Just starting to get things going on my YZ450F as I'm through riding for the season. Since I plan on doing some class "C" racing next season, I wanted to put a few things on my bike to help it survive the races.

Since the engine is powerful enough as it is, I don't plan on doing any engine work at this time. I'm primarily focusing on crash protection, suspension/handling and fine tuning the fuel/ignition system.

Prior to today, the only work I had done to my bike was adjust the rear sag a little as well as installing a Zip-Ty fuel screw. Oh, also had to replace a bent brake lever from when I went down from a botched jump.

This is going to be a slow work in progress as I have a few months to get it done, so updates will most likely be slow. This morning, I replaced the plastic factory rear caliper guard with an aluminum one from Work Connection. I also put a full skid plate on which was made by Moose racing. I added a little weight by doing so, but because I'm planning on doing both MX as well as hare scrambles, I want to protect not only the case, but also the frame.

Others parts I have as of yet to install:
-Moose Racing Radiator cages
-Motion Pro bleeder valves for front forks
-JD Jetting jet kit
-Cycra hand guards
-Pro-Moto billet exhaust end cap (allows me to put a spark arrestor in for trail riding)
-New grips
-Tach/hour meter
-Radiator overlfow bottle

Additional work I plan to do:
-Grease all pivot points (should be done twice a season: beginning and middle)
-Have the suspension reworked for my weight and riding style.

Couple of other parts I want to get:
-Scotts stainless steel oil filter ($10/paper filter get expensive!)
-Stainless steel brake lines and better pads.

A few pictures to start this off:

Pics of both sides of my 450, and then of the caliper guard. The caliper guard was pretty much as straight up replacement. The factory one is made of plastic and uses a spacer in the rear. The Works Connection eliminates the need for the spacer. My complaint though is that the WC guard opens the bleeder screw to the elements and does not protect that quite as well compared to the factory. However, the strength is greater.

Next set of pics is from replacing the skid plate. Again, it's for the most part a straight replacement. You can see how small the factory guard is compared to the aftermarket one. The aftermarket is designed more for complete underside protection, which includes the frame as well as some engine components.

My only complaint about the skid plate is that changing oil was already a pain, this just now compounds it greatly. As, in order to drain the oil, I have to remove the skid plate as it blocks the drain plug on the shifter side. Small price to pay for protection though. ;)

Next up, I'll probably do the radiator cages. Oh, I also have an overflow bottle to put on as well. Forgot about that on my initial list above.

:drool damit you are going to make me go get one if you keep it up... :( :lmao


Very nice bike bro... :)

Nice Shawn!! :thumbup

Can I ride it? :sing

I want that same exact bike :(

How do you like it?

Looking to pickup a couple dirt bikes in January...

Looking good.


Ride safe.

:drool damit you are going to make me go get one if you keep it up... :( :lmao


Very nice bike bro... :)

You're going to have to deal with this over the winter R1Lover. Are you sure you'll be able to hold out? :lol

Nice Shawn!! :thumbup

Can I ride it? :sing

Get some gear, and meet me at one of the dirt tracks. The flip side is that I get to take your R1 on the track as well. :mock

I want that same exact bike :(

How do you like it?

Looking to pickup a couple dirt bikes in January...

It's a very nice bike. Plenty of power down low and mid range, rides well, easy pulling clutch, etc. The only complaint that I have about it really is that the front end washes out occasionally. It's a tendency of the bike, as it's well documented. Yamaha made a change in '08 that supposedly got rid of the problem. If you're going to buy a newer YZ450F, I've read to either buy an '06 or an '08. If you buy an '08, they put a different silencer on it, which causes a bit of power loss. Most people are saying to put an aftermarket silencer on, and it becomes a great bike.

Not sure of your height/weight, riding style, or available riding areas, but look into both the 250F and 450F. Tighter riding areas, you'll enjoy a 250F more. Whereas on more open tracks you'll do better with a 450F. If you're going to be doing mostly trails/woods riding, look to the WR line.

www.450moto.com

Ya done with it yet Shawn? :crash :lmao

Very nice... :thumbup

www.450moto.com

I've seen that before, but have no desire to convert it. I'm tempted to buy some sumo wheels, but that's about it as I really enjoy riding MX and trails more than I do pavement.

