This video from Taco Mike is one of the best baseline videos I’ve come across on what to do to prep your new bike. He’s using a KTM because that’s mainly what they work on, but the same principles apply to any bike. The short version is that the factory nor dealer actually prep your bike for reliability in the backcountry. If you take the time on your new bike, or a bike that you’ve never done this stuff to, you’ll invest a little time to get to know your bike better, and the end result will be a machine that is far more robust and reliable than what you had before you did this stuff. For what it’s worth, after watching this, and then seeing the results on my custom 501S they built for me, I went back and performed nearly all the same stuff (and a lot more based on other videos he’s done) on my 701. It’s 100% worth it. Some of their techniques have evolved since he made this video (e.g. they now break in new motors on their dyno), but it all holds true regardless.
The video is below, and I had GPT give me an outline of the video.
Video Outline — New Bike Basic Set-Up Procedures (Taco Moto Co.)
1. Introduction (0:00 – 0:31)
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Mike introduces himself and Taco Moto Co./Baja Taco Tours.
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Shows a brand-new 2021 KTM 500 EXC-F on the lift.
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States purpose: walk through new bike prep steps for those keeping the bike stock.
2. Rear Wheel & Tires (0:31 – 2:25)
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Stock tubes are motocross-spec (1.5mm butyl rubber) → not ideal for off-road.
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Recommendation: swap to ultra-heavy-duty tubes (Bridgestone preferred) or at least add slime/sealant.
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Tighten spokes – either with a spoke torque wrench or by sound/tap method.
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Install rim lock (not included from factory).
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Don’t use a valve stem nut against the rim – leave it loose or only finger-tight at the cap.
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If using a rim lock, add wheel weights opposite to balance.
3. Chain Adjusters & Rear Brake (2:25 – 4:34)
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Remove chain adjuster bolts and apply anti-seize to prevent corrosion/seizing.
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Check and adjust rear brake pedal free play (8–10mm per manual).
4. Fluids & Break-In (4:34 – 6:06)
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Engine oil: check when cold; should sit ~50–60% of sight glass.
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Break-in method: ride aggressively (hard roll-ons/offs) – factory has already dyno-run the motor.
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Coolant: check level at radiator; slight overflow on first rides is normal.
5. Front Forks & Suspension Setup (6:06 – 8:15)
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Fork pinch bolts may be loose from dealer install – check torque.
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Drop forks to preferred height (set top of groove flush with triple clamp).
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Add preload to steering stem bearings so the bars hold position (don’t fall side to side).
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Optional: grease steering/swingarm bearings.
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Learn how to use fork bleeders and adjust clickers (refer to manual).
6. Cockpit & Controls (8:15 – 9:58)
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Mirrors can be extended upward – many riders don’t realize.
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Understand idle and choke knobs (red/yellow) on throttle body and how they operate.
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Know which brake fluid type to use and how often to service it.
7. Electrical Details (9:58 – 12:21)
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Steering stop bolts often come loose – check and add Loctite if needed.
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Molex connectors under the headlight: pack with dielectric grease to prevent moisture/corrosion.
- Most critical: start/stop switch connector (constantly powered).
8. Fuel System Tips (10:59 – 12:09 overlapping)
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Charcoal canister solenoid: disconnect temporarily after a tip-over to prevent vapor lock and hard starting.
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Fuel tank quick-disconnect O-ring: grease before reinstalling and twist as you seat it. Carry spares.
9. Drivetrain Hardware (12:09 – 13:26)
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Primary sprocket paint mark from factory is not useful → better to mark bolt relative to a sprocket tooth.
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Shift lever bolt: commonly loose; torque it (carry spares if possible).
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Zip tie on slave cylinder wiring can cut the harness – reposition it above the banjo collar.
10. Final Checks (13:26 – 17:59)
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Understand throttle body fast-idle detent reset method (roll throttle backward).
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Double-check kickstand bolt: replace DOT-compliant spacer and long bolt with the shorter bolt from the owner’s kit (prevents self-retracting stand).
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Final note: perform these steps before riding; ask questions and engage in the comments.
11. Closing (17:59 – End)
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Encouragement to get out and ride, even stock.
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