I've always been a supermoto fan since my first KTM back in 2003 and lately I've been getting the bug to get another. I picked up a 2001 WR426, it's been big bored, cammed and now new valves installed. As I was starting to build this bike, I realized we have access to a lot of really nice supermoto parts. So, I decided to leave the 426/444 alone and start with a new offroad bike to build from scratch to illustrate what we can do with our parts.
So we started with a 2012 fuel injected WR450 and got to work - unfortunately, I didn't document much at first with photos, which doesn't make for an exciting build thread. For illustration purposes, here's an OEM 2012 WR450.
I think it's a great looking bike from the factory. I love the lines and styling.
First, we wanted to focus on improving the handling of the bike and enhancing the power output that Yamaha has hidden from the factory. So this means a full exhaust, full Ohlins TTX shock/cartridges and the GYTR ECU and programmer. We also got the CO tool, this helps richen the mixture at startup and low TPS inputs.
I also picked up an Acerbis Evo fender and a CP high compression piston. Not sure if I'm going that route or big bore yet. I love the programmer. It's relatively basic, but allows a wide range of fuel and timing adjustments.
To get some weight off of the bike, I ordered an Alien Motion 4 cell battery as well as Driven sprocket set in supermoto gearing (more on the way) and a new chain.
The battery knocked a whopping 4lbs off of the bike. Not bad!
Next, I wanted to mock up the wheels from the 426 while I'm waiting on our brand new Excel/G2 wheels.
It's starting to look the part!
So we started with a 2012 fuel injected WR450 and got to work - unfortunately, I didn't document much at first with photos, which doesn't make for an exciting build thread. For illustration purposes, here's an OEM 2012 WR450.
I think it's a great looking bike from the factory. I love the lines and styling.
First, we wanted to focus on improving the handling of the bike and enhancing the power output that Yamaha has hidden from the factory. So this means a full exhaust, full Ohlins TTX shock/cartridges and the GYTR ECU and programmer. We also got the CO tool, this helps richen the mixture at startup and low TPS inputs.
I also picked up an Acerbis Evo fender and a CP high compression piston. Not sure if I'm going that route or big bore yet. I love the programmer. It's relatively basic, but allows a wide range of fuel and timing adjustments.
To get some weight off of the bike, I ordered an Alien Motion 4 cell battery as well as Driven sprocket set in supermoto gearing (more on the way) and a new chain.
The battery knocked a whopping 4lbs off of the bike. Not bad!
Next, I wanted to mock up the wheels from the 426 while I'm waiting on our brand new Excel/G2 wheels.
It's starting to look the part!