2002 YZ426 questions

[SoCalrider21]

I want to know how much hours I would get off a top end of YZ426. I know that the YZ250F gets around 400 hours on its top end. I have also been trying to decide between the 250F and the 426, but I think the 426 will better suite me. I will be doing part track and part trails. And also too the 426 and 250F cost the same right now.

[Satch0922]

all depends on how well the bike is maintained of course. If the oil was changed religiously and the air filter cleaned after every ride, you can get 400+ hours out of the 426 top end. BUT.....if it hasn't been cared for.....you can wear one out in 100 hrs or less.

In other words....there is not exact answer to your question.

[Matt96xr6]

There is a difference in the bikes. I would persuade you to get a 03 or newer bike with the newer ergos. Only a few bucks more for the 03 units. That gets you into a 450 which is a much improved bike over the 400 and 426.

If you are going to ride the track, the 250 is a MUCH easier bike to ride and you will have a lot more fun. The 426 will give you a workout on the track. The 450 will work you out, but it with the suspension setup can handle much better than a 426. The big bores are fun out in the woods, but the 250Fs are no slouch. You can ride the 250Fs for hours on end.

[642MX]

I have a 02 426. It has been a great "do it all" bike. The thing is good on a MX track and still fun in the woods. It has been bullet proof, I have never had any major problems from it. I replaced the piston in mine last winter, but it didn't need it, it used no oil and still ran strong. The 450 is lighter, but the 4 speed transmission sucks. I've rode one long enough to know that I'll deal with the extra weight if I can keep my 5 speed. I don't know if I will ever sell my 426. I would recommend one to anybody, just remember to keep the air filter clean and the oil fresh.

[Yak]

There is a difference in the bikes. I would persuade you to get a 03 or newer bike with the newer ergos. Only a few bucks more for the 03 units. That gets you into a 450 which is a much improved bike over the 400 and 426.

On the contrary...

If you are truly a SoCalRider, then you'll want to stay with the green sticker bike, the 426. I agree that the ergos of the newer bikes are more agressive and better for agressive track riding, but not for trails. You'll be happy with the 426. Use the money saved by getting a 426 on getting the suspension tuned and you'll have one heck of a good bike.

[grayracer513]

I have to agree that it really depends on what you're doing with the bike as to whether the 450 is better than the 426. The 450 is a hard-core MX specialist as built. It can be modified fairly simply into a better woods and trail machine, but the YZ426 is a more versatile bike in standard form. The trade off is that it's heavier, and has less advanced suspension. The suspension responds pretty well to revalving, etc.

[SoCalrider21]

I do live in So. Cal so the 2002 is something I need to get. I can't live with having a red sticker. I think that I also want the most power I can get. I can't see why I would get a 250F over the 426. But I will be happy with whatever I get, especially since I worked my ass off this summer to get the money for it. I am 6' 170 pds. I am also 15 years old, and I am still growing. So I don't want to get something I will regret in the long run. I need to know some of the basic stuff I should look at when looking at the 426 or any bike. Because I should be going and looking at bikes this weekend.