YZ450F for the desert.

[DesertRacer2]

Hey guys,

I just sold my 2003 XR650R and I am picking up a new 07 YZ450F this weekend. I am really excited to be back on a bike that doesn't way 300 lbs. I race desert and was wondering if you guys had any recomendations for bike setup (mainly what skid plate I should by and what gearing you would recomend). I already have a damper and IMS tank. Has anyone raced a YZ450F in the desert? I would love to here from you.

Thanks!

[Drfletcherdc]

I like my works connection but it doesn't cover the water pump. I would keep it stock gearing - unless you are doing lots of single track then maybe I would bump it up to a 50T. Stock gearing will make the bike do about 85mph.

I changed the swingarm guard and chain guide with TM Designworks.

[lastchild]

I ride/race in Northern California/Nevada. For the Nevada desert I added the GYTR off-road flywheel and went up 2 teeth in the rear. There's some tight stuff up there and the bike still has plenty of top speed...75+mph.

[Hutch4x]

I did a test ride on a brand new 06' YZ450F a couple weeks ago. Most of the stuff I ride is single track so I was looking to ditch the heavy WR weight without going 2 smoker, and try to stay thumper.

The 06' YZ was setup just how I wanted, GYTR light flywheel (5oz) desert tank, stabilizer, hand guards, 18" rear wheel, Yoshi pipe with quiet insert, Boyseen Quick Shot, Zip Ty jet kit, Geared 14/49 (stock 13/49).

My biggest concern is how well it would lug in tight nasty single track, and in flowing trail. I was amazed it did really well, and when you needed the power it was there. The guy I borrowed it from was awesome, he dropped the bike off, and said bring it back later...Have fun! I couldn't decide between a 07' WR and 07' YZ, but this ride made up my mind! The 07' YZ is waiting at the shop, just need to sell both of the bikes I have now!

[greymatter]

I have a 2005 yz450, what gearing would you all suggest? I race District 38 and its mostly fast.

[grayracer513]

It is pretty fast for the most part, but you know they toss in some nasty stuff back in the mud hills or the Superstitions here and there, too.

With the '03 I had, I ran a 15/49, compared to 14/48 stock. But your '05 has a different primary ratio, and was originally geared 14/51, so to do the same thing, you'd either use 14/49 or 15/50. You'll still feel like you run out of gears, but you do need to keep from making low gear too tall. Go a tooth higher that these if you want to try it.

You could swap a '03-'06 WR450 5 speed into it, but that's a lot of money to spend on an '05 these days.

[wondermuscle]

I have a 2005 yz450, what gearing would you all suggest? I race District 38 and its mostly fast.

I race out there too (#186) on my 08 YZ and I have been running 14/46 for really wide open stuff. But for the national B loop tight stuff i run 13/52. I have two chains as one won't do it without two master links. Which isn't a good idea, more to break....

I have been out with a shattered wrist this summer. Hope to see you out there soon.

[greymatter]

Thanks for all your input guys I guess I'll just keep the 14/48 i've been running for the last 4 years and see you out at the races muscle:cheers: