Arizona Templar

[K'hermiit]

Whats up guys. Been lurking here for ~month researching the Chinese bikes before jumping into one. Well, I finally pried open my crusty wallet and bought an orange X model.
https://i.postimg.cc/sxYJBNsr/20231124-143934.jpg


I work 10 miles down a dirt road from home, so I use it to commute as well as for playing on the weekend.

Mods so far:
Nibbi pe30 carb(unfinished version ~$20 cheaper) currently running a 45 pilot and a 130 main jet.

Barkbusters. Non-negotiable.This is the desert, we have cactus...nuff said.
Skid plate
Windshield for the winter season. I leave for work at 6:15am and it's dark and cold.
Extra driving lights. They are wired in to come on w/high beam to keep me from having to fumble with a bunch of switches when encountering oncoming traffic.

Footpegs for KTM cause they looked cool.

I also bypassed that start only with the brake "feature". Here is the quick and dirty way. In the cluster of plugs at the neck, find the two plugs for the r/s switches. You can see in the pic below, I cut the green w/yellow striped wire off at the plug for the start switch. (This wire fed + to the start switch when either brake switch was depressed.) Hook the cut green/yellow to the green wire at the front brake switch connector. (This wire is IGN +)
I used a heat shrink solder connector and it took longer to think about it than actually doing it. About 5 minutes tops. I can now start my bike without touching the brakes.
https://i.postimg.cc/GtwQmC0K/20231123-140800.jpg


I have more stuff planned, but it was fun to just get out and ride it today. I am 220 lbs and left the rear spring alone so far. I did crank the all the dampening clickers up, and then backed off ~1/3 of the adjustment as a starting point. For the record they were all set FULL SOFT. This stiffened the suspension nicely. I might need to dial in a bit more rebound in the rear, but it is not far off. I'm sure I will want it stiffer as I get used to being in the saddle again. I sold my last dirt bike 9 years ago, so my skills are rusty af.
With the 13/49 sprockets this thing has some pep! I am honestly shocked at how strong this engine pulls. It LEAPS ahead at the slightest crack of the throttle and pulls clean all the way past 7k. (still breaking it in so I am being conservative with it) I ordered a 40T rear sprocket for testing too.
I have new tires/and tubes to install when I have time to do it. I also plan on making a set of ammo can panniers that I can quickly attach for some local moto-camping. I have 2 40mm cans that are a good size(for a micro adventure bike anyway.)
The throttle cable and I are gonna have a come to Jesus meeting soon. It is just a tad too short and the throttle will start climbing at full lock. Hopefully I can just optimize the routing to give it a little slack.
So there, you have my Templar X 250 life story...I'm sorry. :ohno:
Seriously though, a big thanks to all of you who have been posting here in the past. That material helped me a lot in dealing with my new quirky machine.
:thanks:

BTW: Not only do 2009+ RMZ plastics fit, but so does the seat! The seat bottom is identical to a RMZ 250 seat. The fuel tanks look to be similiar as well, but I haven't tried one to see.


~K~

[GigaXi]

Looks sweet! Thanks for sharing. I'm also a Templar owner here in AZ.

[K'hermiit]

Thanks man! That's cool I'm not the only desert dweller here. :)

[TommyD]

Actually, there are a few of us on here from Arizona. We are fortunate that we can ride year around. I won't ride with temps past 110 degrees but I could if I had to. :tup:

[bigdano711]

That is one sweet bike.

[K'hermiit]

Thanks!

I can't figure out how to quote people this morning.



I removed the fuel tank again and re-routed the throttle cable to the right side of the frame, and that gave me the slack I needed to keep the idle RPM's from climbing when moving the handlebars over to full rack. :tup:

[TominMO]

Great review and first post. Thanks!

[buzz]

I want one.

[Thumper]

Thanks for posting the brake to start elimination mod.:tup:
I got used to it but still a stretch!

It would be easier if it was pull the clutch to start, which I do all the time anyway, starting in first gear. Safety Schmafety :tdown:

[alex_in_az]

Thanks!

I can't figure out how to quote people this morning.



I removed the fuel tank again and re-routed the throttle cable to the right side of the frame, and that gave me the slack I needed to keep the idle RPM's from climbing when moving the handlebars over to full rack. :tup:
use the quote button to reply

[K'hermiit]

Thanks for posting the brake to start elimination mod.:tup:
I got used to it but still a stretch!

