FMF & Power Commander INSTALLED: Impressions

Hey all,

I just completed a major upgrade on the WRR. I didn't see the point in doing it all piecemeal, so I went ahead and...

*Performed the Ultimate Airbox Mod (Big PROPS to HighFive ---> http://www.wrrdualsport.com/tech-guide/air-intake/77-airboxmod

*Desmogged with Graves Smog Block-Off

*Servo Sub'd with Graves servo sub unit

*Installed IMS 3.0 gas tank

*Installed FMF Power Bomb Header

*Installed FMF Q4 Silencer

*Installed Power Commander V (behind headlight) set to map #6

DID IT BECOME A 1000cc SPORT BIKE? In a word, no.

BUT, it did do a number of very cool things.

1. The exhaust note at idle is dark chocolate. It burbles. It's not loud, not really, it's just richer with a bit more thump.

2. It improves all the gears, but first through fourth are the most obviously enriched.

3. It’s not just faster through the gears, it’s smoother.

4. There is a bit of a drone at around 5000 rpms.

5. The gas tanks fits better than I feared. I don’t notice any additional width while riding. I was sure to use the enclosed gasket. No leaks so far. The old tank seemed to weigh at least a pound more.

6. I popped no-clutch power wheelie in 2nd gear, despite the additional weight of the larger tank AND my 13-year-old son riding shotgun (it surprised us both!)

7. I used PCV map #6. There has been no popping or backfiring. I was peeved that there is no stock map for this configuration, but Motokid was right, the #6 map seems to have gotten me at least 90% there.

8. Someone began cutting into my lane, I blipped the throttle, they held their lane. Like I said, it’s not REALLY loud, but you’ll be noticed when you turn the throttle—a good thing on I-10.

9. The old pipe is hanging in my garage—It’s a heavy SOB. I’d guess almost 15 lbs.

10. The FMF pipe and header just look lighter and less cluttered. BTW, I opted to keep the stickers on the silencer; the yellow FMF logo looks sharp.

11. I was worried about a lack of cover over the header and silencer. I’m not anymore. The header tucks itself more neatly against the engine than the stocker and the silencer protrudes far less.

My initial impression is that the bike has more bark, feels more spry, and looks better—What’s not to like?

Is it worth the money? If Yamaha made a WR450R, I’d say no. But they don’t.

With these changes, I’m happy to wait a while. I’ll wait a couple more years. If they don’t make a 450 by then, I’ll probably install a big bore kit. You listening Yamaha?

These are my initial impressions; I reserve the right to go Crazy Ivan in the future.

Wow....nice. The Mutha-load....



What gearing you running?

Sweet! Do it all at once.

I bought the bike with basically those same mods, so I have no experience with how a stock WRx feels, but I do have a CRF250R and was hoping for something close to that, and I wasn't disappointed.

And don't hold your breath for the 450...

We need pics!

Any chance you weighed the new parts before the install and compared them to the old parts weight after the install?

motokid wrote:

What gearing you running?

I've stuck with the stock gearing so far. I spend a lot of time on the freeway here in Houston (I commute 60 miles a day on I-10). When I go to Maine this summer I might re-gear.

Counselor wrote:

We need pics!

Any chance you weighed the new parts before the install and compared them to the old parts weight after the install?

I took a video of the stock set-up. I'll take another of the finished product. I also took a photo of the airbox mod. I'll post all soon.

Thanks for the right up Shovel! Good detail and info