Remember Slater Skins? Yeah, the Blue Buffalo Supercross Team that had the complete signage/coverings across their bikes was John Slater’s brainchild, but most recently he has started to offer air box covers for late model YZ-F’s that increase airflow. We all know more air equals more power, but how does it relate to the track? I took one of Slater Skins air box lid covers out with me on a test day, to see how each performed on a 2024 YZ250F, as well as a 2024 YZ450F and found the results interesting.
Now you might be asking yourself, why the hell do I need more power on my YZ450F? You don’t if you’re a mere mortal like me! However, if you’re looking for slightly more midrange pulling power on softer tracks as well as faster tracks with hills, this Slater Skins cover will give you a little more in those areas. Where I really liked the Slater Skins cover was on the YZ250F. The Slater Skins cover not only has front vents (with screen coverings) for increased air flow, but also more volume to allow more air inside the air box. By doing this I can really feel more low end RPM response out of the YZ250F as well as better mid range pulling power through corners. This Slater Skins air box cover can make your 2024 YZ250F have just a little more snap out of the hole (which this bike needs) along with a slightly snappier mid RPM punch in third gear. I notice most of the mid range RPM increase while accelerating out of a corner (in third gear on the YZ250F) when the track has nasty square edge or bumps. Trying to “hop” over some of those bumps with the stock cover makes the bike feel a little less reactive to your throttle hand and heavy. With the Slater Skins cover the YZ250F felt crisper and allowed me to “pop” over bumps with a lighter more exciting feel. The difference between the stock lid and the Slater Skins lid is NOT MIND BLOWING, but it is noticeable (albeit mostly on the YZ250F). If you look at a 2024 YZ250F air box you will notice it is different than the 2023 and that difference is in the air boot itself. This is one of the reasons it is down on low end for 24’. Getting a little more volume out of your air box lid is basically a poor man’s way of getting some extra low end response.
The next question is, what about the noise Keefer? Yes, it is a A LOT louder, but it does sound very race bike-ish. The suction or increased noise you’re going to hear from your air box is pretty noticeable but if you wear ear plugs you will not be bothered. If you’re coming off of another brand of motorcycle onto the YZ250F with the Slater Skins cover then it could be nuisance, so just know this before you buy. The suction noise/does get louder as you open your throttle.
If I was needing a little more bottom end pull as well as RPM response the Slater Skins $100.00 air box lid offering is a good deal. The cover comes in white/black, but If you’re looking for a blue cover, John has a blue sticker kit he can install on a black cover if need be. Blue will be available shortly. The cover comes with a washer clip for your stock dzus fastener and are available by reaching John over at slaterskins@gmail.com.
Notes: I tested the Slater Skins cover with a stock air filter cage/screen. I have also tried it with a Twin Air Power Flow open cage/filter with even better results, but also a little louder. FYI…
Just note that your filter will/can get dirtier with the vents being up front of the lid. The screen that covers the holes doesn’t allow a ton of dirt through, but it can get much dirtier in sandier/silty conditions. FYI…
