Get hosed

The next addition to the TPR project YFZ450R includes a set of CV4 coolant hoses and a Hinson Racing billet clutch cover. We started the build with a set of Cycra handguards and Spider SLT grips on our stock Pro Taper handlebars.

For the hoses, we started by removing the stock pinch clamps with a set of pliers.

The stock hoses weren't difficult to remove, but they weren't easy either. The silicone hoses should remove much easier for maintenance and other work.

We used a special type of hose clamp for the pure silicone hoses from CV4. Because the hoses are pure silicone, the material can actually be squeezed through the slots found in typical hose clamps. Our clamps feature a liner that covers the slots to keep our hoses from being damaged.





The silicone CV4 hoses slid right on to the radiator and engine ports. The blue hoses definitely look cool, but they also improve flow and can withstand hotter temperatures than the stock rubber hoses.

CV4 sponsored the TPR project YFZ450R with a set of their coolant hoses, which installed in minutes and add performance and style.

Both hoses are visible from each side of the engine. The pure silicone hoses greatly improve the looks of our project quad.

Our last step in installing the hoses was to re-fill the radiator with coolant. Our stock coolant had been through a top-end rebuild and dyno runs at ATP Racing Engines, so we opted to replace it with Honda's pre-mixed coolant solution. We have run HP coolant in the past with great success compared to some of the costly coolant options out there that claim to reduce operating temperatures.




We also added Hinson's billet clutch cover to improve the looks of the TPR project YFZ450R and increase the protection for our clutch components. Hinson also sponsored the build with a clutch pack and heavy duty springs, which we'll install after we run through the stock clutch.

In addition to the hoses, Hinson's billet clutch cover really makes the engine in our project quad stand out and look stylin'.

The Hinson and CV4 products improve both the looks of our project motocross quad and its performance. We'll continue the build with a complete Fox Shox suspension set up, a set of Galfer brake lines front and rear, an RPM Dominator II axle, a set of TPR nerf bars and a TPR front bumper. Stay tuned.

Sponsors continue signing up

Several new sponsors recently signed on to support the TPR project YFZ450R.

CV Powersports, the maker of CV4 coolant hoses, is sponsoring the project YFZ450R with a set of blue hoses. The hoses are manufactured from pure silicone to aid in coolant flow, and they hold up to temperatures of up to 420 degrees Fahrenheit.

Here are some shots from Pat Brown's factory Yamaha YFZ450R while it was in the pits at Unadilla. Brown keeps his engine cool with the aid of CV4 hoses.

Galfer USA Performance Braking Systems is building a custom stainless brake kit to work in conjunction with the extended ATV Four Play a-arms we'll be running. Galfer also is sponsoring the project with a rear stainless brake line.

Racing Armor is going to give the TPR project YFZ450R some style with one of their full graphic kits. Racing Armor provides the graphic kits for ATP Racing Engines' sponsored riders, who stand out on the race track with their signature checkered flags.

Racing Armor's graphic kits help riders like ATP's Devin Heimes stand out from the field.

And, to handle the power of our TPR project YFZ450R's engine mods from ATP, Hinson Racing clutch components is supporting the build with a clutch kit and heavy-duty clutch cover.

Also, Btek Performance is sponsoring the build with a chassis skid plate to protect the undercarriage and help the quad glide over track obstacles.

Last but not least, Capital Powdercoating, based in Suffield, Ohio, is going to aid in the style department by powder coating some key parts of the build, including our ATV Four Play a-arms and the beadlock rings for our DWT rims. Capital isn't online, but you can contact them at 330-388-2597.

You can check out all the project sponsors by clicking on the links at the right of the blog under 'Sponsor Links.'