It would be easier if it was pull the clutch to start, which I do all the time anyway, starting in first gear. Safety Schmafety :tdown:

use the quote button to reply


Tbh it was the multiquote that didn't work for me. I selected each one I wanted, but couldn't figure out how to get the text editor to pop up afterwards.



Thank you though!

[K'hermiit]

Drove the bike into work today. That was fun. Well, as fun as going to work can be... I guess.
It ran great. Those tires seem squirrelly. I've got the pressure lowered all the way down to 11 rear & 13 front and they still try and wash out w/o warning. The terrain I'm riding on is very hard pack with roly-poly rocks on top. You AZ guys know exactly what I'm talking about. I have a set of Parker Deserts waiting in the wings, I may go ahead a swap, if these don't settle down with some miles.


For the curious: My Templar X 250 as equipped by me/ including a mostly full tank of fuel. 300lbs



https://i.postimg.cc/R0d7Hfwy/IMG-20231127-065907-9.jpg (https://postimg.cc/4KKHCYLQ)



https://i.postimg.cc/MTGybTDT/IMG-20231127-065952-8.jpg (https://postimg.cc/sBtQ33bd)

[TominMO]

Tbh it was the multiquote that didn't work for me. I selected each one I wanted, but couldn't figure out how to get the text editor to pop up afterwards.
Thank you though!


Tbh it was the multiquote that didn't work for me.
What I do is hit Quote, then highlight the quote and copy it, then exit. Then I go into another post, hit Quote, and paste the first quote.

As you can see, quotes can be edited to save space or to just use part of the quote.

[K'hermiit]

50 mile desert moto camping trip. Making it back in one piece? Even better!:yay:


The bike did fantastic. Starts easily and runs butter smooth. I did experiment with that 40t rear sprocket, but don't care for it. It is a smidge too tall. Would be fine for a fellow that rode on flat ground maybe, but hills found me downshifting to often. I am going back to the original 13/49 for now. I rarely get to ride over 35 mph...so the stock gearing was fun.

Pics for proof of a good time.
https://i.postimg.cc/0y916Pcr/DSC07880.jpg (https://postimg.cc/6ybmgJsN)
https://i.postimg.cc/qMVTT8Ks/DSC07887.jpg (https://postimg.cc/3WB6j0nN)
https://i.postimg.cc/7LQFQ7DT/20231209-183927.jpg (https://postimg.cc/mcCpPPPb)
https://i.postimg.cc/rm0B6mFZ/20231210-083308.jpg (https://postimg.cc/ygKQc7R0)
https://i.postimg.cc/90TH9f6w/DSC07932.jpg (https://postimg.cc/zHJQZqXq)

[Texas Pete]

Very cool photograps thank you for sharing. Yes these Templars come fully geared sprocket wise for off road so no need for the serious off road rider to think about changing.

@Thumper if you read this I found a while ago that the front brake isn't required for starting as the way the bike is wired using any brake provides the energization of the signal wire so no more funky hand stretching for me, I just rest my foot on the rear brake pedal when starting my bike now.

[JerryHawk250]

Steak, Bacon. Man, I'm getting hungry just looking at those pictures. Nice view, I'm jealous.

[K'hermiit]

I wanted to share with you guys my no weld cat removal for the 2023 Templar X. I don't have access to a TIG to weld the SS, so this is what I did.

Acquire a 1.75" butt joint exhaust clamp. They look like this:
https://i.postimg.cc/ZKCbsm1W/71x-IRYIwdq-L-AC-SL1500.jpg (https://postimg.cc/dLccDbQF) and are available on amazon for ~$10

I used a pipe cutter to make a straight line around the cat.
https://i.postimg.cc/W3kKq9Kb/20231216-110440.jpg (https://postimages.org/)


I cut the pipe with a cut off wheel and gutted the contents.
https://i.postimg.cc/52sDhQL1/20231216-125026.jpg (https://postimages.org/)


Not much flow through this POS...especially at higher rpm's.
https://i.postimg.cc/8zpqXmFt/20231216-125010.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

Installed the exhaust to the bike left a bit of slack in the bolts so I could slide the rear section of tube forward firmly while tightening the clamp. I used a reasonable layer of high temp RTV on the clamp.(old diesel mechanic's trick for leakproof clamps) and tightened it all up. It is incredibly firm and will not go anywhere. The high temp silicone will probably burn, but the ash layer that remains keeps the clamp sealed.
https://i.postimg.cc/Zqg2RkwM/20231216-124938.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

https://i.postimg.cc/N0LZBGkX/20231216-124946.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

Wipe off the excess rtv and let it cure overnight for best results. You will probably have to increase your main jet size to compensate for the extra flow.

