Trying to save weight on your bike?

nytsmaC
Posts
5946
Joined
8/10/2009
Location
Frig Off, CA
8/14/2013 7:29am
Hey Newmann what did that YZF end up weighing compared to stock? Too bad that magnesium stuff corrodes so bad.
newmann
Posts
24438
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
USA
8/14/2013 7:38am Edited Date/Time 8/14/2013 7:39am
nytsmaC wrote:
Hey Newmann what did that YZF end up weighing compared to stock? Too bad that magnesium stuff corrodes so bad.
Never had any way to string it up and weigh it. Goal was to get it under 200 lbs. with all fluids and no fuel, like the AMA weighed them. I did make a dedicated effort to not add any parts that weighed more than stock. The carbon fork guards were the full wrap design and they did weigh more than the stockers. But I was able to remove the upper guides that the stockers required so there was a weight savings after all. I need to get it all back together with a fresh set of tires and find a scale.
GrapeApe
Posts
8903
Joined
6/7/2010
Location
Mc Kinney, TX, USA
8/14/2013 7:44am
I don't want to re-quote clkwrkorg36's post will all the pictures, but I wonder how much weight is added by painting/powder coating the frame? Newmann?
nytsmaC
Posts
5946
Joined
8/10/2009
Location
Frig Off, CA
8/14/2013 7:50am Edited Date/Time 8/14/2013 7:51am
Would be cool to see for sure, that is one trick YZF. The above Honda should be way lighter than 207-208, stock were 213lbs dry.

The Shop

newmann
Posts
24438
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
USA
8/14/2013 8:02am
GrapeApe wrote:
I don't want to re-quote clkwrkorg36's post will all the pictures, but I wonder how much weight is added by painting/powder coating the frame? Newmann?
I have no idea, guessing there could be up to about a half pound there unless maybe he had the frame anodized??
newmann
Posts
24438
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
USA
8/14/2013 8:12am Edited Date/Time 8/14/2013 8:12am
nytsmaC wrote:
Would be cool to see for sure, that is one trick YZF. The above Honda should be way lighter than 207-208, stock were 213lbs dry.
You are going to have to string that bike of yours up when you get it and prove a sub 200 pound weight with all those accessories on there. Uber trick bike, but billet aluminum triples weighing in at 2 pounds less than stock? My mag clamps might have knocked off a pound. I'm seeing where you can knock some serious weight off that gem when you start pulling all those useless guards off.Smile
8/14/2013 9:02am
Sandberm wrote:
I used to never start a 5-6 lap moto with my gas tank more then half full. Whats one gallon of gas, 7 lbs.?
Aviation fuel, 100LowLead, weighs 6.5 pounds per gallon.
8/14/2013 9:07am
Parris wrote:
weight x arm x moment It's all about center of gravity and G force. 5 pounds. at 2 times the force of gravity is 10 lbs...
weight x arm x moment It's all about center of gravity and G force. 5 pounds. at 2 times the force of gravity is 10 lbs ect. static weight vs.what it actually weighs while cornering is a big difference. Think about the nex time you crash with a camera mounted on top of your helmet.
I think you got mixed up there buddy... weight X arm EQUALS Moment.
Bellone
Posts
445
Joined
7/28/2009
Location
USA, GA, USA
8/14/2013 9:58am
Save weight and don't buy WMR's parts. Gas cap adds weight, actually all of their parts are heavier than stock parts.
newmann
Posts
24438
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
USA
8/14/2013 10:12am
Bellone wrote:
Save weight and don't buy WMR's parts. Gas cap adds weight, actually all of their parts are heavier than stock parts.
I think the weight of billet parts versus stock has already been discussed here, but don't let that keep you from showing off that boner you have for WMR. Laughing

Just what exactly did they do to chap your ass so bad?
8/14/2013 3:01pm
the bike was an 06 and honda claimed the dry weight was 218 or 219. if i remember right the 207 weight was with 1 gallon of gas.
8/14/2013 3:03pm
Bike a friend of mine built for a guy a while back. hubs, swing arm, and clamps were magnesium.tons of one off ti parts, and a...
Bike a friend of mine built for a guy a while back. hubs, swing arm, and clamps were magnesium.tons of one off ti parts, and a carbon subframe/airbox. 207-208lbs


















newmann wrote:
Sweet bike. What year model is it? Guessing all those parts came from the link I had up above? Any idea on the different bikes and...
Sweet bike. What year model is it? Guessing all those parts came from the link I had up above? Any idea on the different bikes and year models those fit? And any clue as to the cost? I'm just all full of questions....Laughing
and yes newman xxx motorsports is sam's place, the guy that built the bike. those are the parts for the bike in most of the pictures. guy knows tons of people in Europe and is able to get some crazy stuff.
peelout
Posts
18384
Joined
1/6/2011
Location
Ogden, UT, USA
8/14/2013 3:15pm Edited Date/Time 8/14/2013 3:48pm
i always thought the everyday weekend warrior trying to save weight on a motocross bike was a silly idea, still do. some riders should try doing some crunches and drop 5 pounds rather than spend another $1k on a lighter exhaust. you'll lose the weight, feel better, and probably pound more puss as a result.

