Is the YZ 426 a good bike?

[luddies]

Hi everyone, I have been looking for a new bike for awhile now and I have seen a few deals on craigslist for a yz426. I don't know much about these bikes and was wondering if they are any good, any problems with them, power, size, etc. I am 15, 5' 7", 140 pounds, Intermediate skill level (I've been riding since I was 8), and am coming off of a 2003 YZ 85. I ride 80% trails and 20% track. Thanks!! ?

[byggd]

You might want to ask this in the YZ forum ? All the YZ-F and WR-F are great bikes. I wouldn't recommend to a beginner but as you have been riding for a while you should be OK. You might have a hard time touching the ground on single track but there are ways of lower them.

[dumdum101]

If you are light, it could very difficult to start. Usually takes a pretty good stomp or stomps to get them to start.

[byoo527]

If you are light, it could very difficult to start. Usually takes a pretty good stomp or stomps to get them to start.

Cant agree more. My buddy had this bike. Got more of a cardio workout trying to start it than i ever did riding it. Liked the bike though..once it got going.

[FORMA MOTO]

Unless you already owned a early-modern four-stroke, and are used to the lack of a auto-decompression system for starting, I'd get something newer.

They are no fun to start.

[q1445]

The 426 is a great bike, yes a little big and heavy when compared to newer bikes, but mechanically a great bike. I have an 02 wr which I purchased new and I have never had a problem with it. Literally 1000's of single track miles as well as 1000's of Baja pre-run miles. Once again I hear "it's hard to start". most people who say that have never owned a 426. Mine still starts 1st or 2nd kick...... Some times 3rd when it's cold. I don't call that hard to start. Yes you to give it a little kick. But if you cant kick start a bike you shouldnt be riding that bike. I usually kick mine with sandles to let it idle while I get my boots on. I have only had to adjust the valves once, and it was just a single exhaust valve slightly out of spec earlier this season. She's been road hard and put away wet many times with only minimal TLC. Though I am begaining the process of looking for a new bike I Fear I will never find another bike as dependable and reliable as my 426.......... Yes I think it's a good bike.

But since you are coming off a 85 I would say go with the 250f. The 426 is a big and heavy bike. I love jumping on a 250f when given the opportunity!

[02WR426Cali]

The 426 is a great bike, yes a little big and heavy when compared to newer bikes, but mechanically a great bike. I have an 02 wr which I purchased new and I have never had a problem with it. Literally 1000's of single track miles as well as 1000's of Baja pre-run miles. Once again I hear "it's hard to start". most people who say that have never owned a 426. Mine still starts 1st or 2nd kick...... Some times 3rd when it's cold. I don't call that hard to start. Yes you to give it a little kick. But if you cant kick start a bike you shouldnt be riding that bike. I usually kick mine with sandles to let it idle while I get my boots on. I have only had to adjust the valves once, and it was just a single exhaust valve slightly out of spec earlier this season. She's been road hard and put away wet many times with only minimal TLC. Though I am begaining the process of looking for a new bike I Fear I will never find another bike as dependable and reliable as my 426.......... Yes I think it's a good bike.

But since you are coming off a 85 I would say go with the 250f. The 426 is a big and heavy bike. I love jumping on a 250f when given the opportunity!

I totally agree! 426s are great bikes and one of the most reliable modern 4 strokes ever built. They are overbuilt compared to the newer bikes. "Hard to start" is something I hear all the time too, but I have no idea why. Mine has started easily since day one. It's not hard to do the starting drill and becomes second nature after you ride it alot. Bikes with auto decomp. still start easier if you put them to TDC first, so that is the same drill minus one little lever you have to pull on the bars.

[SDBSKI]

If you install a Hotcams auto decompression cam it will kick start like the newer bikes. About $130 or so for the cam and they suggest you replace the cam chain if more than 1 yr old. Makes it faster also, win, win.