Please help!Yz400 vs Yz450 Trail riding

[TheTrav55]

I need help deciding a good trail bike for me I'm a new rider.i just need a simple answer to what bike is better on trails yz400f vs yz450f I will not be racing.

[Jaslater]

Can't comment on the yz400f, but the yz450f would not be a good choice for a beginner trail bike.

[harmetp]

The simple answer, both suck - tried a 426 in on a trial and as a novice it was just kick starting practice. 

 

Hard to have a simple answer. The YZ's in general are motocross bikes with a pretty tall first gear so the gear is more usable on a track (and guys just do a lot of slipping at the starting line to launch it). Motocross engines are often tuned for peak power, however, something like a 450 has power everywhere (and the 400 is no slouch either). The problem is getting in an around tight stuff with a tall geared bike and then having to start the thing once it stalls (kick starting a bike on the side of hill is no fun). 

 

So, "if you really want to catch fish" (phrase used at every fishing shop) you can start with either bike, add a rekluse autoclutch (the pricy $800 one) and change sprockets (down a tooth in front and up a couple in back) and it will be relatively trail ready. I have a crf450 setup this way and it's surprising how bad of a rider I can be and still have fun on a trail. The rekluse means the engine doesn't die (goes back to idle when you let off the throttle and the bike acts like it's in neutral) and a little lower gearing means you are going slower (at a more controllable pace).

 

A magic button isn't bad but only the KTM offers it on a m/c bike (at a big price even used) and the other (except for the very latest) e start bikes tend to be road oriented (though they would work). 

 

Personally I like the m/c bikes because you can dink around on a track and have fun over a few jumps without feeling like you are breaking something (my old xr250 definitely didn't like a track). I think the better components just work better and can always be adjusted or modified to suit your style (which will change as you get better at it). 

 

 

[tmeyer37]

I need help deciding a good trail bike for me I'm a new rider.i just need a simple answer to what bike is better on trails yz400f vs yz450f I will not be racing.

 

 

A slightly modified YZ450 especially the 06 or newer with the aluminum frame can make a great offroad bike IMHO. I would stay away from the 400, they are pigs. Really heavy, handle heavy, will require a lot more work in most cases due to them being 16+ years old. 

 

Depending on your size a nice 250f might be a good start for you. The WR250f or YZ250f is a great trail bike but there are a lot of variables in your size, where you will ride, what types of riding you like most, budget that can affect what bike is best for you. 

[mikedabike]

Neither are an ideal trail bike.  With that said the 450 is pretty much superior to the 400 in every way.  You can get the 06-09 generation which I believe is one of the best all around 450s ever made for 2-2.5K in good shape.

[TheTrav55]

Thank you everyone who responded all where a big help I'm almost positive I'll be getting the yz450. I'll look for a smaller bike and think about it some more my only problem is that I'm 270lbs at 6ft I just feel that I'll quickly grow out of a 250f. Any one agree?

[tmeyer37]

Thank you everyone who responded all where a big help I'm almost positive I'll be getting the yz450. I'll look for a smaller bike and think about it some more my only problem is that I'm 270lbs at 6ft I just feel that I'll quickly grow out of a 250f. Any one agree?

 

I agree, you could still get by on the 250f but you will have to work hard to get power out of it. The nice thing about a 450 is you always have power no matter the condition. I have an 06 YZ450f with a rekluse clutch and several other offroad type modifications and I love it on the trails. Everyone talks about how they are heavy or jerky on tight single track but with the rekluse and gearing set up plus my size 6' 1" 245 I really don't have a problem. Technically my 06 is lighter than my 01 WR250f that I had previously. 

[TheTrav55]

I ended up getting the YZ450F. All I can say is it moves!

Edited July 6, 2016 by TheTrav55

[TheTrav55]

It was an 05 yz450f for 1400 looks like got a new top end out of the deal with helmet,goggles,and a clean title.I feel I got a great deal what do yall think?

[keepnitirie]

Without being technical, I have a yz426 and wr400. The yz has hotcams installed wr does not and I have no problems stalling out on slow technical trails on my yz. The wr stalls out whenever I'm not on the throttle enough going slow/uphill. It's either stall or gun it lol. If you practice using your clutch on slow rocky terrain you will be fine. I'm a tall rider so I have an advantage on the taller yamahas. But if height isn't an issue. Braaaap

That's a great deal on the 450!