that said, i've been trying to shave weight on my mtn bike lately, but it makes a huge difference in performance
Old Mate
Posts
2259
Joined
3/9/2009
Location
Sussex Inlet, AU
8/14/2013 3:44pm
Wheny young bloke came back to an aussie factory ride from his AMA factory ride, i asked " whats the difference in the bikes" his answer" power is about the same but my AMA bike feels like an 85 in the air compared to my aussie 250" i always presumed it was lighter wieght and distribution of wieght.
Parris
Posts
217
Joined
1/22/2010
Location
Mauldin, SC, USA
8/14/2013 3:55pm
Parris wrote:
weight x arm x moment It's all about center of gravity and G force. 5 pounds. at 2 times the force of gravity is 10 lbs...
weight x arm x moment It's all about center of gravity and G force. 5 pounds. at 2 times the force of gravity is 10 lbs ect. static weight vs.what it actually weighs while cornering is a big difference. Think about the nex time you crash with a camera mounted on top of your helmet.
I think you got mixed up there buddy... weight X arm EQUALS Moment.
I am retired now. I know what a huge mistake I have made with X vs = I think pilots and some A&P mech. are sharp as a tack. If my wife finds out about this she will say " You make anader mistak, it only widday ,tat to miney. you nee to see doc toooor. I worry bout it. Not a good idea driving atomobill for you today. ect. " Please do not tell on me!
triplex
Posts
36
Joined
6/3/2011
Location
Palm Bay, FL, USA
8/14/2013 8:44pm
nytsmaC wrote:
Would be cool to see for sure, that is one trick YZF. The above Honda should be way lighter than 207-208, stock were 213lbs dry.
This CRF 450 was a 2007 Model and although Honda claimed the dry weight was 213, the actual weight with no fuel was 231lbs stock out of the crate.The bike ended up at 207lbs with no fuel. The powdercoating on the frame and hubs added about .75lbs. There were only 3 bolts on the entire bike that were not Ti or aluminum, including internal engine hardware. We used a special crank that was 1.5lbs lighter than OE. plus all the Mag, Ti and Carbon and the weight started dropping pretty quickly. The actual price of the complete job was $40,000 including the original price of the bike and labor. If you factored in the price of having the molds made for the swingarm and hub castings, you would be closer to $80,000. I'd like to build them all day long, it was fun, but there isn't much of a practical market for them.
nytsmaC
Posts
5946
Joined
8/10/2009
Location
Frig Off, CA
8/14/2013 10:43pm
Oops, I didn't look at the pics of the complete bike just the parts, assumed it was a 250. 207-208 is crazy light for a 450, that makes moresense. Very impressive!
nytsmaC
Posts
5946
Joined
8/10/2009
Location
Frig Off, CA
8/14/2013 10:48pm
Oh and I rechecked the weight of those ti pegs, they are just 300 grams for the pair. The weight savings weren't much because the stock TM footpegs are surprisingly light at 340g. Some aftermarket pegs are close to a pound heavier than the Raptors.
Deek22
Posts
115
Joined
1/1/2012
Location
Huntington Beach, CA, USA
8/15/2013 1:16am






