yzf vs. crf

[kylwk1500]

I am i a die hard yamaha fan, but i have been kinda lookin at crfs. I just sold my bike, and i am looking at getting into a new one. I know that this is in the yamaha forum, but can anybody give a comparison of reliability, and power between the yzf 450 and crf 450r. I am really leanin towards a 2006 yzf, but can't make up my mind.

[ausgeflippt13]

I, too was looking at crf's vs. yzf's. Unfortunately, getting a straight answer from their respective owners is about as successful as getting one for chevy vs. ford.

No offense meant at all to anyone (just wait 'til you hear me in regards to porsche's). That said, you really can't go wrong with either one. Assuming you take care of it, it'll take care of you.

However, I have heard more good things about the latest crf's than the yzf's, but only by a bit. In doing various amounts of research I found various specs and opinions that coincided with my own perspectives of riding the two bikes separately.

Technically, the crf puts out slightly more power and a bit more torque, but in riding the two it felt like the crf was simply faster. This could be attributed to its peak power coming nearly 300 rpm earlier and more versatile powerband. As far as gearing goes, it all depends on your application. The yz's gearing better suited mx (i thought...even tho it's a 5 spd), but given that i mainly do more enduro anyway the more versatile gearing was more welcome on the part of both bikes.

Plain and simple, the yz is the easier to control. Despite having a less-versatile power curve, the bike just feels light. It's very agile and one feels more confident throwing the bike around than for the crf. Granted, the crf responds very well also, but I just liked the yz better in this respect. Technically, the crf is a bit lighter wet. It also has a lower seat hight and CG, so if you're shorter it may be more appealing. I'm 6'2" so I had no problems.

The '06 yz has 300 different/new parts than its '05 predicessor; the '06 crf is essentially the exact same as its '05 predicessor. Looking at this history (and a lower compression ratio...although not by much...12:1 vs. 12.3:1) I would opt for the crf - extrapolating from the aforementioned information.

I loved both bikes, and if I could, I'd probably buy both. However, I would most likely pick the yz, given the fact that I don't mind fixing things when things go bad, and it's just a more confidence-instilling bike overall, despite the minimal power losses. For the record, Cycle World seems to enjoy talking about the crf more; it competed in Red Bull's Last Man Standing (if I recall correctly) with no real problems. That's saying something.

I apologize for the looooooong discertation; hopefully it helped.

I've been hearing great things out of the Kawi camp, too...

[ausgeflippt13]

btw check out this comparo article; it seconds some things I've already hit on...

http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/Article_Page.aspx?ArticleID=3060&Page=1

[kylwk1500]

thamks for the info. I have a 2006 yzf in my sited, but it does semm like i can get a crf in the same year and same amount of hours for a little bit cheaper. I also ride the same as you, and some fast paced trails. Even though these are both concidered mx bikes, I would think that you could adapt them both pretty easily to the type of riding styles that I enjoy. (I accomplished that with my yz 400.

[xcape]

Spend some time reading both forums and look at the amount of problems in each I think you will find your answer?

[ausgeflippt13]

I also ride the same as you, and some fast paced trails. Even though these are both concidered mx bikes, I would think that you could adapt them both pretty easily to the type of riding styles that I enjoy. (I accomplished that with my yz 400.

yeah definitely. I also have a 400f that's now street legal (but not running due to the not-yet-finished motor). It's actually got the wr bottom end and a 14T front sprocket so it's quite tractable on the road.

Anyway, good luck, and if I had the money I'd sure as hell buy one of those bikes...pieces of art they are.

[kylwk1500]

That is exactly what i did with my 400. I put the wr transmission in it, but retained the yz timing with hotcams. I also added a factory collant overflow bottle. It was clean, and well worth it. Fly wheel weights do the trick also.

[Ranger18]

Alot of people seem to be putting down faster lap times on the YZF, because the power is deliverd smooth. In 07 the CRF has changed there power delivery to be similar to the YZF. With that in mind if you want a bike with a lot of hit, then get the CRF. If you want a bike that you will probably be more confertable on get the YZF. I went from a CRF to the 06 YZF, and I would never go back, because I'm so much more confertable on it. The only thing I missed is the hard hitting power, but I'm over it.

[flintlock28]

With all the valve issues Honda has/had, why take a chance with the Honda??

The Yammi's are practically bullet proof, as long as you change the oil/oil filter, and clean the air filter. I have nothing against Honda (and have owned a few in the past), but those valve issue's would keep me away.

My 2004 Yz450f was bought used with 50 hours on it, and was owned by an 18 year old kid, who I could tell did not maintain it properly. It currently has about 110 hours on it (track and trail), and the only thing that has failed, was one Fork seal.....nothing else.

go Blue......

[dubious]

the yam holds more oil, so extended rides, or distance of any sort could also be a factor.

The oil capacity, valves, poor crf air box design.... so tight during filter maintenance, would be my decision maker.

IMO .........take it or leave it.

[mxengineer4]

I have an 06 YZ450F and also had the 06 CRF450. Both are great bikes. I found the YZ450F has the same power just much smoother and no vibration. The YZ450F also feels lighter (it is not) and seems to carry the weight lower. The new Kayaba suspension on the 06 YZ450F is much more plush feeling - the forks are better under braking bumps and the rear is plush under accelleration compared to the CRF450. The CRF450 has lighter feeling steering and a little more headshake while the YZ450 seems to have heavier feeling steering but is more stable on the straights. Both are reliable bikes when properly cared for - maybe the Yamaha has a better record for valve life. You will not go wrong with either bike. Ride them both and then decide.