I need opinions. . .

[JuliusPleaser]

I have a chance to trade my '03 WR250F for a nice '02 YZ426. I need more power to make up for lack of skill, and I've always wanted a 426.

Are there any reasons to NOT do this deal?

 

[truespode]

YES!!! The 426 is brutal in comparison to the power you have on the WR250. Unless you are racing I would only worry about the fun factor. If you want more power you can easily get that out of the WR250 by going to the YZ time, remove the exhaust baffle and going to a 262 kit.

Honestly, you (and me) should have never sold the YZ250F. Plus, your WR has e-start!!

I have a CR450 and it is SOOOO much easier to ride than a 426 or 450 but it still is harder than the 250F was (especially in the woods). On big tracks you'll likely enjoy the 426 on the straights but in the more technical sections it will wear you out easier.

However, I must put a disclaimer on this... you are faster than me and in better physical condition. You may do very well on the 426.

Have you ridden one lately?

Ivan
PS... I know he has not put a lot of information in his post about his height, weight and riding areas but most people on this board know him and have ridden with him (including me) so it is easier for us to offer advice since we have direct knowledge of how tall, fat and how much he sucks at riding :) LOL!

 

[JuliusPleaser]

I rode it yesterday on some greasy woods trails. It was definitely a handful, but I felt more "at home" on the YZ than I do on CRF450s. The power was amazing, but it didn't wear me out - even after using a whole tank of gas.

I brought it home so I could do a close inspection. The plan is to take it to Mill Creek Thursday night for some SX practice.

I'm tired of getting waxed by flyweight professor types on big Hondas. Nothing sucks worse than hanging with people in the turns and then getting left on the straights.

 

[Timr]

Originally posted by Julius Pleaser


I'm tired of getting waxed by flyweight professor types on big Hondas. 

:) :)

I have some opinions for you...but, you don't want to here them.  :p :scream:

 

[JuliusPleaser]

Please. . .indulge. I want to hear any and all opinions. You're not going to hurt my feelings.

 

[truespode]

Originally posted by Julius Pleaser
I felt more "at home" on the YZ than I do on CRF450s.

I have never felt as much at home as I did the YZ250F. All other bikes have been a bear for me. The CR450F was as close to comfortable as I found. Once I got used to the different ergos (it is cramped for my 6' frame) I have grown to really like it. I definately prefer its power output to that of the 426.

The 426 is a great bike but not as user friendly IMO as the CRF450.

Have you changed your WR to YZ timing? Removed the baffle?

From my experience between the YZ250F against other 250's and big bores the biggest reason at our level to get left by a CRF450 is b/c of rider skill more than anything :)

Put it this way... I believe me on a CRF450 and Professor on a 250F (or GG200) could easily leave me on the straights.

Ivan

 

[JuliusPleaser]

Skill - something I have none of. :)

I've already done all the free mods on the WR. It still doesn't have confidence-inspiring power.

 

[Farmer John]

Originally posted by Julius Pleaser
Are there any reasons to NOT do this deal?

No.

 

[JuliusPleaser]

Did I mention he's throwing in 1200 American dollars?

 

[nikki]

I think you'd look best on a pink scooter :p


Seriously - I feel about the same as Ivan. 250F's rock, 426's are a handful, and CRFs are the big bore of my choice. But I'm also a lil chick (no offense Ivan) ;) I rather race a KTM65 around the track than a 426 but thats just me. I can't start it, I can't turn it, I can't control it (unless I'm going in a straight line). And if I drop it... I'm gonna leave it right there. The CRF (for me) is so much easier to start, to turn, and to ride/race on a track. And the power is smooth compared to the 426 rip your arms off power hit.

But what matters most is what YOU feel comfortable with. I know you wanted more ass outta your 250F and WR... and you've rode a few CRFs and now the 426 (and the 380 too)... so you got it all right there to make your decision. Ride it at Mill Creek Thursday to really decide - the tighter turns, hills, off cambres, etc. will be the true test. If you plan on racing it - try to push yourself to run 4-5 hard laps in a row because the last few might change your mind. If not... GO FOR IT DUDE! Just don't get in front of me at DW... damn 426 roost hurts!

 

[truespode]

Originally posted by nikki
I'm also a lil chick (no offense Ivan) ;)

None taken. I wish I had your speed!

But what matters most is what YOU feel comfortable with.

Agree 100%

I know you wanted more ass outta your 250F and WR

He could get that with a 262 kit :)

Now that he mentions the $1200 that changes things a little. He can make the trade and if he doesn't like it he can go to a CR450 or YZ250F again easier b/c of the extra cash.

Ivan

 

[High Lord Gomer]

If you've ridden the CRF and the 426 and still like the 426...do it!

To me the 426 feels like it has more power, but what the CRF has is so much easier to use. For someone that likes the 426's power delivery, it is a great bike.

P.S....I've given up on trying to hang with the nutty professor, too. :(

 

[truespode]

Originally posted by High Lord Gomer
I've given up on trying to hang with the nutty professor, too. :(

Given up? Nobody actually noticed you trying!!!

Ivan
That one will leave a mark :)

 

[Farmer John]

Originally posted by Julius Pleaser
I've always wanted a 426.

In the end, this is all that mattters.

If after a few months you no longer like it, sell it & get a Honda.
Personally, when I hear "426", I think of pit racers & the D.o.B. group at the Pride Parade. :p

 

[JuliusPleaser]

I know I'll regret asking, but what's a D.o.B.?

 

[Farmer John]

Originally posted by Julius Pleaser
I know I'll regret asking, but what's a D.o.B.?

Dykes on Bikes

 

[zio]

Farmer thinks he can kick the collective 426 riders' butts at DW. No need to be courteous & throw down the gauntlet, just start throwing punches. He'll figure it out. ;)

JP, I have lots of opinions. I think Pred is a figment of everyone's imagination. I think factory riders get paid too much. And I think you should get yourself a 426. Then you can join in the fun and give Farmer a kick in the nuts this fall.

 

[Farmer John]

Originally posted by zio
I think you should get yourself a 426. Then you can join in the fun and give Farmer a kick in the nuts this fall.

Ha!
Jokes on you, buddy! I don't have any.....I'm married. :moon:

JP, just go get the thing. I am a firm believer in ride what you like, not what others think you will like!
If we rode what we could "handle" I would be riding a stationary bike w/ one pedal.

 

[truespode]

Originally posted by Farmer John
I am a firm believer in ride what you like

Me too but JP goes through bikes like I do underwear :laugh:

One thing I know about JP is that know matter what advice he gets he'll be appreciative of the opinions but in the end he will always make up his own mind. He is one of the coolest and most confident guys I know.

Ivan
PS... JP get yourself back on the XR50... at least you can win on that :)

 

[Timr]

Originally posted by Farmer John



JP, just go get the thing. I am a firm believer in ride what you like, not what others think you will like!
If we rode what we could "handle" I would be riding a stationary bike w/ one pedal.

JP, believe what this man says.  This guy still rides and 94 KTM 440 EXC, and likes it.  That's all that matters.

BTW, John, I remember that vintage of KTM well.  I had a 92 300 EXC.  I stole a ride on a 440 EXC, and then the 360 EXC that came out a few years ago.  Seems to me that the 440 was a pretty decent ride except that it vibrated too much, and was slow turning.  Is this still true of do they get better with age?  My 300 was hard starting, hard to jet properly, had harsh front forks and didn't turn very well.  Those old chasis weren't the greatest.