Zeta has released a new version of their front brake rotor guard, and it is available for the Yamaha WR250R. These new "Pro Model" plastic protectors are available in White or Black plastic, and cover the front brake rotor as well as the caliper. You can also get the standard model (doesn't cover caliper) in Black Plastic or Carbon Fiber. Will not fit WR250X with larger front brake rotor.
Where To Buy:
• Yamaha WR250R Zeta Pro Front Disc Guard at SRmoto
For the last year or two, I had been running Acerbis hand guards and still had the stock front turn signals on the bike. This spring I thought it was time to get rid of the huge stock front turn signals, so I decided to go with Zeta Armor Hand Guards with Zeta XC Flasher Protectors. This setup integrates the turn signals into the plastic Zeta XC Protector and makes for a nice clean look at the front of the bike.
When installing the aluminum Zeta Armor Hand Guards, I used a Zeta Triple Clamp Hand Guard Mount instead of the standard handlebar mount that comes with the hand guards. The triple clamp mount attaches the in-board part of the hand guard to the upper fork triple clamp bolts instead of to the handlebar itself (photo above, bottom left). I think this is the most secure way to mount the hand guards and lessen the likelihood of them rotating on the handlebar in the event of a crash.
Running Lights:
Because the Zeta XC Flasher Protectors use LED lights, you will lose the factory turn signal running lights. So, when we did the wiring for the flashers, we spliced in a 12oclockLabs Turn Signal Running Light Adapter between the factory wiring and the Zeta flasher wiring. This will make the Zeta XC Flasher Protectors work as running lights (and they will still flash as turn signals). I think doing this is important from a safety standpoint since the running lights will help drivers see you as you approach them, especially if you ride at night. See this post for more details.
Turn Signal Flash Rate:
Because the Zeta XC Flasher Protectors use LED lights, they will flash at a faster rate than the stock turn signals do. I wanted the new Zeta XC Flashers to flash at the slower factory rate, so I installed a 12oclock Labs Fixed Rate Turn Signal Flasher. This is a very simple install on the WR250R/X and plugs in just to the right of the battery location.
Where To Buy:
• Zeta Armor Hand Guard Package Deal at SRmoto
• Zeta Triple Clamp Hand Guard Mount at SRmoto
• 12oclockLabs Turn Signal Running Light Adapters at SRmoto
• 12oclock Labs Fixed Rate Turn Signal Flasher at SRmoto
Today I had a few more parts arrive, one of which was a Freedom Case Saver Kit from Sandman Parts. This kit fits the 2008+ Yamaha WR250R/WR250X and consists of a TIG welded Steel case saver, a laser cut 6061 Aluminum Freedom Guard sprocket cover, all mounting hardware, and instructions. It replaces the flimsy rubber OEM case saver and plastic sprocket cover that comes on the bike.
Installation was pretty simple... you just remove the stock rubber case saver and plastic sprocket cover, and use the included hardware to install the Sandman case saver and sprocket cover. It takes less than 5 minutes.
Overall I'm very pleased with the product. Fit and finish is great, and you can tell alot went into the design. The case saver is made out of TIG welded steel, which should really help protect the engine case from potential damage caused by a broken chain. I like the open design of the sprocket cover, which will allow mud and debris to exit the sprocket area instead of getting trapped there like with the OEM cover. The whole setup also features a three point mounting system, which should be substantially stronger than most of the other case savers/sprocket covers I've seen, which seem to have a two point mounting system. I give this kit two thumbs up and highly recommend it!
Where To Buy:
• Sandman Freedom Case Saver Kit: Sandman Parts
On a bike like the WR250R, the radiator is pretty vulnerable to damage. In stock form, the only thing protecting it is the plastic tank shroud and a flimsy black plastic guard. I wanted a sturdy guard that would completely surround the radiator and shield it from front and side impacts. The solution would be Flatland Racing's aluminum radiator guard, which fits the 2008+ Yamaha WR250R and WR250X.
Installation:
Installation was pretty simple. The guard comes with instructions and all mounting hardware. You basically remove your seat and right tank shroud, then remove the black plastic radiator guard that comes on the bike. You then remove the bolts holding on the radiator, put the Flatland Racing guard in place, and put the bolts back in. It's all pretty straightforward, but two of the three bolts are hard to get to, so a long thin socket extension will make your life easier. Once the radiator guard is on, you just put the tank shroud and seat back on, and you're ready to ride.
Final Product:
Once installed, you can tell how sturdy the guard is. It's constructed from 1/8" aluminum and has three mounting points, two in front and one in the back. It completely surrounds the radiator and should do a great job of protecting it from front and side impacts.
Where To Buy:
• Flatland Racing Radiator Guard: SoloRacer.com
One of the best "first mods" to this bike is a new skid plate. The factory lower engine protection that came on the bike is pretty much worthless, so a high quality skid plate is a must if you intend on doing any off-roading with the bike. Without it, you can expect rocks, gravel, and tree roots to be bouncing off the bottom of the frame and engine. I even put a skid plate on my WR250X street bike because it helps keep the bottom of the frame and engine clean and free of road debris.
So, over the weekend I got the Flatland Racing WR250R skid plate installed. This thing is a is a work of art. Fit and finish is first rate and the welds are beautiful. The plate itself is made of rugged 3/16" tig welded aluminum, and features a built-in clean out slot and an oversized oil drain hole, which makes draining your engine oil a breeze.
Of all the skid plates on the market, I think this one offers the most engine protection since it seems to wrap around the sides of the engine more than the others do. I also like the holes drilled in the front of the plate, which might actually help get more airflow to the engine... plus it looks pretty cool.
Installation is an easy bolt on procedure (all mounting hardware is included). All you do is remove the cheap white plastic covers that come on the bike, and use the 4 screws/washers that come with the new Skid Plate to attach it to the lower part of the frame. I'd probably recommend some blue Loctite to keep things tight, and be careful not to overtighten the small screws.
Where To Buy:
• Flatland Racing Skid Plate: SoloRacer.com
The Zeta Skid Plate (shown above on a WR250X) mounts to the bike with four allen screws and literally takes 5 minutes to put on. It wraps around the sides of the engine protecing both the water pump and crankcase. There is also an oil drain hole on the bottom so you don't have to take it off when you change your oil.
Where To Buy:
• Zeta ED Skid Plate: SoloRacer.com
