RE: site Im making... www.rcdirtbikeaction.com
Please, dont everyone start talking at once. lol. Thanks for the encouragement guys.
Posted on: 8/17/2012 1:42 AM by Author "JohnnyMacDad" in the forum "RC Motorcycles"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11196543

site Im making... www.rcdirtbikeaction.com
I am working on a website dedicated to rc dirt bikes: www.rcdirtbikeaction.com So I got interested in this hobby about 2 yrs ago and first bike was the vmx450. Later last year I purchased a used dx450. Back in 2010 I found some good community resources like this forum and rcgroups. What I found missing was any websites dedicated to the hobby. So I set off to try and help out and try things on my own. I first created a youtube channel that now has over 160 videos of just rc dirt bikes from all over the world. Next I created a facebook page which is growing. Now after about 3 months of spare time Im getting the website up. Together I hope they will work together just like any professional magazine or 1:1 mx website would have. I have a LOT of work to do still, so its going to be under construction for a while. Things will change as I try to figure all of this out for the first time. I hope to cover all aspects of the hobby. I am hoping the community of rc dirt bikes will be willing to share pictures, setup tips, or news because even though it is satisfying for me to do this, I am doing this for the better of the hobby. Feel free to share your thoughts. Thank you, JohnnyMc jkm@rcdirtbikeaction.com
Posted on: 7/19/2012 9:22 PM by Author "JohnnyMacDad" in the forum "RC Motorcycles"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11162017

RE: DuraTrax 1/5 DX450 Brushless On/Off-Road Motorcycle
FYI - I have a GenAce 5000mah 50c battery that can barely fit. I have a turnigy 4000mah 40c that fits better and still gives plenty of runtime and power.
Posted on: 7/12/2012 11:24 AM by Author "JohnnyMacDad" in the forum "RC Motorcycles"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11152754

RC DIRT BIKE ACTION facebook page
Hey guys, My goal is to wake up this hobby. So a while back I started a youtube channel to organize videos for rc dirt bikes so that has been up for a while now. http://www.youtube.com/user/RCDirtBikeAction. Thanks to all you creators over 160 videos and counting! I feel good where that is and can maintain it easy while I move on to the next phase. Ultimately, the goal this year is to get the website going, but I wanted something else to add to that experience if possible. Facebook seems like a great "tool" to help out, be it just socializing about bikes, finding others in an area to run with, and whatnot. Here it is: RC Dirt Bike Action facebook page I just started it last week, but tried to get a few things posted so it doesnt look boring. It will get better, heck it cant get any worse than before, which was nothing at all. lol. Check it out and "LIKE" it if, you know, you actually like it. Dont be shy. John
Posted on: 4/13/2012 9:55 PM by Author "JohnnyMacDad" in the forum "RC Motorcycles"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11041117

RE: Venom VMX 450
Rc bikes need the trailing axle and/or forks for the self centering / correcting that happens (think about shopping cart wheels). The servo and damper help guide the steering while the trailing design allows the wheel to find its center. The other way, the steering immediately would want to turn and bike just flops over.
Posted on: 4/12/2012 9:48 PM by Author "JohnnyMacDad" in the forum "RC Motorcycles"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11039830

RE: Venom VMX 450
David, Yes the esc can handle 3s (see specs on venom site) but the motor cant. However, the bike has a 550 motor so its got some serious torque. I doubt your going to need to worry about going 3s at first, but who knows. You'll be busy learning how it handles. Rear tire is like a mx tire and its not great for tracks unless dirt is loamy / high grip. You can always invest in a few pinion gears to increase high end speed. There's a chart in manual that tells you gear ratios what you can use. FYI, I would love to race these but they are not quite popular enough and too difficult with the stock mechanical gyro. Only guys racing on dirt are in Italy and they use an electric gyro (e-gyro) instead. A gncc style course laid out would work though. ;) I have the vmx and duratrax dx450 to crave my mx & sx fever, then to get a racing fix I got a short course sc10 2wd, but the bikes are my love. The rear shock is just like any other typical rc shock. You'll just have to mess with shock oil and preload to get something close to what you want for now, or later look into alternative shocks on market. Finally, if you do want to invest more into the bike later on, then get the front brake kit. From there the front take brunt of braking while rear braking power becomes less important. Modding the brake power of front and having stock 3 channel radio is enough for these. Would it be cool for rear brakes, yeah, but the front is where its at and the electronic braking will be adequet for any situation you come up with for rc dirt bikes imo. Good luck, John
Posted on: 3/31/2012 9:32 PM by Author "JohnnyMacDad" in the forum "RC Motorcycles"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11023182

