7 yrs old, still runs perfect! Sell for a 450?

[bikepatrol]

Here are a couple of pictures of my 2000 YZ426F taken a couple of days ago. I absolutely love this bike, however, I rode a friends '06 YZ450 and was jealous of the soft, light, plush feel. The power didn't feel much different (his bike is 100% stock though). I recently rebuilt my forks, but it still does not feel quite as nice. Is it because of the alum. frame? I considered selling this one and buying an '07 450, but can't seem to seperate myself from it. I installed a 450 exhaust cam last week so that I can just kick and go. We'll see how that works out. Any suggestions for fork and rear shock settings for a 200 pound rider? I do not ride to hard, I just wan't to cruise around in the desert and on the dunes without beating myself to death. I mainly cruise around with the kids and friends at a moderate pace. Any other mods that are worth while? What do you think?

[____Kurt____]

my personal opinion is don't sell it, its worth more to keep it then sell because that bike is definitly worth more then you will get for it. its also nice to have a back up bike just incase. it looks pretty nice also.

[Tobyforlife]

Here are a couple of pictures of my 2000 YZ426F taken a couple of days ago. I absolutely love this bike, however, I rode a friends '06 YZ450 and was jealous of the soft, light, plush feel. The power didn't feel much different (his bike is 100% stock though). I recently rebuilt my forks, but it still does not feel quite as nice. Is it because of the alum. frame? I considered selling this one and buying an '07 450, but can't seem to seperate myself from it. I installed a 450 exhaust cam last week so that I can just kick and go. We'll see how that works out. Any suggestions for fork and rear shock settings for a 200 pound rider? I do not ride to hard, I just wan't to cruise around in the desert and on the dunes without beating myself to death. I mainly cruise around with the kids and friends at a moderate pace. Any other mods that are worth while? What do you think?

If expense allows, just do what I did and keep the 426 as a backup. It does come in handy.

[bikepatrol]

That's a good idea. I'll just have to justify the need for a "back-up" bike to the boss! Maybe I'll remind her what she gets to play in!!

[Tobyforlife]

I seem to have the same "boss" as you. Long ago, I adopted the philosophy "it is better to ask for forgiveness than to ask for permission". That is, as long as I am already a good steward with our finances. Besides even when I do show up with 'cool factor' stuff for her, like your mule, I still get bombarded with a battery of questions and interrogation!!

Jeff

[Tobyforlife]

Here are a couple of pictures of my 2000 YZ426F taken a couple of days ago. I absolutely love this bike, however, I rode a friends '06 YZ450 and was jealous of the soft, light, plush feel. The power didn't feel much different (his bike is 100% stock though). I recently rebuilt my forks, but it still does not feel quite as nice. Is it because of the alum. frame? I considered selling this one and buying an '07 450, but can't seem to seperate myself from it. I installed a 450 exhaust cam last week so that I can just kick and go. We'll see how that works out. Any suggestions for fork and rear shock settings for a 200 pound rider? I do not ride to hard, I just wan't to cruise around in the desert and on the dunes without beating myself to death. I mainly cruise around with the kids and friends at a moderate pace. Any other mods that are worth while? What do you think?

Oh ya, If your suspension has been revalved by MB1, I would go with their initial setup and set rear sag at 100mm. I had my 426 stiffened up for larger jump/sand tracks, but actually changed back to stock springs, front and rear, and had my suspension shop do a revalve..bla bla. I am also running Enzo sub tanks on my forks and that has made a big difference. The new setup for me seems to be a better all-around for track/trail. Were your forks revalved for your lbs and skill level?

[hall1012]

Sick bike. Keep It!!!

[DPW]

keep the bike and go this route>>>https://www.thumpertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=398433

[witdogg]

I have never owned a bike for the sole purpose of it being a back-up bike. Do all Yamaha owners have back-up bikes?

[DPW]

I have never owned a bike for the sole purpose of it being a back-up bike. Do all Yamaha owners have back-up bikes?

This Yamaha rider does not have a backup bike. There just comes a point where you are better off keeping the bike as a backup or for visiting friends then try to sell it for pennies. Dirtbikes lose their value big time.

[witdogg]

This Yamaha rider does not have a backup bike. There just comes a point where you are better off keeping the bike as a backup or for visiting friends then try to sell it for pennies. Dirtbikes lose their value big time.

I was just joking. If you can afford to keep the old one I think it is a great idea no matter what kind of bike you own.

[grayracer513]

I could spend 20 minutes on the list of bikes I wish I had kept. Not one of them is a better dirt bike than my '06, but still....

[Dewalt69]

I think of it this way...

My motor is out...causing a rebuild

I have to pick up from the service counter until I come up with $1400 just for parts...

Keep your bike!

[Tobyforlife]

keep the bike and go this route>>>https://www.thumpertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=398433

DPW what year tank/shoud/ seat combo is your '02 equipt with? I know you said it was a Clarke tank, but it does not have the '02 426 profile?

[Tobyforlife]

I could spend 20 minutes on the list of bikes I wish I had kept. Not one of them is a better dirt bike than my '06, but still....

until you get that shiney new '07!!

[Goosedog]

I recently rebuilt my forks, but it still does not feel quite as nice. Is it because of the alum. frame?

You should be able to fine-tune your rebuilt suspension to be as plush as you want. Did you rebuild the shock too, if not you're only half way done. Also the newer aluminum frames are more ridgid than the old cromoly steel 426 frames.

[grayracer513]

You should be able to fine-tune your rebuilt suspension to be as plush as you want.

Don't think so. I've ridden '03 and '04 bikes with everything Enzo could do to them done, and one with a set of $6000 RG3 forks. They weren't as good as the '06 is out of the box. At least not in as wide a range of situations.

And some of it is due to the frame, although not directly. The way Yamaha has centralized so much of the mass of the bike as near to the CG as possible improves everything about how it handles and how well the suspension works. The whole bike is quite an achievement.

[kevin204]

I wouldn't sell it, but that's me. I have a real soft spot for the YZ400/426's. I guess I just remember drooling over them when they first came out. I'm no pro, so the 426 would be fine for me.

[bikepatrol]

No, I didn't have the forks re-valved. I just put new seals, wipers, bushings and oil. I actually haven't even looked into it. From what I understand, the bikes are set-up for someone in the 150-175 range so it would make sense to re-valve. I really don't wan't to spend a ton of money to make the suspension better, I just wanted to adjust what I have and get the best result for my weight. The rear shock is stock, never rebuilt. The bike has less than 50 hours on it. Don't really know how often that should be. I think I'll keep it for a while especially considering the price of a new one and the fact that I only ride one every couple of months. Thanks for the feedback.

[bikepatrol]

keep the bike and go this route>>>https://www.thumpertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=398433

all I can say is WOW!! I would love to do that to mine. I'll have to see what it would cost to get the parts!