That's it, enjoy your extra ponies for all of ten bucks. I notice the difference most at high rpm.

Dave

[Mikd]

I would imagine this also lower the temps a bit. Nice mod and thank you for the description.

[buzz]

Nice work,not everyone can weld.

[K'hermiit]

I believe its running cooler, but have no proof.

[Thumper]

I believe its running cooler, but have no proof.

That empty cat bulb should serve as a resonator now. It is better than a straight pipe to reduce back pressure. Nice!

That section of the pipe will definitely run cooler without the catalyst incinerating the unburnt fuel. It actually caused a fire once when I fell over to the right in dry grass.

I don't have access to a large pipe cutter like that. That is a clean cut.

[K'hermiit]

That empty cat bulb should serve as a resonator now. It is better than a straight pipe to reduce back pressure. Nice!

That section of the pipe will definitely run cooler without the catalyst incinerating the unburnt fuel. It actually caused a fire once when I fell over to the right in dry grass.

I don't have access to a large pipe cutter like that. That is a clean cut.

I just used the pipe cutter to make the mark. I used a cut off wheel on a 4 1/2 grinder to actually cut it. I was afraid the pipe cutter would reduce the diameter of the tube a bit where the cut occurred, making the cat insert hard to get out. Turns out I was right. It took some effort to get the cat sleeve separated from the tubing of that expansion chamber.

After running it some more...I think anyone who does this will have to increase the pilot jet size as well as the main. Started getting some popping on decel, so time to pull the carb bowl back off and enrichen that one too.

[K'hermiit]

The seat on my bike has been a source of irritation. It is quite firm and uncomfortable partially due to it's small section width. I decided to see if I could improve on the posterior padding. I removed the original cover and foam. I reassembled the seat retention brackets with loc-tite since two of them were loose.
https://i.postimg.cc/rp0wTStB/20231230-084233.jpg (https://postimg.cc/McwSbf55)

I had ordered a slab of gel 3/4"x 12"x 12" and divided it into (3) 4"x 12" sections. I then placed one of the sections right in saddle area of the seat foam. I cut to specific depth in a grid pattern the size of one of my gel slabs. This grid allowed me to evacuate the unneeded foam and inset the first gel layer into the seat foam itself.
https://i.postimg.cc/13Y3bW40/20231230-091647.jpg (https://postimages.org/)
https://i.postimg.cc/9Qff83XF/20231230-092309.jpg (https://postimages.org/)




My remaining 2 slabs of gel were secured with some contact adhesive to the top of the seat.
https://i.postimg.cc/YqR9z2Hs/20231230-092808.jpg (https://postimages.org/)


Cover with a new seat cover. Pull everything tight and staple down with a t50 stapler or the like. 5/16 staples worked well.
https://i.postimg.cc/7LFYZf3f/20231230-092848.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

Now, if you're short, consider that this mod raised the seat height 3/4" but your butt sinks into the gel...so I haven't noticed a difference in ability to put my feet down.

The extra comfort made this a worthwhile mod in my book. Ymmv. :)
https://i.postimg.cc/gkmjhXfh/20231231-122041.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

[K'hermiit]

Well, the gel helps...but the seat is still a 2x4 wedged up your ass. Broke down and ordered a Seat Concepts foam and cover kit. Hopefully the extra width will equate to extra comfort.


I've bitched about the stock tires before. The tread was squirrely in the desert and that front produced some random direction changes that were unnerving at speed. I mounted up some Kenda Parker Deserts, and wow! What a difference. Huge positive impact on stability and traction. The stockers may be fine for loam type soil, but they sucked out here. I am very happy w/ the Parkers right now. We will see if that holds true in a few months.

