450 vs. 426 ? Dirtbikes

[reptikes]

How much of a power difference is there between a Honda or Yamaha 450 dirtbike and a yz426f dirtbike? Are the yz426f's reliable? I want to get one and want to get the right one. I ride woods.

[KXRida]

I'd go for a newer 450. Powerwise there isn't a huge difference, but the 450's are a better suited woods bike out of the box. If you're going the yzf route, try to get an 06+ aluminium frame. I almost wish I had an 06 over my 05. The 05's are still nice bikes, but on the track the handling is night and day.

[krt400ex]

Originally posted by KXRida
I'd go for a newer 450. Powerwise there isn't a huge difference, but the 450's are a better suited woods bike out of the box. If you're going the yzf route, try to get an 06+ aluminium frame. I almost wish I had an 06 over my 05. The 05's are still nice bikes, but on the track the handling is night and day.


they have a serious push with the aluminum frames though and yami still hasnt been able to iron the problem out completely. i would go with an '05 or newer CRF450, but be warned that the '08 CRF has extremely harsh forks in the midstroke

[KXRida]

Almost every yamaha I've ridden has a so called "push." The steel framed handle pretty decent, but feel top heavy. The 06+'s aren't that bad. I like how they handled better than the kxf's for sure. The rmz's handle nice too. Honda's a mixed matched. Although for the most part they handle good, I find that they tend to understeer a good bit. Yah I'm getting picky, but oh well. Reliability wise, I'd take a yzf anyday over a crf.

[pro-rider46]

im pretty sure the 426s will run with the 450's, unless im mistakin the 426 is pretty much the 450 with just smaller bore or stroke but basically the same, but i dont know. I have rode with a 426 and they seem like they really rocketeer.

[mine]

The 426 is a tank, the newer 450's have more usable power,and theyre lighter. Theres a reason we race the 450's and not 426's

[Snowskidr]

coming from a 426 rider i can tell you first hand that it is a beast! i have an 01 that is bulletproof. you can usually pick them up fairly cheap. i hear that the 02's aren't as reliable as the 01 but still a great bike. i'm sure any other current or past 426 owner can back me up on this. not much different from a 450 at all. some people say it is a heavier bike but it feels light in the air and corners with no prob. if i was a bettin man i would say that a well maintained 01 426 will outlast any of the new crf450's. i've had friends go through several motors on 05's and newer while my bike is still running smooth and strong. the stainless steel valves in the 426's are what make the motor last so long because they dont bend like the newer ultra light weight garbage. the crf is a fun bike but i wouldn't buy one until they get the kinks worked out.

[Snowskidr]

Well, i guess i jinxed myself by talking so highly of the 426. Today i ran into some motor problems and i believe it is time for a rebuild. the bike stalled in mid air today and made me almost wreck. luckily it was a small jump. found alot of ground up metal in the oil when i got home. oh well, after three years of running the piss out of it i guess it was a matter of time before the normal wear and tear took it's toll. hopefully it runs strong for a few more years after the rebuild.

[pro-rider46]

shoulda said knock on wood...haha

[Snowskidr]

yeah, really. it has still been a great bike though. i look forward to rebuilding it and riding it for a few more years. i got the motor pulled today.