My 2015 KX450 offroad conversion (updated...first ride)

I recently purchased a lightly used 2015 KX450, and finally got it tore down and rebuilt as an off road bike. It's nothing special, but I figured I'd share it anyway, because, well, I'm excited about my new bike!

I started with this:



Tore it all the way down to this (this was after the front end was put back on):



Greased every bearing, and torque checked every bolt...and added these parts:

-Suspension Revalve. TBT down in Arizona did the shock. I haven't done anything with the forks yet. I've never ridden air forks, so I'm going to put some hours on them, and then send them off for a revalve (if necessary).

-IMS 2.7 Gallon Tank. I always buy IMS because they have the slimmest (is that a word?) feel to them, and they look and fit a lot better than other brands I've used. I probably give up a few 10ths of a gallon, but 2.7 gallons will get me all the range I need for the races I do. I didn't go with the dry break system...partly cost, and partly because I just don't need one.

-Acerbis Skid Plate. I REALLY like these plastic skid plates from Acerbis. They are lighter, don't seem to echo engine noise as badly, and are incredibly strong.

-Acerbis Hand Guards. These are my go-to Guards. I've been spending less time in the mountains, and more time in the desert, so I didn't get the wrap around "bark buster" style. I just need them for roost and light bushes in the desert.

-Fastco Flex Bars. I'm a fan of these bars. They are tough as nails, and they work as advertised. I've got wrist issues, so they do help take a little bit of the sting out of bumps.

-Scott Radial Full Waffle Grips. I've always liked these grips...I have "biggerish" hands, so I like the full waffle, and they last a very long time.

-Primary Drive Gold X-Ring chain. The stock chains are weak...and i've been running these primary Drive Gold X-ring chains for ever, and they rock. They look good and last forever.

-Primary Drive Sprockets: The stock sprockets are weak as well. And the Steel Primary Drive sprockets are my go to. Their sprocket/chain combo kits are way affordable, and the steel sprockets are very durable. Right now I'm running stock tooth counts. I'll get some hours on the bike and then adjust it as necessary.

TM Designs chain guide: These guys have as far as I can tell figured out the happy medium between strength and durability. I like the plastic because it will flex (where a metal guide may be a bit stronger, once it bends it doesn't bounce back), and honestly, they are tough enough I've never had any issues with them, EVER. Great product.

TM Designs chain slider: These bikes eat up chain sliders...I picked up the TM designs slider, just to match the chain guide.

Devol Radiator guards: (these aren't installed yet, the wrong ones were shipped) I like these because they offer both side and front impact protection. In fact, the radiator just kind of floats in the middle of the guard. Spendy? Sure...but its better than busting up a radiator 40 miles from the truck.

FMF Power Cor IV S/A Silencer: I'm not looking for any more power or anything (so I'm running a stock header-wand will until the stocker breaks), but my desert series requires a spark arrestor, so I had to do something. I honestly have no particular preference for FMF performance wise, BUT they are so involved in the Kurt Caselli foundation, and really working to make off road racing safer...and because of that, they get my money.

GPR V4 Steering Stabilizer: This is my favorite steering stab...I like the low profile (the under bar mount only adds a few millimeters over stock bar height, and I really like the big compression adjuster on it. It's not often I adjust it on the fly (I honestly keep it at 1 or 2 for most everything), but when I do need to adjust it, its SO nice to not have to search around for it.

Topar Racing rotor guards (front and rear): I prefer their stainless steel guards, but the bike came with their plastic ones. I'll see how they work.

Topar Racing rear caliper guard: Adds a little bit of weight...but a TON of peace of mind.

ReKluse CORE EXP 3.0 Clutch: (this isn't installed yet) I've been running ReKluse clutches for about 3 or 4 years, and they are the best thing, almost ever. with the EXP 3.0, you don't even know there is an auto clutch in the bike unless I told you, the clutch feel is exactly the same as stock (its not any stiffer, and there is no vibration in the clutch lever at all). Though it doesn't make me any faster, it saves me a ton of time by eliminating stalls, and arm pump because I don't "have" to use the clutch if I don't want to. It's really an AMAZING product.

Attack Graphics pre-printed numbers/back grounds: There are a lot of companies that do these, but Rocky Mountain ATV is just down the road, and they are thick and tough.

Bridgestone Ultra Heavy Duty tubes (Front and rear): A lot of guys ask why I don't run Bibs...and to be honest, its cost and the fact that I've never had a pinch flat running the ultra heavy duty tubes (knock on wood). With proper tire maintenance (replacing tires before the side wall completely wears out, and proper air pressure), these things just work.

Tires: I'll run these stock tires (I think they are Bridgestone) until they wear out...but I'll replace them with the Dunlop MX52. I love these tires...a lot people say I'm crazy, but, to me at least, the MX52 front is like Velcro. Yes, the durability maybe isn't as good as some tires, but I think the traction makes up for it.

The motor: The motor will have PLENTY of power, stock, so all I did here was have a shop put in stainless steel valves and springs.

One thing I still need to add: ASV unbreakable levers.

My focus is on durability over increased performance, weight, or looks. All other parts (graphics, plastics, discs and pads, seat cover etc.) will be replaced once these wear out. Anyway, here is the finished product, and it turned out pretty good if you ask me: