Two part 07 YZ450 question

[kev8131]

Hi all, any input would be great. Thanks in advance.

Part one: I should have bought one a while back, but I haven't yet and I know I'm rolling the dice without it... Radiator brace, just a few out there, what do you guys like and dislike.

Part two: I've been reading up on the effects of E-10 on different motors, I usually mix for a higher octane and use sta-bil for long storage times. Anyone had issues or advise on the use of E-10, should we use straight race gas now in Oregon? I know moisture is problem with E-10 and there are some places to purchase non-blended fuel which is what I'm doing.

Anyway there you go, Kev.?

[grayracer513]

The only advice I have for you is that if you can buy pump gas labeled 91 octane or higher, you don't need anything to increase the octane. Improvimg on the energy content of the fuel is probably something that you could easily do, however.

One very simple thing you might try is adding toluene up to about 15% of the total volume. You'll need to jet as if it was race gas.

The biggest two problems with E10 are the loss of energy content, and the stability issues related to the hygroscopic nature of ethanol. But at 10%, the ethanol won't really do too much else to the engine, especially if you reduce the 10% by adding toluene or race gas.

[kev8131]

Thanks grey, I usually mix race gas with pump gas, I've just heard of carb related problems with ethanol, maybe not at 10% though huh?

[BlackT5]

When I bought my 08 I bought the Moose Racing Braces. I tired to install them and the fit was so horrible that I took them back. Radiator to frame bolts did not line up, the lower shroud bolt was 1 inch off, and the stub where the stock triangle brace was in the way. Parts Unlimited insisted that I try another set to see if I got a mis boxed set. They were the same so Parts agreed to take them back. I bought Works Connection braces and they fit like a champ. No problems and I would recommend them.

[WB450]

I went with Zip TY, no front roost protection, but good in a fall over. The fit was spot on, a little longer bolt in the lower shroud's will help, but not necessary.

[Colonel_Hapa_Blap]

When I bought my 08 I bought the Moose Racing Braces. I tired to install them and the fit was so horrible that I took them back. Radiator to frame bolts did not line up, the lower shroud bolt was 1 inch off, and the stub where the stock triangle brace was in the way. Parts Unlimited insisted that I try another set to see if I got a mis boxed set. They were the same so Parts agreed to take them back. I bought Works Connection braces and they fit like a champ. No problems and I would recommend them.

I want to get a set of WC for my 08, but my buddy just recently crashed and with the WC on his honda his raditor is still FUBAR. Now I have my doubts

[grayracer513]

Now I have my doubts

A) Honda radiators are notoriously vulnerable in a crash, for some reason

? Radiator braces make them crash resistant, not crash proof.

Also, the radiator "braces" for a CRF are significantly different than the radiator cages for the YZF. The lack of anywhere to brace the radiator back to on the YZF aluminum frame forced WC to redesign for the better. They are pretty robust, actually.

[RMCoastie]

I put the WC Radiator Cages on mine, the look really good and provide alot of protection. The only downfall is that you have to trim alot of the louvers and the radiator shrouds themselves. I recommend a Dremel tool for that...

[MX926]

I have a set of Moose braces on my 08 YZ450F. The installation was time consuming, but they are a heavy duty brace, and well worth the time. I did install a slightly longer radiator hose up top between the two radiators, it made the fit easier.

- Over the weekend I picked up a sponsorship from Panik-Rev they produce an aluminum replacement radiator fin, that acts a a brace also and looks super trick. check them out at www.panik-rev.com I just put them on and they fit great.

[kev8131]

I went with Zip TY, no front roost protection, but good in a fall over. The fit was spot on, a little longer bolt in the lower shroud's will help, but not necessary.

Thanks for the replies guys:thumbsup: I was leaning towards the WC, so thanks. That Zip Ty looks good, but does not support the lower tank of the radiator from the looks of your picture...? Or am I not seeing it?

Has anyone used devol gaurds?

Nice chanting with fellow 450 thumpers, Kev.

[BlackT5]

I looked at the Devol when I bought my WC braces. I did not like the Devol becasue you had to remove the louvers completely. It looked to me that mud would clog up the radiator fins pretty easy.

[MX926]

The devol braces are nice, but you are correct, they do clog with mud easily. I have seen some people put panty-hose over the devol cages in muddy conditions.

[WB450]

Thanks for the replies guys:thumbsup: I was leaning towards the WC, so thanks. That Zip Ty looks good, but does not support the lower tank of the radiator from the looks of your picture...? Or am I not seeing it?

Has anyone used devol gaurds?

Nice chanting with fellow 450 thumpers, Kev.

Your seeing it correct, no support on the bottom.

[buzzfin]

I went with the Devol guards on mine. They do a great job of protecting the rads and it's a lot easier to clean mud off of them than it is trying to clean mud out of your radiator fins. Easy install, no probs with getting them to fit.

[AZ Thumpdaddy]

WC cages on my 07. Zip Ty is out of stock and won't have them for awhile. Devol's are bullet proof but I like to use the stock fins.

[kev8131]

Well thanks for all the input, good info:thumbsup: I'm parking the bike for a week of water skiing and houseboating at shasta lake, so I'll look at rad cages when I get back. Anyone been down to shasta lately know how smokey it is from all the Nor Cal fires. I'm a fireman and don't plan on sucken smoke for a week:thumbsdn: would rather suck on suds!!

Adios Kev.