05 YFZ ride report

[Pappy]

With the popular Yamaha YFZ in high demand, we set out to secure an 05 model for some ride reports and to serve as a base platform for an upcoming YFZ build up.

We didnt know it would end up being the Limited Edition model:D

I have personally owned both the TRX450R and the YFZ450 so I wanted to use a test rider that had no real opinion of the YFZ. Although the thought of keeping the quad bone stock long enough for us to get a decent day in for testing was hard, we managed to do it:p With upcoming features on this quad we had to sneak in the first report infront of an approaching snow storm.

Track conditions were ideal to thrash out a new quad. Rough and rutted, slick, wet and even dry conditions would allow us to put the YFZ through its paces.

[Pappy]

The test rider recently came off his 400ex, so the YFZ would be a whole new animal for him to tame. Fortunatley the YFZ responds well to rider input and after a few laps our rider was railing thru turns at top speed.

The stock tires did fairly decent in todays conditions, but all agreed that it would be one of the first items in need of replacement.

Yamaha's YFZ has been claimed to be better suited to a smaller rider. At 6'0", our rider had no problems riding the stock quad.

[Pappy]

Jumping the YFZ is not just fun, it's kickazz:macho Our rider had no problems handling the small jumps when testing first began. The stock shocks soaked up usual jumps and landings without any problems.

[Pappy]

Repated runs at a high speed kicker netted us with the impression that the stock shocks arent bad, but they could be better. As the rider felt more confident he steeped up the speed and was having trouble keeping the YFZ planted thru ruff and rutted sections of the track.

[Pappy]

We did not change any shock settings for our tests. We wanted to treat the quad like any other average rider would. The advantage with the new generation of shocks provided on todays high performance quads will allow us to dial in the suspension if needed.

Repeated runs thru a section with braking bumps found the rider skating and bouncing as the tires contacted the ground. While this is not uncommon, a few runs on a quad with aftermarket suspension found the same rider blitzing across the same area without any issues what so ever. The rider finally just pegged the throttle and the YFZ danced it's way across the ruff terrain. Riding it harder makes the YFZ just that much better in our rider's opinion.

[Pappy]

Power was predictable, and plentiful. Ripping out of a corner hard on the throttle the YFZ powerplant just keeps coming! The engine revs fast and power is smooth but a bit too much gas and she will pull out from under you:D Our rider reported immediatley that if you rode it like a 2 stroke you would have a smile on your face that soap wouldnt remove:p

[Pappy]

Handling was on par with just about any quad out there. For the average rider, this quad will handle most anything you can throw at it. the stock tires were the limiting factor and we can't wait to get this quad set up to fully appreciate what we know is hiding inside the stock form.

[Pappy]

A larger jump caught our rider by surprise the first time it was hit. Coming from a 400ex based quad, stabbing the throttle on the YFZ will net you a rush of tire shredding power that almost allowed us to see how well the YFZ would withstand a big ol' wreck:D Luckily with a small amount of rider input the YFZ flew straight to a smooth landing.

[Pappy]

The next attempt was smooth as silk. The stock shocks handled the landing fine, although I was a bit concerned the poor tires were going to blow off the rims:p

[Pappy]

All in all, Yamaha's YFZ packs a potent sting for anything on the market. Rider ability is still the key factor ofcourse, but if you are looking at the YFZ for racing or simply just for a quad that offers it all, i'd say your looking in the right direction. Everyone that threw a leg over the quad felt Yamaha has finally hit a home run with the YFZ.

[HiperEX]

great report, looking to get a yfz soon, so it helped me out alot on making my decision

[Splatter Matter]

Makes me want to go buy another one but this time a LE. I love the yellow/black/white color scheme.

[harescrambles]

the 05 yfz is amazing ,after a test ride i was hooked. thanks for the report.......hmm i believe its SE (special edition). the 04 was the LE.:D

[YFZ450Ridr]

great report, cant wait to see it with some goodies on it:D

[creechfan]

great job.

where is that track located?

[JHF219]

Pappy,

Kick arse report !! you know im coming out there this spring to run a few races with you and your brother. by then we can a side by side test of a built 04, and built 05 ill still be running stock exhaust i dont see the need for any more power this thing is a BEAST in stock form for sure !! anyone thinking about buying one needs to quit hesitating and do it for sure i love mine !!

