yfz 450 questions

[mach1stang]

hey guys, i am saving up for a quad and i have a few questions about the yfz's.

1. are they reliable?
2. are there any years that are better for something or are there any flaws in stuff on a sertain year?
3. are they tippy at all?

i'm sure i have more but i cant think right now.

[nicker71]

1) Yes, as long as they are maintained properly. This is a high performance motor and requires a little bit more routine maintaince.
2) The 07 has a oiler for the crank, the 06 has a different head design than the 04-05 model. and the 06+ are 449cc while the 04-05 are 439cc. My 05 has proven reliable and Im race it and run the $#!* out of it.
3) no

[mach1stang]

ok thats good know, i ride almost every day but not really hard, and i am 15 so i am getting one used but what would be the best year for me it is my first big time quad but i have had several quads, and i am not a small kid at all so i am sure i can get use to one.

[Glenyzracer25]

the 04's had lighting charging problems and some crank/head problem under extreme riding.

[Xater]

a 06 would probly be the best if you can afford one.

[mach1stang]

Originally posted by Glenyzracer25
the 04's had lighting charging problems and some crank/head problem under extreme riding.

ok now whats extreme riding because i ride every day would that cause problems?

[woodside83]

some 04's had this problem some did not I ran my o4 hard every day and used it for a practice bike for xc. I sold it to a freind of mine he dose not ride it that hard and has not had any problems. but your best bet would be to get the 06, I would stay away from the 04-05 if you could. or you could get a 04 -05 and have nothing wrong with it. you never know.

[mach1stang]

well i dont ride very hard but i do get alot of riding time in but it is not like i doing speed runs all day.

[nicker71]

I run mine very hard and have had no problems so far (knock on wood) I have somewhere around 100 hours. I would worry more about weird electrical problems on a used 04-05 yfz than I would motor problems. Than again just try and buy a 06. It worth it in the long run

[mach1stang]

ok right about now i am just bouncing between the raptor 700 and the yfz 450, not to stir up some stuff but for a guy like me that likes to do some wheelies and going fast but also does alot of trail riding out of the two which would you guys recomend?

by the way nice quad.

[Glenyzracer25]

a 450 would be a better choice in my opinion. an 06 450 is the best choice, but a well maintained 05 would be ok too. i have heard the 700's have problems. everyday use is not going to hurt the 450, just be sure to stay on top of maintence.(oil/filter changes, valve adjustments, checking it over).

[Toadz400]

If you're buying used, I would go with either an '05 or '06. If you go with the '06 make sure to take the starter cover off and check to make sure the two bolts inside are tightened down (do a search).

I've had my '05 SE for two years now and the only complaint I have is the cheap bolts Yamaha uses. It's been very reliable and I've put a lot of hours on it and a few races, knock on wood so far.

As for the Raptor 700R it probably wouldn't be a bad choice if you plan on doing a lot of trail riding also. I've heard they handle fairly decent on the track also.