general questions

[l3uddha]

hi, I was sent the link to this site from a member on another forum. we were discussing race bikes and motards and I asked why one couldn't slap some clipons on a motard and call it a GP bike lol. i've browsed through a few of the sections and i am really impressed and interested in what you guys are doing. I'm interested in doing a basic conversion myself but I am really not familiar with dirt bikes or motards. I don't need pretty race plastics or anything like that. I'd like to focus on getting the bike set up with good geometry numbers and some quality suspension components. I am close to GMD computrack boston and could get some good guidance i'm sure...

for starters though, which bike or bikes would you guys recommend picking up to begin with? I'll grab someting used. I know this is all a fairly new concept, but as far as aftermarket research and products, which bike or bikes have the most options and support available? in other words, which bikes are you finding to have the most bolt-on parts available? haha. is the model year a big concern?

also, how does power compare between these bikes?

thanks very much.

[geoff maloney]

there really is not alot to do:

YZ450 -
Some people use standard oem front end bits (forks, triple, etc) rather than a R6 front end. It can be done this way as well. Then all you need is different valving and clipons and the front is done.

If you go with a R6 front end - you need a steering stem

Additional items:
tank cover - helps position your body when riding
set back plates - utilize R1 rearset mounting
shifter arm - clears frame rails and makes fitting rearsets possible
oil recirculation system - recirculates oil coming out oil overflow on head
chain guide - prevents chain wear on swingarm
fairing brakets - mounts bodywork to bike

These are the basic parts needed for a conversion.

From here you can go with different wheels, brakes and many other options.

GPtech makes all the parts for a conversion for YZ and WR bikes. Everything is readily available. We based parts around a 08 model YZ (all parts cross over to bikes with alum frame - I think back to 05)

[Kris VanOrden]

Geoff M. at GPTech has some bikes for a really good price. Check out this post

http://450forum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=112

great starting base and you can buy everything you need all togeather.

4 of my bikes are Yamaha's, they just seem to stay together for longer. With fuel injection now available . . . the tables could be turning!

[SLLaffoon]

Geoff (GP Tech) definitely has the best deal I have seen so far for bolt on parts, which would require the Yamaha that he specifies. As far as other bikes, my experience has been with a CRF450R. It has the same front end options with using the stock forks, or bolting on a sportbike front end. The sportbike front end is actually pretty easy with a Honda, since the 450 stem can be pressed directly into a 600RR lower triple clamp. The upper clamp needs to be bored out by 2mm (IIRC) in order to fit over the 450 steering stem. I think RSD makes bolt on rearset adaptors and a tank cover for the Honda, but they are significantly more expensive than the GP tech stuff.

[Kurlon]

l3uddha, I'm looking at doing a similar "poor man's" conversion if I can ever move my X4. Already got two YZ's lined up, just gotta get the cash to pull the trigger. GMD seemed interested in figuring out a good setup, so thats a bonus.

Looks like one of the things to explore is wheels. New 17" wheels laced to hubs run $1000 and up, you can get Carroza (sp?) and Marchesini (sp?) forged mags for much much more... My thought is Katana 600 or Bandit 400 wheels, 3.5" front, 4.5" rear, with a cush drive, and they are all over eBay cheap. Just means figuring out how to adapt them, but hey, you've been down that road before with the GS. : )

[maxcapps]

This my KLX450R this bike is built to spec ,slipper clutch, Race Tech set-up, triples, stock revalved front forks , and stock revalved rear shock. This KLX corners very well with very good brakes. Look for this bike at a track near you. I am in the process of building a 2009 KX 450 Max Capps

[maxcapps]

Here is a link for some track photos of my KLX450R


http://vanhap.com/imgs/2008/November/11-03-BW-TheTrackClub/B/1120%20am/slides/VP2_6731.html

[ljabouri]

Hey Max,
Do you have some of the pieces that you've created for the KX/KLX available for sale? Specifically, I looking for rear sets and bodywork (with brackets etc.).
Thanks/

[maxcapps]

Hey Max,
Do you have some of the pieces that you've created for the KX/KLX available for sale? Specifically, I looking for rear sets and bodywork (with brackets etc.).
Thanks/

I am working on the rearset adapters. The body work for the KX and the KLX
are available with all brackets included. What year and model bike. Max

[ljabouri]

Thanks Max - the bike I'm converting is a 2007 KX450, which is pretty much the same as a 2008.

[Kris VanOrden]

Here are pictures of the RSD ones, there are more pictures in my totaly tubular texas trip in my photogallery. located here http://public.fotki.com/naardeninc/new1/


http://images45.fotki.com/v1422/photos/1/1307567/6972100/84TotalyTubularTexasTacoTrip08-vi.jpg