Which YR 450?

[kadus]

Getting back into riding. Was a fast intermidiate 25yrs ago, but have not ridden since. I picked up a YZ250 in Nov and just sold it. Got back on the track and realized how much I missed it.

So, am going to get a 450F in the next couple weeks. Question is, which year is the biggest bang for the buck?

If I go Honda it will be an 05, not enough difference vs 06 or 07 for new.

I have always had YZ's, so what year?

[Ga426owner]

06 my friend, it is the best avail bike today!

[Reyndogg]

what Ga said

[Wannathump]

Dont listen to Reyndogg hes a crazy Texan

[grayracer513]

Ditto the '06.

The difference? Night and Day doesn't even come close. Good deals now, too, with the '07 coming.

[kadus]

I know that the 06's are the way to go. But, I am looking at used, and will buy a new one in 08. I am not in the shape I should be in, and my timing is off. Will I notice a big dif between an 04, 05 or 06? I may start racing vet class as my daughter is getting ready to start racing. Or is an 05 CRF the way to go at this point?

[WFOracer]

What kind of answer do you think you are going ot get when asking about a CRF on a YZF forum.....BUY THE YAMI.

The '06 are awesome machines. I just bought my brand new OTD for $5800, so there are great deals to be had. There is a significant difference b/w the 04,05,06 yami's. 06 has the aluminum frame with the spead sensitive suspenders. 05 has the first generation twin chamber forks, 04 same as 03 with single chamber forks.

If you can swing the 06, get it, you will be more than impressed.

[Ga426owner]

I know that the 06's are the way to go. But, I am looking at used, and will buy a new one in 08. I am not in the shape I should be in, and my timing is off. Will I notice a big dif between an 04, 05 or 06? I may start racing vet class as my daughter is getting ready to start racing. Or is an 05 CRF the way to go at this point?

ok then buy a used 06........YAMI ....

CRFs are not the way to go on this side Kadus.......or any other bike for that matter!

What is your budget? A new 06 Yami 450 should be had for 5500 - 6k. A used 06 Yami 4500-5500.

Your budget will determine what year and what brand you can afford.

And yes there is many differences between them......all of them

[flintlock28]

If it were me, I'd go with an 06.... I have an 04 (Yz450f), that I love, but the handling is not going to compare with the 06 models. The 06' fork is the best of the stock forks out there. My 04' definately turns better (than it did) with some aftermarket help, but still doesn't have the lightweight feel of an 06'.

Stay definately away from Honda...they are having Valve issues that can cost you big money. I'm not saying every Honda is going to have valve issues, but why take the chance when the Yami's Engines are near bulletproof. Before 06' the Yami's had awesome engines, but didn't quite turn as well as Honda's....now the Yami's still retain the excellent engines, but now handle par with the Honda's.

my 2 cents

[SureBlue]

I don't think a used 06 Yami is much more expensive than a 05 CRF. You will not regret buyung it.

[renthal1]

Get the 06. They will be dirt cheap now with the 07s coming out.

[kadus]

Thanks for the feeback,, I will be on the lookout for a used 06 YZ.

Like I said, only brand I have ever had was a Yami, 72 Enduro 60, several YZ80's, and a couple YZ125's. Then at 16 my dream of turning pro was not going to happen, so I hung up the helmet and focused on the So Cal girls.

Getting back into it and having a blast.