Should I get a YZ426?

[BD2715]

So here we go...

Im a two stroke guy... at least right now. I ride in the sand and trails, mostly sand... and im tired of riding my bike too hard and breaking stuff. I take good care of it, more care then most people would. But riding it in the sand is just so hard on a machine. Anywho Im getting my bike back tomorrow from the shop with a fresh motor Top and Bottom end... $$$. I have an offer to trade for a 426 straight over, Its a 2002 the same year as my bike.

Ive riden my buddies CRF450 and it blew me away power wise, my question is how will a 426 compare to a 450? Im just looking for something around the same power or more (hopefully) then my 250.

Ok thanks guys. Oh yeah how are these thing mechanically? Any crazy bad designs anywhere? Any horrible known problems?

[powers450f]

NOOooo!

[grayracer513]

NOOooo!

Well, we know what you think, but it's not particularly informative.

Compared to the CRF that you rode, or to a YZ450 (especially an '06 or later) the YZ426 will feel heavy, less nimble, and slightly unwieldy. In truth, it won't have quite as much power either, but it does have nearly as much, and it's really kind of hard to tell that it's down on power when you ride one. If you aren't racing MX, they can be a good reliable, inexpensive big bike. They are getting older, though, and harder to find some accessories for.

[jcm3]

I think you skill level will also play a part. I have a 2001 yz426 that is modded a bit, so it makes more power than stock. It's in great shape, and has been stone reliable for me.

My buddy has a 2004 crf450, and I had a chance to ride his around the Milestone vet track. I didn't push it very hard, as I didn't want to drop it or do any damage. But, at my skill level (read: vet novice, if I raced anymore), I couldn't tell much of a difference at all. Mine felt faster to me, but weight- and handling-wise, my 426 didn't feel heavier or slower to turn to me at all. That says more about my skill level than the bike, but the bike won't be as out of date depending on how fast you ride it.

A faster rider will be able to tell more of a difference.

I have owned 8-10 two strokes, and this is my first four stroke. I am enjoying it, but also enjoyed my previous bikes.

[BD2715]

Im not too concerned about being the fastest guy out there. In fact I could care less (prior back injury speaking), anyways Im also not concerned about having the newest gear or bike.

As far as bike weight I used to ride a CR500... now talk about stiff Non-Flickable and heavy...

Im going to ride the 426 on Saturday I believe and we will see what happens... Ive read A TON about them on this site and others... and think I'll be happy if I go a head and get it.

Thanks Dudes...

Any other feedback is welcome!

[pembell]

Well, I ride in pretty much nothing but sand, given my location! The big advantage of the four stroke for me is the low down torque - you don't have to 'keep it on the boil' - you can hit a soft bog and just open the throttle and she will dig you out. If you're looking to take it easier on the bike, I'd say going to the four stroke might help, at least psychologically!

Obviously, you'll need to vary your style from the two stroke, but I think you'll find the more even power spread great fun once you are used to it. When you get the ride at the weekend, try using the low rev grunt to see what you think.

[dgdirtbike]

trust me ive own a 426 since 02 when I bought mine new. I won a harescramble series two years ago on mine. Really there pretty much the same as the 450's actually the 03 04 450 is about the only 450 that is going to have the same power as a 426. 05 and on they tuned the power down to make them more controllable. You will never need all of the power these things offer. Tons of mods you can do to these things. If your gonna get it for a two stroke, I'd do it in a heartbeat. Mine has been extremely reliable due to the way I take care of my bikes.

[grayracer513]

...the 03 04 450 is about the only 450 that is going to have the same power as a 426. 05 and on they tuned the power down to make them more controllable.

The '05 they turned the low and mid range power down on, not the '06 and later.

STOCK:

YZ426: 46-47 hp

'03-'04 YZ450: 47-48 hp

'06 YZ450: 49.5 HP

'07 YZ450: 51 HP

'08-'09 YZ450: 52 HP (but SOFT mid range)

[pembell]

The '05 they turned the low and mid range power down on, not the '06 and later.

STOCK:

YZ426: 46-47 hp

'03-'04 YZ450: 47-48 hp

'06 YZ450: 49.5 HP

'07 YZ450: 51 HP

'08-'09 YZ450: 52 HP (but SOFT mid range)

Definitely the way they feel - the 426 feels much more oomphy than an 09 450. And quite frankly, the midrange is where most of us spend most of our time....

[BD2715]

Definitely the way they feel - the 426 feels much more oomphy than an 09 450. And quite frankly, the midrange is where most of us spend most of our time....

Yeah a buddy of mine has a 2011 and he says it feel like his CR500... cool but not for me, my checkbook agrees with me:)

Ok so im extremely excited for a four stroke. IDK if I mentioned I had a '06 YZ250F for a while and I loved it but it was too small:) Anyways I took my Two Smoker Out for one last Hoorah Today... Im gonna miss spinning the tire EVERYWHERE but im excited for lowend...

[BD2715]

Ok guys I got it. I freaking love it. It rev's up just as fast as my 250 did but has usable power I just finished cleaning everything I could see (I like to start off with a fresh bike)

So It still has the Decompression Lever... I like it! Its not to bad to start, mostly (today) it started first kick or second. Flooded it already today wasnt the worst bike to get unflooded... was able to kick all the fuel out. It has a hot start lever, witch works good!

Anyways... Now im part of the big thumper club once again!

Thanks for the help/advise!

[pembell]

Ok guys I got it. I freaking love it. It rev's up just as fast as my 250 did but has usable power I just finished cleaning everything I could see (I like to start off with a fresh bike)

So It still has the Decompression Lever... I like it! Its not to bad to start, mostly (today) it started first kick or second. Flooded it already today wasnt the worst bike to get unflooded... was able to kick all the fuel out. It has a hot start lever, witch works good!

Anyways... Now im part of the big thumper club once again!

Thanks for the help/advise!

Love it! Nice one - happy thumperage!

[beezer]

I'd adjust your chain.

[02WR426Cali]

Awesome! Your bike looks like it was well kept. You will have lots of fun on the 426

[BD2715]

I'd adjust your chain.

Yup did adjust a little.

Thanks For the complements guys!

Im VERY happy with it. If you think it looks clean in the pic you should see it now! I took it all down and cleaned EVERYTHING...

[beezer]

I loved my 426. Great motor.

[DeeCee]

I ride both a YZ400 and a CR250 in sand. I find they are two different rides completely and in fact I really enjoy being able to swap between the two. The 400 is certainly the easier ride with the low end grunt making sand riding real easy. The 250 requires the ride be more alert but is still a fun ride.

Generally I ride the 400 most in the winter when it is a bit cooler and the 250 in the summer because it runs cooler and is easier to pick up after a fall or pull out when it gets bogged in soft sand.

Enjoy the 426 though it is a great ride and very reliable