HOT RODS Connecting Rod Kit for KTM SX 50 1997-2000

The HOT RODS 8149 connecting rod kit is designed for KTM SX 50 from 1997 to 2000. The connecting rod links the piston to the crankshaft and takes the most violent loads in the engine. Its big-end bearing and crank pin wear over the hours: play at the big end is the warning sign of a failure that can wreck the whole engine.

Specifications

• Brand: HOT RODS
• Manufacturer part number: 8149
• Centre-to-centre length: 77 mm
• Small end bore: 15 mm
• Big end bore: 22 mm
• Small end width: 12 mm
• Big end width: 12 mm
• Crankpin diameter: 16 mm
• Crankpin length: 30 mm
• Small end bearing: 12x15x15 mm
• Big end bearing: 16x22x12 mm
• Engine: 2-stroke

When to replace it?

• Vertical play at the big end at top dead centre.
• Side play out of tolerance, signs of overheating (bluing).
• Vibration and dull noise from the bottom end.

During a bottom end rebuild, at the intervals in the service manual, and without delay as soon as play appears at the big end.

Fitting tips

1. Replacing a connecting rod means pressing the crankshaft apart and then realigning it: with a dial indicator, you check the run-out, i.e. the deviation in rotation measured at the end of the shaft, which must stay within a few hundredths of a millimetre at most. Leave this job to a properly equipped workshop if you don't have a press and a truing stand.
2. Replace the crankshaft bearings and oil seals at the same time.
3. Check the big-end side play after assembly.
4. Close up the engine with a complete engine gasket kit and tighten to the manufacturer's torque.
5. Check the gearbox bearings, then fill up with fresh oil and fit a new spark plug.

Why HOT RODS?

Hot Rods has been making off-road bottom-end parts since 1993: crankshafts, connecting rods and bearing kits. Its connecting rods are forged and machined in the USA from case-hardened 8620 nickel-chrome-moly steel, and its crankshafts come assembled and trued to the manufacturer's tolerances.

Spare parts and items to plan

• Crankshaft bearings and seals : see the selection
• Complete engine gasket kit : MOOSE 822347MSE · MOOSE 811337MSE
• Gearbox bearings : HOT RODS
• 2-stroke oil : LIQUI MOLY 1 L · MOTUL 800 1 L
• Spark plug : NGK LR8B · NGK

Frequently asked questions

Can I fit the connecting rod myself?
Yes, if you have a press and a crankshaft truing stand; otherwise, an engine workshop can do it for you.

What else should I plan for?
The crankshaft bearing and seal kit, the complete engine gasket kit, the gearbox bearings if required, engine oil and a spark plug.

Compatibility

Check the exact model and year of your bike in the list below before ordering.

Fits:
KTM SX 50 2000
KTM SX 50 1999
KTM SX 50 1998
KTM SX 50 1997