Buying a hybrid nowdays

[IdahoMX]

So I have had about every race quad there is and torn down and built more a few also. My current ride is a LTR 450 and its pretty much stock but I dont get a chance to do much mx anymore. My buddy has a 03-04 Houser quad that I helped him build back then but has had Very little use on. No expense was spared, Houser all the way around,A arms,swing arm and frame. Axis fully adjustable long travel, PRP dampner yoshi exhaust and so on. You get the idea. Cost him 20G to build and then lost insterest in it. The problem has been kepping the motor together(YZ 426).
He bumped it up to a 444 when the top end gave way. Ran it a few times and now the Crank is out of it and has been sitting for over a year. He wants to sell it for 5G with a bunch of tires and such with it. I really like the idea of having a one of a kind quad and not the average 450 that everyone sees. With that said, I also dont want to be wrenching on the dam thing everytime I get to ride. Is this yz426 going to last pulling a quad around for the long run or is it just to much for that motor? I yes I know there is no magic awnser I am just looking for others that have had theres for any length of time to chime in on reliability

[Sandsjbyz22]

I bought a brand new YZ450F in october of 2002 and instantly yanked the engine out and took it to JB racing for a frame to be built around it. I still have the quad and still ride it today. So going on six years I have had little to no problems. I only ran a full series 2 of those 6 years but I would never get rid of it.

I really dont have much experience with the 426 engine. I went from a 250R to the 450.

jrspawn would be the one to talk to on the 426 engine. Or you could always find a 450 engine to put in it, with some mods.

[hontrx265r]

I put an 06 yz450 in my hybrid and I'd never look back. If you want some 426 parts though I have tons!!The only thing I don't have to build a motor is a cylinder. Then I have almost another one also.

[IdahoMX]

So did you guys use the kick start or electric? I thought about doing the same but he is rebuilding the motor. So I guess I could sell the motor and stuff in a 450 out of a quad and still be money ahead rather then build a YFZ or such

[jrspawn]

The early yeared YZ450f engines are BOMB PROOF! Ive said it a million times also, the yz450f 4 speed engine is the best engine ever built to be used in a quad hands down.

The yz426 engines are also very good setups. They are screamers and handle the higher rpms very good. The key thing with any engine is the upkeep though. A machine thats been beaten and raced its whole life without having the proper maintenence done, is going to be short lived. And once one thing happens, it can be a domino effect. Just as you expierenced with the top end going and the crank following shortly after.

The best thing that could be done is split the bottom end and put a good crank in it and anything else questionable. Get rid of the overbore 444 cylinder and put a stock oem cylinder back on it. Good piston, cometic gaskets, and have the head/valves checked out. You will be good to go and have an engine that should last for quite sometime. Change your oil and filter every ride or two and make sure you keep a good clean air filter on it at all times!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Alot of people overlook that and think the air filter isnt that dirty. Most of my top end jobs stem from air filter issues, people dont realize has crucial it is to keep it clean and oiled.

Let me know if you have anymore questions on the engines or need anything. Ive got 4 or 5 426 engines here and enough parts to build plenty more.

Thank you
Justin

[IdahoMX]

Does the 444 put excessive wear on the rod and bearings in it? Just wondering why get rid of it unless it has reliabilty issues. I thought about once the motor is running getting a regular 450 and fab up some new motor mounts for it.

[jrspawn]

The gain of running the common 97mm overbore topend is hardly noticable at all over a fresh 95mm stock bore. With the larger bore you *can* notice more heat in the cylinder with having a smaller water jacket to bore gap. Ive had and build plenty of big bore yzf's, and again for a better off reliable all around setup a stock bore mild build is your best bet if your gonna go the 426 route.

Justin

[IdahoMX]

well shes sitting in the garage, Came with 4 sets of rear beadlocks, ICe tires,sand tires front and rear(new) 2 sets of fronts. 5g and I put the motor together with him buying the parts. Needs a new crank and everything else looks good so far. Here is the pics as I have picked it up

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk244/Idaho_mx/DSC05513.jpg

[IdahoMX]

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk244/Idaho_mx/DSC05514.jpg

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk244/Idaho_mx/DSC05515.jpg

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk244/Idaho_mx/DSC05516.jpg

[IdahoMX]

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk244/Idaho_mx/DSC05517.jpg

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk244/Idaho_mx/DSC05518.jpg

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk244/Idaho_mx/DSC05519.jpg

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk244/Idaho_mx/DSC05521.jpg

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk244/Idaho_mx/DSC05522.jpg

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk244/Idaho_mx/DSC05526-1.jpg

[IdahoMX]

Where do you suggest buying a oem crank and rod for this thing?

[S.A.J]

id say you got a good deal :eek2:

[dehner47]

i agree. think you got great deal. best of luck with it.

quick question though. is it me or does your tank look like it has spray on bedliner it? not knocking it at all. please dont take it that way. i've seen spray on liner used diff places on quads but never on the tank. but maybe my eyes are playing tricks on me. whats the deal??

[markvette]

426 cranks are pricey, send your crank out to mr crankshaft in Kentucky and he will rebuild it for $180. that's about half what a new crank cost. i had ours done last year and it is holding up good.

Mark

[woodsracer144]

Originally posted by jrspawn
The early yeared YZ450f engines are BOMB PROOF! Ive said it a million times also, the yz450f 4 speed engine is the best engine ever built to be used in a quad hands down.

The yz426 engines are also very good setups. They are screamers and handle the higher rpms very good. The key thing with any engine is the upkeep though. A machine thats been beaten and raced its whole life without having the proper maintenence done, is going to be short lived. And once one thing happens, it can be a domino effect. Just as you expierenced with the top end going and the crank following shortly after.

The best thing that could be done is split the bottom end and put a good crank in it and anything else questionable. Get rid of the overbore 444 cylinder and put a stock oem cylinder back on it. Good piston, cometic gaskets, and have the head/valves checked out. You will be good to go and have an engine that should last for quite sometime. Change your oil and filter every ride or two and make sure you keep a good clean air filter on it at all times!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Alot of people overlook that and think the air filter isnt that dirty. Most of my top end jobs stem from air filter issues, people dont realize has crucial it is to keep it clean and oiled.

Let me know if you have anymore questions on the engines or need anything. Ive got 4 or 5 426 engines here and enough parts to build plenty more.

Thank you
Justin

if you would want to get rid of one of those motors(426) let me know a full set up with the carb ...

[ZSNOW]

is that an RMK 600 in the backround...if it is.. you are one lucky man lol. those 02-03 RMK's went like no tmrw..

[IdahoMX]

The sled is a RMK 800 with slp pipe and big air intake with a 156 track.
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk244/Idaho_mx/DSC05360.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk244/Idaho_mx/DSC05327.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk244/Idaho_mx/DSC05250.jpg

[ZSNOW]

aw man, i almost bought that same exact sled 2 years ago....decided i didn't need it...now i wish i got it! hahaha:)

[IdahoMX]

Here are some pics from the original build when it first hit the ground back in 05
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk244/Idaho_mx/DSCN0920.jpg

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk244/Idaho_mx/DSCN0919.jpg

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk244/Idaho_mx/DSCN0920.jpg

[woodsracer144]

looks nice! i would have have them rears cut alttle the tires that is... other wise looks like you have the base to make a really sick quad...

[IdahoMX]

When I tear it down next winter it will have a new look. White plastic,white frame. Chrome a arms and swing arm. Carbon fiber every where else. Not sure on the motor colors yet