The Tour of Idaho: Final Bike Prep for the 2018 Adventure
The last time I touched upon this was way back in September. Since then, Jeff and I have spent an enormous amount of time on mapping, lodging, logistics and of course more bike preparation. My previous installment on this topic outlined many of the bike upgrades I’d done for the Tour of Idaho and this write up details the effort made since last fall.
One the most impactful upgrades made to the barely used (less than 400 actual miles) 2015 WR450 was the GYTR ECU. This little black box coupled with the GYTR Power Tuner are just plain wonderful! Honestly, the WR was just a bit too much in the technical stuff. The throttle was like a “hair trigger” that would send you off in a potentially undesirable direction at any given moment. Everyone that rode the machine commented (negatively) on this less than desirable trait. The programming unit made the bike behave much more like my old 2003 WR450. I tuned back both the fuel and the ignition into the negative range using a Yamaha recommended map and the outcome was astonishing. The monetary outlay on the ECU and programming unit may have been the wisest and most prudent of all upgrades.
As recommended by Martin, I went with the “Go Light. Go Fast” approach and employed the use of the Giant Loop Mojavi Saddlebag system. A couple of my riding buddies from out West have been using these for a couple years with the intention of shifting weight from their backs to the bike. They’re very well-made, tough, lightweight, and fit perfectly on the WR. As recommended by Randy, I got a Kriega 10L US-10 Drypack that neatly rides atop the Mojavi Saddleback on the rear fender. I tested this setup back in November during a Kentucky Adventure Tour scouting excursion with Jeff and was very impressed. The Saddlebags and Drypack were secured to the bike with some Kriega Pack Mounts and one of the provided straps making for a clean setup.
Giant Loop Saddlebags & Kriega Drybag
In terms of protection, I added a Factory Edition 2 Chain Guide, Rear Disc Protector, and Case Saver from TM Designworks. Over the years I’ve had really good luck with their stuff on all of my Yamahas. It is top-quality and their parts are engineered and made in the USA!
TM DesignWorks Parts & Kriega Pack Mounts
Jeff picked up an Antigravity Lithium Ion battery for his DR to save some weight and since the stock WR battery was dwindling in terms of power due to age and lack of use, I did the same. After some research, an AntiGravity XP10 Power Supply/Jump Starter was also procured along with two of the hard-wired jumper cables. One for me and one for Jeff. This very lightweight unit has two USB outlets for charging all your electronics and a place to plug in the jumper cables for a quick jump start without having to remove your seat. It’ll charge your phone several times before it is depleted and its proven useful in charging my new Garmin inReach Explorer and Contour helmet camera. It has a built-in flashlight too. It is my hope that that only thing I’ll need to use it for is charging devices!
From an engine perspective, I’ve only made one internal upgrade. A Boyesen Supercooler Kit was installed a couple months ago. I’m still on the fence as it relates to a TrailTech Radiator fan. My problem is that the one that is made for the WR will not bolt right up due to the Safari tank. They do make a universal version that may actually work but I’m holding off on that until after our “TID” test outing at Redbird later in June. If I have issues with overheating that’ll be a necessary upgrade. Other than the fuel injection, the engine on this WR is the same as my old 2003 model and I never had a problem with it overheating.
As it relates to traction, Martin’s longstanding advice was to use the Dunlop GeoMax AT81 RC front and rear as they’ve proven to make it all the way to Sundance with some knobs still intact. Randy confirms their durability but indicates that from all other angles they generally suck. He said their handling on loose gravel is borderline deadly. Unfortunately for Jeff, that what he has for the DR (but he can ride anything and do it very well). Luckily for me, Martin updated his rubber-related recommendations and is now endorsing the GoldenTyre GT333 for the rear and the GT216AA – “FATTY” for the front. A fresh GT333 is staged and ready in the garage but I can’t make up my mind on the profile I want for the front. I’ll pull that trigger in the coming days.
GoldenTyre GT333 (not my bike)
While I’m on the topic of tires, what’s inside is also important. For over a decade now I’ve exclusively run TireBalls. Sure, they are a PITA to install, but I’m really good at it and they’ve never let me down. With that being said, I’ve never run them for 1,600 miles!! So reluctantly I purchased the Bridgestone UHD tubes for the front and rear but I’m still waffling on that decision. Maybe a hybrid approach is in order. TireBalls in the front and a tube in rear . . . decisions, decisions.
One upgrade that deserves its own paragraph is the Baja Designs XL Pro lighting system. Wow! This items falls into the category of “I hope I don’t need it” but man if I do, I’m covered! This thing is super bright, it was easy to install, and is very well-made. It looks very cool as well but all of this goodness came at a hefty price!
Baja Designs XL Pro
A few miscellaneous items including an AMPS Rugged Mount for my Garmin Montana, several filter skins, a Giant Loop 1 gallon gas bag, a funnel and some spare 15amp fuses also grace the list of bike-related items that have been purchased. I’m also tossing around the idea of new foot pegs from IMS. Either the Pro or Adventure series are being considered. I have the Pro Series on my YZs and they are very tough.
AMPS Mount for the Garmin Montana GPS
Some last minute items that are planned for swapping out are those that wear. You know . . . brake pads, chain, sprockets, wheel bearings and maybe even my fiber clutch plates. I tore into all of the suspension components this winter after the November ride (its last outing) and greased everything up nicely. It always amazes me at how little grease come on those components from the factory. Mechanically, the WR should be more than sound for the planned adventure.
Below is a fairly comprehensive and updated listing of upgrades:
Yamaha GYTR Competition Programmable ECU
Yamaha GYTR Power Tuner
Baja Designs Dual Sport Taillight
Baja Designs License Plate Holder
Solid Rear Rotor
Cycra Yamaha-branded ProBend Hand Guards
Scott Full Waffle Grips
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YZ250 KYB SSS Forks
Yamaha GYTR Radiator Braces
Universal 12 Volt Horn (Black 2.25”)
Mirror Mount for Clutch Perch
Safari Gas Tank
Double Take Enduro Mirror & Mount
Scotts Performance Steering Stabilizer Tower
Fisher Custom Seat
Sunstar Steel Rear Sprocket (52)
Giant Loop Mojavi Saddle Bag
Kriega US-10 Drypack
Kriega US-5 Drypack
Kriega Pack Mounts (2 sets = total of 8)
Boyesen Supercooler Kit (WPK-38M)
Wolfman Front Fender Bag
Kriega Dry Bags (2 small & 1 medium)
Giant Loop One Gallon Gas Bag & Funnel
Fisher Seat
Garmin AMPS Rugged Mount for Montana Series
TM Designworks Skidplate (Blue)
TM Designworks Case Saver
TM Designworks Factory Edition 2 Chain Guide
TM Designworks Rear Disc Guard
AntiGravity XP3 Power Supply/Jump Starter
AntiGravity 8-cell Lithium Ion Battery
Baja Designs XL Pro Lighting System
Rear Tire (GoldenTyre GT333 120/100 x 18)
Front Tire (GoldenTyre GT216AA – “FATTY”)
Bridgestone Ultra Heavy Duty Front Tube
Bridgestone Ultra Heavy Duty Rear Tube
DID Pro VX Ring 520VX2
Sunstar Front Sprocket (14)
Sunstar Rear Sprocket – Steel (52)
Jeff and I depart from the Utah line 76 days from now. Onward!
See you on the trail!