converting from trails to moto

[ianbeach]

does anyone have any tips for what needs to be done to convert a 2007 250 xcw into a moto track ready race bike?
thanks

[Pumpkinpatch]

I see your bike is for sale and you're looking at other (more moto oriented) bikes.
That would be the easy route to take.
Be a little careful though; if you come across a nice 250SX KTM; it could have been set up more for woods. You see a lot of those on the NEPG and GNCC circuits.

If the model is unaltered, take the KTM SX line as an example; then the suspension will automatically be more appropriate. And the engine and transmission a more natural fit.

OK. So, let's say you are keeping the old XCW and going to moto it. Some things you might focus on.....
Suspension spring rates - generally you may want stiffer springs than stock W models. Lots of us on the FMHSC have spare springs laying around; so don't let the worry of purchasing the correct springs get into your head. For that year; you might find some "free to good home" springs laying around our garages.
Suspension valving - this is a little harder to deal with. If you already have someone that helps you with fork and shock valving; they can get you into good shape. If not, then generally, you'll be tightening up (stiffening) the compression and likewise the rebound damping settings.
Motor - you probably don't need to do a lot here, assuming the bike is running well. A different pipe and shorty silencer might help give you more "snap" that could help you out. And if the model has a power valve spring that is interchangeable; a light spring might also be an aid once you gain more comfort with a bike that has pop to the power delivery.
Transmission/gearing - the modern SX two strokes are 5 speed (maybe older ones too) but that isn't a problem in itself. It's that your W has a broader (wider spread) of gearing. You probably have a 6 speed; so an "old guy" trick is to change the final drive (chain and sprockets) to effectively eliminate the normal use of 1st gear and use 2nd to say, 4th or maybe 5th as your most often used gears. The newer W's have a pretty low first gear with a big gap to 2nd; so this is what you want to get rid of.
Graphics - new graphics and seat cover will surely make you a better moto head. Haha.

Seriously, you can get your bike to moto better; but if moto is your future; then a more specific model should also be in your future to.
Start small and build up to it.

And, be safe whatever you do.