[Pappy]

Originally posted by creechfan
great job.

where is that track located?

www.tomahawkmx.com

Tomahawk MX was our host for the test, and a big thanks goes out to them. They are located in the panhandle of west virginia

[Shocka400ex]

Great report. I too came off of a 400ex and found that clearing gaps with the YFZ was made simple with a flick of the throttle. I would have to agree on the tires also. With the amount of tork these things put out I have rolled the stock tires right off several times. I guess that's why they make Beed locks:D

[muddy400EX]

cool report. i want a yfz so bad!!:(

[sampleez]

sell yours and get payments. i did and i got 120/month for 4 years w/ a fixed apr of 9%. i got it at Yamaha and Suzuki of Paducah. they had the cheapest prices out of about 10 dealerships in this area. Lorri Vaughn is the sales manager and a family friend of mine. if you go there tell her your friends w/ Josh Samples and she might cut ya a deal. i got mine for 6075 + fees, and you won't have to pay taxes.

of course this is easier said than done

hope ya end up with one, best thing i ever did was switchin to da yammi :D

[muddy400EX]

Originally posted by sampleez
sell yours and get payments. i did and i got 120/month for 4 years w/ a fixed apr of 9%. i got it at Yamaha and Suzuki of Paducah. they had the cheapest prices out of about 10 dealerships in this area. Lorri Vaughn is the sales manager and a family friend of mine. if you go there tell her your friends w/ Josh Samples and she might cut ya a deal. i got mine for 6075 + fees, and you won't have to pay taxes.

of course this is easier said than done

hope ya end up with one, best thing i ever did was switchin to da yammi :D


its not that easy tho. im only 15 and my parents can barely stand payin 120 for there car, theres no way they would pay it for a wheeler:(

[sampleez]

i know how it is man. i've been waiting a VERY long time for a new bike. i'm 18 tho, so it was easier to get, cause it's in my name with my grandparents co-signing. i don't think i would have been able to get it either if i wasn't 18. i guess you'll have'ta wait for that free one :D

[Toadz400]

Originally posted by muddy400EX
its not that easy tho. im only 15 and my parents can barely stand payin 120 for there car, theres no way they would pay it for a wheeler:(

It's called a JOB, worked great for me!:o

Got me two quads that I'm paying for myself...and a truck...and insurance...and gas and food...;)

[Pappy]

New additions to our YFZ have started arriving:D

[harescrambles]

Originally posted by Pappy
New additions to our YFZ have started arriving:D
ooh those would look good on my SE , did you have them PCed or can you get them from bugard that color? im guessing standard travel +2

[Pappy]

you can get them that color. i got them bare and did them here because i didnt know what color we would end up going with.


yes they are +2 standards. should match well with the Derisi stock rebuilds that should be back soon:D

[muddy400EX]

Originally posted by Toadz400
It's called a JOB, worked great for me!:o

Got me two quads that I'm paying for myself...and a truck...and insurance...and gas and food...;)


ya i know. im already plannin on gettin a job as soon as i turn 16. and sampleez, that free one aint workin out to well:( :o

[Mobile Dyno]

Any idea what you are going to do to the motor. Are you going to have it Dynoed(hint):D Very nice test report

[Pappy]

Originally posted by Mobile Dyno
Any idea what you are going to do to the motor. Are you going to have it Dynoed(hint):D Very nice test report

actually everyone that rode it felt pretty comfortable with the power in stock form. im sure after some more seat time the quest for power will bite us and in we go:macho


right now the front end is apart getting the arms installed ...along with making some of the components match the color scheme of the special edition quad:D

[Munno#37]

I hate my YFZ

[Bill Fuller]

Then git rid of it.



I love mine:muscle: Geart report pappy!

[muddy400EX]

Originally posted by Munno#37
I hate my YFZ


ill take it!!!:D

[Johnny & Monica]

I love my yfz except the chain kept coming off cracking the cases in 04. Ready to race it for 05 this year with aftermarket swingarm an every chain guide an skid plate replaced.

[Splatter Matter]

Pappy we need an update.

