should i get the 426???

[mxdude12]

Ok guys, a friend of mine has an 02 YZ426F for sale and he on wants like $2000 for it...and i think i wanna take him up on it. Don't laugh, but i'm 5'10" and about 145lbs with gear on. So my question is whether or not i should even consider this, or does this sound stupid?

How is the 426 anyways? power, weight, etc? I havent gotten a chance to ride a bike like it, but this weekend i think i might get a chance too... Thanx for any info guys, and again, try to fight the urge to laugh your ass off when you read this...? :p

[426_kid]

I got an 01 and i love it. only question is if you have enought wieght and uph to kick it over... im 190 and i can but its not the easiest thing in the world. btu it is a great bike!

[Grieby54]

Ok guys, a friend of mine has an 02 YZ426F for sale and he on wants like $2000 for it...and i think i wanna take him up on it. Don't laugh, but i'm 5'10" and about 145lbs with gear on. So my question is whether or not i should even consider this, or does this sound stupid?

How is the 426 anyways? power, weight, etc? I havent gotten a chance to ride a bike like it, but this weekend i think i might get a chance too... Thanx for any info guys, and again, try to fight the urge to laugh your ass off when you read this...? :p

Pick up a cycle trader. $2k for an '02 426 is $$$$$. I'm thinking about selling my '02 CRF450R for around $2,500 and there's not much left stock on that bike. Check it out in the garage.

Basically I'm saying you could get a better deal.

[Florida_426]

I have owned my 02 426 since May of 2002, new then. Other than normal chain and sprockets from wear it has been totally reliable. I did the 450DCM and replaced the piston and rings in July 2003, wheel/suspension links and steering head bearings, replaced each December and keeping the valves checked (stay well within tolerance each time for me.)

It is slightly heavier than a new 450 of any make but the friendly but strong power and reliability make this bike worth it for me. I have has offers recently at $2200.00 and a dealer trade offer of $2100.00 so for a 5 year old bike it has held its value well. Best of luck if you do get a 426, or any other dirt bike too.

Bill

[642MX]

Sounds like a good price to me. Go for it!

[John221ex]

If you know the maintainence history, a slightly higher price is okay.

As far as starting and riding it, I am four inches shorter than you and about the same weight. I have no problems starting my 400 other than the seat height related ones. It starts easier than my old 400 KTM that nearly broke my foot kicking back!

Go and enjoy!

John

[Wiz636]

That would be a good price up here. It's a bulletproof bike. Do the auto-decompression cam mod (if it hasn't already been done) and it will kick over like a 125.

[jhawker21]

I'm new to a 426 and I love it. I found an 02 that hadn't been take care of and I've nursed it back to health.

I think you should buy it. 2000 sounds like a fair price. I see most people asking around 2500 for the same bike. Make sure and check maintanence records and the easy stuff like tires, chain, sprockets. The power is awesome, and it sounds like it's very reliable based on what other say in this forum.

Make sure and let us know what you do!

Eric

[yz_for_me]

The 426 is a sweet bike. They are a bit heavy by today's standards, but you get used to it. They have decent handling and are very stable and won't do anything unpredictable. The motor is killer. It has a sweet power delivery with a nice mid-range hit, is still very competitive with current 450's and is rock solid in the reliability department.

Sounds like a good price, assuming it was taken care of. I would stay away from any thumper that hasn't been well maintained. They are getting old enough that ones that haven't been maintained could develop some costly problems.

[fritzelman]

I would say go for it. $2000 is a good price around here. I was able to find my 02 426 for $2600 thats had a few mods done to it. A DRD sump kit, white bros exhaust, and jetted. Its definitely a nut hauler, no question. As long as its been well maintained, and doesn't have many problems, it sounds like a good deal to me. The only real way to tell if its a good bike is to go out and ride it and see if you like it.

[Grieby54]

Dang... I guess I could ask more for my bike then. Because the general concensus here is to get it. Good luck whichever you do!

[thumpinyz]

I too have had my 02 since it was new. I love this bike more than any other that I have had. It has been stone reliable!!!! Everytime I think about getting a new bike my mind changes after I ride.

[kid on a 426]

I got an 01 and i love it. only question is if you have enought wieght and uph to kick it over... im 190 and i can but its not the easiest thing in the world. btu it is a great bike!

I'm 155 and have no trouble starting my bike at all, even with manual decompression

[cowboyona426]

One thing to think of... although the 426 is slightly heavier, you may not care depending on what kind of riding you do. I say that because as much as everyone raves about the 06 450 suspension, I thought my old, heavier 426 worked better in the woods than my 06. Not saying the 06 is bad, but the 00 426 I had was definitely less of a handful on hardpack and in the rocks than my 00. If the bike is in good shape and checks out, I'd go for it.