i turn my gas off and run my bike till it dies to make sure theres no fuel left in the carb and lines. is that bad to do on a regular basis? is there any other ways to do it?

You can turn off the fuel valve, and open the drain screw at the bottom of the float bowl.

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Desert: 450R
Trail: 400EX
Technical Trail: Rancher 420 and 350 4X4's
Kids: Two 250EX's and 90
Dual-Sport Bike: XT225

Past rides: 300EX, 2wd Rancher 350, Recon, TRX90, Z400, LT160, LT80, Warrior, Blaster, CRF230F

ill try that method out. could the way i was doin it before have damaged anything?

No damage, but by unscrewing the drain screw you"ll be empty in a matter of seconds instead of running 5 minites. Plus you"ll be emptying her completely including any water that might be in the bowl. Just put the drain hose in a can to catch the gas and unscrew it.

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2006 Honda 450ERRRRRRRRRRRRRR<BR>2005 Yamaha KodiaK 450...crashed/Totaled<BR>2005 Honda 250EX (sold but never forgotten)<BR>2003 Yamaha Raptor 80<BR>2006 Sukuki ZZZZZZ400
GRIZZLY 700 FI........nothing compares!

alright cool thanks a lot