I have done nothing but yz four strokes since 02, last is a 06 450. I want a new 08 and have thought of the kx450. The yz's are so reliable, yet my cornering ability suck. Any converts here and why and any extra info. thanks

ltrosson said:

I think your question made it to the right person as I went from an '03 YZ450 to an '07 KX450.
The YZ was truly more than enough for me but for some reason I decided I wanted a newer bike w/ newer technology, etc. I opted for the KX for several reasons and after the first ride, or first corner, I had no buyers remorse (thankfully). I would highly recommend the KX over the YZ (at least the older YZ's) as it corners much better, feels lighter, the power is smoother and just more (especially down low) and if your a tall guy it's more comfortable out of the box.
Plus I noticed these things and I'm not fast...yet. :ride:

Good luck,
Aaron :worthy: KX450

Thanks alot for the information, as far as reliability have you noticed any difference, and does it corner that much better.

ltrosson said:

Any new model 4 stroke (06 and up) is better than the steel framed YZ450s, IMO. The other Yamaha convert on here is 700MX, he made the switch from an 07 YZ450 to the 08 kawi and so far he says the kawi is pretty much better in every way.

ltrosson said:

I haven't had any issues with my KX (except fork seals) but I just picked it up on July 20th. Most of the time it starts on the first kick (even when it's hot) but it certainly should.

As far as cornering, that was where I noticed the biggest difference. I went around the first corner and cracked a big smile because it was like night and day.

Also, I met this dude at a local track here after he came up and asked me if I liked my KX450 because he was looking at one that was a great deal (a used '06) and wanted my opinion. He was looking to convert from a YZ250 so I obviously told him I didn't think he could go wrong with the 4-stroke. Anyway he showed up last Sunday and had the KX and said he loved it. Not the same as your YZ450 but he still liked the KX.

I had a '99 YZ400F an '04 YZ450F and an '06 YZ450F in addition to 3 YZ250 two strokes ('00, '03, '06). So I guess you could say I have been a die hard Yamaha fan. I've also spent some time on CRF 250's & 450's that belong to friends. Last week I traded my '06 YZ450 in on an '08 KX450F. I can say without hesitation that the KX handles better than all of them. I am very impressed with this bike. It is every bit as light and flickable as the YZ but unlike the Yamaha, it turns on a dime. It doesn't push or try to stand up in ruts like the YZF or CRF. In fact, it turns a lot like a 2 stroke. The motor is STRONG accross the full range and it even pulls a higher gear out of tight corners. The carburation is spot on. No lurching at low speeds or popping on deceleration like the YZ. It never stumbles or cought when you grab a hand full like some other bikes I've had and it starts on the first or second kick hot or cold. IMO the KX felt a lot like the aluminum frame YZ when I first sat on it at the dealer. But when I rode it I noticed none of the warts of the YZ. I think you'll love the Kawasaki.

Oh, did I mention its FAST!?!:eek::eek:

Thanks alot for al of the advice, I have always sworn by the reliability of the yz, if the kx is as reliable, then it sounds like time for a change.

I love my Yamaha's and have heard that the new 08 YZ450F turns great!

That being said I have a 1995 Kawasaki KLX250 (yeah not a race bike by any means) but that is the most reliable bike that I have ever owned. I bought it new in 1998, everyone wanted the KLX300 not the 250 so the dealer had 3 left over so I got a 250 on a smokin deal. I never thought about buying a Kawi before this one came up for a great price so I jumped on it. Now almost 10 years later it still runs. Sureit needs a complete rebuild due to low compression but the bike has been awesome. Never adjusted the valves and never rebuilt it in almost 10 years, only beaten up for 10 years and have loved it.

I love my Yamaha's but I would buy another Kawasaki in a heart beat. They have been super reliable for me!

Good Luck!