arts Magazine had six project bikes built for the “Inside Motorcycling presented by Parts Unlimited” television series that aired in the first quarter of 2004 on Spike TV. Five of the six machines belonged to others and were returned to their owners afterwards. But one project bike, a 2004 Yamaha YZ450F that we converted for Supermoto racing, will be our next Parts Magazine ongoing project.
     For the segment of the show that spotlighted the growing sport of Supermoto, we took a brand new YZ450 to famed motocross (and lately Supermoto) tuner Chad Watts and asked him to set it up for Supermoto racing. Watts used the knowledge he gained from his work on Jeremy McGrath’s and Jeff Ward’s Supermoto bikes in 2003 and with the help of Pro Circuit and a Parts Unlimited catalog he did his magic.
     What is shown here is exactly how the motorcycle appeared on “Inside Motorcycling presented by Parts Unlimited.” At this point, the engine was completely stock and with the exception of the Pro Circuit Ti4 Titanium exhaust system, all of the modifications were to the chassis and running gear. Stay tuned for further updates as we move into Stage II of the project and let our new racehorse stretch its legs.

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A) Since 75% of a Supermoto track is paved, the stopping power of a roadracer is needed. The front of our YZ got the full Supermoto brake conversion from Braking with the 320 mm wave rotor and Supermoto caliper plus a Goodridge YZ450 metallic brake line. (B) On the rear we used a Braking wave rotor with the stock Yamaha caliper and brake line. (C.) The Excel hubs and 17-inch rims are a work of art. (D.) We installed Pro Circuit triple clamps and handlebar clamps. Pro Circuit modified the forks and rear shock for Supermoto conditions and the Acerbis Supermoto front fender completes the look. (E.) To complement the Braking components on the front wheel, we installed a Magura RH 16mm master cylinder with a Pro Circuit fluid reservoir and Renthal grips. (F.) Renthal handlebars and Acerbis handguards and you’re good to go Supermoto racing!

MOTORCYCLE: 2004 Yamaha YZ450F
TIRES: Pirelli Superdiablo 17-inch front & rear
WHEELS: Excel gold/black wheelsets 3.50x17 front/4.25x17 rear
BRAKES: Braking wave rotor & caliper on front / Braking wave rotor only on rear
BRAKE LINES: Goodridge metallic front line (for stock YZ450) / rear line stock
BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER: Magura 16mm on front with Pro Circuit fluid reservoir
HANDLEBARS: Renthal RC/Wind silver/blue
HANDLEBAR MOUNT KIT: Pro Circuit
FORK TRIPLE CLAMPS: Pro Circuit
GRIPS: Renthal Tapered Gray
CLUTCH PERCH: Pro Circuit (with hot start lever)
HANDGUARDS: Acerbis Rally Pro
FRONT FENDER: Acerbis Supermotard
EXHAUST SYSTEM: Pro Circuit Ti4 Titanium*
(*needed special bracket position due to shortened rear frame section)
SPROCKETS: Renthal front & rear
CHAIN: RK
GRAPHICS: Pro Circuit / N-Style
AIR FILTER: K&N
OIL FILTER: K&N
MODIFICATIONS:
Front and rear suspension modified by Pro Circuit
Rear sub-frame shortened 20mm.
BUILDERS:
Chad Watts, Watts Perfections, 909-735-2886 www.wattsperfections.com
Suspension by Pro Circuit, 909-738-8050, www.procircuit.com
Refer to the 2004 Parts Unlimited Off-Road catalog for part numbers of specific items.