I increased the jetting again, and have come to the conclusion that many people are leaving power on the table by running lean jetting. For instance: My pilot is currently at a 50! Starts and runs fantastic. I went up two sizes on the main to a 140. I ride in the 2000-3000ft range. Plug looks good, no soot, but keep in mind I also de-catted mine. I'm sure the extra flow helps.;)

Went riding yesterday, even did some single track. It was awesome. Really starting to enjoy my Templar now that I am getting it all set up.



https://i.postimg.cc/9fmDrfkp/20240128-135902-1.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

[Weresquatch]

50 mile desert moto camping trip. Making it back in one piece? Even better!:yay:


The bike did fantastic. Starts easily and runs butter smooth. I did experiment with that 40t rear sprocket, but don't care for it. It is a smidge too tall. Would be fine for a fellow that rode on flat ground maybe, but hills found me downshifting to often. I am going back to the original 13/49 for now. I rarely get to ride over 35 mph...so the stock gearing was fun.

Pics for proof of a good time.
https://i.postimg.cc/0y916Pcr/DSC07880.jpg (https://postimg.cc/6ybmgJsN)
https://i.postimg.cc/qMVTT8Ks/DSC07887.jpg (https://postimg.cc/3WB6j0nN)
https://i.postimg.cc/7LQFQ7DT/20231209-183927.jpg (https://postimg.cc/mcCpPPPb)
https://i.postimg.cc/rm0B6mFZ/20231210-083308.jpg (https://postimg.cc/ygKQc7R0)
https://i.postimg.cc/90TH9f6w/DSC07932.jpg (https://postimg.cc/zHJQZqXq)

This is DOPE! This is what I'm hoping to do with mine. Ride the WA BDR, do some camping, some exploring. Thanks for the pics.

[K'hermiit]

No problem! Be careful out there and go through your bike with a fine toothed comb for issues before attempting a BDR, but awesome! Mine did fine on the short motocamping trip I did. You can't pack too much on it without overwhelming the suspension, but I had maybe 30 lbs on mine...and it it handled it fine. :)

[vividpixel]

Good to hear you've found a big difference with the Kenda DTs! I am about to mount those for my Templar X and it seems like they live up to the Desert Terrain promise.

[K'hermiit]

Good to hear you've found a big difference with the Kenda DTs! I am about to mount those for my Templar X and it seems like they live up to the Desert Terrain promise.


So far so good. They are directional & I mounted mine in the Hard direction.

[Weresquatch]

No problem! Be careful out there and go through your bike with a fine toothed comb for issues before attempting a BDR, but awesome! Mine did fine on the short motocamping trip I did. You can't pack too much on it without overwhelming the suspension, but I had maybe 30 lbs on mine...and it it handled it fine. :)

Thank you. I'll definitely take it on a few overnights first. I think I can get away with 30lbs worth of gear for a couple days (I'm 205lbs though) especially in summer if I can cowboy camp or use a hammock.

[K'hermiit]

My fellow Templar owners rejoice, for the cure for 2x4 ass is at hand.

I've mentioned several times that my backside disapproves of the Templar X seat. Well, I took notes and compared pics and gambled away $246 in hopes of a solution. Gentlemen...I present.
https://i.postimg.cc/50PxG9hm/20240212-152615.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

https://i.postimg.cc/KcHGDzrG/20240212-173229.jpg (https://postimg.cc/CdbpFwQX)
https://i.postimg.cc/L5nHMKRF/20240212-173312.jpg (https://postimages.org/)
https://i.postimg.cc/KjwmGqvk/20240212-173320.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

Get your own here for a 2008-2017 Suzuki RMZ 450:
https://seatconcepts.com/products/suzuki-2008-16-rmz450?rq=yr_2009~mk_suzuki~md_rmz-450

(https://seatconcepts.com/products/suzuki-2008-16-rmz450?rq=yr_2009~mk_suzuki~md_rmz-450)
Slight nipping of a little foam as seen in the first pic with the sharpie marks sits this foam perfectly on a Templar seat base. The cover was literally a perfect fit. I am happy with this mod. :yay:

[GypsyR]

I'm afraid I can't really get a handle on what I'm seeing. Could you possibly back the camera off about six feet for a side view?