When we made this bike we were definitely in the weight weenie category. Dropped chain to 420, rm85 rear hub turned down and wrapped with carbon, ti bolts,axles,pegs,subframe and exhaust. Carbon tank,side panels, fork guards, airbox, seatpan. Also have a big pile of suppose to be the lightest stuff money can buy we never used, like wheels and hubs then everybody gets heavy duty spokes and nipples on excels and talon hubs. About the only aftermarket thing that blew me away was that a full set of applied triples were .6lb lighter than stock 06yz125s.
8/15/2013 6:08am
Parris wrote:
weight x arm x moment It's all about center of gravity and G force. 5 pounds. at 2 times the force of gravity is 10 lbs...
weight x arm x moment It's all about center of gravity and G force. 5 pounds. at 2 times the force of gravity is 10 lbs ect. static weight vs.what it actually weighs while cornering is a big difference. Think about the nex time you crash with a camera mounted on top of your helmet.
I think you got mixed up there buddy... weight X arm EQUALS Moment.
Parris wrote:
I am retired now. I know what a huge mistake I have made with X vs = I think pilots and some A&P mech. are sharp...
I am retired now. I know what a huge mistake I have made with X vs = I think pilots and some A&P mech. are sharp as a tack. If my wife finds out about this she will say " You make anader mistak, it only widday ,tat to miney. you nee to see doc toooor. I worry bout it. Not a good idea driving atomobill for you today. ect. " Please do not tell on me!
Haha it's ok. Your wife sounds Polish or eastern European!
I'm lucky that I even remember simple formulas like that... it's been a few years since I last did any flight instruction. Now I just let dispatch and the ACARS computer take care of all of the weight and balance problems!
Suns_PSD
Posts
989
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
Austin, TX, USA
8/15/2013 10:06am Edited Date/Time 8/15/2013 10:08am
Losing weight is a worthwhile goal on your bike and body but these new bikes are pretty trim already.

A couple of ways I have saved small amounts of weight.

Full Ohlins suspension was 1.5# lighter but I did it for the ride obviously. I wanted a Ti spring but they told me that they worked poorly.

SM Pro Wheels, look cool and very slightly lighter than stock, but also much higher quality.

Tubeless, they hold up well and don't weigh more than thin tubes.

Pirelli tires are sticky and about 1# lighter front AND rear than Bridgestones or Dunlops.

Acerbis seat is supposed to be lighter, hard as a rock though. It's the only seat that holds up under me. I can destroy a typical seat cover in 2 rides.

I recently choose ARC composite levers over the Renthals because of lower weight. I also preferred the design and they were less $.

Cast Smartcarb weighs 1/3# more than a Keihen, but will be oh so worth it. I suppose since it gets better mpg you could fill your tank less.

I recently removed by little KTM cushion system (which had already replaced my FlexxBars) and in it's place mounted some Twisted Engineering CF bars. 1# saved and hopefully my wrists will like them.

I have a shorty Ti silencer. Not sure on the weight savings.

Things I have discoved is that Ti pegs are a complete waste of money. Since I can destroy a non-Oring chain and aluminum sprocket in like 6 weeks, I now run one of the fancy steel teeth rear sprockets and an O-ring chain are a must for me. Bike gains 2.1# with these parts and you can definitely feel it too. But I'm not made of money.

I have killed every expansion chamber known to man. I now run the FMF Knarly because they hold up well, but they are damn heavy.

Of course ditching the 4 stroke for a 2 stroke is the easiest way to remove 10# right off the top.

Also, my linkage KTM weighs 5# more than my PDS KTM and you can really feel that weight. But the linkage bike just handles better so...
DrSweden
Posts
6761
Joined
8/30/2008
Location
Stockholm, SE
8/15/2013 2:04pm
triplex wrote:
This CRF 450 was a 2007 Model and although Honda claimed the dry weight was 213, the actual weight with no fuel was 231lbs stock out...
This CRF 450 was a 2007 Model and although Honda claimed the dry weight was 213, the actual weight with no fuel was 231lbs stock out of the crate.The bike ended up at 207lbs with no fuel. The powdercoating on the frame and hubs added about .75lbs. There were only 3 bolts on the entire bike that were not Ti or aluminum, including internal engine hardware. We used a special crank that was 1.5lbs lighter than OE. plus all the Mag, Ti and Carbon and the weight started dropping pretty quickly. The actual price of the complete job was $40,000 including the original price of the bike and labor. If you factored in the price of having the molds made for the swingarm and hub castings, you would be closer to $80,000. I'd like to build them all day long, it was fun, but there isn't much of a practical market for them.
You rule. You really did something I could just imagine. Did you order that carbon air box, or did you build it? I picture it's something a handy person could do himself (using stock the stock airbox as a cast, and use the subframe bolt holes and build a jig).
fcr
Posts
9348
Joined
12/1/2006
Location
Monkeys Eyebrow, YE
8/15/2013 3:13pm
Torco1 wrote:
I give myself an enema every morning before I ride. I'm able to flush out about 5 lbs of corn and peanuts alone when I do...
I give myself an enema every morning before I ride. I'm able to flush out about 5 lbs of corn and peanuts alone when I do that.
HAHAHAHAHa !
TeamGreen
Posts
37252
Joined
11/25/2008
Location
Thru-out, CA, USA
8/15/2013 3:34pm
nytsmaC wrote:
Oh and I rechecked the weight of those ti pegs, they are just 300 grams for the pair. The weight savings weren't much because the stock...
Oh and I rechecked the weight of those ti pegs, they are just 300 grams for the pair. The weight savings weren't much because the stock TM footpegs are surprisingly light at 340g. Some aftermarket pegs are close to a pound heavier than the Raptors.
How Big are the Ti Pegs v. Stock?