RE: Youtube channel devoted to rc dirt bike videos
Update of my channel. Ive added a new playlist for help, tips, and how-to videos. So far I have: - 35 Help / Tips / How-to videos - 20 Motard / Supermoto videos - 45 Bashing / Freestyle videos - 19 Track session videos - 13 Racing videos - 132 total and counting! Big Grin If you got a video, or a link, please share or post a message on the channel. If you have a video on another video hosting site, please consider posting it on youtube so I can include it!
Posted on: 11/25/2011 9:38 AM by Author "JohnnyMacDad" in the forum "RC Motorcycles"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10828389

dx450 steering damper - what are you using?
I recently purchased a used dx450. It came with the optional steering/damper combo already installed. Is it any good? Ive read threw the older posts. Now Im curious what you owners are using the original steering springs on the servo but installed a separate damper? Anyone convert a shock to use as a damper and install on the left side of bike? What shock works?
Posted on: 11/16/2011 3:46 PM by Author "JohnnyMacDad" in the forum "RC Motorcycles"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10815395

RE: Venom VMX 450
ATTENTION VMX 450 OWNERS: If you want Venom to make tires specific for tracks (small pin) then you need to show an interest. They have them designed but are waiting for us to say something. If you have facebook, I made a post so you can give a shout out there, otherwise, send an email, or something. Do something!
Posted on: 10/7/2011 11:55 AM by Author "JohnnyMacDad" in the forum "RC Motorcycles"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10753339

RE: Venom VMX 450
Its impossible that it was together correctly but now the parts dont fit. The bigger one goes left of the front sprocket so if its not fitting now, you positioned the sprocket before you made sure the spacer had the room. Since your not explaining exactly how it doesnt fit, thats about all I can guess from my side, sorry.
Posted on: 9/25/2011 4:32 PM by Author "JohnnyMacDad" in the forum "RC Motorcycles"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10733722

RE: Venom VMX 450
Ive actually never had them out the same time but the smaller red one looks like it belongs in the rear wheel.
Posted on: 9/24/2011 3:19 PM by Author "JohnnyMacDad" in the forum "RC Motorcycles"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10732294

Youtube channel devoted to rc dirt bike videos
Seems like theres a lack of focus for rc dirt bikes and Id like to help change that. I created a youtube channel RCDIRTBIKEACTION just for rc dirt bikes. I'm always looking for videos and have seen a LOT of them so far, so I figured I might as well setup something. Im trying to gather the best videos that help promote the hobby. Last week I created playlists that seem most appropriate. Since then, heres how many videos I found and have added from searching so far: 15 videos added to "RC Dirt Bike Track Session", 10 videos added to "RC Dirt Bike Racing" 24 videos added to "RC Dirt Bike Bashing and Freestyle" 9 videos added to "RC Bike Motard / Supermoto" This is my first youtube account so its all new to me. If you have an opinion or tips, Id be happy to hear it. How can I make it better? What am I missing? Is what Im doing worth the effort? www.youtube.com/user/RCDirtBikeAction John
Posted on: 8/22/2011 11:28 PM by Author "JohnnyMacDad" in the forum "RC Motorcycles"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10682860

RE: Newbie question
Your welcome. ;) I know they made some running upgrades (including steal gears) at factory to bike but Ive not heard of anyone getting one of those. Everyone else has just contacted customer service with proof of purchase and Venom sends out gears for free. Ive not done any major mods...did a little filing and drilling to layshaft after front sproket stripped and a little dremel work to frame near where steering stem set is bolted to frame (to give room for shock absorption to work intended). If you just check everything on bike like you were the QA manager (slipper clutch and gyro being the biggest concerns) and locktite screws everywhere, you will learn about the parts faster and be more confident about fixing anything later on.
Posted on: 7/3/2011 11:09 PM by Author "JohnnyMacDad" in the forum "RC Motorcycles"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10604927

