dave's WR250X, or what's left of it anyway...

[dave_in_michigan]

This is a thread to summarize the mods I've made to my '08 WR250X. The details are all in other threads, I'm just posting a list of links here as a summary.

If you've got an opinion on this bike, post it up.

- Dave

[dave_in_michigan]

Here's what it looks like now, with 2085 miles on the odometer:

Attachment 48716

Here is the history of mods, with links to more details wherever possible:

6/12/08

- WR250X purchased from Motor City Power Sports
- removed all stickers and reflectors

6/18/08

- cut front fender ~4.5 inches shorter, Mil style.
- stiffened up suspension settings a bit

6/25/08

- removed airbox flapper, hoses, etc; "flapper mod"
- removed, then modified and replaced the spark arrestor
- "Plan B" axle sliders

7/4/08

- painted white side panels matte black; Krylon spray can, "formulated for plastics". Liked the look but not very durable.

7/8/08

- DR "Edge" tail light, Flasher Type 602, and IC relay, all from http://www.wheelingcyclesupply.com/. Here's the installation thread. Note: torque the fork pinch bolts to 16 ft-lbs (192 in-lbs)

7/9/08

- Added fuel by biasing temp sensor input; added 5k resistor pot inline with sensor, like MPFab did.

7/10/08

- further cut and flanged the spark arrestor
- removed the airbox door

7/17/08

- removed radiator front deflector plastics
- Chopped / removed airbox ! Gettin' more serious, now.

7/20/08

- EXUP servo removed, 10k resistor installed between black/red and the white/red wires. (prevents fault code). This resistor physicaly broke in half later, and I replaced with 10K + 22k in parallel = ~7.5k
- removed the Air Induction System.
- removed the kickstand switch. spliced the two wires together (= stand is up)

7/26/08

- installed dynojet powercommander PCIII USB PN 432-411
- Bobbed the tank shroud plastics !!! (TT version.) Now we're gettin' somewhere!

7/30/08

- Mirrors: cheapo crg knock-offs. $49/pair, and they feel like it.

8/2/08

- fmf powercore # 044270 (100dB, stock=88dB @ 5k). Drilled out the spot weld to reuse the stock clamp, high temp rtv silicone to seal at the header
- fmf powerbomb header # 044269, direct from fmf
- wrapped exhaust with DEI 010121 2" black short roll from Amazon, like wkboardr.
- K&N air filter: # YA-3586
- uploaded wkboardr's PC3 map for Yosh pipe, airbox door removed, KN filter.
- fabbed a support bracket for the radiator.

8/5/08

- remounted the horn down front above the regulator.
- loaded "smoothed" version of wkboarder's map (TT version)

8/22/08

- Installed Pro grip rally 737 grips, SKU#41150
- Moose Racing handguard protectors SKU# 68558
- SME bar end sliders $10 + 10 shipping. I mounted using the aluminum bar-end hardware that came with the mirrors, instead of the rubber hose.

8/31/08

- removed front fender and mocked up front R6 hugger fender
- Put in a little bracket to hold the headlight and left the stock fender off.

9/8/08

- tried out rustyg61's map file, but went back to wkb_smooth2

9/13/08

- R6 front hugger fender installed ! Startin' to come together now...

Next up:
- rear hugger
- headlight replacement

Later:
- 46T rear sprocket + new chain + speedhealer
- relocate the battery; lay it flat up higher under the seat
- maybe clean up / reduce the wiring this winter.
- modify the seat
- clean up some rough edges

[fishpost19]

F*** yeah! I love it, it's like a modern rat-bike. Looks sweet. I always love stripped down, simple designs.

[dave_in_michigan]

F*** yeah! I love it, it's like a modern rat-bike. Looks sweet. I always love stripped down, simple designs.

Thanks. Petemit called it 'tard fighter style, which seems about right to me. I've always been a fan of both the naked streetfighters and the old stripped-to-the-bone Harleys.

rythmofbeing's got a really cool XR650R you might like:



Nice subframe, eh? Some custom aluminum under that seat.

His was definately an inspiration for me. Props due.

[yamaha28]

Yo , thanks for all the help with the EXUP, i think the look is sweet, i really like the airbox removal thing you did. Does it go any faster with it stripped like you have it or is it the same , anyway its badass dude.

[yamaha28]

BTW if you are looking to narrow it even more push the radiator to the side of the bike, kinda like an Rc51. Attachment 48770

[mtb2104]

i love your hugger...

but it looks pretty troublesome to fit...

[wkboardr]

Dave did u get it weighed since the mods? I'm curious on the power to weight ratio and beauty is in the eye of the beholder!

[dave_in_michigan]

Thanks for the compliments, guys. Interesting idea on the radiator.