[rdgarry]

Tell us what you think of the Derisi stock shock rebuild. I have read good things about them but am interested in your seat of the pants ride review.

[89'350RX]

So is it a better ride than the 450r?

[Pappy]

The shocks should be recieved this week and we can finally get out and do a full review of the updates.

Does the YFZ ride better then the 450R? It really comes down to how well you fit the quad and also your riding style. If you like a quad that can be riden on a trail then the 450R may suit you better as I feel the R is more comfortable. If its purely racing MX in stock form, then I would tip my hat towards the YFZ.

I personally chose the 450R for my style of riding, but wouldnt give a second thought to owning a YFZ again.

[89'350RX]

Thanks!

I am looking for a new ride for the trails and want to hold my breath till the 06's come out.

Zook might have a 450r by that time :) and the trx450r might have electric start ;) so it is good to hear your feedback.

[MSL]

Pappy as always good reporting:cool:

I enjoy the unbias reports.

You could call your reports (Pappy tells it like it is!) HA HA

[Pappy]

Originally posted by MSL
Pappy as always good reporting:cool:

I enjoy the unbias reports.

You could call your reports (Pappy tells it like it is!) HA HA

Thanks bud, I try to be fair and honest. Shop owners go silent when I tell them that if they send me junk thats what will get posted:p

The 05 YFZ has been updated and I will update this thread later this weekend. We will also be doing a full review of the Derisi modified stock shocks in another thread.

[Pappy]

I am happy to report that our 05 YFZ has now been outfitted with most of the usual mods new owners make.

[Pappy]

Roll/IMS front bumper was added to help the appearence and provide more protection from collisions. This bumper bolted on better then any aftermarket bumper we have ever installed. Fit and finish get an A+!

Burgard +2 standard control arms were added to offer our quad a more stable platform for the riding intended. They installed without a hitch and were within our budget. The arms were powdercoated to fit the stock color scheme.

[Pappy]

The stock shocks were sent to Derisi Racing Suspension and converted to dual rate springs. The shocks were valved for our riders weight and the +2 arms. In the past, Derisi has always been happy to jump in and help out a project bike and he did not let us down! Thanks Santo, they work great!

[Pappy]

Burgard beadlocks all the way around were fitted with Grooved Radials up front and 18" turf tamers in the rear. We coated the rim to match the frame.

[Pappy]

The stock swing arm was retained to shave the costs, but was coated to match the frame also. A Derisi converted stock shock now takes the place of the stocker.

X-factor nerfs were installed to offer up some protection!

An adjustable chrome LSR axle was installed in the stock carrier.

[Pappy]

A set of CR double High bars was purchased from TAG Metals and Spider Grips were installed. All of these components were then mated with a chrome Burgard +1 Anti-vibe stem.

A set of Streamline stainless brake lines were added to add to the looks and preformance of our brake system.

[Pappy]

Track time was a blast. The new additions really helped the YFZ handle better then in stock form.

[Pappy]

We were only able to get in a few dozen laps before the rain chased us away:( The shocks from Derisi work extremly well, especially the rear. the fronts work better then the stockers, but more time will be needed to dial them in for a proper evaluation.

[bad01300ex]

Pappy, the yfz looks sweet, are the shock rebuilds good for say maybe c and b class racing, seeing as they are not long travel? also, what is the price for the rebuilds? Anyways the bike looks great.

[Pappy]

i think the shocks would be great for almost any level of racing. long travel not withstanding, these feel as good as aftermarket and we retained the factory adjustability without breaking the bank.


as far as ricing, you would have to chat with santo and get quotes.

[Fred55]

I really like how that front end looks! The yellow a arms match great...those red springs need to be changed though!

[Pappy]

Originally posted by Fred55
I really like how that front end looks! The yellow a arms match great...those red springs need to be changed though!

we did not want to re coat the springs until we were 100% sure the spring rate was correct. infact it was not and we have since installed the correct springs which will now get a dose of color to bring them inline with the rest of the quad.

the shocks are awesome. i honestly cant wait to finish the ride report and review of them!

bad *** quad pappy!!

[rdgarry]

pappy are you still planning on doing a full ride review on the derisi shocks?

