04-05 YFZ 450's inferior?

[flyboy1294]

Hey guys,

(very) Recently I have been looking to purchase a YFZ 450. After checking on craigslist, I have found that most of the quads for sale are 04-05s. I know that the YFZ got a few extra mm of stroke in 06 models, but other than that are there any significant changes from the older models? Does the extra stroke make for a stronger quad?

(Note, I know the older quads will need the oil mod done. No big deal there.)

Thank you guys for the help!

[BakerRacing40]

the early years only the special editions had the shocks with hi/low speed compression adjustments. in 07, i believe, all came with the hi/low adjustable shocks. not really that major of a deal. only other thing i can think of is the 06 and ups have the rear brake resi is relocated... 04/05s are just fine by me. with the right care their great.

i've had 4 built engines and i end up getting it built and then it ends up getting sold before i ever get to use them or only a race or two later. that being said my 04 engine that came with the quad when it was new only things that are inside the engine that wasn't when it rolled off the show room floor is a hi comp gytr piston, had to replace a shift shaft once, and i use the metal reusable oil filter. no oil mod, same old clutch... and it's got a lot of race time on her, i'm either really lucky or using bel-ray thumper oil has done good things for me... just thought i'd include this lil story for some extra insight on these 04/05s...:macho

[2001400exrida]

2008 is when they all got the hi low adjustment.

the 2004 and 2005 models have a 338cc motor. the 2006+ have a 348cc motor.

I have a 2004 with a high comp piston and the big 3 mods and i am smoking 2008, 2007's so if you tune it right you can hang with the new ones.

[flyboy1294]

Hmm that's interesting. I found a cherry 2004 YFZ 450. The price isn't as good as I'd hope, but it looks like he drove it from his garage to porch to apply armor-all over the past 8 years, so I can budge a bit. :D

I'll keep all the info in mind. Thanks guys

[2001400exrida]

yeah, you will definitely want to get that oil squirter mod done. some run for rears with no problems, like mine. Some blow up, my bottom end is noisy already, it helps to get this mod done.

these machines can be kind of noisy anyway.

post some pics after you pick it up.

[flyboy1294]

Originally posted by 2001400exrida
yeah, you will definitely want to get that oil squirter mod done. some run for rears with no problems, like mine. Some blow up, my bottom end is noisy already, it helps to get this mod done.

these machines can be kind of noisy anyway.

post some pics after you pick it up.

The guy was asking $3200. I initially wanted to talk him down to 3K, but I think I'll go for $2800 now since I have to send the case off to get the mod done.

I will let you know how the progress goes. I am also looking into a few 450Rs. I know the YFZ's are better in the power department, but either quad is a major step up from the 400ex I had been riding. And honestly the DOHC setup seems like it would increase the difficulty of doing stuff like adjusting the valves..

[2001400exrida]

do the honda 450's not have dual overhead cams?

also you can tune a honda 450 to smoke a yfz. in stock form, yes the yfz has more power but the honda can easily be setup to our perform the yfz.

[flyboy1294]

Originally posted by 2001400exrida
do the honda 450's not have dual overhead cams?

also you can tune a honda 450 to smoke a yfz. in stock form, yes the yfz has more power but the honda can easily be setup to our perform the yfz.

The 450R is a unicam head. Thank you for the insight though, I like the single cam heads better for maintenance.