Traded the 426... considering a 450

[dmoney1074]

So I traded my beloved wr426f for a zx9r, and now I have the dirt bike bug again. I spent so much time on the 426 and It never let me down. I am looking at one of the older 450's, because thats all I can afford right now. I have a few questions though....

1. My main concern is reliability.. How do the early 450's compare to the 400/426 in that department? I really dont need to have the most cutting edge bike, but I figure a 450 would be fun ?

2. Are there any trouble spots I should look for when buying?

3. What are the best mods for trails/desert? What do you guys recommend? FWW? Tank? Stabilizer?

Thanks guys!!! Its good to be back!

[grayracer513]

A few '03's have seized big ends. The '04 was upgraded. Both nearly indestructible. The trans is slightly tougher than the 426.

FWW? Tank? Stabilizer?

Yes, and a skid plate. A set of ASV's or hand guards can help keep your day from getting ruined, too.

[dmoney1074]

Are '04 and '05 nearly the same? '06 is when they re-designed with the alloy frame right?

[grayracer513]

True. The '05 had a much improved fork (although not as good as the '06+) and a somewhat less aggressive engine.

'06's can be bought for $3500 or less these days, too.

[atropine]

I saw an '06 YZ450 here on the Las Vegas Craigslist a week or two ago for $3200....

[dmoney1074]

Are they worth the extra coin? Is there a big difference? Thanks guys

[642MX]

Are they worth the extra coin? Is there a big difference? Thanks guys

I have rode both and yes, the aluminum frame model is worth the extra coin. ?

[grayracer513]

Are they worth the extra coin? Is there a big difference?

Absolutely, without question.

[Beaz]

I just sold my 01 426 and bought a

2008 450 best move i made I dont think

you can go wrong with a 06-08 yz

[dmoney1074]

Ok.. thanks guys, hopefully I can find a clean one for a decent price. Are there any trouble spots with the 06+? Also how does the motor compare to the early 450's?

Thanks ?

[grayracer513]

Not one problem with either of mine other than a set of water pump seals.

[dmoney1074]

Good to know... Thanks Gray

What about the engine characteristics? Have they changed much?

[grayracer513]

Power delivery? The '06 is excellent. Very, very linear and smooth, controllable but strong low end, great top end. Nearly perfect, IMO.

[USED YZ426F]

Dang, Gray. You make me wish that I could afford an '06-08 450.

Guess that my '00 426 will have to do for at least one more year though (unless I win the "Special Nigerian Email Lottery" this summer).

[grayracer513]

(unless I win the "Special Nigerian Email Lottery" this summer).

Are you in that, too???

?

[usmcpaul]

(unless I win the "Special Nigerian Email Lottery" this summer).

Sorry guys, I just got an email informing me that I won that lottery. All I have to do is send them $2500 to pay for the taxes and they will send me a check:p

[Beaz]

Sorry guys, I just got an email informing me that I won that lottery. All I have to do is send them $2500 to pay for the taxes and they will send me a check:p

Thats funny I sold a old kx250 and one of thoes guys emailed me

saying ill give you a check for 8000 send me the bike and the rest of the money No thanks