03 450f Help

[turkey1972]

Hello everyone!! I have been lurking here for years and have made the switch to the Thumper side. I have been on 250 and 500 2 strokes and I just bought my first thumper-a 2003 YZ 450F.The bike is basically brand new and has been sitting in a basement since it scared the owner.I would love some advice and tips to help me improve this thing and make it better. Any free or low buck advice would be much appreciated. I am not racing anymore but will play on a track and just fun ride.Thanks everyone!! Aron:ride:

[03yz450f-43]

I also have an 03 YZ450F. Motor hits real hard. Some people put on a flywheel weight to calm it down. I did not and have gotten used to the power. Just have to roll on the throttle not grab a handful. Best upgrade I have done is suspension. Sent mine to Bill Willian at Suspension Plus. Much more plush ride and more forgiving. Tell Bill I sent you. Very reasonable pricing. http://www.suspensionplus.com

[Ga426owner]

Suspension is in need of major revalving and/or springs for your weight/ability - fork/shock oil probably needs to be changed

The bike turns like a tank - stock....needs either offset triple clamps or a StormRacing link to get it to turn better

stock tires and handlebars and chain are crap - plan on replacing all of these

I prefer a liteweight flywheel weight 4-5oz for MX as the rear tire just will not hook up in dryer or sandy conditioned soils...way too much wheelspin

Also - if the linkage bearings, wheel bearings and most important "steering bearings" are not greased properly if this bike is still relatively new..you will have bigger issues - go ahead and break it down to be safe and regrease all of it.

Clutchpull is harder than any other bike....get used to it

these things above will make you a much happier 03 450 owner. I have been there and dun it when it comes to extras for the 03 450.....the list can be endless. I have tried almost every aftermkt gizmo on my 03....?

go ahead and purchase a adj fuel screw - as jetting and temp/humidity changes are drastic on this year bike

Also a hour meter for proper oil and motor maintenance is a big help.

I hope this helps - ?

Oh and welcome to the Yami side of TT..............

[turkey1972]

Thanks for all of the help so far!! The bike has less than 20 hours on it and he just putted around on it. I think Im going to regrease everything. He was a dealer junkie so everything has been done there.He changed the oil after every ride, still has original tires with lots of tread left. Any free mods to do first? Also, what bend of handlebars is the choice of everyone?(stock bend stink) Im 6ft 3inches and weigh 225. Yes, suspension is first!!

[Ga426owner]

Thanks for all of the help so far!! The bike has less than 20 hours on it and he just putted around on it. I think Im going to regrease everything. He was a dealer junkie so everything has been done there.He changed the oil after every ride, still has original tires with lots of tread left. Any free mods to do first? Also, what bend of handlebars is the choice of everyone?(stock bend stink) Im 6ft 3inches and weigh 225. Yes, suspension is first!!

free mods....correct jetting/optimize the jetting and regrease, tighten spokes, regrease oil filter, change oil...check all bolts

ride with those tires and see if they hook up or wash out ...they are 4+ years old....and 739s stink in moist/wet or loamy soil....

adj fuel screw is 20.00 you will need this at the least

for you taller bars will be better - henry bend or CR high

[blue9red9]

I've owned the 03. The 739 tires have to go unless you ride on rocks. Other than that, the bike is sweet as sugar. I hated to see mine go. But when I got on my 06, I realized what I was missing in the suspension dept.

[turkey1972]

Bought some Bridgestone 601/602's last night. My cousin has used them in the conditions we ride in and they work good. Got the Zip-Ty fuel screw on the way. Anyone use Amsoil products in these? My brother is a dealer for them. Air filters, oil etc??? Thanks for all the help, Aron

[grayracer513]

Amsoil MCF or MCV "Synthetic Motorcycle Oil" is one of the very best oils you can use in a YZF.

[Ga426owner]

Amsoil MCF or MCV "Synthetic Motorcycle Oil" is one of the very best oils you can use in a YZF.

the only oil I use period......?