RMZ Conversion

[That Guy]

Hi all, thought I'd post up here my progress in building my first motard bike. I have a RMZ450 sitting in the garage so that's going to be the bike. Not the best bike being a 4 speed but good enough to start with for me as I have never done motard before.

Will post up some pics soon.

Stage 1:
Starting with 3.5x17 front, and 4.25x17 rear wheels (excel), bigger disc, skids knobs, hand guards, carb/radiator catch can, 15 x 45 gearing, lock wiring a few parts, smaller front guard and a new exhaust to liberate some exhaust gases

Stage II:
once I've done some races and learnt how to ride fast enough (if) will be slipper clutch, bigger front caliper and master cylinder, some engine work and more sprockets once I get a feel for which track needs what gearing.

Just placed orders for Stage 1. Plan to have ready for the taupo motard event in August.

[DELLORTO]

4 speed?? what year is that?

[That Guy]

......2007

[Shorty_925]

Sounds good. Interesting gearing, what is the rear tyre you gong to be running? And what size tyre?

[kezzafish]

will be interesting to see how you get on with the gearing. I figured it would be a waste of money for me to get motard rims for my SXF450 'cos of the 4 speed. But if you get on allright it may be worthwhile for me to look into.

Then there's the internal gearing to take into account as my 4th seems lower than other 4speed MXer 450s i've ridden. Stupid SX model. Other thing i've heard is that the 5 speed out of the 450 XCF will fit in mine but that's an expensive exercise and now i'm just a thread pirate lol. Anyone know about this stuff? Quasi? i'm sure i can find the gear ratio facts on the KTM website but what about the XCF conversion?

[That Guy]

Yeah 4 gears not ideal. I've spoken with a few guys who run a 4 speed box and they all say they are ok, you just need to carry more sprocket options! I've got a 14 & 15 Front and 44, 46 rear to start on order. I reckon if you want to win you need 5 or 6 speed gearbox but we'll see

[That Guy]

OK Project start, heres the bike:

[That Guy]

and first part arrived (getting exciting now)

[That Guy]

Sounds good. Interesting gearing, what is the rear tyre you gong to be running? And what size tyre?

14/15 x 44/46 to start.
Going for a 150/17" rear with 4.25" rim. I know plenty of people go for 5" rims and 160s but I am a fan of as little unsprung weight as possible, + its only ever going to be 55-65 horsepower....haven't chosen tyres yet....was thinking of super soft sports tyres rather than slicks or wets....undecided. Thoughts?

[DELLORTO]

and first part arrived (getting exciting now)

im so jealous!!!! my dream is too have a fresh shinny 450 in the shed with racing parts to go with it ! ands the funnest part is putting the parts on and watching it go together

[Shorty_925]

where did you find a GPR? Looks chunky to say the least. Be ready for this sunday? Luckily ive got a 5-speed, your problem is the colour of your bike....yellow, should have chosen blue!

[That Guy]

GPR is very chunky and not my first choice but got it brand new for $147 from trademe in a $1 reserve sale. Good enough then

not going to be ready this weekend, some parts have a 4 week wait

So if I get blue plastics for it the gear box will amzingly change to a 5 speed?

[t3mp0r4ry nzr]

Im so jealous of your bike lift

[That Guy]

Bike lift is awesome, really saves my dicky back. Use it for all sorts of stuff, highly recommended. Not cheap (about $600 I think) but I bought it 7 years ago and reckon it'll do another 20 at least. Folds flat enough to park a car over the top of it too.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Yeah 4 gears not ideal. I've spoken with a few guys who run a 4 speed box and they all say they are ok, you just need to carry more sprocket options! I've got a 14 & 15 Front and 44, 46 rear to start on order. I reckon if you want to win you need 5 or 6 speed gearbox but we'll see

The four speed RMZ isn't too much of an issue mate...but you'll be needing a 36 and a 38t rear for faster tracks!