost on.

 

[wfopete]

If you wash your jerseys regularly, they wouldn't stand up on their own.

 

[kippieland]

If you wash your jerseys regularly, they wouldn't stand up on their own.

HAHAHA You know dirt bike riders....never wash your jersey.....it keeps people further behind you!

 

[moto367]

A Harbor Freight stand would scare me.

My first thougts also! But after checking it out it's built better than the lift stands I bought from Moose! And for 20 bucks...

Very nice benches and cabinets by the way.

 

[kippieland]

Very cool moto shop.
I noticed Too Tech stickies on your first pic of your old YZF, I had Rick do my XR suspension years ago when I still lived in the So. Bay. And speaking of the old XR (I still have it) I rode a thumper when everybody rode 2 strokes, and now I ride a KX 500 and everybody else is on a four stroke. I'm a dezert racer not a motocrosser and the big five hundy does just fine against the new thumpers, until it's time to turn .
As far as your climate control issue, is it dry in Spokane? My shop gets hot in the summer too so I have a big swamp cooler on wheels that I use. I need to insulate my ceiling also.
Again cool shop. Roost on.

I was not a fan of Too Tech stuff. I was good when it got dry and squared-edge but everything else it was to hot. Plus, he made it very stiff. Funny how things work. You ride 4-stroke when no one does and now you ride a 2-smoker. I have you seen CR500AF from service Honda? Those things turn!
Spokane is very dry. We get cold in the winter (our zone goes to -10) and we can highs well into the 100's (unfortunately not this summer.) My shop is full in the sun, so its a "don't go in it" when its hot. I think I will try some insulation before a cooler. Thanks for the info.

 

[kippieland]

My first thougts also! But after checking it out it's built better than the lift stands I bought from Moose! And for 20 bucks...

Very nice benches and cabinets by the way.

I have to say I am not a real fan of lift stands. Hard to get them to go up and when you release them, they fall all out of control like. Plus, mine will move from side-to-side when it up. But it will do. Not a huge fan of HF...I fell dirty when I shop there.

 

[Weekend_warrior]

...nothing like a KTM 450 EXC though!

Mine is a bit heavy in the tight stuff.... Where I ride though it works really well. You can crank it everynow and then. Some of the tighter races on the east side of the state it wears me down (not in shape like I was the last couple of years).....

I'm lucky enough to get to ride where this was filmed. As you can see there are some spots to wick it. I think he filmed this on X-mas day or shortly after. I know the opening shot is our gate, but not sure all of it was at our lease. They are club members in the same club as I'm in.

http://offroad-journal.com/?p=8571

Service Honda also does the KX500 in new KX frame.... Just sayin...

 

[Bronson]

Cool, WW. That looks familiar. When I was a Boy Scout, in the late 60's, We used to camp at the old Post Boy Scout Camp. I dont know if it is still there.

 

[kippieland]

Mine is a bit heavy in the tight stuff.... Where I ride though it works really well. You can crank it everynow and then. Some of the tighter races on the east side of the state it wears me down (not in shape like I was the last couple of years).....

I'm lucky enough to get to ride where this was filmed. As you can see there are some spots to wick it. I think he filmed this on X-mas day or shortly after. I know the opening shot is our gate, but not sure all of it was at our lease. They are club members in the same club as I'm in.

http://offroad-journal.com/?p=8571

Service Honda also does the KX500 in new KX frame.... Just sayin...

Cool place! I would give my right one to ride there. Forgot about the KX Service Honda's. They do some cool stuff at that company, but they cost some serious money! That is a really cool website. I need to get back into the trails...we have them here, but all my friends want to do is MX stuff.

 

[fergus]

Too Tech did the suspension on my pop's 1990 CR500 back in about '91 or so...back when I was on my KDX250 (ex Team Green bike from Paul Krause). We did all the District 37 enduros and most of the desert races/hare scrambles. Tons of fun. Sure miss the smell of two stroke in the morning. (smells like...victory). Too Tech also did my CRF 450 about 5 years ago. Sure miss my bikes and riding in the desert!

Hey Uncle Dirty...I remember hearing all you thumper guys coming about a mile off back at places like Lucerne Valley or Red Mountain. Thought you guys were all mad like Scott Summers for manhandling those Xr600s and 650s through the sand!

Sorry for the derail Kippy...nice build and nice bikes!

 

[Weekend_warrior]

When I was a Boy Scout, in the late 60's, We used to camp at the old Post Boy Scout Camp. I dont know if it is still there.

There is a scout troop that has a gate about a 3 or 4 miles down the county road from our gate. A lot of it was burned this summer during that horrible dry spell we had.

Kippieland ... You can ride it. We hosted a national enduro there last year. We are having one here in a month for the TSCEC (no national this year). I will be working it somewhere. If you do some youtube searchs for "lonestar enduro" you will find some video from a lot of the Test sections.

Sorry for the thread jack!

 

[kippieland]

There is a scout troop that has a gate about a 3 or 4 miles down the county road from our gate. A lot of it was burned this summer during that horrible dry spell we had.

