High Speed Dirt Garage

04/29/2026

The heart is back in the patient. Progress continues. Let us build one for you! 2002 RM250

04/17/2026

The lastest build is coming together! Lots more pictures to come on this 2002 Suzuki RM250 Ricky Carmichael Makita replica!

01/17/2026

Love this modern version of that famous KX250! Had to throw the HSDG KX250 in here as well!

01/14/2026

Restoration Build of the 1998 KX250 basket case is complete. This one is headed out to an excited owner that we know will get a ton of enjoyment out of!
Your bike could be next!

01/10/2026

Take Advantage of the Bad Weather!

While winter can be depressing for many of us due to the lack of good riding weather, it is a great opportunity to take care of maintenance to ensure you are ready to rip when the good weather returns.

Here are the High Speed Dirt Garage recommendations for winter maintenance:

1). Engine and Top End
- Top end inspection or rebuild
Winter is prime time for rings, pistons, wrist pins, and a fresh hone — especially on two strokes. If you decide to pull the top end, it’s a great time to check your crank for any up and down play.
- Power valve cleaning (2T)
Carbon builds up all season; winter is when you restore crisp throttle response.
- Compression check
Baseline your engine health before spring.
- Leak down test (2T) or valve clearance check (4T)
Catch issues early while the bike is parked.
- Oil and Filter Change (4T)
While this is not just a winter maintenance item, it’s a great time to ensure you are fresh.

2). Fuel and Intake
- Carburetor teardown and ultrasonic cleaning
Jets, float valves, and passages get varnished — winter is when you make them new again.
- Fuel tank flush + new fuel lines
Ethanol is the enemy; replace anything stiff or cloudy

3). Drivetrain and Transmission
- Chain and sprocket replacement
Winter is perfect for installing a fresh set and aligning everything properly. Look for rounded and/or broken teeth on sprockets. Check chain stretch – if it easily pulls of the back of the rear sprocket, it’s time. Always change chain and sprockets as a set if you can.
- Swingarm & linkage bearing service
Most riders never do this — winter is when the pros do. Disassemble all and inspect bearings – replace as needed – repack all with quality grease.
- Replace Transmission Fluid (2T)
While this should be a regular occurrence, use this as an opportunity to get a fresh change.
- Wheel bearing inspection or replacement
Cheap insurance for a smooth season. With the bike on a stand, give the wheel a side-to-side wiggle – if there’s motion, it’s time.

4). Suspension
- Fork oil change
Fork oil breaks down faster than people think; winter is ideal for a refresh. With an oil change, definitely replace the fork seals.
- Shock service
Nitrogen recharge, seals, and fresh oil bring back plushness.
- Check sag and spring rates
Reset everything for your current weight and riding style.

5). Steering and Controls
- Steering stem bearing clean/grease
Prevents notchy steering and keeps handling sharp.
- Brake system flush + pad inspection
Fresh fluid = better feel and safer riding.
- Throttle tube, cables, and clutch perch service
Smooth controls make a huge difference. Consider flushing and lubricating the cables.

6). Electrical
- Battery maintenance or replacement
Especially for EFI bikes — weak batteries cause tuning issues.
- Check all grounds and connectors
Corrosion loves cold, damp garages. Apply dielectric grease to connections

7). Other
Muffler repacking
- Sound and performance benefits – especially on two strokes
Bolts and Torque Setting
- All bikes vibrate, get a torque spec listing for your bike. Look to ensure all bolts are present and torqued to proper settings

As always, if you have any questions, please reach out to us here at HSDG. If you need help getting any maintenance done, we will be happy to help with that too!

Send a message to learn more

01/01/2026

Happy New Year from HSDG! With the new year, we are rolling out some new services that we are incredibly excited about! Regardless of your needs, we want to be your full stop restoration shop, so we built some tiered services to help!
What better new year resolution then to get that restoration you need or want! Here are our new services:

High Speed Dirt: Revival Build = Reliability, Safety, and Solid Performance
What it is:
A comprehensive mechanical restoration focused on reliability, safety, and ride ready performance. This is the perfect option for riders who want their two-stroke brought back to trustworthy life without the cosmetic extras.
Best for:
• Owners of clean but aging two stroke motocross bikes
• Riders who purchased a used bike and want it made safe, dependable, and trail or track ready
• Anyone wanting a strong mechanical foundation before investing in cosmetics
What’s included:
• Full engine removal and rebuild (top end, bottom end, or both)
• New engine bearings and seals
• Cylinder inspection and replating/refinishing if needed
• Swingarm, linkage, fork, and shock service with new bearings, bushings, and seals
• Wheel bearing replacement
• New tires and tubes
• Carburetor cleaning and adjustment
• Steering stem bearing replacement
• Brake system refresh: new pads and fluid
• Coolant flush and replacement
Purpose:
Bring the bike back to life mechanically so it’s safe, reliable, and ready to rip.