Does it go any faster with it stripped like you have it or is it the same...

Heh... I'm pretty sure I ride it faster like this. That's all I know.

[chmura]

I like it, but I dont like the front hugger.

[dave_in_michigan]

Dave did u get it weighed since the mods? I'm curious on the power to weight ratio and beauty is in the eye of the beholder!

No, haven't weighed it yet. I was going to wait until I did the headlight and the rear sprocket. That'll be close to where I plan to keep it. I'll let you know though.

[Mr_Snips]

why remove the kick stand switch? there seems like ZERO reason to do that.

[Hobie Sailor]

why remove the kick stand switch? there seems like ZERO reason to do that.

I like to lube the chain with it in gear and rocked up on the side stand. If you don't remove the switch you can't do this. That would be my only reason.

[dave_in_michigan]

why remove the kick stand switch? there seems like ZERO reason to do that.

People have discussed the pros and cons in other threads... I removed mine to reduce clutter and simplify.

[Svt Knight]

I cant see cutting into a brand new bike to the extend you did. "Different Strokes 4 Different Folks"

[wkboardr]

I cant see cutting into a brand new bike to the extend you did. "Different Strokes 4 Different Folks"

I don't want to speak for Dave, but I know he was trying to increase the power to weight ratio, while creating his own bike.

[Roadstergal]

EXUP servo removed, 10k resistor installed between black/red and the white/red wires. (prevents fault code). This resistor physicaly broke in half later, and I replaced with 10K + 22k in parallel = ~7.5k

Any reason you changed from 10k to 7.5k? They both prevent a code?

[dave_in_michigan]

I cant see cutting into a brand new bike to the extend you did. "Different Strokes 4 Different Folks"

Simpler, lighter, and a little more power if I can get it...

I come from a Harley background where everybody's pulling things off, bolting things on, cutting, chopping, etc. All kinds of weird mods just to make it their own. So I don't think twice about digging into it on this bike either.

Personally, I'm a fan of the minimalist styles. In fact this was always the plan from when I was first looking for a sumo; add huggers, plastics off or trimmed to the max, strip it down wherever possible, and a round headlight. Kind of a naked streetfighter style, but with a sumo. I really didn't plan to drop all the way down to a 250, but I liked the FI, and the 70 mpg was attractive. I'm having a blast with it.

I don't expect that everyone will like it, and that's fine. Variety's good. It'd be boring if everyone liked the same things.

I appreciate hearing the comments, both for and against. Thanks.

[dave_in_michigan]

Any reason you changed from 10k to 7.5k? They both prevent a code?

The 10k was working fine, but it broke in half somewhere along the way, so I picked up the engine light. I put a 10k back in, but the light stayed, along with the code 17. Tried to clear it, but no luck.

I added the 22k in parallel to get it to 7.5k (which I read somewhere was the 'right' value), but I still had the light. Then after a few days, it just went out... ??? I don't know if I accidentally let it go through a self-test, or the history timed out, or what, but it hasn't come back since. I could have a bad wire in there still I suppose -- I've repositioned the main harness under the seat a few times, and pulled on the exup wires a bit.

[Roadstergal]

In some cars, it takes a few non-fault startups for a CEL to clear... but damned if I know if that's the way it works on the WR.

I'll try the 10k. I read the instructions for an EXUP bypass on TT, and it looked like a bit of a project, but if just one resistor will do it, I'm there.

[dave_in_michigan]

Easiest way to try it out is to just plug the two ends of the resistor into the connector. One end into white/red and the other in the black/red. More secure long term if you solder it up into the wiring though. Good luck.

[Skobie]

Man, I think your bike looks INCREDIBLE!

[dave_in_michigan]

Thanks!

* * *

Well, I found out I can't go back and update the list at the beginning of this thread. I got the rear hugger on, and was hoping I could just go back and edit that post to add to the list and update the pic, but the forum here doesn't let you edit older posts.

Oh well.

[dave_in_michigan]

Update...

I did weigh it, btw (posted in another thread). Got 145.5 at the rear and 134.5 at the front for a total of 280. I was 30 miles into a full tank, so topped off wiht that extra 1/2 gallon it should be around 283 curb weight. That's with a full toolbox attached, rear hugger on, stock sprocket, etc...

* * *

I mail ordered a chunk of 6061 T6 billet aluminum, and I'm having it milled by a friend into a headlight bracket. I'll do a little work on it this weekend and should have the headlight on then. Pics to follow. Maybe Sunday...

[dave_in_michigan]

Sorry for the empty bump, but the headlight bkt didn't get finished on Friday and I'll be in Mexico most of this week, so no updates until next weekend earliest.

