Yamaha yz450f

bman1

Hey guys,
Bit of a long shot but anyone here own a yz450f dirtbike? I've my eye on a 2005 model on donedeal(sorry, can't link to the add right now, using my phone and it won't do it). I don't know much about dirtbikes in general and it's been a toss up between a bike or a quad for a while. I know their 4 stroke, which suits me more, but any other info people have would be appreciated. The other thing that bothers me a bit is the bike on donedeal is €1100 and I'm not sure if it's too cheap, don't want to buy a dud. So anyway, bottom line, help if ya can ok.
Thanks.

CJhaughey

450fs are a grunty bike, If you are new to dirt bikes maybe a less abrupt power delivery would suit better?
I don't know your skill level but its easy to have too much power in the dirt.
MX bikes tend to hit hard. Enduro bikes tend to have slightly softer power delivery.
Are you racing or trailriding?

bman1

To be honest it'd be mostly on the dirt roads of the farm and around the fields, maybe a bit of more serious stuff now and again when all my mates get together for a day sumwhere. I had bikes years ago but it been a while and I know the 450f is maybe too much but I don't want to buy sumthing smaller now and a few months down the line want to change again. I'd be doing plenty of sensible riding before I'd tackle any serious stuff to get the hang of it again. Do you think €1200 is a good price for a 2005 model? And what kind of things should I look out for?
Thanks.

CJhaughey

1200 is a good price but 1000 buys a lot of bike these days.
If it runs good and isn't abused then 1200 is OK.
If the engine is borked you are looking at big bucks to fix. Much more than a 250 2 stroke MX bike.
The engine only holds 800mls of oil so its critical that it has been serviced correctly and on time.
Check suspension linkages and chain and sprockets.
If they have been neglected its a good bet that the owner has ignored servicing to some degree and that spells trouble down the road.

bman1

Good man, good stuff to know. Do you think the 4 speed box on the 05 model is a bad thing? Also if you had to choose a 450 would you go for the yz or maybe a Honda ( Crf450) ?

CJhaughey

4 speed will limit the usefulness of the bike trailriding, the reason enduro bikes have 5-6 speed boxes is make it easy to ride in all kinds of conditions. MX bikes are made to go fast round a track at race pace, not crawl up snotty banks over rocks and roots.
I will never buy a 4 stroke MX bike, its 2 stroke or nothing for me I am afraid:D

bman1

Think im going to have to try out a few bikes, things have moved on since I had my last one. Never know, I could end up going for a 2 stroke yet. Suppose I'm just used to my mates quads, their all 450 yamahas and I like the power, although I know it'd feel different on 2 wheels.

galwaytt

bman1 wrote: »

Think im going to have to try out a few bikes, things have moved on since I had my last one. Never know, I could end up going for a 2 stroke yet. Suppose I'm just used to my mates quads, their all 450 yamahas and I like the power, although I know it'd feel different on 2 wheels.

I'm no expert, but I think a 450 is a bit much. . .I bought a GasGas 250 Pampera myself. . .plenty power enough, but best bit is that it's lovely and light. . .being a 2-stroke keeps things simple, too....

okane1

I've had two 125 2 stroke mx bikes. Great craic and the ideal bike to begin on. As they are light, you can really throw them around in corners and jumps. The bigger bikes are heavier and require more experience to ride them. Especially going down the 450 route. A mate of mine had a 450F and couldnt get used to it. In the same group, two lads had 250F and rode away from the 450 because it was lighter and required less skill to master.

Try a 125 2 stroke or a 250F. Then move up if you need. Believe me you can have plenty fun on a 125!