Choose Make Honda Yamaha Choose Make First Choose Model First

Wanna know what factory Yamaha riders Chad Reed, David Vuillemin and Heath Voss did to their '05 YZ450F race bikes to get them feeling lighter and more flickable? They lowered the radiators! Moving the radiators down on the chassis in turn lowers the bike's center of gravity, which results in a lighter-feeling motorcycle on the track. Doug Dubach was quick to try this out on the new YZ250F, and has developed a Dr. D Radiator Lowering Kit that consists of six small aluminum brackets. Installing the kit is a 10-minute affair, and the end result are a pair of radiators that sit nearly one inch lower on the frame.

On the track, the change is very noticeable. The bike feels several pounds lighter, in fact! Leaning the bike over in the corners requires much less effort from the rider, and the bike takes on a much nimbler, responsive feel. At less than $50 bucks ($49.95 msrp), this kit should be on every MX rider's shopping list, ahead of items like graphics, bars and exhaust systems. Dollar for dollar, this is one of the biggest single improvements you can make in the handling department.

• Lowers radiators by almost an inch
• Helps keep the front end planted
• Lowers center of gravity making your bike feel lighter and handle better