going street on a '00 426

[Wild YZ426]

i have the oppurtunity to get a '00 yz426f in a trade for my truck since im most likely going to lose my license for awhile so i figured this toy would be good for offroad fun while i cant drive and then i would like to convert it to a streetbike when i get my license back. ive seen some kits to do it but wonder if theres a cheaper way like just getting the lights and running it all myself. i know ill need a rectifier or something of that sort to keep my battery charged. ( please no flaming if im wrong.. this is why im asking for help. ) any input is greatly appreciated. im looking forward to the world of thumpers. =)

[tech24]

I'm not much help but I'm not sure if you can tag a 426, I would make sure in your state first. The VIN may not be able to be registered as a liscensed vehicle.

[Wild YZ426]

Never even thought about that. thanks. ill look into it.

[nathanpa01]

It would be more feasible to just find a WR. There are other issues to consider other than plating and a lighting/charging system. The transmission ratios are different, and I have read another thread on here about potential trans problems due to running a street/DS tire on a YZ from the extra traction and force loads created.

[grayracer513]

... I have read another thread on here about potential trans problems due to running a street/DS tire on a YZ from the extra traction and force loads created.

...and that would be pure Bovine Scatology, or as the Marines in the field say, "BS". ?

The only downside trans-wise is either the high cruising RPM from running dirt gearing, or the extra stress from slipping the clutch in low gear with higher gearing.

[Wild YZ426]

ive looked for bikes around my area and havent found any and when ive found supermotos theyre way too expensive. this route would be nice cuz the truck would go to a friend and he doesnt ride the bike so it isnt going anywhere. and i would mainly be doing city riding so at the most like 50-60 mph cuz there are some main highways around me so i THINK the bike could handle it transmission wise. correct me if im wrong.

[Wild YZ426]

do i for sure need a rectifier or will my lights die out at a stoplight?

[grayracer513]

If your state requires the lights to be on with the engine off, you need a battery. If you have a battery, you need a rectifier.

A YZ426 turns about 7500 RPM at 60 mph. You tell me.

[Wild YZ426]

ive looked for redline on a 426 but cant find anything. anyone know what it is? i dont wanna string the bike out for long runs at 60. something about high rpms seems to attract cops.... i know from experience. that and i dont wanna do damage to my engine.

[Birdy426]

One of my riding partners has a YZ426 plated for the street (before the people's republic of Kalifornistan decided it wasn't in our best interests to allow plating of dirt bikes). It can be done, but it ain't cheap. If you require lights, you need a WR stator and flywheel (or an aftermarket YZ stator with a lighting coil..there are a few out there, but they don't put out much power and there have been some reliability issues). If your state has a requirement that the lights stay on when the bike isn't running (as Kali does...20 minutes, tail light only), or you have to run turn signals, then you need DC power and a battery, which means an aftermarket regulator/rectifier as well. The you have to figure out how to mount the battery. Once you have that all sorted out, you need the lights, turn signals, brake light switch, turn signal/headlite/horn switch, horn, and a bunch of wire, connectors, heatshrink sleeving, etc.

There are plenty of posts here on TT about the pink wire mod and floating the lighting coil (to make DC power) to put the WR magneto on, and parts will run about $300. A regulator/rectumfinder will run about $40, and a battery anywhere from $20.00 -$100.00 depending on how small and powerful you want.

As far as the rest of the stuff, you can save about a $100 or $150 by getting all of the parts yourself and building your own wire harness, depending on how carefully you shop, but you're still going to spend upwards of $250 if you need a healight, tail/stop light, horn, turn signals, and switches. It's not a cheap proposition by any means.

I have a WR that's plated, and as far as road work, not that we do much, but my ride is far less fatiguing than his. The wider transmission ratios allow me to cruise at a much lower RPM. That's really the only difference. With desert tanks on both bikes, the handling is virtually identical, and we are both running...uh...heavily modified motors, so the power is very similar.

If yu are looking to motard rather than DS, if you are carving canyons and trying to keep up withe the sport bikes, you will be really disappointed. Your top speed will be in the 80-85 mph range unless you gear way down. If you gear way down to get higher top speed, your out of the corner acceleration will be lacking. If you are using it as a stoplight racer or grocery getter, it will be a hoot.

Does the YZ work on the road? Sure. Is it cheap to get it there? Not even close. Is it reliable on the road? With proper maintenance about as reliable as a claw hammer. Is it a blast to have a plated dirt bike? You bet your ass!

[Wild YZ426]

Thats exactly my thought! it would be tons of fun to have one for the street! And ive been looking for regulations for WI and ive found some for WI but theyre not too clear. Argh!!!! ?

[Kawidad]

Thats exactly my thought! it would be tons of fun to have one for the street! And ive been looking for regulations for WI and ive found some for WI but theyre not too clear. Argh!!!! ?

Then you need to consult with the motor vehicle department or state highway police/patrol. They usually do vehicle inspections and are well familiar with the regulations. And, I don't mean the road doggies, I mean the specialist inspectors, preferably if you can find one who is a rider. They are usually more helpful and sympathetic to your questions.

[Wild YZ426]

Thats my next stop. I'm going to head out there Monday and see what I can find. Hopefully good news!

[mike_dean]

You can't register that bike in WI, you can buy one in MI already registered and have a 50/50 chance of transfering it here, even then you will need a battery, complete charging system, lights, turn signals, brake lights, 35w headlight with high beam, lisc plate light, speedo., mirror, horn, higher gearing, DOT tires, quieter exhaust and it will all be checked. WI is the worst.

[Birdy426]

You can't register that bike in WI, you can buy one in MI already registered and have a 50/50 chance of transfering it here, even then you will need a battery, complete charging system, lights, turn signals, brake lights, 35w headlight with high beam, lisc plate light, speedo., mirror, horn, higher gearing, DOT tires, quieter exhaust and it will all be checked. WI is the worst.

Naw...WI might be bad, but Kalifornistan is the worst!

[Wild YZ426]

Mike, i see you have a 426.. does yours have a title for it thats from wisconsin? if it does i see no reason why if it passes inspection why it couldnt just be made into a street title...