RE: Newbie question
Personally I wouldnt get a Ricky bike because that price sounds a bit much for a bike thats been discontinued for like 5yrs maybe. Either DX450 or VMX450 would be be good choice in my opinion. DX450 seems very tuff from the videos Ive seen of it and the gyro holds the bike up extremely well, but its smaller in scale and may not look the greatest. The VMX feels tuff to me but I havnt pushed it to limits yet, it looks very good, is 1/4 scale and has some nice features. Not sure what the tech support is like for Duratrax but Venom's support is great imo. VMX has had issues with QA and with gears inside gyro but Venom has been handling them. If money is no object, then look into the ARX with e-gyro as well. If I go any futher I'll just be repeating myself from other thread.
Posted on: 7/3/2011 5:33 PM by Author "JohnnyMacDad" in the forum "RC Motorcycles"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10604475

RE: Newbie question
Did you read any of the other threads on this forum, like the one directly below yours?? Dirt bikes include: (old/used) Ricky Carmichael 1/4 scale, Duratrax DX450 1/5 scale, Hobbyking QRF400 1/4, AR Modeling ARX540 1/4, and as you mentioned the Venom's VMX450 1/4. The ARX is only one that gives you choice of nitro or electric. Nice thing about dirt bikes is you can go on both surfaces. So, do some searching on each bike, read comments, reviews, and watch videos, and ask more questions. Good luck.
Posted on: 7/2/2011 4:51 PM by Author "JohnnyMacDad" in the forum "RC Motorcycles"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10603155

RE: sitrep on VMX 450?
Greener pastures ;)
Posted on: 7/2/2011 12:49 AM by Author "JohnnyMacDad" in the forum "RC Motorcycles"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10602414

RE: sitrep on VMX 450?
Yes, the wobble is annoying/distracting. When I was considering buying an rc dirt bike, looking at videos of other bikes, it was the biggest distraction almost to the point of not buying any of them. When the tire breaks traction the gyro fights the bike to up right itself. Real bikes do the same thing and tank slap but its more exaggerated with rc, plus rc dont have riders to adjust weight around. The better the traction the less you will see it. Also, the mechanical gyros in all of these bikes will loose its gyro forces if you go slow for too long too. The places you may take the bike might be a factor in your decision. The VMX is really fun just hauling butt around a dirt lot or baseball field if thats all you have. I love it when it throws up a roost of dirt in a full throttle high speed turn. A bmx track would be really fun to try. I found an empty construction lot to mess around on, so if you have any residential areas that stopped building you might find some dirt mounds you could take a shovel to and make something fun to hit. The VMX gryo keeps the wobble down to minimum at speed and the suspension is probably the best available on a stock bike so it can blitz small bumps nicely. For me, Im working on testing suspension and steering damper adjustments to see if that helps. Venom says its esc is waterproof and the receiver is covered pretty well in a box under rear fender. Ive not taken it out in any really wet conditions. So hard to say how bike will handle, I guess it depends on the surface that is wet. If the tires pack up with dirt/mud, they will loose traction and that doesnt help to keep bike up right. Any bike would have an issue in that circumstance though. Ive not had steet gears installed long enough to voice an opinion. I wish more people would voice their happiness if they are working because its a bit quiet now that venom has issued the gears for a while now. It sounds like you were in the US military? If so, thanks for your service. Hopefully some other owners can answer you too.
Posted on: 6/30/2011 11:43 PM by Author "JohnnyMacDad" in the forum "RC Motorcycles"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10600906