[Pappy]

Originally posted by rdgarry
pappy are you still planning on doing a full ride review on the derisi shocks?

all done:D

http://www.exriders.com/vbb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=166222

[Quad18star]

Pappy ... it's time for you to go out and buy an 06 YFZ and do a comparison . :D

[Pappy]

Originally posted by Quad18star
Pappy ... it's time for you to go out and buy an 06 YFZ and do a comparison . :D

way ahead of ya:eek:

actually, i was invited to hit the west coast for some pre release stuff, but pappy dont do the airplane thing:(

[mills_racing]

anyone know of any dealers that have the 06 yfz's in yet?

[Pappy]

around here they are telling me that they should be recieving them late july/early august

[Quad18star]

Originally posted by Pappy
way ahead of ya:eek:

actually, i was invited to hit the west coast for some pre release stuff, but pappy dont do the airplane thing:(

Next time you get an invite and you ain't gunan do the airplane thing .. tellem you got a canuck that is willing to take your place . :p ;)

[X fnutz X]

The 05 se kicks *** i wouldnt take any quad over it... i was always against 4 strokes i used to love to strokes. Once i got on the yfz i couldnt belive how much power it had it feels like it has a power band in it. SO i call my 450 a 3 stroke :) inbtween a 2 stroke and a 4 stroke

[Pappy]

after all this time, we have pounded this yfz and really no major issues.

last saturday finally broke the stock swing arm, but after the amount of time on a MX track this quad has seen, we feel pretty fortunate. The only other issue has been with the TORS system but that was fixed and no issues since.


the ride report will soon be posted on the 06 YFZ so stay tuned!

we will also be doing a build up and various reports on the 06. this quad will also be raced in several events next season to see just how well Yamaha has the new quad built!

[Quad18star]

Originally posted by Pappy
after all this time, we have pounded this yfz and really no major issues.

last saturday finally broke the stock swing arm, but after the amount of time on a MX track this quad has seen, we feel pretty fortunate. The only other issue has been with the TORS system but that was fixed and no issues since.


the ride report will soon be posted on the 06 YFZ so stay tuned!

we will also be doing a build up and various reports on the 06. this quad will also be raced in several events next season to see just how well Yamaha has the new quad built!

What kind of problems did you have with the TORS system ??

Pappy ... I think you should build another XC YFZ .... Way too many MX quads out there . ;)

[sampleez]

where did the swinger break?? did it crack in an X like many did on the 04 yfz's??

[Pappy]

i have not seen the swingarm, I dropped off another stocker so he could ride it at Rausch Creek the next day and did not have time to inspect it.


sure paid off that it broke before Rausch:eek2:

[Pappy]

We turned the YFZ over to Randy Lehr and he flat aired it out!

Stock engine, Stock exhaust and the Burgard/Derisi suspension preformed fine. That first pic is 87 feet according to the track manager:scary:

[Toadz400]

Looks awesome. Has anyone heard of any problems with the '05 swingarms cracking?

I also agree with Quad18star about the XC quad, there are too many MX'ers out there. Give me some ideas on what I should do with my YFZ;) :blah: .

[Pappy]

Originally posted by Toadz400
Looks awesome. Has anyone heard of any problems with the '05 swingarms cracking?
.

this is an 05

[Toadz400]

Originally posted by Pappy
this is an 05

Oh dur...but has it been a major problem? I know it's going to happen sooner or later for any stock swingarm to break under MX abuse. But I saw that quite a few were having their '04 swingarms crack under too little abuse. I wanted to know if the '05 had the same problem also.

[Pappy]

I thought I had read that they made changes to the 05 unit, but in all honesty I couldnt tell from just looking at them(if it was changed it was unnoticable)

And you are correct, the cast aluminum units are prone to cracks no matter the brand.

[sampleez]

i heard the changes to the 05 were internal.

get some pics of it if ya can

[rpyfz450]

Originally posted by X fnutz X
Once i got on the yfz i couldnt belive how much power it had it feels like it has a power band in it.

How often do you have to change the powerband? :blah:

http://www.thaileo.com/images/powerb01.gif

[rpyfz450]

Originally posted by Pappy
last saturday finally broke the stock swing arm, but after the amount of time on a MX track this quad has seen, we feel pretty fortunate.

