Still going strong

[Slowmotion426]

I bought a 2001 YZ426F new back in '01. Since then, I have raced it 25 or more times. I have yet to do anything to the motor. No piston, rings, valve checks, upper cam sprocket, or upper cam sprocket chain. Nothing. Changed the plug when it fouls (which is about once a month). I change the oil once every two weeks. I clean the air filter after every ride ( I keep 3 air filters on hand ready to go). I have put new knobbies on it twice. New chain and sprockets 4 times. Handlebar grips have been replaced twice. Changed my antifreeze twice. My oil filters are changed with every other oil change. I know it could go anytime. But so far, I am EXTREMELY impressed with the durability and reliability and toughness of this bike. It is by far the best bike I have ever owned, and I have owned all brands. Whattya think guys? I know it's time for maintenance. But, you know how I like to ride. ?

[Satch0922]

the 2001 YZ426F is a great bike. I loved mine.

[grayracer513]

There are cars on the road today that are less reliable than a YZF. My sundial gives me more trouble than my 450 does.

[LJ]

Mines a '99 yz400. I've adjusted the valves once. Just checked them again last night, dead nuts right in the middle of the range. It never uses oil, and the oil looks like new after I change it. I change it after every 3 rides (about 10 hours) and clean the air and oil filter. I use maxima motorcycle oil.

It has the original piston and rings, valves, clutch, timing chain and gears.

I bought a new timing chain and tensioner and was going to change it. I compared the lenght of the old chain the new chain, and there is practically no difference! No visible wear on the gears. I plan to do the top end this summer when it is too hot to ride because I feel guilty not doing it, heck the bike is 6 years old! I'm sure it will look like new inside.

One disclaimer though, I ride like an old fart. I use the grunt of the motor to get me around, so I don't rev it that high. I'm a relatively fast trail rider and a relatively slow motocrosser, so I'm probably easier on my bike than the hard core motocross guys.

I've been thinking about getting a new bike, but I'm just not sure if I would like it as much as this bike. It's like a nice old pair of shoes that fit just right.

[Frankyoz]

I have a 98 and the guy that owned it before me use to use it for the occasional seniors MX'er, and such, so anyway bike runs strong and is still on its original head etc. seem to be very reliable bikes.

[HotRod250F]

I don't care what bike is most popular with magazine editors, what counts to me is reliability. The YZ 400/426's have a proven track record of reliability. My '01 was absolutely bulletproof for the nearly two years I owned it, with no engine problems whatsoever, not even a valve adjustment was needed. Started 1-2 kicks everytime, hot or cold. I bought a mint '02 last September and it's proving to be the same. These bikes are the best bang for your buck, bar none. ??

[Slowmotion426]

It's good to hear that i'm not the only one happy with their bike. But that's a good idea to pull the head this summer when it gets hot. At least to see what's going on in there. I think the bike's earned it by now. ?

[jespertheil]

Another happy 426 owner.. ?

I liked mine so much that i recently bought it a twin.. ? Another 2002 YZ426 with a dead top. Bought a new head and kibblewhite valves are on there way.

Because you like your bike so much you should buy it a new wiseco 13,5:1 piston and a 450 or hotcam exhaust cam. I think it deserves it now.. ?

[Goosedog]

Count me in at the YZ426 admiration club. This bike is nothing short of absolutely amazing. I've only had it for 4 months and in that time I've become a true believer that with the right mods it's the ultimate woods bike. It was in excellent condition when I bought it and now that I've gone through the suspension, added a Scotts damper and a FW weight I couldn't have dreamed up a more reliable and wicked fast trail machine. I plan on having this bike a long time. ?

[ncmountainman]

I bought a 2001 YZ426F new back in '01. Since then, I have raced it 25 or more times. I have yet to do anything to the motor. No piston, rings, valve checks, upper cam sprocket, or upper cam sprocket chain. Nothing. Changed the plug when it fouls (which is about once a month). I change the oil once every two weeks. I clean the air filter after every ride ( I keep 3 air filters on hand ready to go). I have put new knobbies on it twice. New chain and sprockets 4 times. Handlebar grips have been replaced twice. Changed my antifreeze twice. My oil filters are changed with every other oil change. I know it could go anytime. But so far, I am EXTREMELY impressed with the durability and reliability and toughness of this bike. It is by far the best bike I have ever owned, and I have owned all brands. Whattya think guys? I know it's time for maintenance. But, you know how I like to ride. ?

try the ngk irridium plug it self cleans alot better than regular. its # CR8EIX

[642MX]

I love my 426 too. Amazing power and reliablity, now if it was 15lbs lighter.....

[Jason_Roland]

Before you pull the head off just to see what is in there it would be a good idea to do a leak down test. This is very easy to do and will tell you where to look if it is leaking. I have a 2000 426 and have never had my motor apart either. When I did a leak down test last week I was only losing 4-5 percent. You would be hard pressed to even find a new bike with that good of results. Today I will be finishing up on installing my 450 dcm cam. Can't wait! ??

[cowboyona426]

Absolutely zero complaints from me with my 00 YZ 426F.

[Slowmotion426]

A lot of good info here. Thanks fellas. I'll take all of your advice and keep my baby running as long as possible. See you at the tracks and trails!