Originally posted by Spaceace
I don't know if I would call moving from a YFZ450 to a DS450 an "upgrade". I own both and each has their good and bad points. I like the thought that the DS has all the latest technology with the no weld aluminum frame, and EFI, and Aluminum a-arms, etc... But when you actually ride it side by side with the YFZ you realize it is just a matter of preference. The ergonomics and the way the powerband is distributed are the two biggest diferences in my opinion, and I have several friends that I let take test drives on both of my machines who like the YFZ better... Personally I think that for someone who is used to a YFZ it may take a while to appretiate the feel of the DS. Although when I sit them next to each other the height isn't that different, you feel like you are sitting higher on the DS. I am a bigger guy so I kinda like that the DS feels like a bigger bike, but it seems my smaller friends tend to like the YFZ more...
HMM... I raced my YFZs in the WORCS series for the last 4 years. I adapted to the DS pretty quickly and was almost more comfortable on it than I was the YFZ. I also thought that the DS felt small compared to the YFZ. It seems weird because the YFZ usually feels really small to lots of people, but I thought the DS felt even smaller. Small, but I still didn't feel cramped on it. I'm only 160 lbs and 5'8"
The obvious things are reusable on the DS. Like handelbars and handguards. Some stabilizers will still work from the YFZ. Other than that sort of universal thing I dont think anything will fit from the YFZ. Definetly not shocks.
Waters Racing
Team Epic Can-Am #95 DS450
Can-Am, Epic, BRP, FMF, Maxxis, Fox Racing Shox, Douglas Wheel Technology, MotoX Nutrition, Tsubaki, Falicon Cranks, CP Pistons, Tag Metals, Quadtech, Velocity Filters, Precision Racing Products and Team RPM