Kippieland ... You can ride it. We hosted a national enduro there last year. We are having one here in a month for the TSCEC (no national this year). I will be working it somewhere. If you do some youtube searchs for "lonestar enduro" you will find some video from a lot of the Test sections.

Sorry for the thread jack!

I love talking bikes, so no worries about thread jacking...its not possible!

 

[kippieland]

I got a new addition to my shop. I got a great deal on the top of my toolbox through Amazon. Unfortunately, they managed to destroy the first two in delivery. This one is still a little bent up (the right drawers are out of level.) Nothing I know I can't fix, but if you guys have any suggestion, I would love to hear them!

My daughter approved of the box!

Update: here is the box after I straightened it with some clamps...not perfect but either I am I!

 

[kippieland]

OK so finally the weather is decent enough to dink around in the shop. I re-purposed one of my work benches into a woodworking bench with wheels. I shrunk it from 8' to 6' and removed a self. With all the discussion about woodworking and mechanic work not missing, my plan is to do all the woodworking by the front door so the dust can be removed easily. Plus, its great to have things on wheels anyways!

Also did some rearranging...moved the tool box between the two bikes, plus moved a storage rack I made....Not on the list is build a storage locker and shop cart out of 2x4s and some OSB....also need to add some more lights. I love dinking in the shop!

 

[Weekend_warrior]

I like the new edition! I'm in the process of a new top end on the 450 still. Waiting on some more parts I didn't know I needed, but my garge will be getting a little work after I'm done. The lack of lighting and fuctional benches are killing me....

 

[kippieland]

450 top end cost some bank! I had unfortunate incident last year after I adjusted the valves...some how one of the circles popped out during riding and get chewed up by the valves. It ended up in the oil filter! I could believe it, but there was NO damage to the valves or to any other engine parts. They aren't kidding when they say they are tough as nails. If that would have been the two-stroke it would have been a different story!

If you need a bench, there are a lot of good free plans on google. I use 2x4 (staight as possible), OSB (because its cheap, straight, and strong), and Hardboard on the top for looks. Its just 6ft long and 2 fts wide...basic!

I am in the process of building a storage cabinet/shelves right now out of the same materials...I will post when I can!

Lighting I would definitely go with some flourscents...even if it one..its better then none!

Have fun with that 450 top end!

 

[kippieland]

Update: Finally got some fair weather to goof off in the shop when my daddy duties are done. I built a storage cabinet from 2x4 and osb. Then covered it with cheap 1/2 particle board that I will paint to match this spring when it warms up a bit. I needed it to hold my riding bag, boots, helmet, and misc. items. Good times....definitly not perfect, but neither am I!

I also added a bunch of "shop art" signs that display my addiction to motocross. I put them on my cabinet doors and on some of the rafters. Helps give the shop some character!

I thought the weather would turn a bit nicer but it just started snowing so I don't know when I will get to play in there again.....*****!

 

[Weekend_warrior]

450 top end cost some bank! I had unfortunate incident last year after I adjusted the valves...some how one of the circles popped out during riding and get chewed up by the valves. It ended up in the oil filter! I could believe it, but there was NO damage to the valves or to any other engine parts. They aren't kidding when they say they are tough as nails. If that would have been the two-stroke it would have been a different story!

If you need a bench, there are a lot of good free plans on google. I use 2x4 (staight as possible), OSB (because its cheap, straight, and strong), and Hardboard on the top for looks. Its just 6ft long and 2 fts wide...basic!

I am in the process of building a storage cabinet/shelves right now out of the same materials...I will post when I can!

Lighting I would definitely go with some flourscents...even if it one..its better then none!

Have fun with that 450 top end!

The bench should be easy... The one I have is just covered in junk.... Its a bit to tall. I have some old lower drawer sections that my buddy gave me when he redid his kitchen. I have uppers as well.

The top end is waiting on a new cam. Last year in OKC in the Mud I ran it out of or really low on coolant. The water pump is on the cam (not sure if that did it or not) and the seals that keep the oil seperate form water won't seal becase the shaft on the end if the cam is scored.. Aftermarket was not cheaper so I went back in with stock. Should be nice when I get it back together! Parts should be in the week, but work is keeping me out of the garage.

 

[kippieland]

The bench should be easy... The one I have is just covered in junk.... Its a bit to tall. I have some old lower drawer sections that my buddy gave me when he redid his kitchen. I have uppers as well.

The top end is waiting on a new cam. Last year in OKC in the Mud I ran it out of or really low on coolant. The water pump is on the cam (not sure if that did it or not) and the seals that keep the oil seperate form water won't seal becase the shaft on the end if the cam is scored.. Aftermarket was not cheaper so I went back in with stock. Should be nice when I get it back together! Parts should be in the week, but work is keeping me out of the garage.

KTM's are like a foreign language to me. "Waterpump on the cam!"

I only speak "yamahaese!"

 

[tinbender 66]

C'mon, it's not snowing in the shop. Unless you have no roof...........

It is nice to get stuff out of sight isn't it? Keep it up. Maybe next year we'll both have heat. I hope.

On another note, my brother has a KTM that he keeps over at his place in Winthrop. And a Ducati Monster that he won't let me ride haha.