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2004 YZ450f questions....

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AMA #: 2809843
As most of you know, it's time for my GF to get a new bike. She took my CRF250R out and liked it -- and rode it reasonably well.

I've got a chance to get a super-clean, less than 20 hour, '04 YZ450F for a very good price. I know the guy and know what the bikes been through, he's just not riding it anymore.

I know I don't *need* a 450, but is the YZ a good bike? I normally do trail riding... I'm most concerned with predictable handling and reliable engines...
 
The YZ is a great bike for motocross. The YZ is not a great trail bike. If you soften up the suspension you will still have a motor with a lot of HP and a close ratio transmission in the woods. But with that said, in the woods you will be in 2nd gear almost all the time with no shifting that HAS to be done. You would only shift if you "felt like it"
 
can't go wrong with that bike, super reliable if the guy changed his oil after no more than every three rides. that and kept the air filter clean.

you can sink more money into it (fww or a larger tank) to make it more 'all around' but it is a beast of a bike and will get you tired quickly.

also make sure it has/you gets a decent chain cause as it doesn't come with one. I would also look at the swingarm (underneath the chain guide) to make sure it already doesnt have a hole there!

if it doesnt find out how to avoid this! big problem for those years.
 
injury,

I suppose you're talking about the piece of plastic/rubber that the chain strikes as it moves on the swingarm? From what I've read, that vibrates and the plastic itself rubs the swingarm wrong and can cause problems.

Most people are putting some kind of sealant between the chain slider and the swingarm itself, to act as a buffer....

Or is there something else I should know about?
 
That is an awesome bike imho. It seems you are used to riding a motox bike for trails so you shouldnt have any problems. I have had the pleasure of riding a few yz450's, and have dreamed of owning one ever since.
 
injury,

I suppose you're talking about the piece of plastic/rubber that the chain strikes as it moves on the swingarm? From what I've read, that vibrates and the plastic itself rubs the swingarm wrong and can cause problems.

Most people are putting some kind of sealant between the chain slider and the swingarm itself, to act as a buffer....

Or is there something else I should know about?

yes, that is the problem i'm talkin about.
 
I've got an '05 WR450F (based on the YZ but a green sticker bike) and I fabricated a simple metal sleeve and attached with JB Weld to solve this problem. Also look at the subframe that runs right there by the chain, I needed to put a sleeve there as well.
 
buy it
if the price is right of course
 
Bought it.

It's in great shape.

It's got the OEM tires so I ordered some new Dunlops, a new set of chain / sprockets, new chain slide and I went over everything just to make sure its spic and span. All is good...

Taking it out tomorrow with the shitty tires. :)

Price wise: It was well under 3 grand, but not less than 2 grand :). It has less than 20 hours on it and after checking the chain slide, there's not even any wear on the swingarm from the chain.
 
Bought it.

It's in great shape.

It's got the OEM tires so I ordered some new Dunlops, a new set of chain / sprockets, new chain slide and I went over everything just to make sure its spic and span. All is good...

Taking it out tomorrow with the shitty tires. :)

Price wise: It was well under 3 grand, but not less than 2 grand :). It has less than 20 hours on it and after checking the chain slide, there's not even any wear on the swingarm from the chain.

Awesome sounds like a good deal for a pretty much new bike.:thumbup
 
I hope you're not used to your arms being in their sockets. Enjoy!
 
Bought it.

It's in great shape.

It's got the OEM tires so I ordered some new Dunlops, a new set of chain / sprockets, new chain slide and I went over everything just to make sure its spic and span. All is good...

Taking it out tomorrow with the shitty tires. :)

Price wise: It was well under 3 grand, but not less than 2 grand :). It has less than 20 hours on it and after checking the chain slide, there's not even any wear on the swingarm from the chain.

The Yamaha 450s are super reliable. I bought an 04 WR450 and have SM raced it for a few seasons. Done the SheetIron a few times. Lots of City riding and inter-City commuting. The bike is solid and super excellant. One of the best things I ever bought for myself.

Currently getting it ready for the SI300 coming up in May. Enjoy your bike! It will last many many years.

Miguel
SFFD, St.14
 

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