Non BMW bike content inside.

[tman]

After months of searching, I finally found a clean street legal Supermoto to share a garage with the 320d.

She's a 2008 Yamaha Wr450f and was converted to a supermoto in 2008 (very minimal off road was done).

Extras include a trail tech digital speedo, GYTR exhaust, and a full 320mm Moto Master front brake kit. The bike also has a key ignition, which gives you a little more peace of mind.

1st order of business was to send her in for a full diagnostic and service, and I'm pleased to say the mechanics and electrics came back 100%

Next up is cosmetics. I have a few mods / changes in mind for the future, and will update the thread accordingly.

Also, I desperately need to buy kit!

Suggestions and comments welcome!

Sent from my MI 5 using Tapatalk

 

[GoCart]

O man, what a beast :blowheart:

Congrats :clapper:

 

[herr bmw]

pm sent

 

[MikeR]

:clapper::clapper::coolShake: great motor that baby

 

[Dewald Basson]

Nice :clapper:

You going to daily it or just for fun?

 

[tman]

Nice :clapper:

You going to daily it or just for fun?

Mostly for fun.

Ive decided to keep the 320d stock, seeing that I need it to be as reliable as possible.

This is something Ill occasionally go to work on, go to gym, shops etc. Also for a few breakfast runs with mates. :rollsmile:

 

[Nick]

Supermoto's are EPIC!!!


i want one too!

 

[tman]

Supermoto's are EPIC!!!


i want one too!

I am really enjoying this bike, the suspension is just amazing.

Went for a short ride yesterday, when you see a speedbump, you just open up the throttle, and BRAAAP! over you go!

 

[Nick]

Yea used to do that on the tiger also.

If i may ask, want price range would one like your fall into?

 

[tman]

Yea used to do that on the tiger also.

If i may ask, want price range would one like your fall into?

I was specifically looking for a Yamaha WR, because it has an electric start, and its easy to convert, seeing that it comes stock with a front and back light.

Newer 2015 / 2016 models are priced quite high (Bout R100k depending on options), but you can pick up a 2007-2010 model for anything between R25 000 - R45 000.
The challenge is obviously to find one with minimal offroad hours, and that was taken care of properly.

The actual supermoto conversion ie, Fitting a 320mm front brake, 17inch wheels, sprockets, speedo, ignition, indicators etc will cost you anything from R15 000 - R25 000 over and above, depending on what parts you use.


I was lucky enough to buy one with all the conversions already done, but if I have to estimate what the bare minimum one can spend, it would be about R40 000 - R45 000

 

[Nick]

Ok not bad at all.


Check this guys build, might spark some ideas for you.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSNlQiWDUYnubJ3jMnVUq3igj4oT082kH

 

[tman]

Ok not bad at all.


Check this guys build, might spark some ideas for you.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSNlQiWDUYnubJ3jMnVUq3igj4oT082kH

I followed the entire series, I see he is also building a Ruckus now raise:

But in all honesty, his CRF450 build was excessive. That bike cost more than $10 000, and upon completion it didnt even have a kickstand, or an electric start.

If I had that kind of cash for a SuMo, Ill just buy a KTM 690 already converted. Here is an excellent example for R100k, https://www.gumtree.co.za/a-motorcycles-scooters/other/ktm-690-smc-r/1001811733330910728501209

 

[tman]

DYI Time!

I’ve wanted to attempt this DIY for quite some time, and I am excited to share with everyone. Although this DIY was done with Motorcycle rims, the principals remain the same If someone would want to attempt it with car rims.

Objective:
For this project I wanted to do a quality, lasting job, but with minimal resources and basic tools. The objective was to refurb the wheels, ie removing any curb rash and scratches, and repainting. Finishing up I wanted to fit a new set of rubber and balance.

Prep:
I watched countless YouTube Videos prior to attempting this DIY, and for anyone interested I’ve linked the most helpful videos on respective topics below:
• Breaking a Tyre bead with a C-Clamp:

• DIY Rim protectors:

• Removing a Tyre from a rim:

• How to repair Curb rash and rim scratches as well as how to Prime and paint a rim:

• Fitting a new tyre to the rim (I ended up using the Cable tie method, because I felt there was less of a chance damaging the new paint job in the process)
• Balancing a Tyre (from 7:45)

Total cost, and tools usedexcluding new tyres)
• R100 for 2 tyre levers purchased (Midas)
• R55 For Pratley Steel Putty (Local Hardware store)
• R150 for 1 can of Primer, and 2 x Black Heat Resistant Spray Paint (Makro)
• R25 for a bottle of acetone (Makro)
• R17 for a roll masking tape (Makro)
• R19 for a tyre valve remover (Midas
• TOTAL: R366

Other tools I used that I already had: C-clamp, Sanding paper, Socket set, micro fibre cloth, couple of screw drivers, Windolene, rope, and some threaded rod.

Steps followed:
• Removing the tyre from the rim. Make sure the tyre is warm (leave it out in the sun for an hour or so) and don’t forget to use soap as per the Youtube videos. Also Rim protectors are essential.
• Sand down curb rash and scratches. My front wheel wasn’t in such a bad shape and all of the damage could be removed with sanding. The rear rim was really badly damaged due to the chain slapping the rim (not being tension properly by the previous owner). I used the steel putty to touch up the damage and sand it down.
• Clean, Mask and Prime. This is a time consuming job, but essential to get a good finish. I removed the balancing weights and cleaned the rim with the acetone prior to prime. After this I used a piece of rod and rope to hang the rim up (felt this was the best way to paint, without anything touching the rim). Apply light coats, and allow enough time to dry between coats.
• Paint: Clean with acetone, and start applying light coats, with enough time to dry between coats.
• Fit new tires and balance. I re-used the old weights

BEFORE & AFTER PICS: (Please keep in mind I still need to wash the bike and rims, In some pics the matte finish looks scratched, I can assure you its just dirty, Ill add some more pics once this is done)
Rear:

Front:

Other Random pics of Project in progress, sanding, masking, priming, etc:

 

[GoCart]

Brilliant :clapper:

 

[Nick]

planning on getting one this year!

 

[tman]

planning on getting one this year!

What Supermoto you looking at?

 

[Nick]

Either the wr450 or the dzr450Sm

 

[tman]

Either the wr450 or the dzr450Sm

I was very close to buying a DRZ. Long service intervals and rock solid reliability. Only reason I got the WR over the DRZ is its got a bit more punch, and is more fun to drive!

 

[Nick]

Yea thats why i want the WR.


You werent at the Virgin active at the top of Rivonia yesterday were you?

I saw a Wr there and i nearly wanted to kidnap it.

 

[tman]

Yea, that's me

I usually lock the rear disk with this, to stop people like you trying to take it!

---

While I am in the mood of updating, I thought Id add this:

I managed land an epic deal on some kit. A gentlemen that quit riding sold me a Jacket (with back, elbow and shoulder protection), a pair of gloves and a Old BMW carbon helmet for R1500.

The helmet was in pretty bad shape, the inners were moldy and to replace them would be too expensive, so I sold it on Gumtree. I really like the MX/Enduro type helmet, so I got a white helmet to compliment the "Yamaha blue/white look"

BMW Carbon Helmet, looks good on the outside, but really needed attention on the inside.

Replacement helmet