High Speed Dirt: Restoration Build - Performance, Reliability, and a Fresh New Look
What it is:
Everything included in the Revival Build, plus a full cosmetic refresh and deeper mechanical detailing. This tier delivers a bike that runs as good as it looks — perfect for riders who want pride of ownership every time they open the garage.
Best for:
• Riders who want a clean, sharp, great looking machine
• Owners preparing a bike for resale or long-term enjoyment
• Anyone wanting a “like new” feel without going full museum grade
What’s included (in addition to Revival Build):
• Frame blasting and powder-coating
• New plastics and graphics
• New seat cover
• Full engine disassembly and deep cleaning
• Ultrasonic carburetor cleaning + new breather hoses
• Radiator and hose replacement (if needed)
• New handlebars, levers, and grips (if applicable)
• Wheel rebuild on blasted stock hubs or replacement wheelset
• Brake caliper rebuild and cleaning
Purpose:
A mechanically solid, visually impressive bike that feels fresh, clean, and dialed in.

High Speed Dirt: Legend Build - Museum Grade, Resto Mod, or Full OEM Restoration
What it is:
The pinnacle of what High Speed Dirt Garage offers. This is a full, every nut and bolt transformation designed for collectors, showpieces, and riders who want a truly iconic machine. Every component is restored, refinished, or replaced to the highest possible standard.
Best for:
• Collectors and enthusiasts seeking a museum quality build
• Riders wanting a resto mod with performance upgrades
• Anyone who wants a bike worthy of a display stand or man cave centerpiece
What’s included (in addition to Revival + Restoration Builds):
• Replacement with new OEM parts wherever possible
• Complete engine rebuild including crank rebuild
• Full v***r blasting of engine cases
• Swingarm refinishing and polishing
• Optional Cerakote finishes on selected components
• Replacement or re plating of all hardware with OEM correct finishes
• Every component touched, restored, refinished, or replaced
• Optional performance upgrades:
• Aftermarket pipe and silencer
• Reed cage
• Porting/polishing
• Suspension tuning
• Resto mod enhancements
Purpose:
Create a true legend — a bike that represents the highest level of craftsmanship, detail, and passion.

Optional Add Ons (Available for Any Tier)
Because HSDG is relationship driven and every bike has its own story, these tiers are flexible. Customers can add or remove services as needed, and your evaluation process ensures the bike is placed in the correct tier.

Rest assured, we don’t appreciate surprises either, so pricing for all tiers will be clear and documented from the start.

Want to get Started?
Reach out and let’s chat – whether you have a bike or you want us to help you find one to get started – were here and can do that.

Send a message to learn more

10/08/2025

Battle of the Pipes - Which is Best for Me?

For most bike owners, the first major performance upgrade they purchase is an aftermarket exhaust and this is typically a solid investment to gain performance. BUT do they know which exhaust to purchase and why? That’s the aim of this article.

We are going to focus on two-strokes here and the top two makers of aftermarket exhausts – FMF and Pro Circuit. Both make an excellent product and it’s not about which is a better product – it’s about which is better for YOU and YOUR NEEDS.

FMF makes a number of popular models to include: Factory Fatty, Fatty and Gnarly. Their pipes are produced from stamped carbon steel with some nickel-plated options. They typically weigh in the range of 5.0 – 5.2 lbs based on model.

The FMF line of pipes is typically known for increased power and torque in lower RPM ranges. While it does not have a negative impact on top end power, it’s not where it shines.

Pro Circuit makes a number of popular models to include: Works Pipe, Platinum and Platinum 2. Their pipes are produced from AKDQ carbon steel with a nickel-plated finish for Platinum series. They also typically weigh in the range of 5.0-5.2 lbs based on model.

The Pro Circuit pipes are typically known for more aggressive top-end power more characteristic of track racing needs. Opposite of FMF pipes, while the Pro Circuit doesn’t really negatively impact low end torque, it’s not where their focus and strength is.

As you can see, while both make excellent quality products - you should make your choice on what your desired outcome is. To simplify, here are the HSDG recommendations based on your needs:
• If your focus is on Trail/Enduro riding, consider the FMF Fatty or Gnarly which provides you with strong low-end power great for trails while providing solid durability.
• If your focus is Motocross racing, consider the Pro Circuit Works pipe for optimal top end performance and proven race testing.
• If your focus is all around use, consider the FMF Fatty which seems to have the best all around performance. While not as exceedingly strong in low or top end, this provides the best performance across the entire range.
• Finally, if you have a strong desire for durability and long lasting appearance, consider the Pro Circuit Platinum series – whose nickel plating will keep your pipe looking sharp for many rides.

This short summary should give you some solid ground when purchasing that new exhaust. While we didn’t cover silencers, we strongly recommend pairing the same manufacturer of silencer with the pipe – this will ensure they are tested and designed to perform optimally together.

One last note, any of the above exhausts are going to SOUND great compared to stock – so don’t make your purchase based on how you think it might sound. Make your purchase based on how you want your exhaust to perform for your specific needs.

Don’t forget to ensure you ADJUST JETTING for your specific bike and pipe – this is very important and required. If you have questions about jetting specs, drop us a note and we will be happy to advise.

Happy riding and stay safe!
High Speed Dirt Garage

Send a message to learn more

10/02/2025

Progress on the 1998 KX250. Fresh top end to include fresh stock bore cyclinder thanks to PowerSeal USA. Cleaned up power valve and fresh Vertex piston and rings.

https://www.powersealusa.com/

http://www.vertexpistons.com/

09/30/2025

The first High Speed Dirt Garage shirts arrived. Digging the way they turned out!

04/01/2025

Progress on the 1998 KX250 (and couldn’t help throwing on a rad shroud to see how it looks). Suspension linkage and swingarm all rebuilt with new bearings and seals. Soon will have the roller complete and be diving into the motor.