Ya done with it yet Shawn? :crash :lmao

Haven't had time to get back to it Brian. Between helping my son with his science fair project, and now wrestling has kicked in full gear now, not much time to. I've still got about 4.5 months before I need to worry about it. ;)

Very nice... :thumbup

Thanks Val.

Haven't had time to get back to it Brian. Between helping my son with his science fair project, and now wrestling has kicked in full gear now, not much time to. I've still got about 4.5 months before I need to worry about it. ;)



:thumbup

What weight class is he in?

:thumbup

What weight class is he in?

He weighed in at 160.1 on Monday, and the lowest he can wrestle is 152. I'm tempted to get his suspension redone this year as well, and if I do, set it up for about a 180 pound rider. Might seem like a big jump, but last season he weighed in at 145 lbs. He grew from about 5'6" to about 5'11" in one year.

I'll have to see how things go over the winter, as my suspension will be one of the last things I do because I want to have a better idea of what weight I'll be next spring.

He weighed in at 160.1 on Monday, and the lowest he can wrestle is 152. I'm tempted to get his suspension redone this year as well, and if I do, set it up for about a 180 pound rider. Might seem like a big jump, but last season he weighed in at 145 lbs. He grew from about 5'6" to about 5'11" in one year.

I'll have to see how things go over the winter, as my suspension will be one of the last things I do because I want to have a better idea of what weight I'll be next spring.


Good thing you brought him up to respect his :old because that boy is gonna surpass you in the :workoutin no time!! :yes

Good thing you brought him up to respect his :old because that boy is gonna surpass you in the :workoutin no time!! :yes

:lol :lol

Tell me about it. When I graduated high school at the age of 17, I was about 5'11" @ 180 pounds.

:lol :lol

Tell me about it. When I graduated high school at the age of 17, I was about 5'11" @ 180 pounds.
http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q60/vmaxman06/SMILES/sigpic59520_6.gif http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q60/vmaxman06/SMILES/sigpic59520_6.gif

Picked up a new part for the bike yesterday: Ready Racing stainless steel oil filter and cover (http://store.bobscycle.com/browse.cfm/4,76974.htm) Figured at damn near $11.00 a filter, and I change them out every time I change oil, it'll pay for itself in half a season. I still have three paper filters left that will fit the son's 250F. Once those go, I'll buy one for his as well. I won't install this on my bike though until I change the oil after the first ride next season as I just changed oil and filter before putting it away for the season.

Going to see about getting the front wheel and forks off the bike this morning. I'm trying to get my suspension off and shipped out in the next week or two so they can be rebuilt.


I hate winter. :mad :ninja

I hate winter. :mad :ninja
:imwst:mad

oil filter...two strokes dont have them things, thats why they are better

:bogie:bogie

Fixed it!!:rofl:rofl

oil filter...two strokes dont have them things, thats why they are better

Personally I think any engine that doesn't have an oil filter isn't better. But, this thread isn't about arguments of which one is better. :fact

It's a slow going process working on the bike, but I knew that going into it this off-season. I've got both wheels off now, as well as the exhaust and a few other parts.

Need to finish taking the swingarm off, as well as the rear subframe so I can get to the rear shock. I'm hoping to have everything done by this Thursday so I can drop it off for rebuild.

Couple of crappy cell phone pics (battery went dead on my digital camera):

It's a slow going process working on the bike, but I knew that going into it this off-season. I've got both wheels off now, as well as the exhaust and a few other parts.

Need to finish taking the swingarm off, as well as the rear subframe so I can get to the rear shock. I'm hoping to have everything done by this Thursday so I can drop it off for rebuild.

Couple of crappy cell phone pics (battery went dead on my digital camera):
:workout:jiggy

It's a slow going process working on the bike

how is that possible?! i could have the engine out of my RM in less than 30 minutes....:poke :mrgreen :lol

how is that possible?! i could have the engine out of my RM in less than 30 minutes....:poke :mrgreen :lol


Engines just fall out of Suzukis. :mock


Mine is from lack of time, and cold weather (unheated garage). BTW, ever see up close how they pack an engine into the aluminum frames now on the YZ's? Damn near need to disassemble the rear half to get the carb off now. :ninja

Engines just fall out of Suzukis. :mock

:rofl :rofl

yea yea....but she was good to me. Beat the crap out of it, and it came back for more. Had way more issues with my first two KX's then I ever did with my RM. Couldn't keep the KX subframe bolts from coming loose!

