Outfitting '05 WR450F for adventure touring - need advice

[rich128]

I have an '05 WR450F that I actually plated way back in '05.  It is a pretty sweet ride.  I had sold the bike back in '06 to a friend.  He hardly rode the bike and it sat in a barn for the most part.  I recently aquired the bike again and I would like to set it up for Dual Sport Adventure Touring....I have done some of that on an '05 DRZ400 that I also own (which now my son has kind of taken over). 

 

What I'm looking for is advice on the following:

• I need an oversize fuel tank.  The factory tank just don't cut it out there in the VA/WV mountians.  Not enough fuel for between stations.  I would like to see pics if possible of your WR with an oversize tank and tell me what kind it is...Just so I can see what your brand looks like on your bike. 
• Saddlebags - Would love to see pics of your WR with saddlebags and tell me a little bit about how well they work/don't work.  I've been looking at the Wolfman bags ($$$) and the Great Loop but I'm open to anything.  I had some cheap vinyl like saddlebags on the DRZ but they won't work on the WR because of lack of a sub-frame.
• Tank Bags - again, pics would be great of your tank bag on your bike...just so I can get a visual of your brand on an actual WR. 

Any advice &/or pics of this stuff or anything else touring for that matter (WR related) is welcome.  This is my fall/winter project.  And you know how this kind of stuff goes...it's an ever evolving project. 

 

Thanks a bunch! 

[bg22]

you can start here.  I'm in the process of setting up on '03 wr450 for adv riding.  Lots of good info on advrider as well.

 

https://sites.google.com/site/yamahawr450fwr250f/

[thumper_calgary]

I have a plated wr and have had a drz that I did lots of long adventure trips on and the drz is a much better bike. The short subframe will severely limit what you can put on the wr, and the oil change interval will drive you nuts! In the long term the lack of a. Cush drive hub may be a problem. I had the wolfman saddle bags and I loved them but you will have to mount them awfully far forward on the WR. I'll be following this thread as I'm interested in how you do at this. There's lots of options for tanks, IMS or acerbies to name a few

[n16ht5]

I have an 07 plated.. Here are a few things you want:

 

Clarke 3.7g tank

RAD (or other brand) cush hub

16-50 gearing (yes it fits, you need longer chain though) 16-48 if you do mostly highway

Go with Wolfman bags right now. I have a Giant Loop, which works well.. but the new owner of GL is a total douchebag.

 

retard your exhaust cam 1 tooth

all the other standard engine mods

skid plates, etc..

 

Ebay HID kit - I have a Baja Designs squadron, which is awesome, but really spendy. the Ebay kit is $25 and a big upgrade over stock.

Desert IT tires

Tubliss

Edited August 15, 2013 by n16ht5

[Parx_400]

I just finished mine. 2006 450

[Baja Designs]

HI Rich

 

I would definitely recommend some good lighting, you'll be glad you have it when you need it most. Like n16ht5 said our Squadron has an immense amount of output and is built to last. We also back it with our lifetime warranty!

 

Id also recommend a larger tank or side tank like we have for the WR. We also offer 10% off for TT members.

 

For saddle bags, the guys over at Giant Loop have some pretty nice bags in many different sizes and shapes.

[n16ht5]

HI Rich

 

I would definitely recommend some good lighting, you'll be glad you have it when you need it most. Like n16ht5 said our Squadron has an immense amount of output and is built to last. We also back it with our lifetime warranty!

 

Id also recommend a larger tank or side tank like we have for the WR. We also offer 10% off for TT members.

 

For saddle bags, the guys over at Giant Loop have some pretty nice bags in many different sizes and shapes.

 

 

 

If you do get the squadron, you can put a resistor inline to the low beam switch so it has a Hi/Lo. I used a grip heater resistor, but I am sure BD could supply one.

[MaxPower]

I like that headlight Parx. Is that from a 13 ? How much fuel does that tank hold? You are going to need an extra disc in the front to slow you when it's full

[Baja Designs]

If you do get the squadron, you can put a resistor inline to the low beam switch so it has a Hi/Lo. I used a grip heater resistor, but I am sure BD could supply one.

Yes sir. We offer a dimmer box that allows a adjustable hi/lo function

[kawi380]

This is what I did.

 

https://www.thumpertalk.com/topic/1029719-my-dual-sported-wr/

 

So far have done a single 500 mile trip around central Utah.  My rack cracked on one side when I hit a jump that was a little too big.  I am in the process of designing an upgraded rack for the rear luggage now.  I don't currently use a tank bag but am in the market.  So would be interested in that also.

[rich128]

Thanks guys.  I appreciate the tips and links thus far.  Looking good.  Giving me some good ideas for sure. 

 

Ready to get started.  I got my registration and tags from the DMV last week.  Just need to get bike re-inspected now.  (I had tags on this bike back in '06.  Just trying to get it back on the road again after 7 years) 

[rich128]

RAD (or other brand) cush hub

 

Go with Wolfman bags right now. I have a Giant Loop, which works well.. but the new owner of GL is a total douchebag.

 

Desert IT tires

 

 

Cush hub - explain a little more

 

Wolfman bags - how is the capacity of these compared to the Giant Loop

 

U happy with the Desert IT tire?  They look good!

 

Nice looking ride man!  Thanks for sharing

[thumper_calgary]

Based on my experience the coyote is a better bag for the wr because there's no subframe past the seat. Many will chime in about the Cush drive hub

[Sidewinder1970]

Just some pics....

[Sidewinder1970]

....and some more

[dogerxf]

I have an 05 that has done over 12,000 km road/adventure riding. My experience/comments are as follows:

My bike had a 5th gear selection failure at 12,000 km. This apparently is a fairly common problem on WRs that have been run extensively on the road (ie lots of 5th gear running). Some say a cush drive prevents this but I'm not so sure since the problem appears to be selector fork/dogs wear rather than the gears themselves.

I have found 15/42 gearing best for adventure riding. Highway cruising with this gearing is reasonably comfortable and it doesn't feel like the motor is revving too high (or low).

I have a 17 liter safari tank. It is see-through, so shows the full level (very handy), sits low out of the way and has a range of about 300 km. Excellent tank.

Disconnecting the tps gives smoother highway cruising

My luggage system comprises a tail bag mounted on a rear carrier/ rack. I would not recommend this set-up. I have found it difficult to keep the carrier mounting bolts from working loose in rough terrain resulting in the carrier with bag attached falling- off.

I also have a drz400 that I adventure ride. i actually prefer the WR for adventure riding (it certainly is a better dirt bike) mainly because its wider ratio gearbox makes it more versatile for a combo of road and off-road running. However, the top gear issue is major downside to its suitability as a reliable long service adventure bike.