[panzer77]

K'Hermiit, would you mind sharing info on that skid plate? Did you have to do anything to get it to fit?

[K'hermiit]

I'm afraid I can't really get a handle on what I'm seeing. Could you possibly back the camera off about six feet for a side view?

I'm afraid that wouldn't help you any. The new seat is wider to better support the tushy on longer rides. Almost twice as wide back in the saddle area.

[K'hermiit]

K'Hermiit, would you mind sharing info on that skid plate? Did you have to do anything to get it to fit?

You're lucky, I found it again by looking in my history.
It fits well enough. I had to trim a little off the clutch side because it contacted the case, and drill 2 holes to use the Templar hole locations to bolt the bottom.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N1RACBU/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[GypsyR]

I'm afraid that wouldn't help you any.

More and better-framed pictures wouldn't better show off what you have done? I don't get it, but OK.

I don't care much for the stock seat either. Just curious if this was something I might like to take a shot at.

[K'hermiit]

More and better-framed pictures wouldn't better show off what you have done? I don't get it, but OK.

I don't care much for the stock seat either. Just curious if this was something I might like to take a shot at.

I'm just not sure I understand what you are having trouble with?
it is literally a wider seat...you cannot physically see that from the side, so therefore a sidewiew would be worthless in this situation, because it would just look like a seat. That...and I have my saddlebags on it. I would have to unstrap them because they obscure the rear area.

See:
https://i.postimg.cc/HL5rB0cH/20240214-144719.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

[GypsyR]

Good one. In the earlier pictures it looked almost stock as the sides follow the body lines quite well. From the side it looks stock but for a little swelling a little ways back. I've seen some some seat mods where it came out like like someone had just slapped on a badly fitting seat from another bike. Yours looks good all the way around. I might have to put this mod on my list too. Thanks.

[K'hermiit]

Good one. In the earlier pictures it looked almost stock as the sides follow the body lines quite well. From the side it looks stock but for a little swelling a little ways back. I've seen some some seat mods where it came out like like someone had just slapped on a badly fitting seat from another bike. Yours looks good all the way around. I might have to put this mod on my list too. Thanks.

You will like it. I've ridden it the last three days to work and I joyfully report no sore butt. It looks great too. The shape is perfect, just enough...but not too much.

[GypsyR]

Crap. I really like my Templar. All of it. Except I've never liked the seat from day one. In all practicality I don't that much seat time so it shouldn't matter. Plus I don't really have the time and money to spare fooling with a perfectly good and fairly new seat.
But...
Fine. I'm $250 poorer and it should be here in a couple of weeks.

[K'hermiit]

Crap. I really like my Templar. All of it. Except I've never liked the seat from day one. In all practicality I don't that much seat time so it shouldn't matter. Plus I don't really have the time and money to spare fooling with a perfectly good and fairly new seat.
But...
Fine. I'm $250 poorer and it should be here in a couple of weeks.


:D

I think it's money well spent if a person plans on riding it. :tup:

If you have an air or elec stapler it might make the job easier, but I did it with 1/4" staples in a T50 and a buddy helping to hold everything in position.

[GigaXi]

Wow are you serious? No more holding the brake, twisting the throttle and pressing the start button all at the same time???-



Very cool photograps thank you for sharing. Yes these Templars come fully geared sprocket wise for off road so no need for the serious off road rider to think about changing.

@Thumper if you read this I found a while ago that the front brake isn't required for starting as the way the bike is wired using any brake provides the energization of the signal wire so no more funky hand stretching for me, I just rest my foot on the rear brake pedal when starting my bike now.

[GigaXi]

Decked out! Looks mean! Love the saddle bags







I'm just not sure I understand what you are having trouble with?
it is literally a wider seat...you cannot physically see that from the side, so therefore a sidewiew would be worthless in this situation, because it would just look like a seat. That...and I have my saddlebags on it. I would have to unstrap them because they obscure the rear area.

See:
https://i.postimg.cc/HL5rB0cH/20240214-144719.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

[K'hermiit]

Decked out! Looks mean! Love the saddle bags




Thanks man! :tup:

[GypsyR]

My Seat Concepts cover just dropped off the UPS truck. Looking forward to figuring out how to find the time to change it.

