Popular mods for YZ450?

[red7]

I'm a WR450 owner so I'm new to the YZ forum but I'm thinking of switching over to a YZ450 so I'm in here trying to educate myself. Unlike the WR forum which has a huge sticky thread on mods I haven't seen anything similar on YZs. There is a sticky on Suzuki mods in the YZ forum. I know WRs come really choked up so obviously there are more necessary mods. Are the YZs that great stock that there isn't much to do?

[grayracer513]

Yes. And no. You can get more out of them, but there isn't the laundry list of free "must do" mods like air cleaner covers, throttle stops, etc., that there is with a WR. Most of the mods done on a YZF are more of a refinement than something that will "really wake it up".

The new WR's could be much different with the new chassis, but they'll probably still need help in the power department. Depends on what you want to do with them.

[red7]

How is the stock exhaust and what are the various options price wise? Is there one pipe that seems to be a favorite on the 06 YZs? I'd like to get the most bang for my buck.

[grayracer513]

The most common negative comment I see about the power of the '06 is that it feels like it lacks bottom end grunt, or snap. This is actually somewhat deliberate on Yamaha's part as a way of making the bike more controllable/rideable. But the right aftermarket exhaust will wake up the bottom end and lower mid range noticeably without interfering with Ymaha's plans.

I use a full Dr.D, and I'm quite happy with the price, fit and performance. It boosted the low end and mid range without losing any top end. I haven't compared a whole series of different pipes, though, and there are many other good ones available.

[kawirider]

I do have a Dr.D on my YZ450F. My YZ is an '03. I am very happy w/my Dr.D and they are one of the few companies that have resonably priced full systems. They are also made out of solid materials (steel and aluminum) so they dont break the first time you tip it over.

[red7]

The most common negative comment I see about the power of the '06 is that it feels like it lacks bottom end grunt, or snap. This is actually somewhat deliberate on Yamaha's part as a way of making the bike more controllable/rideable. But the right aftermarket exhaust will wake up the bottom end and lower mid range noticeably without interfering with Ymaha's plans.

I use a full Dr.D, and I'm quite happy with the price, fit and performance. It boosted the low end and mid range without losing any top end. I haven't compared a whole series of different pipes, though, and there are many other good ones available.

So that I have something to gauge your statement with, when you say the 06 lacks bottom end grunt how would the low end be compared to my 04 WR? Also, Is the DR. D lighter than the stock and what does a full system go for? Is the full system definitely worth the extra money compared to a slip on?

[grayracer513]

"Lacks bottom end" is a comment based on a comparison to the '03/4 models and to CRF450's. As is, the stock '06 YZ450 is stronger off the bottom than a WR already.

I don't really know how the weight compares with stock; the header weighs more, the muffler weighs less. Retail is something like $500.

Check Here:

http://shop.thumpertalk.com/catalogs/Western_Power_Sports_Offroad_2006/default.asp?p=463

[PK]

'What you mod will depend what you do with the bike. If your a trail rider, you really don't want a monster hit off the bottom. If your going to use it for trails you need a bigger skid plate, bark busters, spark arrestor type muffler, radiator guards and possibly regear it for a lower first gear if you ride in tight conditions. The suspension is pretty sweet stock but if your small you may want to respring/revalve it for trail work. I noticed the 07 WR's use the old style Kayaba fork rather than the twin chamber the YZF's get, which to me is a HUGE difference between the 2 forks.

[red7]

Does the YZ come with a fuel mix screw? I haven't heard anyone mention it so I'm thinking it probably does. Any other simple little mods like that? I'm making a list of stuff I want to get.

[grayracer513]

It has one, but it's recessed out of reach, just as in previous years. You'll want an extended screw.