Raptors are pretty damn big and they are pretty damn thick and deep...also...

They last a pretty damn long time, too.

You guys would have a Heart Attack if you knew the price of those HRC Ti pegs.
8/15/2013 5:48pm
Most of the fat asses that ride could save at least 10-20 pounds...by eating less.


Just sayin' :-)
nytsmaC
Posts
5946
Joined
8/10/2009
Location
Frig Off, CA
8/15/2013 7:48pm Edited Date/Time 8/15/2013 7:53pm
TeamGreen wrote:
How Big are the Ti Pegs v. Stock? Raptors are pretty damn big and they are pretty damn thick and deep...also... They last a pretty damn...
How Big are the Ti Pegs v. Stock?

Raptors are pretty damn big and they are pretty damn thick and deep...also...

They last a pretty damn long time, too.

You guys would have a Heart Attack if you knew the price of those HRC Ti pegs.
They're 56 or 57mm, I think the stock pegs were about 49. Pretty good sized, I like them a lot.

I weighed my bikes on a brand new 400lb digital shipping scale today and was quite surprised at what I found, my TM 450 with a full tank of gas (9.8L) weighed 246lbs, by my calculation that is only 230 dry, lighter than the Honda by 4lbs. Even with 9 sprocket bolts, ha! I expected it to be closer to 240. Claimed curb weight is 245lbs so I guess it's pretty much right on the money. That's bone stock with only the skid plate removed, no light weight parts on it. It made me wonder if the scale was off but my Husky CR125/165 on the same scale is a portly 215lbs with the tank drained, and I compared it to another scale and am getting the same readings with my fat ass standing on them.

You're about to celebrate post #10,000!
TeamGreen
Posts
37252
Joined
11/25/2008
Location
Thru-out, CA, USA
8/15/2013 8:48pm
TeamGreen wrote:
How Big are the Ti Pegs v. Stock? Raptors are pretty damn big and they are pretty damn thick and deep...also... They last a pretty damn...
How Big are the Ti Pegs v. Stock?

Raptors are pretty damn big and they are pretty damn thick and deep...also...

They last a pretty damn long time, too.

You guys would have a Heart Attack if you knew the price of those HRC Ti pegs.
nytsmaC wrote:
They're 56 or 57mm, I think the stock pegs were about 49. Pretty good sized, I like them a lot. I weighed my bikes on a...
They're 56 or 57mm, I think the stock pegs were about 49. Pretty good sized, I like them a lot.

I weighed my bikes on a brand new 400lb digital shipping scale today and was quite surprised at what I found, my TM 450 with a full tank of gas (9.8L) weighed 246lbs, by my calculation that is only 230 dry, lighter than the Honda by 4lbs. Even with 9 sprocket bolts, ha! I expected it to be closer to 240. Claimed curb weight is 245lbs so I guess it's pretty much right on the money. That's bone stock with only the skid plate removed, no light weight parts on it. It made me wonder if the scale was off but my Husky CR125/165 on the same scale is a portly 215lbs with the tank drained, and I compared it to another scale and am getting the same readings with my fat ass standing on them.

You're about to celebrate post #10,000!
Kenny F'n Powers, Bitches!

10K...hadn't even realized it!

See you guys at SLC!

Where we'll be puttin' some Ti on Colton Udall's #510 JCR Honda!
Suns_PSD
Posts
989
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
Austin, TX, USA
8/16/2013 7:18am
I wish I could afford or track down some of these really trick light parts although I wonder if at my level I'd go any faster? Probably not. But I do enjoy trick parts. Also reliability becomes a concern.

Either way my 314cc 2 stroke motor is competitive with the new 450s and weighs 15# less so I'm ahead of the curve.

When I powdercoated my frame they charged me for 4# of powder and they told me they used about 2.5# on the frame. So I don't know if that equates to a 2.5# increase in weight.

I've bought 2 sets of Ti footpegs and neither time could I even feel the difference at all. Even my feet couldn't tell. And they both got all rounded off and worn out. This last time I bought extra wide IMS pegs for like $90. Much better product and the 1/8# I gained is not something you can feel that low on the frame.

