Posts
1526
Joined
12/22/2010
Location
CA
Sheriff245
3/19/2018 6:31pm
3/19/2018 6:31pm
Edited Date/Time
5/11/2018 7:17pm
**WARNING** Picture heavy
Well this is it guys, what you're about to see might be the last bike I build for myself. My kids are starting to get into moto and I feel the next few years the budget will be going into their bikes.
Usually I concentrate on parts and mods that make me go faster. This time, I'm going for looks. You won't see clown puke graphics and funky anodized parts though, just some subtle touches and attention to detail that make it look like a race bike. A few parts should have an impact on feel and performance, but it was not necessarily the goal.
It all started with a stock 2018 YZ450F. I rode it exactly 3 times before winter set in, last of which was in a mud bath. It was enough to get a feel for the bike though, and figure that it was just fine as it is.
But I couldn't help myself, I had to do something. First thing I did was to tear her down for a good clean up and liberal application of grease and the usual new bike prep. While I had the swingarm and linkage off, I cleaned them up and removed the casting marks. The frame got cleaned up as well.
Chain adjustment bolts were swapped out for Ti, Works Connection axle blocks were used. I even made my own carbon fiber chain guide, adorned with Ti hardware.
Out front, I installed a GYT-R brake hose and Works Connection clutch perch with CR lever. Both the clutch and brake perches are attached with Ti bolts.
Ti was used in other locations, like the Zeus fastener on the airbox and seat bolts.
Engine wise, Ti bolts keep the side covers in place. Clutch cover was replaced with a black Boyesen unit. A new case guard was made in carbon fiber.
I also installed a Rocket slip on. I opted for a black hard anodized body and custom muffler sticker kit in light blue, to match the E-Sticky graphics kit.
Gold chain and Dirt Tricks Zirconium sprocket look very good against the blue rims.
In the suspension department, I salvaged the PSF kit forks from my previous bike. After all, they have no more than 5 hours on them. Carbon fiber sleeves combined with a Cycra front number plate should protect the upper tubes from roost. Fork and triple clamps pinch bolts are all Ti, as well as the brake caliper hanger bolts. The rear is stock at the moment, but it felt too soft. I will modify the shock later on with new valving and a few parts I have on hand.
And the full bike looks like this
I found a brand new, 2015 KTM 50SX mini last fall, so naturally Santa brought it home. It received graphics that match mine, a blue seat cover and Pro Taper Micro bars. Sorry for the bad colors in the pictures, they were taken early in the shoot and my camera wasn't set properly. I really like the second picture though, would make for a cool Pro Taper ad I think.
While I was ruining my lungs cutting carbon fiber, I made a chain guide out of it for the mini. You know, for weight reduction.
That's it. I hope you enjoyed!
Well this is it guys, what you're about to see might be the last bike I build for myself. My kids are starting to get into moto and I feel the next few years the budget will be going into their bikes.
Usually I concentrate on parts and mods that make me go faster. This time, I'm going for looks. You won't see clown puke graphics and funky anodized parts though, just some subtle touches and attention to detail that make it look like a race bike. A few parts should have an impact on feel and performance, but it was not necessarily the goal.
It all started with a stock 2018 YZ450F. I rode it exactly 3 times before winter set in, last of which was in a mud bath. It was enough to get a feel for the bike though, and figure that it was just fine as it is.
But I couldn't help myself, I had to do something. First thing I did was to tear her down for a good clean up and liberal application of grease and the usual new bike prep. While I had the swingarm and linkage off, I cleaned them up and removed the casting marks. The frame got cleaned up as well.
Chain adjustment bolts were swapped out for Ti, Works Connection axle blocks were used. I even made my own carbon fiber chain guide, adorned with Ti hardware.
Out front, I installed a GYT-R brake hose and Works Connection clutch perch with CR lever. Both the clutch and brake perches are attached with Ti bolts.
Ti was used in other locations, like the Zeus fastener on the airbox and seat bolts.
Engine wise, Ti bolts keep the side covers in place. Clutch cover was replaced with a black Boyesen unit. A new case guard was made in carbon fiber.
I also installed a Rocket slip on. I opted for a black hard anodized body and custom muffler sticker kit in light blue, to match the E-Sticky graphics kit.
Gold chain and Dirt Tricks Zirconium sprocket look very good against the blue rims.
In the suspension department, I salvaged the PSF kit forks from my previous bike. After all, they have no more than 5 hours on them. Carbon fiber sleeves combined with a Cycra front number plate should protect the upper tubes from roost. Fork and triple clamps pinch bolts are all Ti, as well as the brake caliper hanger bolts. The rear is stock at the moment, but it felt too soft. I will modify the shock later on with new valving and a few parts I have on hand.
And the full bike looks like this
I found a brand new, 2015 KTM 50SX mini last fall, so naturally Santa brought it home. It received graphics that match mine, a blue seat cover and Pro Taper Micro bars. Sorry for the bad colors in the pictures, they were taken early in the shoot and my camera wasn't set properly. I really like the second picture though, would make for a cool Pro Taper ad I think.
While I was ruining my lungs cutting carbon fiber, I made a chain guide out of it for the mini. You know, for weight reduction.
That's it. I hope you enjoyed!
Good on you for being an awesome dad too!
Glad I was able to save you some Money on the build
The Shop
Btw Sports Tardif c'est pas dans le bout de vallée-jonction sa?
What’d you use to hold the carbon fork sleeves in place? My friend had a pair and dirt go behind them and scuffed the Kashima coating.
Thank you all for the good words. I'll try to answer to your questions/comments.
JWACK, I have to admit I was inspired by your YZ250 build. Not always sure about the dad comment though, I feel guilty every time he crashes!
Arrowangel, yes, en plein coeur de la Beauce. Best dealership out there.
mxb2, I will post a ride review when I get the chance to ride. It will be at least a month before the tracks open here. Apart from the forks I don't expect much difference compared to how it was stock though.
charley586, can't wait to get it dirty! (maybe not)
suzukirmz250, yeah Phil did an outstanding job as always. He seems to make it exactly how I want it even when I don't know what I want myself.
TrailDigger, like mxb2 said, sealed all around with electrical tape. I put a layer of tape underneath the sleeves on both ends too.
Pit Row
I have a bit more work to do on the suspension to have it where I want it, but nothing major. The Ti bolts on the chain guard were loose when I washed the bike. I'll put loctite on them. Apart from that, I'm very happy with this bike!
My son also rode his new bike for the first time. The difference in power was more than I expected and he wasn't comfortable at first. After a day he was about the same speed as he was on his PW, but at the end of day 2 he was feeling very comfortable.
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