2001 YZ426 is it a good bike??

[dirtrider007]

I'm coming off of a XR250 and I want a bike with a lot more power and i dont really want a 2 stroke. How much less reliable will a 2001 YZ426 be than my XR250 if I take care of it real well? also are there any problems with the 426 in that particular year? thanks a lot

[spinblue]

I wont be able to answer your question about a comparison in reliability.

I can tell you I bought a 01 426 last year and its been nothing but a joy. I have had no problems with it other then an occassional scare. It's my first dirt bike in 20 years of riding which includes road racing and lots of sport touring. I am actually contemplating some dirt racing.

I have done a few things to it like the 03 450 cam, JD Jetting and lots of TLC.

It has lots of power for my needs as I use it for trails and MX.

Good luck in your quest.

[Milhaus]

I have an '01 YZ426F and once I got the jetting dialed in for my altitude, I have had nothing but great things to say about the bike. It runs like a champ and has TONS of power! The bike flat rips like a scalded ass ape! ?

[Kyle Prior]

I just bought a 426 for my first bike, asnd while I've only had it for less than a week, its a brilliant bike.

[Zique]

You won't be disappointed. That's for sure. The bikes are almost bullet-proof!

[642MX]

Mines an 02 model and has been a great bike. I have no complaints.

[DIRTRIDER-5]

? I own an 01 it hasnt let me down yet lots of power easy to maintain.

[Doug.]

All the YZF's have been proven the more reliable bikes in their respective classes. The 426 is no different. It will be a bit hard to learn to start at first though, as it has a manual decompression engine, but once you get used to "the starting drill" it becomes second nature almost. And if you want you can buy an '03 YZF exhaust cam that features automatic decompression to eliminate the whole starting procedure. You will love the power, because it is strong, yet able to use from the likes of beginner to pro.

Doug

[shigbie]

I'm coming off of a XR250 and I want a bike with a lot more power and i dont really want a 2 stroke. How much less reliable will a 2001 YZ426 be than my XR250 if I take care of it real well? also are there any problems with the 426 in that particular year? thanks a lot

I raced one in Florida for two years and ABSOLUTELY loved it. Reliable, relilable, reliable.

You will need to use the Yamaha "DRILL" to start it but other than that GET IT.

[Junior426]

Bike is freaking amazing. Excellent bike with tons of power and torque. If you can afford it, buy it, I highly doubt you will be dissapointed. Good luck, hope you make the right descision (buy it). ?

[dirtrider007]

do these bikes have problems with the top end going out every so often like the newer YZFs?? I really dont want to spend 1000$ getting the engine rebuilt after it grenades

[642MX]

do these bikes have problems with the top end going out every so often like the newer YZFs?? I really dont want to spend 1000$ getting the engine rebuilt after it grenades

The only weak link is the cam chain. It needs replaced once a year to keep from ruining the gear on the crank. It is an easy job that takes less than an hour, and cost less than $30 for parts. Other than that, they are bullet proof.

[YZF MAD]

I Own A 02 426 Sweet Bike!!!!!ridehard!!!!!

[j753301]

01 is the first year of the ti valves too so it revs a little faster than previous years..

[Crabtree426]

My 2000 has been nothing but great. At one time, I had a XR200 and then a XR600. They were good bikes but not in the class of a 426. You'll love the 426.?

[pinnick85]

Sounds good that all the replies were good about this bike. I just picked up an 01' 426 today and am a newb to the new four-strokes. I've always ridden 2-strokes, but after a quick ride around the yard I picked this bike up on the spot. Can't wait for a warm day to hit here so I can go out and try to injure myself haha.

[PATHPOUNDER]

I love my 01 426...keep the valves dialed in....and get that jetting just right...Bike starts easy ,runs like a champ...More than enough power for me..trail riding, and tight singletrack

[Type Gendy]

Sounds good that all the replies were good about this bike. I just picked up an 01' 426 today and am a newb to the new four-strokes. I've always ridden 2-strokes, but after a quick ride around the yard I picked this bike up on the spot. Can't wait for a warm day to hit here so I can go out and try to injure myself haha.

I'm in the same boat. Just bought my first thumper today , a 00 426. Havent even ridden it yet but i'm physched!

[fishwater]

I bought my 01 426 almost three months ago, it's also my first thumper. It has been an excellent bike. I haven't been able to keep from tinkering & adding to it, it just keeps getting better & better. While not necessary, the BEST thing I have ever done to any bike I have owned was adding the Rekluse. I ride tight woods trails in New England & it makes the bike so much more managable, highly reccomended?

[evomx244]

Same here, I bought a 2000 426 recently. Awesome ride?