The heavier 0-ring chain and Ironman sprocket pretty much feels like adding a flywheel weight. It's very noticable. But the lifespan is so superior to the typical Renthal w/ a DID chain. At least 10 times the useful life if not much more.
8/16/2013 10:43am
simple ways to lose some pnds on a motorcycle.....
take out every third spoke...
drill out axles even further......
throw front axle nut away...
use only one pinch bolt on each fork leg...
dont use rubber bands on rims...
dont use nuts or caps on tube valve stems...
cut levers off half way.....
trim handlebars to 29.76 inches....
throw away cross bar pad...
run a small single digit number...cut down number plates to barely accomodate chosen number....
run no graphics or stickers...
trim fenders free ride style...
trim tank pnls / drill holes to bare minimum req. ....
cut out half of seat foam...trim seat cvr to match.....
run only 1 seat bolt...
take out every other case bolt.....
take out 1 st and 5th gear...
trim clutch hubs down to only use 3 plates.....drill out the one aluminum clutch plate to be used.....
throw out the heat sheild gaurd on the pipe and number plate....
throw away disc gaurds and caliper gaurds...
run only half as much oil as called for.....
cut shock spring an inch or two .....to where spring adjustment will barely set sag correctly....
move axle as far up as it will go...and take out several links of chain.....
throw chain clip away...mushroom the heads over on the master link instead...
take one screw out of throttle asm. ...
cut about 1" off the ends of grips.....
cut donut portion off grips....
take out every othe roller on stering head stem bearings....
thro away washer on steering stem ...
drill out steering stem nut....
cut silencer in half or less...throw out packing....think old skewl shorty...
throw kick starter away....push start instead.....( set idle incredibly high to help prevent stall outs )
throw away little rubber gromet on steering stem,....
throw away gas tank vent hose.....
trim fuel cap to only one thread....
drill out titanium drain plug bolt.....
take off left foot peg ....use shift lever or engine case to stand on if needed...hannah did it this way...still placed third in a mx national moto...so dont whine about it......
take cotter key / washer and spring off right footpeg...mushroom head of pin.....
grind down all teeth but 2 on said footpeg......
run only 12 oz. of fuel for your 3 laps motos.....
throw away fuel filter....run thin clear fuel line....you can then see dirt floating in fuel...
now for the kicker....plant your 285 pounded size 15 booted pizza fed arse on it....
onthepipe
Posts
285
Joined
8/26/2012
Location
NL
8/16/2013 2:08pm
simple ways to lose some pnds on a motorcycle..... take out every third spoke... drill out axles even further...... throw front axle nut away... use only...
simple ways to lose some pnds on a motorcycle.....
take out every third spoke...
drill out axles even further......
throw front axle nut away...
use only one pinch bolt on each fork leg...
dont use rubber bands on rims...
dont use nuts or caps on tube valve stems...
cut levers off half way.....
trim handlebars to 29.76 inches....
throw away cross bar pad...
run a small single digit number...cut down number plates to barely accomodate chosen number....
run no graphics or stickers...
trim fenders free ride style...
trim tank pnls / drill holes to bare minimum req. ....
cut out half of seat foam...trim seat cvr to match.....
run only 1 seat bolt...
take out every other case bolt.....
take out 1 st and 5th gear...
trim clutch hubs down to only use 3 plates.....drill out the one aluminum clutch plate to be used.....
throw out the heat sheild gaurd on the pipe and number plate....
throw away disc gaurds and caliper gaurds...
run only half as much oil as called for.....
cut shock spring an inch or two .....to where spring adjustment will barely set sag correctly....
move axle as far up as it will go...and take out several links of chain.....
throw chain clip away...mushroom the heads over on the master link instead...
take one screw out of throttle asm. ...
cut about 1" off the ends of grips.....
cut donut portion off grips....
take out every othe roller on stering head stem bearings....
thro away washer on steering stem ...
drill out steering stem nut....
cut silencer in half or less...throw out packing....think old skewl shorty...
throw kick starter away....push start instead.....( set idle incredibly high to help prevent stall outs )
throw away little rubber gromet on steering stem,....
throw away gas tank vent hose.....
trim fuel cap to only one thread....
drill out titanium drain plug bolt.....
take off left foot peg ....use shift lever or engine case to stand on if needed...hannah did it this way...still placed third in a mx national moto...so dont whine about it......
take cotter key / washer and spring off right footpeg...mushroom head of pin.....
grind down all teeth but 2 on said footpeg......
run only 12 oz. of fuel for your 3 laps motos.....
throw away fuel filter....run thin clear fuel line....you can then see dirt floating in fuel...
now for the kicker....plant your 285 pounded size 15 booted pizza fed arse on it....
Wow you got quite creative there, respectLaughing

Post a reply to: Trying to save weight on your bike?

The Latest