I'm pretty sure this is the first time I've read a report of a 2005 swingarm being cracked.

[Toadz400]

Originally posted by rpyfz450
What model year is that ATV. I'm pretty sure I haven't read any reports of 2005 YFZ450 swingarms being broken so far.

It's the '05, I pretty much asked the same question.

[Pappy]

Originally posted by rpyfz450
I'm pretty sure this is the first time I've read a report of a 2005 swingarm being cracked.


well now you can say you have...lol

[KH426]

I did it, I broke the swing arm in question. It broke at the chain adjusting tabs, but it lasted alot longer than I thought it would. I full on beat the snot out of my bike. And yamaha did change the casting in 05 and it is all internal bracing.

[Pappy]

LOL....i think he is deep down proud he broke it...haha

[KH426]

UH-HA lol:D

[gumby2461]

sweet man thats awesome thats y i ditched my 400ex plans and now am payin off my yfz

[Pappy]

And she is still going..lol

[IWIN450R]

once u put money in your bike your bike will FLY!
:macho

[Jersey450R]

Originally posted by rpyfz450
I'm pretty sure this is the first time I've read a report of a 2005 swingarm being cracked.
My buddy cracked his 05' swingarm in the "X" like many many 04's did after only 3 weeksends of riding. Fortunatly, this dude had an 04' swingarm laying around and we put that on the 05' and its been ok ever since. Figures right... :confused:

[Pappy]

After many months of riding, we finally decided to add an exhaust system.

We chose the Rossier and it preformed very well on our stock engine.

[Pappy]

The chart shows the dyno run pulled as we had the quad jetted before the dyno was scheduled, and the gain after a few tweaks thanks to the information the dyno provided.

[wppracing]

Matt provide a great tool to use for getting the most out of you quad. We all can jet it by the seat of the pants and be ok, but once you can see what is really going on , it all changes. A simple jet change can get you another 1-3 HP as the grapg showed. I had a great time doing this test along with mine and would like to thank PAPPY for using his property. :)

[tdsongster]

No doubt about it, they are a serious race quad.

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</img></a>

[440racer66]

i just got one and the power is un real i hava 440Ex and theres no comparison its a damn good quad

[Pappy]

Wow, almost a year on this quad and other then typical maintence items and a few broken parts that are the norm, all is well.

She is just about ready for a tear down as winter sinks in and its too cold to fire her up and ride on. The quad was fitted with stock rims and tires and raced at a team race in november and did fine with the exception of a wiring problem that developed. once the issue is found and repaired we will be taking her down and rebuilding it for next season.

As far as im aware, some elka's and burgards new HD a arms will be fitted to the newly gusseted and coated chassis. Some new fenders will spruce up the well worn stockers. I dont believe anything will be done to the engine, it just runs too good to mess with it!

[IWIN450R]

100_3882.JPG

[Pappy]

Let the rebuild begin

http://www.exriders.com/vbb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=207433

I have a couple questions...

I am going to pick up the YFZ this weekend from PROCYCLE in Columbia, MO.... 2006 white/black... $5,420....

What do you mean by too much throttle you will have it run out from underneath you???

And also what do you mean by your tires will slip out if you give her too much throttle...

I am switching from a 2004 400ex to a 2006 YFZ450 and I am just a average driver... Should I not do this switch for my own safety or will I have no problems??? And If I will have problems controling a YFZ will a 450r be easier on me??

THANKS PAPPY.. KICK *** REPORT!

[Pappy]

HaHa, well primetime#12, all you have to worry about is the smile on your face after making the switch. After a few short rides you will fully understand what I meant and you will be smiling and thinking, YUP, Pappy was right:devil:

[KH426]

Respect any quad or it will teach you a trick real fast!!! The YFZ is a grate quad bike. as for the tires all stock tires suck in my opinion.

HaHa, well primetime#12, all you have to worry about is the smile on your face after making the switch. After a few short rides you will fully understand what I meant and you will be smiling and thinking, YUP, Pappy was right


I'll have a smile on my face alright, Im afraid of the frown on my face if I wreck it... Do you think a average rider who switched from a 400ex can handle a YFZ??