Never owned a CR or YZ; but my ex-girlfriend of many years ago had TWO YZ-250's, and I spent plenty of time working on and riding both (kinda like her...:hung). She had a 94 and a 98. Sweet bikes, but never liked how they made you feel like you were over the front fender...high seat, low bars. I rode a 426 a few years ago, and not much has changed. Guess I'd need risers on the bars to feel more comfortable.

Ergonomics supposedly have changed on the YZ's. Especially the newer ones. Not much, but just enough to straighten you out some. I know others still put taller bars or risers on, but those are few and far between now.

Once I start racing, I'll know what I want to do with the YZ.

looking good brudda

you should invest in a torpedo heater:)

:thumbup

Thanks. I have one, but no kerosene. Also, my ceiling is a little open to the elements as I've been having to remodel out there as well. So all the heat goes up and out because of no insulation. :lol :lol

So what is this re-build you are doing? it looks brand new almost... lol Engine work? modding it up?

He's gonna Tard it out!! :rock :cool

So what is this re-build you are doing? it looks brand new almost... lol Engine work? modding it up?

I'm going to have the suspension rebuilt for my weight and riding style. The front is pretty easy to get to, but the rear takes some work to get the rear shock it. It's my first time on this, so I'm taking it a little slower than I normally would so I make sure I do it right.

Also, while I have the suspension out, I'm going to re-grease all of the pivot points such as the swing arm, headset, etc. I'm also going to do some work to the carbeurator while I have it torn down.

This is the list I have on the first post:

-Moose Racing Radiator cages
-Motion Pro bleeder valves for front forks
-JD Jetting jet kit
-Cycra hand guards
-Pro-Moto billet exhaust end cap (allows me to put a spark arrestor in for trail riding)
-New grips
-Tach/hour meter
-Radiator overlfow bottle

Additional work I plan to do:
-Grease all pivot points (should be done twice a season: beginning and middle)
-Have the suspension reworked for my weight and riding style.

Couple of other parts I want to get:
-Scotts stainless steel oil filter ($10/paper filter get expensive!)
-Stainless steel brake lines and better pads.

So far, I've installed a skid plate and the rear caliper guard and done a couple of small mods over the summer such as a fuel screw and a few adjustments.

I'm also going to be buying some motard wheels and front fender so I can run it at the track day here in May. Going to be an expensive spring... me -> :kicknuts <- wife

Dam you Shawn, Now I want one too:mad

Dam you Shawn, Now I want one too:mad

They're definitely a lot of fun Adrian. http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd178/fjorn_norseman/roost.gif


You're in one of the best parts of the country for both dirt and street riding. Time to pick one up. :rock

Finally got the suspension out, so going to see about dropping it off tomorrow evening after work.

Various pictures of the bike with the suspension off, parts on the trailer, etc. Also, one picture of the carb showing how difficult it is to remove which necessitates the disassembly of the back half of the bike.

Once I get the suspension off to the shop, then I'll be working on the carb and greasing the pivot points. If I have time, I'll also be installing the ProMoto Billet end cap. If not, I'll be doing it as it gets put back together along with the other parts.

All in all, I have to say that this is a lot easier to work on than my '03 R1 ever was. But, it's not as easy to work on as my son's YZ250F, or my wife's TT-R125LE.

Picture of the suspension removed. :)

Damn Shawn, your making me feel like I am neglecting my dirt bike. LOL...also making me want to trade in my 04 for a new one. :mrgreen

Glad to help Kevin. :lmao

Pretty much once I'm done with this work, my 450F will be completed. Well, except for the maintenance/repair that'll come with racing. From here, I'll be working on the TT-R and the 250F. Have some repairs to do on both of them before next season.

Just dropped my suspension off with the rebuilder. Picking it up next Thursday from him.

Finally managed to get some decent time, and warmer temps, to work on the bike. I got a couple of things done, and have more to do yet.

Biggest project today was removing the swingarm so I could grease up the pivot points. I didn't really bother to clean the swingarm too much, as it's relatively clean (it is a dirt bike...). I cleaned up around the bearing areas where I was working, but didn't put much effort into making it look good.

Some pics of the swingarm work (I'll write up a how-to later with full pics). Looks funny without any forks or a swingarm...

While I had the swingarm removed, I played around with learning to safety wire. I did okay, but need a lot of practice as I kept either dulling bits, or snapping them.