[K'hermiit]

My Seat Concepts cover just dropped off the UPS truck. Looking forward to figuring out how to find the time to change it.

I'm pretty certain it will be worth the effort for you. I have been riding mine to work when it's not raining, and the seat is a lot more comfortable.

[Zapkin]

wow..great bike great photos...im jealous! :)

[vividpixel]

Thank you for that howto on disabling the brake requirement. Finally did that on mine yesterday! My start switch had been replaced with an identical one but has different wire colors, so for me it was yellow-red that needed to be cut and connected to the brake switch.

[K'hermiit]

Before I left for vacation back in June, I had parked the bike in the shop for some maintenance when I returned. The turn signal switch was giving me grief, and the head bearings had the slightest amount of slop in them, so I decided to tear it all down for inspection. The bearings were ok thankfully, and just needed a tad more preload. I greased the living piss out of the bearings, since there was very little grease on them, and filled the head cavity with grease while reassembling.
https://i.postimg.cc/kgGRp4xG/20240704-081733.jpg (https://postimages.org/)
https://i.postimg.cc/vZKxFszz/20240704-081618.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

While it was apart...I had a crazy idea. We all know the stock headlight sucks, and I had installed some led spots on either side of the forks, but decided to go a step further...
https://i.postimg.cc/KYKLRzzw/20240721-135720.jpg (https://postimages.org/)
So I built a headframe to hang everything off of. This eliminated the stock headlight pod, and gave me a better location to hang the gauge and switch so I could see them better. The top LED is the Low beam, and on high beam...BOTH lights come on.
This is the Tusk Mini handlebar switch to replace my crunchy feeling stock turn signal switch. It feels 100% better than the original.
https://i.postimg.cc/cHwnBbfc/20240727-051300.jpg (https://postimages.org/)


The wire colors were almost exactly the same after testing them all! I used solder heat shrink connections and attached to the original plug.
https://i.postimg.cc/5yJF7S3W/20240727-051247.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

Fabricated a new windscreen and heat formed it over a big piece of pipe.
https://i.postimg.cc/R0jtfBJF/20240721-143059.jpg (https://postimages.org/)
https://i.postimg.cc/QNg7Bv88/20240728-105028.jpg (https://postimages.org/)
https://i.postimg.cc/VLDbgM02/20240728-105105.jpg (https://postimages.org/)
https://i.postimg.cc/Ghcyvztk/20240728-104956.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

Rode the bike to work a couple of times last week...and I love the changes. It's not dark enough to really test the headlights, but I think they will be a great improvement over the stock configuration.
https://i.postimg.cc/9QyLXxv9/20240804_055032.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

[bigdano711]

Very nicely done! I'm saving up for my Templar...

[K'hermiit]

Very nicely done! I'm saving up for my Templar...


Thanks! I'm having a lot of fun with mine, so I bet you will too. :)

[FastKart1]

Great info on the "no brake" start mod. I was thinking it over....it is a real important mod if you trail ride. We all think no big deal if the battery dies, just roll start it. Think about that...If you need the brakes on to get power to the ignition how are you going to roll start your bike?
I know XPRO does this for safety reasons and don't disagree with that, however, getting stuck in the woods or desert 20 miles from a road is also a safety issue. All depends on where you ride. I'm going to do the mod.

[Thumper]

Great info on the "no brake" start mod. I was thinking it over....it is a real important mod if you trail ride. We all think no big deal if the battery dies, just roll start it. Think about that...If you need the brakes on to get power to the ignition how are you going to roll start your bike?
I know XPRO does this for safety reasons and don't disagree with that, however, getting stuck in the woods or desert 20 miles from a road is also a safety issue. All depends on where you ride. I'm going to do the mod.

FYI-

The brake-start lockout affects the starter only. You can roll start without brake pull. You can test this on a convenient hill so you don't have to work hard, but believe it!!!

The bike runs when the key is turned on. The starter has a safety circuit. Two separate things.

[K'hermiit]

Great info on the "no brake" start mod. I was thinking it over....it is a real important mod if you trail ride. We all think no big deal if the battery dies, just roll start it. Think about that...If you need the brakes on to get power to the ignition how are you going to roll start your bike?
I know XPRO does this for safety reasons and don't disagree with that, however, getting stuck in the woods or desert 20 miles from a road is also a safety issue. All depends on where you ride. I'm going to do the mod.

