dual sport conversion

[spklbuk]

Anybody got experience with converting dirt bike to dual sport? Looking hard at an '07 WR450F Yammie, but want to be able to connect the dirt w/ occasional fits of legal running on pavement. Baja designs has a kit for this bike. What am I in for? Advice much appreciated.

Anybody got experience with a KTM 450 EXC? - its already legal for '07, but a Yamaha it ain't.

 

[FJRocket]

Anybody got experience with converting dirt bike to dual sport? Looking hard at an '07 WR450F Yammie, but want to be able to connect the dirt w/ occasional fits of legal running on pavement. Baja designs has a kit for this bike. What am I in for? Advice much appreciated.
Anybody got experience with a KTM 450 EXC? - its already legal for '07, but a Yamaha it ain't.

Go to ThumperTalk. There's probably HUNDREDS Of threads about it. Baja Designs and TRICK make nice kits for the conversion. The rest is up to you and your state.

 

[spklbuk]

Thanks Rocket. Have checked into the state - its OK here as long as you jump thru their hoops. Knew of ThumperTalk, but for exactly the reason you stated, I was just hoping to avoid going that route. Did not know of TRICK - will check 'em out - many thanks for the tips. ThumperTalk here I come, I reckon.

 

[mech 1 twa]

Converting varies from state to state.

I legalized my 02 wr 426 in PA. I was difficult to get the paperwork correct, not on my end. People in Harrisburg (HAVE NO CLUE)

It took 4 months and a few phone calls, but in the end its worth it.

ElectroSports makes Dual Sport kits also. Thats the kit I used. Pretty much complete with everything needed.

Don't know about 07 kits.

Newer 4-strokes are high maintaince, don't hold much oil. Yamaha recs. 400 mile changes. Don't bounce it off rev. limiter to much. Its so easy to do on the street.

I have 3600 miles on mine , no problems. Not many dirt miles, mostly street.

Saw a KTM at local dealer, NICE BIKE!!!!! Really checked it out, nice. About $8000.

Converted WR will be close to that in price when done. Yamaha cheaper in long run, parts less.

GO for it.

 

[spklbuk]

mech 1,

I just knew someone here has already been there. Will definitely check out ElectroSports. Have never ridden a 4-stroke dirt bike (they all went wingdingding in my dirt days). Oil change every 2 or 3 rides - just don't understand the design. Appreciate the advice about the rev limiter, will heed, I'm just looking to connect the dots, not cruise the highway any more than necessary. I've found an new '06 KTM 450 EXC (have to kit it) sitting at a nearby dealer and his offer over the phone was pretty good - but like you, I'm a little leary that it is even more high maintenance than the WR. The folks over at Tumper Talk all speak highly of both the Yamaha and the KTM.

Thank you.

Doomed to be motorcycle poor..................

 

[Rickster]

I just converted a DR-Z400 (it was an S model -- so hubs/17" rims, 320" front rotor, etc... was already street 'legal')

thumpertalk is a good resource.

motostrano.com , and eastcoastwheels.com may have some stuff you want/need.

 

[spklbuk]

Thanks Rick, will check out the websites, can never have too many resources. Sighted directly in on WR, though not ready to pull the trigger just yet. Appreciate it.

 

[evil_henchman]

If you're planing on buying new it's usually a lot easier to have the dealer put the dual sport kit on and jump through all the DMV hoops. You get to ride it off the lot all legal.

 

[spklbuk]

Evil,

Sounds like sound reasoning to me, thanks. Semi-new, plan is to put out feelers at several Yammie dealers (up to only 2 so far) and hope that someone to returns their new WR cause it scared the crap out of them and now they want a 4-wheeler instead.

 

[mech 1 twa]

If you're buying new ask the dealer to swap the stock tires for a set of LEGAL D.O.T . knobbies. Could save some money that way. Try to make the sale with that in writing. He gets 2 new tires, you get 2 new (legal) tires.

Last time I got bike inspected, said I needed a chain gaurd to pass. B/S Bought several bikes from that dealer, I got my sticker.

Had a few 2-strokes also, miss them. Suzuki RMX 250, BEST bike. Did some crazy things on that.

Dirt bike will beat you up. Ride within your limits, and age. Been so sore on Mondays could hardly work. But worth it.

l

 

[spklbuk]

Mech 1,

Mananged that tire deal last weekend on Susie DRZ400, the legal one, but really don't think it's the bike I want. No mention of chain guard in the state requirements here - I agree - BS. My best 2stroke was my first and best bike ever, a little Yammie 90MX (I was 10). Tortured that machine and it just kept going. From 25 yrs ago, I vaguely remember the flogging a dirt bike gives you; I expect you're right, it probably compounded exponentially now. Appreciate it.

All,

I hesitated to even post this question being as it is so far off topic, but like usual, this forum never lets you down - what a great place to hang out! Thanks again everyone.

 

[FLOWBACK]

Just go buy the KTM. It's race ready for dirt, street legal, weighs less, and most dealers are off roaders too. It's the ****. IMHO

 

[spklbuk]

FLOWBACK,

I like the KTM too. The '06 I was considering would require a dual-sport kit and I'm just gettin' too damned old to race. I just want to play in the dirt again. But when weather permits my FJR to wander a couple of hours from home, if the dealer will come down more, he may sell it to me yet!