[Petemit]

Wow, haven't checked up on things for a while, I'm really diggin' that front hugger, I really think I need to get a R6 front fender soonish Afterwards I might be doing my front headlight as well... I ride a ton at night and the stock one is just kinda "meh"

keep up the good work dave!

[dave_in_michigan]

Bracket milled from a hunk of aluminum.

Attachment 51395
Attachment 51396
Attachment 51397

[yamaha28]

sweet

[gwarusee]

Oh hell yeah.

[albarelli]

Cool! Kinda feels of the Yamaha Tricker.

[garn]

Geez dude... ever ride it yet? lol..

I hope you don't have many hobbies!

[dave_in_michigan]

Geez dude... ever ride it yet? lol..

I hope you don't have many hobbies!

What are you talking about? I ride it all the time. I've got about 2600 miles on it so far. Pretty much every mod I've done I start and finish the same day, so I really haven't had any down time.

[garn]

What are you talking about? I ride it all the time. I've got about 2600 miles on it so far. Pretty much every mod I've done I start and finish the same day, so I really haven't had any down time.

I know I was j/k, just jokin because of how much you have done in such a short time!

[dave_in_michigan]

I know I was j/k, just jokin because of how much you have done in such a short time!

Ah, sorry. My sense of humor's broken this morning I guess (Mondays, grrr...). Good reminder for me to lighten up. Thanks.

[cozmo2312]

might as well throw some clipons on there and ditch those handlebars

[ZED]

OK Dave, not exactly the look I'm going for with mine, but I think that's great you're turning it into YOUR bike.

Now, maybe I missed it, but what does it weigh in at now?

I've already taken a few parts off mine. I expect more will follow.

[dave_in_michigan]

Hi Zed,

I weighed it last week at 283 curb weight, but that's with the toolbox on. I'll trim a little more weight off with a different rear sprocket and I'll remove some unused wiring over the winter. Other than that, mine won't get a whole lot lighter.

What stuff are you taking off?

[ZED]

Well, so far I've removed the passenger pegs and the tools.

I haven't looked at it in detail yet, but I'm eyeing the tail assembly that hangs down and thinking that something can be done there.
I also expect that muffler is heavy compared with an after market unit.
I'm thinking a trim on the front fender too, although that won't really affect the weight.

A nice set of Marchesini forged wheels would be nice, but I don't see that one happening.

[dave_in_michigan]

I haven't looked at it in detail yet, but I'm eyeing the tail assembly that hangs down and thinking that something can be done there.

Lots of folks buy the DRC Edge from wheelingcyclesupply, but a few guys have cut and reassembled the stock one & they look really good. Search around, you can probably find what others have done.

[ZED]

Oh, I just remembered another thing that I think could use attention. That kickstand is steel and looks pretty heavy. I'm thinking something in alloy would help balance out a lighter muffler.

[dave_in_michigan]

Oh, I just remembered another thing that I think could use attention. That kickstand is steel and looks pretty heavy. I'm thinking something in alloy would help balance out a lighter muffler.

OMG, +1 on that. That steel horseshoe that the kickstand mounts to is 3/8" thick! Unbelievable.

If you find something, let me know.

[Edit: it weighs 40 oz, or 2-1/2 lbs]

[mtb2104]

Dave... mxracernumber1 in TT had a picture of the alum stand he made... but somehow the thread disappeared....

maybe you can try to talk to him?

[Pep]

Bracket milled from a hunk of aluminum.

Attachment 51395
Attachment 51396
Attachment 51397

Now that's more like it! The new headlight completes it IMO Great job dude!

[ZED]

Hmmm. I hadn't noticed those mirrors before. How well do they work?

I don't like the tall style, but need them for the street. Not only do they ruin the lines, but they stand out in the way. (I've already broken one )

51397

[dave_in_michigan]

Thanks Pep. Headlight's the last major piece of the puzzle. The rest from here will be just cleanup stuff, couple upgrades. Well ok, I might still take off the rear fender and back half of the subframe. And maybe change blue to black... But yeah, it's pretty much how I want it now.

Zed - mirrors work fine. Better than stock for me. View looks under the arms, right past my hips and to the outside. With stock I had to move my arms to see anything. I'm sure it's a better view on the bar ends, but I like them inboard. (I stole this mount position idea from somebody else around here... forgot who.) It's also quite a ways to move your eyes down, but I'm used to it now.

[alcorn]

Now THATS hooligan Looks

[dave_in_michigan]

Nothing new here, just reposting some pics through photobucket for my signature link since all the attachments I had here vanished.

[luizoliveira147]

That's one of the nicest wrxs I've seen... Congrats dude, that looks awesome...

[dave_in_michigan]

Thanks!

[StrykEagle]

You gonna chop off the back plastic?