RE: sitrep on VMX 450?
You would think this is the mortuary forum, not motorcycle forum by the way its so quiet around here lol. Just an fyi rcgroups has a huge thread (plus others) on the subject bike. ;) Anyways, let me get some things out first. The VMX is my first rc bike. Last rc I owned was about 15yrs ago (losi jrx 2wd). I ran across a picture released of the early vmx prototype when it was introduced at toy fair in Europe in late 2009 or early 2010. I was hooked at that point mainly because the scale looked so good compared to other bikes. Well, the ARX is great looking but the hpi rider was meh, while the dx450 bike has an akward look due being 1/5 scale with small wheels and a big battery tray, but also the rider looks 1/4 scale and ugly. Since I grew up riding dirt bikes (dont ride anymore) and also did have fun with rc before, the timing felt perfect to get back into the hobby. I got the vmx on release. (BTW, you can see pics of my bike in the picture thread, its the monster energy bike.) Theres a few guys who have had serious issues all around, but for most part, the gyro gears seem to have been the main problem. For others its been rock solid even with the plasic gears. Maybe the smaller minority having problems are heard the most but thats just a guess. Im sort of in the middle, where I stripped the plasic gears (twice) and have recently installed the steal ones, but its too soon to make a judgement on them yet. My forks where sticking bad so I had to learn how to diagnose the problem. In my case the triple clamps were too tight and the fork axle clamps spread the shafts out wide so I just filed some spots down and are fixed. My slipper cover has come off on occasion so a dot of CA and rubber band is now making sure that doesnt come off to expose rocks to spur gear. My rider has seen a few minor cracks around the hands but thin CA fixes that as well. Ive seen reports of guys having the feet ripped off the rider. It was discussed that maybe keeping the boots un-bolted to pegs is better than bolted down. Ive taken a different approach and made wire stirups to hold boots closer to bike. Rider has a bit of a cowboy wide stance when bolted down. I think the number one thing an owner HAS to do is verify the bike is setup correctly before running it, including checking gyro, adjusting slipper, locktite screws, check fork/shock seals. Sucks but it not only familiarizes you with the bike, it does help eliminate potential issues before you drive it. I love watching real life supercross and motocross so my dream is to be able to ride around rc dirt tracks, no, its to tear up a track. I had a year before bike was released to look at the other bikes: ARX540, DX450, QRF400, and Ricky bike. Ricky was too old so I skipped that right off. ARX with the e-gryo is imo the best handling bike, but the cost is just a bit outragous. I didnt want a straight up chinese product so no on the qrf, but you may not care. The dx450 was at first dismissed because of its looks, but mostly I believe the decision to go 1/5 was stupid. For me the biggest downfal of the dx450 is its suspension. Being 1/5 scale, it just seems to tumble a lot. The design is actually well thought out because it has a very strong gryo matched with a very light rider and low COG. For me, the VMX seemed to have the most features for the best value of the bunch. Again, Im a newbie rc bike owner. I do like all the little features the vmx has built in to help dial in the bike. Its only bike stock with usd oiled forks. Its got a slipper clutch, the gyro has some adjusting you can do, and the swingarm can be setup to address jacking or squating. One complaint I have is I think the bike is overweight, even though it weights about the same as an ARX at 7lbs. My biggest pet peeve is the tank slapping wobble. I purchased the supermoto tires and on the street the bike is great. Im not a street guy but I learned to drive so much easier and the bike had no wobbling. I did that for a month. I set up the slipper so it would not wheelie due to potential damage and stress on gyro. The stock tires are great for soft loamy dirt or grass, but at the local track here in California, where its hard packed with dust, traction is not good and bike is difficult handle! So, Im in the process of figuring out how to set it up for that situation. There is a front brake in the works and hopefully venom will release race tires soon too. Those two will help a lot. The bike is pretty big so getting around smaller 1/10 scale tracks will be very difficult. An loamy 1/5 track would be a BLAST to race on. If I can get an egyro installed in the vmx, I think my dream of tearing up the tracks will be a reality. I think the videos from venom give a good demonstration of the fun you can have just bashing around if thats your thing. One last thing, bikes are very different to steer than a rc car so if thats what you know prepare to take some time to understand how they work. Learning to lean into a turn and excelerate out is really fun once you get the hang of it. I see potential in each bike out there and each has strenghts and weaknesses. Cost is a factor too. Hope my opinion gave you some more insight on the bike. If you have specific questions ask away. ;)
Posted on: 6/29/2011 11:05 PM by Author "JohnnyMacDad" in the forum "RC Motorcycles"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10599375