Last thing I did today was put the ProMoto Billet end cap on my exhaust. I added a couple of scratches to the can in the process, but nothing major though. The one picture with the screen is just for show. Since I ride MX primarily, it's not necessary. I'll only be adding the screen when I ride on public trails as you much have a USFS approved spark arrestor. This not makes me legal to do so.

Picked up my suspension today. :rock

Also, while I was at the bike store, I picked up a couple of other small things. :mock

sweet...why didnt you buy an after market exhaust/silencer?

The factory exhaust is very good on this bike. As it doesn't seem to cut into the power like some of the other cans do, so I just left it. I put the ProMoto end cap on so I could legally ride trails. Most aftermarket exhausts also do not have spark arrestor capabilities.

Also:

$150 for ProMoto Billet end cap
-vs-
$350 (minimum) for an aftermarket can with spark arrestor capabilities.



Maybe once I get better at racing I'll look into an aftermarket exhaust for more power. But, at that point I may wind up with a new bike.

Finally got out to the garage for some more work today. Between work, business, being sick and my son's wrestling schedule, didn't have much time or desire to.

Regreased the triple tree bearings, installed the forks, fork bleeder valves, bracket for the tach/hour meter and did a few other things.

If the weather holds, and depending on how long I have to work tonight, I'll be back out there tomorrow morning. I'm hoping to get this thing wrapped up soon so I can get on to the other two bikes.

Still waiting for my race numbers and what a slow process this is. :(

Finally starting to take the form of a bike again. Spent a good portion of the day yesterday working on her. Couple of things I wasn't happy about though:

1) Moose radiator guards are a pain in the :moon to install. Not only to get them mounted, but also has to hack my fairing apart a little to get them to fit. Not happy about this.

2) I had to replace my throttle tube due to a crash I had last year that pushed sand inside the tube and it wasn't turning nicely. I bought a Pro-Taper bearing throttle tube. Unfortunately, I can't use the brush guards now because of how they mount. I'll put these on my son's YZ250F if they'll fit.

3) Split the throttle side grip while I installing new ones. Need to swing by the parts store tomorrow to buy a new set. :mad

Aside from the grip, number plates, and re-greasing the wheel bearings, she's almost done. I'll have my number plates somewhere around March 10th.

I'm hoping to get to the indoor track for some riding the week of the 10th if possible.

hows it going? got it finished yet?

hows it going? got it finished yet?
:stupid Where's that damn number plate!! :rock

Just woke up, and going to post pictures now.

Bike is pretty much done, just need to fire her up and adjust the fuel settings. Didn't have fresh 92 octane fuel, so will get her fired up tonight. :haha

Sweet Shawn!! :rock

Looks ready to race!! :cool

Some of it didn't come out as planned. Such as I didn't use the radiator overflow tank, as well as the brush guards. The tank I didn't like how it mounted, and the brush guards I couldn't use because of the new throttle tube I put in.

More...

Sweet Shawn!! :rock

Looks ready to race!! :cool


Thanks Brian, I have a couple of minor tweaks to do before racing. So, I'm hoping to get out on the track soon for some warmup. Two other things I didn't get to last night was safety wiring the grips, and also putting grip tape on the frame. If it warms up this weekend, I can do the grip tape. I'd like it to be relatively warm while I do it.

Last pic.

Love the Team Tubby!! :rock :lol

That bike is a thing of beauty!

who did your numberplates? there fuggin sweet:fact

That bike is a thing of beauty!

Thanks! I'm trying to keep it looking very nice compared to some of the other MX bikes out there that are just beaten.

who did your numberplates? there fuggin sweet:fact

Black Diamond MX (http://blackdiamondmx.com) A local company out of Hastings, MN. One of the owners is also a Class B MX racer.

Black Diamond MX (http://blackdiamondmx.com)A local company out of Hastings, MN. One of the owners is also a Class B MX racer.
they did a damn nice job...is the bike still gonna be ready in may:sneaky

they did a damn nice job...is the bike still gonna be ready in may:sneaky

It's ready for MX right now. I'm working out details now for a SuMo kit. If all goes as planned, I'll have everything here by end of April. :twisted

sounds like a plan :rock

sounds like a plan :rock

Worse comes to worse, I'll borrow my friend's Hardley and show him what it means to ride a bike. :sneaky

Worse comes to worse, I'll borrow my friend's Hardley and show him what it means to ride a bike. :sneaky

:lol now that would be fun to see :mrgreen

:lol scrapeing the pipes and floor boards on every corner:lmao

Added a few bits:

Cycra Pro-Bend triple tree brush guards
Pro Taper Woods bars (narrower than the standard bars by about 2")


Planning to do my first hare scramble tomorrow. Should be fun given all the rain and snow we've been having over the past couple of weeks. :sneaky

lookin good!! :thumbup

sounds like a blast i have been to watch a few of those back home never rode one though! :) looked like so much fun!

hope you do well! they have a pot, or prizes?

