I have access to a 79 - 83 YZ 460

[joelyles2004]

Are the older yz 460's and 490's as torquey as the newer water cooled 2 strokes. I have a 1997 rm250. I may be able to buy a good running yz460 with headlight. ANy comments or feedback on these bikes?? Are they still very powerful even after these many years????? I can pick this bike up and ride it for 450.

Joe Lyles

 

[Okiewan]

Buy it, restore it and park it.

 

[YZ165]

Buy it, restore it and park it.

That's what VintageDirt does with all his bikes. :laugh:

 

[redrocket190]

Buy it, restore it, race it. Firstly there is no such thing as a YZ460, I think you mean the YZ465G and YZ465H sold in 1980 and 1981. The 1981 model is better because it has 43mm forks. Much of the engine is the same between the G and the H, but the frame and suspension are different. While this will feel a bit like going back to the stone age compared to your RM, the YZ465 was considered an excellent bike in its day. They are very competive in historic MX today, and make a good off-road/desert bike etc. Stay away from the later YZ490s they were a handful. The headlight concerns me, to make sure you are not looking at an IT465 check the serial number with a Yamaha specialist like Speed & Sport.

 

[yamahonky]

They have tons of torque! A yz490 on a dyno has around 40 ft. lbs. of torque! :yeehaw:

 

[VintageDirt]

That's what VintageDirt does with all his bikes. :laugh:

Ouch! The truth does hurt.

 

[chiro972]

I have an 81 YZ465 that I have raced in Post-vintage classes. What a wonderful bike. It is stone reliable and has incredible torque. Parts are a bit tough to find though.