Make me a believer!

[UtahTrailRider]

Alright blue guys, it's your chance. I've rode Hondas since my first bike but a deal has presented itself to me. A 2005 YZ450f for well under 2k. What can you tell me about this bike. I've tried to read every thread I can find on it but there's not a ton of info, mostly problems. So is this steel framed beast worth it? I ride a flickable Honda two stroke at the moment but I think it's time for change. Is there any Yamaha specific issues I should look for? I wanted to avoid steel frames but if it's a good bike regardless I might as well join the club. So tell me the good and the bad of this bike overall, past owners, owners, cousins of mutual friends, just give me some info.

Save the two stroke.

[crb357]

What type of riding are you planning to do with it? Your name suggests only trail riding?? If so, look at the 07-11 WR450. It is a better casual trail bike. Tranny is wide ratio, E start, 18" rear wheel, bigger tank, etc...YZ wants to go fast all the time, it is a better race bike. Although I just won my class B40 in an Enduro Sunday on my 09 WR, so the WR can be raced by us normal dudes. It is just a bit more of a physical experience.

The 05 YZ is a good bike and the suspension would be decent with a revalve for trail riding with your buddies, but in my opinion I would get a 06-09 YZ for a few hundred more if you want to go with a YZ. The suspension is much better. 06+ comes with SSS KYB fork, which is pretty much the best fork still. I just picked up a 25hr 09 YZ for $3k. It will be my dedicated race bike, with the WR retiring to trail and Dual Sport service. While I was looking for my YZ450, I found tons of 06's for $2000-2200. Look on www.bikefinds.com

The motors are awesome on both and are absolutely bulletproof. The are both very stable bikes and have a great confident planted front end feel.

[grayracer513]

The '05 had one shortcoming: the CDI map is kind of lame.  Jump on eBay and locate a CDI for either an '04 or an '06.  LOTS more low end and sharper performance.

 

The steel YZF's were known for a little heavier "feel" than the CRF, and were also a little reluctant to turn into corners well, but they rail berms like nobody's business, and are as reliable as machinery ever gets.  Great bike for less than $2K, IMO.

[cowboyona426]

 but in my opinion I would get a 06-09 YZ for a few hundred more if you want to go with a YZ.

 

After spending years and thousands of dollars trying to make an 06 YZ into a trail bike I would STRONGLY caution against the 06 model as a woods bike.  07 is good, 08-09 is best.

[crb357]

Listen to Cowboy. That is why I went with 09.

[UtahTrailRider]

Well my riding style is pretty broad. I got really into track for awhile after getting bored with trail and sold my XR400 for a CR125 but now I want to find a bike that I can mainly race enduros and hare scrambles with but still be able to get on a track for fun, no track racing mostly trail racing. I'm addicted to the power of a 450 though after riding a few fuel injected models. Will the carbureted 450's still pull how the FI ones do? Obviously a boy two stroke guy so my 450 knowledge is thin. I like to hear the YZFs are reliable that's what I'm looking for. I'm pretty much worn out on putting in new cranks and top ends. I want a bike that will be a consistent performer but still be powerful. I don't think I'll ever own anything like a WR until I'm a little older and mellowed out. I would prefer to be able to still keep up on the track.

Save the two stroke.

[seacraft69]

I have an 06 and all I do is trail ride and I love the thing. And like you I was a honda guy but after reserching the yamaha seemed to be the most reliable. My 06 pulls real hard I doubt you would be disappointed.

[crb357]

Well my riding style is pretty broad. I got really into track for awhile after getting bored with trail and sold my XR400 for a CR125 but now I want to find a bike that I can mainly race enduros and hare scrambles with but still be able to get on a track for fun, no track racing mostly trail racing. I'm addicted to the power of a 450 though after riding a few fuel injected models. Will the carbureted 450's still pull how the FI ones do? Obviously a boy two stroke guy so my 450 knowledge is thin. I like to hear the YZFs are reliable that's what I'm looking for. I'm pretty much worn out on putting in new cranks and top ends. I want a bike that will be a consistent performer but still be powerful. I don't think I'll ever own anything like a WR until I'm a little older and mellowed out. I would prefer to be able to still keep up on the track.

Save the two stroke.

Yeah for that type of use, then for sure the YZ.