Tranny Gives Out after 3 Years of Racing?

[Team_Oatmeal_Pie]

FYI I have a 2000 WR400 with 3 years of cross country racing on it, they tranny let go last week 3 & 4th gears. Upon tear down the wrist pin is worn, and the crank has been damaged during the melt down, the timing chain is stretched out and the gears worn. However on a positive not the bore is in excellent condition and the valves are perfect. I will throw on a new set of rings though.

I guess over all it will be a pricey fix, but what can I expect with the amount of use I have put on it.

For those who race regularly what is the life expectancy of such things. I am thinking I got a decent amount of life out of the engine. But not completely sure. Any one else have to rebuild the bottom end?

[Rich_in_Orlando]

For all the abuse racing puts on an engine, I think yours lasted quite a long time. These days, I plan to rebuild part of my engine about once every other year. My '99 is on its 3rd crank, 2nd set of bearings, 2nd timing chain, 2nd set of 3rd and 5th gears, 2nd cylinder and 2nd piston. I've split the cases 5 times. But it beats spending the cash on a new bike.

What was your transmissions doing? (I'm guessing slipping out of gear.) Mine did the same thing. If that's what it was doing, take a good look at the shift forks because one or more may be bent and you'll increase the wear on the new gears if they don't allow the gears to line up correctly.

All in all, I would not say that the breakdown is unexpected considering the age and use of the bike.

[Fryboy]

Hey TeamOatmealPie,

Sorry to hear about your tranny. Question for inquiring minds, do you always use your clutch when shifting?

Fryboy

[Sean_McCutcheon]

Fryboy, Is it bad not to use the clutch? I only use it to stop and take off. I don't think I could go back to using the clutch.

[Fryboy]

Hey Sean,

From what I have heard our bikes are made to withstand shifting without the clutch. I on the other hand come from the old school and always use my clutch. I tried up-shifting or downshifting without clutch a couple weekends ago and didn't like how hard it felt shifting. Much smoother with the clutch (IMO) than without.

I am just curious as to if that could have contributed to the failure so soon. If T.0.P. says he uses his clutch then I am gonna get my worry on.

Fryboy

[endurodog]

It doesn't have anything to do with racing. Better factors is how many hours you have on the bike, maintaince you perform to include how often you change oil, what type, oil filters, ect., your riding style, terrian your in. I know guys that race that baby thier bikes and guys that don't that ride hard and do no maintaince.