Thanks. The harescramble I did was on May 4th. Placement: 21st out of 23. 22 and 23 were DNF's. Having only ridden once before this year, I was pretty slow. Add that to my already slow arse, and I'm a turtle out there. :lol :lol

Was a lot of fun, even though I just about passed out a few times from deconditioning due to medical problems. But, I'm working to improve that. Will take time though.

Next up: May 17th will be doing a Motard session (if my wheels ever show up :rant :rant)

Well at least you finished!! thats what really matters!! :lol riding dirtbikes after a long time is sooo much harder than street, its a completely different feel for me, like when i wouldnt ride for a while when i was younger it was so hard to get back to the point i was at...

good that you have fun i miss riding dirt alot! good luck on the conditioning!! :yes

how much are you chaning to convert it to motard? suspension, wheels, different brakes?

Thanks. I'm enjoying riding dirt, and soon 'tard, more than I ever did on the street. Even though it's less often, I look forward to doing it more.

As to the conversion:

Rims, tires, rotors, adapter bracket for front caliper, rear sprocket and chain. I'll set the compression/rebound a little stiffer for the road.

:thumbup right on man sounds like fun!! be safe :yes

Thanks, I'm definitely looking forward to it. I just talked to a guy yesterday who lives a few miles north of me. He has access to a track with a few miles of trails. He's interested in letting me go riding with him so we both have someone to assist us in case of breakdown, injury, or worse. I'll be learning a lot from him this summer I think. I should be ready for another harescramble later this fall, and will do better. :fact

noice...i hope you get them wheels here quick...

Supposed to be here Monday. At least that's what UPS is saying via the tracking number.

Then, it's going to be a mad scramble to get the bike together and ready.

:evil

:evil

Looks :thumbup How'd she do yesterday?

Aside from a technical glitch where coolant dripped on my tire, and I left a 50+ foot long blackie near where you could enter the pits, she worked great!

Low speeds, she doesn't cool very well. But, I was having a blast on her. Hopefully Jonah will get pics up soon so I can see how bad my form is. :lol :lol

Still have some technical stuff to work out mechanically, and getting the wheels was an epic nightmare in and of itself (story still isn't complete). But, now I'm pretty much set for any kind of motocross, harescramble/woods/trails, and road race track riding I want to do. :thumbup

Aside from a technical glitch where coolant dripped on my tire, and I left a 50+ foot long blackie near where you could enter the pits, she worked great!

Low speeds, she doesn't cool very well. But, I was having a blast on her. Hopefully Jonah will get pics up soon so I can see how bad my form is. :lol :lol

Still have some technical stuff to work out mechanically, and getting the wheels was an epic nightmare in and of itself (story still isn't complete). But, now I'm pretty much set for any kind of motocross, harescramble/woods/trails, and road race track riding I want to do. :thumbup


I was going to go out there and say hi, but it became a long day doing wedding crap, so all I wanted to do was go home. :beer

Glad everyone had a good time and maybe get a chance at a later date to meet some peeps from the forum:poke

:drool damit you are going to make me go get one if you keep it up... :( :lmao


Very nice bike bro... :)


I guess I was right :lmao

:lol :lol

Next time I'm out there, I'll bring the bikes and we can hit up some MX and road tracks. :yesnod

BTW, I've been modifying my 450F even more. I took off the ProBends so I could go back to a wider bar as I'm almost exclusively MX now. My skid plate is pretty much unused now and I'm sure I have other things laying around.

Right now, my biggest issue is replacing the clutch. Have the plates, just need to get it torn down.

Nice thread. Enjoyed the photo's and reading the steps that were taken.

Thanks! I'll be tearing into my clutch soon so I may do a How-To if I can keep my camera clean. :crash

i didnt really read through. What type of clutch is going in?

I bought a KG Factory clutch kit.

SICK thats what you got, yup its sick