06yz v.s. 06 kx450

[falshh]

Well I know we dont know much of each yet but I currently have a 04 yz450 and absolutly love the power and the 4speed tranny, I do 95% motocross and a little trail riding at my house, the only problem is the bike doesnt turn very well.

Any way I am looking at buying another 450 in 06 and I am wishing the new yz was a 4speed which has been great on the track ,dont have to shift too much.I also am wandering if they have found a way to make the thing turn like the other 450s.

The new kawasaki 450 is 4 speed and is heard to be great at turning, so I am undecided, although I prefer a more powerful engine and would sacrifice turning ability for it, so the decision is still up in the air.

I really wish the yz was 4 speed because that would make it a no brainer for me.

rm450 looks good to but dont know if the motor is top power in the class.

[xXHondaOwnsXx]

If you want the best turning go with the CRF450R, but since that's not on your list because it's a 5 speed I'd have to say go with the Kawasaki. The new KX450F looks sweet, I've heard a lot of good things about it.

[sjwr450]

I think the RMZ is considered the best turner. No reviews on the KX yet.

[xcracer123]

I think the RMZ is considered the best turner. No reviews on the KX yet.

I concur. The RMZ will be the most flickable and the motor is no slouch either.

[walent215]

i got to put a few laps in on the new kx450 at the ridgecrest track friday and although it is better than my bike ,it didnt feel near as good as my buddys 04 crf450 in the motor or handling.the ergos were really OFF to me and it wasnt broke in or even halfway dialed but either way i really didnt care for it.just my opinion though

[bedell99]

If you actually go and buy a first year kawasaki you are insane.

Erik

[motocross10113]

I would go with the yamaha the turning is supose to be great this year Chad Reed has decided to run the 450 in supercross to he says "its that good" and thats comeing from a pro that didnt like 4 stroke bikes and wasnt a beilver that they would take over the sport and the motor is going be really strong so even though its a 5 speed you should have to worry about shiftig any more

[muddza]

The Yamaha should turn in hard if Chad is going to ride in '06'

[ride yzf all the way]

should be good turning that is the only complaint i have on my 05 yz450f to the turning not the greatest that if chad going to ride it he never wanted 4 strokes never liked them so i would think its going to be good

[Ga426owner]

If you want the best turning go with the CRF450R, but since that's not on your list because it's a 5 speed I'd have to say go with the Kawasaki. The new KX450F looks sweet, I've heard a lot of good things about it.

if you say so - I do not think it turns that great....

[Ga426owner]

should be good turning that is the only complaint i have on my 05 yz450f to the turning not the greatest that if chad going to ride it he never wanted 4 strokes never liked them so i would think its going to be good

I have said this again and again - if you want any blue 03-05 to turn better buy and install a storm link

[MXKyle]

If you want the best turning go with the CRF450R, but since that's not on your list because it's a 5 speed I'd have to say go with the Kawasaki. The new KX450F looks sweet, I've heard a lot of good things about it.

Apparently you have not ridden an RM450 yet. I've ridden both the Honda and the Zook and the RM will turn circles around the CR.

--KT--

[ncmountainman]

I have said this again and again - if you want any blue 03-05 to turn better buy and install a storm link

a set of emig racing 23mm offset clamps did wonders for mine

[Satch0922]

How can we discuss the question intelligently when the 06 YZF is not even out yet?

The 05 turns alot better (and the 04 for that matter) if you put a good front tire on it , drop the forks about 4-7mm in the clamps and set the sag to 100mm.

[chipwich]

This is interesting. I find that my '04 WR turns _really_ well. I had it out on a grass MX track last weekend with a really good mixture of slow tight, fast sweeping, and off-camber turns and was amazed at how well it carves. In fact a guy on an '04 CRF 450 who rode my bike thought that it held a line better than his CR. Can't believe the YZ doesn't turn as well as the WR, but maybe that's due to the WR's softer suspension, though I have my compression damping cranked up a bit from stock.

[sirthumpalot]

Pay attention to your setup, it can make a big difference. Double check your fork height and more importantly your sag; having these setup properly will help quite a bit. Also don't be afraid to play with the clickers and your body positioning. If the 450 is anything like the 426, then turn it like you mean it for best results (be agressive, no being lazy). The problem might not be the design, but maybe it's not setup optimally for you.

[falshh]

Thanks for the info on how to improve the turning, but IVe tried all that and it does turn pretty well , but not as good as the other brand 450s so that was the point I was making.I havnt tried the storm link that was mentioned I may try that also.I really like my bike just want a newer one and aluminum frame, I wouldnt mind if it was similar to the yz I have now that is the 04 model.

[Neysbo]

First off there are o 06 450 Yamaha's out so who knows how it turns. It should be better than the 05 for sure. The 05 is not bad once you get the right tire, move the forks and keep your weight up on the tank. It sucks the 06 is so late, I may be keeping my 05 another season as in all reality a new bike will not really make me any faster, I have past my peak and no matter what bike I am on will not matter and I am sure that is the case for most on these boards. I look more at reliability and to me the Yamaha clearly wins here.