RE: RC Motorcycle Picture Thread
Swheels your so creative. I wouldnt have a clue how to do that shock setup you created (and mentioned in rcgroups). BTW, is Bruce Lee using ricky as a foot rest behind the bike? hehe. Now get out to that track you just found! ;)
Posted on: 6/29/2011 8:49 PM by Author "JohnnyMacDad" in the forum "RC Motorcycles"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10599231

RE: RC Motorcycle Picture Thread
@ntyhobbies - Thanks! Videos are planned for sure! Im trying to get the bike hooked up on my local track but its going to be hard until Venom releases small pin tires. (Track is hard packed and dusty - worst conditions for stock tires.) Last week I finished the rider mods for the bike. I dremeled out space inside his head, chest, and legs to reduce weight, then cut his waist and arms to give him a lower stance. All this to reduce COG. I then painted the rider with an airbrush paint called createx, but I used a brush since I dont own an airbrush. So far its working. I added stickers (should have painted them on instead) and added mirrored tint to some lexan and glued to his googles. Looks sweet. Paint scheme is Ryan Villopoto wearing Thor Core Dagger gear and Alpinestar tech10 boots worn at LA Supercross and Salt Lake City SX this year. Here's source image, then my versions. Hope you guys like it...
Posted on: 6/23/2011 9:52 PM by Author "JohnnyMacDad" in the forum "RC Motorcycles"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10589581

RE: RC Motorcycle Picture Thread
Here is my VMX 450, a complete replica of Ryan Villopoto #2 2011 Monster Energy 450 dirt bike. I spent about a month working on graphics and detailing. Its the stock prepainted body which I just worked on the outside of. I attempted to create a full skin of the body in just stickers. In the end, I did end up spraying some parts, like green for the seat and fenders (top and the white underneath too). I also added the clutch/brake cables for an extra touch of details, made out of alligator test wires. The frame I ended up using some silver/gold paint pens I got from Staples office store and started out just painting the engine area and just couldnt seem to stop until it looked right. It worked out good because I used real bike images where the frame goes across up towards the tank/steering. I tried to make the most realistic rc dirt bike out there. Hope you like it and get inspired to try something too! Now its time to take some videos at the track. Come on, wake up guys ;)
Posted on: 3/18/2011 9:04 PM by Author "JohnnyMacDad" in the forum "RC Motorcycles"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10409039

RE: Venom VMX 450
[quote]ORIGINAL: soulreaper The Venom webpage says the Blue and the Red vmx450 wont be in stock until late Feb. The green bike is in stock now. However I asked this question a few posts above this one and Chris Nicastro stated that they were in stock, and Whipnet posted and said Chris knows whats going on and that the Venom webmaster DIDNT know what was going on. I expect more from a company than that. Maybe Chris should ask the webmaster to update the page. I have a Red vmx on back order with Greatplanes and it still has not shipped yet. Good luck finding the right answer to your question [/quote] Soul, you need to cut Chris some slack. He let you know they were in. He's gone above and beyond for us imo. He's not the shipping department, he's R&D. I preordered mine (green) through Venom back in December and got it this last Saturday. So, if you went with a different company instead of direct, well you are the one rolling the dice. Like Chris said, get the green and order a clear body to paint it exactly like you want, or like I said, cancel your great planes preorder and order now from somewhere like 2wheelhobbies.com. By the way, the bike is BEAUTIFUL just looking at it. Im so excited. Awesome work Chris - you, venom, your team/department did a great thing getting a cool bike out for the rc dirt bike hobby.
Posted on: 1/18/2011 10:25 AM by Author "JohnnyMacDad" in the forum "RC Motorcycles"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10272000

RE: Venom VMX 450
So, the website and facebook both are wrong? Top line on facebook page reads "The Venom VMX 450 has finally arrived and we're filling all orders today. We are sold out on Red's and Blues but still have some Greens available." lol Anywho, 2wheelhobbies.com, towerhobbies, etc should have some in by next week i believe.
Posted on: 1/14/2011 10:24 PM by Author "JohnnyMacDad" in the forum "RC Motorcycles"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10264573