If you’ve watched the FortNine YouTube channel, you would probably be familiar with Ryan’s clone mechanics. This month, we are featuring Mechanic #45, who owns a 1997 Suzuki DR650 (which he recently released an epic video on) as well a ‘97 DR350, an ‘82 Kawasaki KL250, and a ‘75 Suzuki RV125.
The modifications 45 has done to his fleet of bikes are extensive.
On the DR650, virtually no part was left untouched. 45’s DR rocks a high-compression piston and fresh cylinder, a ProCycle start motor, Warp9 starter cap, a modified airbox, and a re-jetted carb with a tapered needle. The suspension was upgraded with a Cogent Mojave shock in the back and DDC cartridges, new springs, and Warp 9 fork brace up front. It also has the Galfer oversize rotor kit and steel-braided hoses.
45 also upgraded his DR with a Seat Concepts tall seat, JNS lowered and offset footpegs, upgraded clamps, a modular dash, a ProTaper oversize handlebar, heated grips, and Warp 9 brake pedal, clutch, and brake levers. He also added a round LED headlight and Cyclops Aurora aux lights, all powered a Shorai lithium battery. Last, but not least, 45 runs MotoZ Tractionator RallZ up front and Dunlop D606 in the rear.
45’s DR350 is still a work in progress. He lowered the suspension 2 inches by using Kouba lowering links and by cutting the fork springs in the front. He also has the same dash and bar setup on his DR350 as on his DR650. The DR350 currently has a FMF PowerCore 2 exhaust, which he is looking to upgrade.
His RV125 is pretty much stock, except for the addition of ammo can panniers. But perhaps most interesting of all is his KL250, which was a barn find that needed some wiring work just to get it to a usable condition. He added a snorkel and extended the exhaust so that it could run underwater. After the making of that video, he sandblasted the entire bike and put it back together for a video on metallurgy.
When 45 isn’t making awesome videos and wrenching on his bikes, he likes to ride one of the many amazing trails and see the spectacular lakes and rivers in British Columbia. A few of his particular favorites are the Sea-to-Sky Corridor and all the fire service roads between Vancouver and Lillooet. He also has fond memories of the Washington and Oregon Backcountry Discovery Routes (BDRs).
In terms of future trips, 45 is looking forward to riding through Vancouver Island in BC. Starting from his shop in North Vancouver, he would ride up the mainland to Horseshoe Bay and jump on the Ferry to the Sunshine coast, then ride along the coast all the way to Earl's Cove. Next, he’d take a boat over to Saltery Bay to ride along the sea wall up to Powell river, jump a third ferry over to Vancouver Island and do some fire roads, trial riding and camping from there. 45’s pro-tip: if you’re on a motorcycle, they don't make you wait in line for the ferries like they do for cars, so it's like having a private yacht to shuttle you from one beautiful place to the next.
Thank you, 45, for your amazing videos and for sharing your adventures with us! To see all of FortNine’s videos, check out their YouTube channel.
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