As delivered from the factory, the WR450F isn't bullet proof
but don't worry we've got your back. Our friends at BRP and GPR have the goods
to turn your WR450F into a rock solid mount without making it as heavy as a
tank.
BRP
Skid Plate
One of the first things you'll need to get rid of is the stock
glide plate. BRP's armor protects those expensive engine cases by covering more
of the engine and frame than the stock glide plate.Trust
me on this it works! I hit a boulder that surely would of caused major
"case" damage if the BRP unit wasn't installed. It also puts a barrier
between the water pump and anything that would want to smash it - ending your
riding day and dipping into your wallet.
Handlebars
OEM handlebars must be made of some kind space-age material
that bends as satellites pass overhead 'cuz it doesn't take much more than that
to tweak 'um. Instead of buying more cheapo bend-a-matic bars, fork out the cash
for some oversized handlebars. Pro Tapers or Tag will do just fine. In fact, if
you crash hard enough to bend these puppies the handlebars are the least of your
worries.
BRP
Triple Clamps
Once you have your new indestructible
handlebars, you'll need to upgrade the triple clamps since the new
handlebars won't fit in the stock bar clamps.BRP
makes billet aluminum upper and lower clamps that are stronger and
lighter than the stock cast units. They are also ready to accommodate
the GPR steering stabilizer.
GPR
Steering Stabilizer
We've found that with the addition of the GPR steering
stabilizer we can ride longer and faster with less fatigue. It also helped
tremendously in mid-speed tight riding conditions by making the WR less fidgety.
Effectively, the GPR dampens and slows down the shock from hitting obstacles.
You can test this theory by smacking your handlebars while the bike is on a
stand and watch the bars slam off the steering stop. If you try this with the
GPR mounted you'll feel resistance.What good is the
resistance? Think of it this way, while riding at a nice clip you hit a log,
rock or other obstacle. What happens? Your bars slam to the side and you hit the
ground taking soil samples. The GPR also helps drastically in high-speed wobbles
that loose or sandy conditions bring.Money well spent
is on a steering stabilizer!
BRP Shark Fin
Plastic serves its purpose - but from
experience - one of them is not to protect high dollar metal motorcycle
components. For this job you need a lightweight metal that is stronger
than synthetic, and billet aluminum fits that bill.BRP's
Shark fin protects the rear brake disk without adding much weight, and
it also looks cool!
BRP Chain Guide
A high bread plastic "UHMW"
does however serve a purpose where metal is involved. Your chain is a
moving part that needs a guide to keep it on the straight and narrow.
The stock plastic chain guide will do the job for the time being
although it will wear out quickly. BRP's UHMW chain guide is stronger,
lighter and lasts longer then the stock unit.
Serfas
Spider Grips
To add the final touch to the upgrades I've mentioned get some
Spider grips. Once you try them you won't use anything else. All products
mentioned in this article are available from BRP and GPR.
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