[Pappy]

I think you should be fine, it wouldnt matter if it was a YFZ or any of the newer race quads, learn how to ride it, and you will be fine.

so if a yfz is going to be hard to handle a 450r will be just as hard??? thanks pappy

[Toadz400]

Originally posted by primetime#12
so if a yfz is going to be hard to handle a 450r will be just as hard??? thanks pappy

Yep. In fact, the '06 YFZ has a more controllable powerband and the '06 450R actually made it more aggressive.

I also switched from a 400ex to a YFZ and it was quite a difference but you should be able to handle it. Just ride smart.

[Yfz450dan]

You should be fine. I went from a blaster to a Yfz and im fine.Just take it easy at first.

[LILGUST]

Nice pics is that at your house?

[cncracing]

GREAT REPORT PAPPY!
My son has the 05 Special Edition, AWESOME, and the 06.
He is still racing the 05 and still winning! Last year was his first year to compete, 2005, in the beginner class and placed in all 10 races with 7 first place winning!!! and 1st Over-All for the season. He now rides in the Production B/Novice Class and still winning!
My husband calls it a miracle motor! But it's also the rider, like you said! He's been riding 4-wheelers since he was 2 yrs. old, he is now 23 and racing! He loves to go fast!

Keep up the good job on the reports!

Thanks again!
Frances Navarro Callahan
CNC RACING!!!!!!!!
Proud Mom of Ryan #124:D::

[Pappy]

cncracing, tell your son to keep up the good riding!

I have been compiling info for the review on the 06, but there really is more to comparing them to the 05 then I thought:p

If I had to write anything that hasnt already been posted, it would be that I like the power of the 06, but to me it does handle different, but not so much so that it would be anything bad:p The new seat is more comfy, but really makes you feel taller then I like. Im not a tall rider, and I could benefit from a 3/4 inch drop in peg heigth. The changes to the engine tamed the YFZ as far as its lightswitch approach to power delivery, but it is still not as smooth as the Honda, and a far cry from the LTR.

The round carrier is a huge plus, the rear suspension works better stock then the earlier models, but the fronts seem harsher.

The YFZ is still a potent package, and it really comes down to what model of quad fits you the best, which on delivers its power the way you prefer. Before someone buys any new quad, they really need to try and ride the models they are looking at, because they all have really different feels to them! I have been fortunate to ride them all and like things about each and dislike things about each.

[cncracing]

July 29, 2006
Pappy, thanks for your reply! My son, Ryan, just switched over to the 06 Yamaha and won another 1st place, first time out on it!
He says it's a lot lighter and handles just as good!

Thanks again,
Frances Navarro Callahan
Proud Mom of Ryan #124
STQRA Association
GCQRA Association

[Pappy]

Good to hear it!


A small update to this quad.

After dealing with the typical noise issues we all face, the stock exhaust was reinstalled and the cam mod was finally done. A visit to the dyno to jet it correctly revealed that it actually made slightly more hp and slightly less tq but all things being equal, it is the same 44hp after a full year of absolutley beating it!

The first real mechanical issue final struck when both battery cables broke ending a weekend of thrashing. I would say this has been a good quad for us!

[cncracing]

August 9, 2006
Hey Pappy, thanks for the reply again!
My son, Ryan #124, won 1st Place again in Splendora, Tx, this past weekend, second time out on 06 Yamaha. He is still in first place, STQRA Association, for the second year of racing! We are very pleased and very glad no accidents! I just pray that it stays that way!

Thanks again,

Frances Callahan
Pearland, Texas
Proud Mom of Ryan #124:D

[Pappy]

Well, after almost 2 years of being beat on hard, the engine finally let go. It will still start, but it is done:p the engine will get a warm over this winter with a new crank, and a higher compression piston.


We had hoped to just rebuild the engine, and once removed we spotted a crack just below rhe left side subframe mount. This means she needs to come all the way apart and I will fix and gusset both areas on the main tube.

[cncracing]

Hey Pappy, good to hear from you, sorry to hear about your bike!
My son, Ryan #124, just finished his 2nd season with STQRA and won 1st Over-All again. We are so proud of him!

Thanks again!
Frances Callahan