I rode it about 10-12 laps, and man are those things quiet!!!!! The little 2 stroke size silencer is strange to see on a 4 stroker.

As for the bike, it seemed pretty solid.

The first thing I noticed was the brakes and clutch action. Both are very good. Unfortunately I needed to use the clutch a little more frequently than I wanted to get the rev's up. Low end was lacking, but mid and up was pretty good. It is hard to compare with my KX only because I have it piped, suspension and jetted perfect. The KX is flat brutal in comparison to the YZ. It revs quicker and higher. Which is not always the best if it is dry slick out. But with good traction, the YZ felt definitely under powered.

The steering felt good, nothing weired or that stands out.

The suspension was kinda harsh for me. But as I said before, I am coming off my bike that is set-up perfect, with MB1 suspenders. I felt a lot of feed back on my feet, not sure what was causing it, but you could really feel the little bumps. Front felt ok, had some mid-stroke harshness, but felt really good on big hits and jumps.

Overall, the bike felt good. This is the first YZ that I actually liked and could see myself buying one. As all bikes, I would need to tweak to my liking, but overall a good package to start with.

VETMX808 said:

That's the part that would turn me off the most. I like the fact that the Kawi needs nothing in that department. You've found your "sweet-spot" for setup on your Kawi and you know how it handles; would you say the Yami could be as good?
Now we need the '08 KX450F review, hint, hint.:busted:

This is the 1st YZ-F that handles "Light" in my opinion. I really like the stability in the "Ruff" and the fact that it is flickable in the air.

All-n-all...I like it almost as much as the Honda...and...I like the Honda's handling (I consider it a farily close 2nd to the KX-F).

I'm waiting to see how the ALL new RMZ handles, too.

Thing is...I'm riding the 450 that handles best...at-least "For me"...that is. I'll get something-else when "it" knocks the KX-F off of the "Handling" podium.

As for power? The KX-F is a Hot-Rod; but, you can make any of them go too fast!

About the YZF being under powered, many 08 owners have found it out drags the 06 YZF which "feels" noticeable faster, but it isn't. The manufacturers all seem to be following the general rule that too much of a hit on the bottom causes too much fatigue and wheel spin. Even kawi mellowed the power out a tad on their 08. I would say that yes, the YZF could do with an aftermarket pipe (anyone is better than the stock plugged up exhaust), but that is just it, an exhaust problem, and nothing what so ever to do with the motor.

VETMX808 said:

Great review. Thanks.

er193 said:

I don't have an 08', just my '07. Do they need a review on the 07's??

VETMX808 said:

Yes. Sorry I got the handles mixed up. Yeh, we need some reviews written on all the KX450F's still. Best to have them written by long time mx racers, IMO.