2000 yzf426 vs 2009 yzf450

[GREG_570]

Thinking of returning to dirt bikes. My last offroad bike was a 2000 yzf 426. I can get a great deal on a new 2009 yzf 450. How big is the difference in power, power characteristic and handlig between the two?

[richardnoggin]

It`s not the power difference you will notice but the handling difference.I presently own a 09 fofiddy and the only thing i did not like about it was the restrictive muffler it had!Put a FMF on it and love the power and torque!!!I personally think that the 09 was one of yamis best bike.my 2 cents:thumbsup:

[pembell]

Got both in the shed outside!

The 450 is milder, if anything. Feels easier, lighter, 'softer' to me. The 426 feels taller, heavier, gruntier and more of an ugly big bugger. That's why I like it.?

The 450 handles way better, so I think you'll find it easier overall.

[Polar_Bus]

Thinking of returning to dirt bikes. My last offroad bike was a 2000 yzf 426. I can get a great deal on a new 2009 yzf 450. How big is the difference in power, power characteristic and handlig between the two?

Picture riding on a pissed off bulky Lion, vs. a patient nimble precise cheetah... They both have comprable hp, but that's abruptly where the similarities end ! I'll leave it up to you which is which... ?

[pembell]

Picture riding on a pissed off bulky Lion, vs. a patient nimble precise cheetah... They both have comprable hp, but that's abruptly where the similarities end ! I'll leave it up to you which is which... ?

Like it....

[thmike]

don't forget about starting. the 450 starts a lot easier.

[pembell]

don't forget about starting. the 450 starts a lot easier.

Yup.

Taken the fun right out of it.....?

[Yzf_Buz]

don't forget about starting. the 450 starts a lot easier.

+1 I had a 2001 426 and now am on my 450 and all I can say is "Thank God", I don't miss that De-compression lever or the Hot start issues of the 426 for a second let me tell ya.

[myoung]

I went directly from a '00 426 to an '09 450.

First off, the 450 is lighter, but not a lot lighter. However, it does feel a lot lighter with a much lower center of gravity. It helps the handling characteristics in general, but I still think my 426 turned a little better. A lot of guys change out the clamp offset to help with the turning, I just try to adapt.

The 426 feels like it has much snappier power, but not as much power. Of course, that snap can be worked into the '09 by using some '06 parts, specifically the cams and CDI. The exhaust is a huge weak point, but I've never ridden with the stock set up so I can't really comment on just how bad it is. Plenty of negative feedback on it though.

The suspension is night and day different. I wouldn't even consider ever trying to go back to the 426 for MX racing. The '09 is so plush and takes every hit so well. Every review I've ever seen says that Yamaha now has the best suspension. I would have to agree. ?

Overall the 450 is just so much more refined then the old dog, but it definitely lacks in the power department from Yamaha trying to make it more docile.

[FZ1426]

The '09 is MUCH lighter with MUCH better suspension. Think of it as eight years of continual refinement to the pinacle of what a 450 motocross bike should be.

I'll never knock the power of my old 426 but the '09 comes with an incredible degree of high end parts right off the showroom floor. I rode a 2010 and don't get me wrong it's a very cool bike. Good, but not that good. I had the ability to buy either bike and I chose the '09 and I'm not sorry. ?

BTW I guess I should mention that I didn't even ride it until I put an MRD pipe on it and jetted it. But the '10 needs aftermarket tweeking as well...oh yeah, and a MX51 on the front.

Edited January 8, 2011 by FZ1426

[thmike]

The only problem I had with the 06 was the wide open stumble from going from idle. Had a lot to do with the leak jet. But I ended up doing a O ring mod on the accelerator pump for a quick fix. Worked great after. No bog. I think the 08 and 09 didn't have the problem. Also I think the pilot jet should be change one size bigger. They tend to be a bit lean.

[thmike]

oh yeah. I could also start my 450 with my hand when it was warm. Loved how easy they start.

[zaxcar1]

thats the fun of the 426, trying to start it!!!

[Lankyrider]

It's a really difficult comparison because you have to consider those 9 years of development between 2000 and 2009. Most of the things have been improved, handling, suspension, ergonomics and so on. The only thing that i'm sure of is that the 426 will feel faster and snappier compared the 450.

[Polar_Bus]

thats the fun of the 426, trying to start it!!!

and PRAYING you never lay it over in a crash, then try to re-start it after a fresh gulp of raw fuel down the cylinder ! ?

[pembell]

and PRAYING you never lay it over in a crash, then try to re-start it after a fresh gulp of raw fuel down the cylinder ! ?

Ahhh, is that why it does that.....

Bless.

[gscx]

A properly jetted and well running 426 will start in just as many kicks as a 450 will.

[pembell]

A properly jetted and well running 426 will start in just as many kicks as a 450 will.

Don't tell everybody! They'll all want one!

[RJacks]

BTW I guess I should mention that I didn't even ride it until I put an MRD pipe on it and jetted it.

How do you jet a bike without riding it?

[FZ1426]

How do you jet a bike without riding it?

Experience, research and a dose of MXA magazine's recommendations.