Like Thumper said, it doesn't affect the bike's ability to be roll started. It sure makes life a lot easier having it disabled, but I'm a big boy and don't mind the risk of a convenient start button. :tup:

[GypsyR]

I found the brake/start thing a bit annoying from the get go. For a while bypassing that was on my to-do list. But about three times now when I went to go start the bike the starter button was hung. This meant with the key on as soon as I touched the brake it started cranking. If it wasn't my habit to (usually) crank up in neutral AND holding the clutch in, that could be a problem. As is it's just startling. I kind of only want it to crank when I hold the button in. Curiously it doesn't make the starter run with the bike on so no harm being done there. So holding off on modding anything until I can figure out why the button randomly sticks.

[Thumper]

I discovered that the starter button will get stuck of the screws holding it on the handlebars are too tight.

Loosen them a bit, starter button won't hang

[GypsyR]

Too tight? Would not have thought that, will give it a shot.

[Thumper]

Too tight? Would not have thought that, will give it a shot.

Yup. I made the discovery while we were putting my son's X together this Spring. The button was working fine until we adjusted it stuff on the handlebars and reinstalled it. The button got hard to push and stuck badly. Loosening the screws was a long shot. But it worked. The screws haven't fallen out, maybe some blue loctite wouldn't hurt.

[Aussie_in_MO]

Found the same on my Templar, if the screw closest to the switch is too tight then the switch will hang up. Backed it off about 1/8-1/4 turn and it's been fine ever since

[K'hermiit]

Ditto... my switch did the same until I loosened the screw next to the button like the others.

[Ruckerra]

Glad you posted, I’m south of Tucson I have a new Hawk DLX 250 fuel injected. Got to admit for the money you can’t beat these bikes!

[K'hermiit]

Glad you posted, I’m south of Tucson I have a new Hawk DLX 250 fuel injected. Got to admit for the money you can’t beat these bikes!

There are some cheesy stuff about them, but agreed...for the money, they are a value. :)
I have over a year on my Templar, and it is still running strong. Keep an eye on your intake boot, mine lasted about a year before the rubber started crumbling. Mine is coated with black rtv to extend its life a bit.

[wolfman12473]

I too am a Templar M owner that happens to be in AZ. (part time)

[K'hermiit]

JUST A HEADS UP IN CASE ANYONE IS INTERESTED IN CENTRAL ARIZONA. My bike featured here in this thread in excellent condition is for sale. I needed something bigger and more road worthy so just purchased a holdover 2024 KLR 650 and am starting to modify and add bags etc to it. As I do so...I am asking myself WHEN I will ride my Templar. Fact is...probably rarely as I don't have any off road buddies to ride with any longer, and the KLR is better for commuting to work.

So for (no money) you can have this beauty....ready to ride! With all the improvements and maintenance listed in this thread. Included is the Tusk soft panniers, Seat Concepts seat kit, better lighting and a few bike specific tools to get you started. I've got it dialed in pretty good for a +200 lb rider. Please see this thread for the work done to this bike and the included accessories.
The bike is located in Morristown, Arizona. (On Hwy 60 just south of Wickenburg closer to Phoenix)
PM me here for contact info. Bike has less than 2k on it, but the speedo broke at 600 miles.

Thanks for looking.
Dave

https://i.postimg.cc/9QyLXxv9/20240804_055032.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

[K'hermiit]

Lol....I hate to be one of those guys, but...
I took the Templar for a spin this morning after it warmed up. We had some rain late yesterday and had Hero dirt on every trail. I don't want to sell my Templar. Even if I only ride it once a year...it's too much damn fun.:yay:

[GypsyR]

I've been asked that if I can only ride one at a time why do I need six motorcycles and two bicycles. Well...
Oh, seven. Added a scooter.

[K'hermiit]

Yep....certain conditions require certain things. Lol

[Weresquatch]

I've been asked that if I can only ride one at a time why do I need six motorcycles and two bicycles. Well...
Oh, seven. Added a scooter.

Yeah, I don't have nearly as many as you but....it's hard to keep them all in rotation. Last summer I donated 13 bicycles to the local coop but still have 6....along with 2 vespas, 1 road moto, and the Templar......