Originally posted by FlyinHawaiin
So how was your ride on that big ol' 450, did you ride it long enough to make comparisons to the other bikes you have been on??? Do tell
Quick summary/comparison of the 04 YZ 450F, an 02 CRF 450 (Red's), and an 01 YZ 426F (Red's old bike)...
First of all I'm a little person, so a 450 of any type is a handful... but I MUCH rather ride the CRF over a YZF big bore ANY DAY! The YZ 450F turnened much better than the 426 and felt lighter, but was still a handful and heavy and a workout for me. Plus it sits higher, is harder to start (sometimes the kickstarter just gets locked up and won't kick), and I stalled it a few times (like going through a turn in 2nd gear). I stalled the 426 a lot as well. Once I got going on the YZ 450F though, it was pretty fun and has awesome power and isn't has hard hitting as the 426 was. The suspension on the YZ 450F was horrible for me like riding a quad over rough stuff and I had to stand just to reduce the beating on my body. Would I wanna race a YZ 450F - no thanks. Would I wanna ride it a few laps - sure. Would I wanna race or ride a 426 - no way!
Now... the CRF 450 to me is a whole different animal. I really like the CRF and feel comfortable riding it. For example, I raced Red's CRF last year at Casey (tight one lined MX track through the trees/little hills with lots of tight 180 turns and off-cambre turns) and it was actually kinda fun. Only things that bothered me was the bike was a little heavier than I would have liked (felt comparable to a 250cc 2-stroke) and the turning wasn't the best. Like I would try for the inside line and normally end up on the outside by the time I got through the turn. But I would say the CRF turns about the same or a little better than the YZ 450F, and feels lighter. The CRF also seems to sit a little lower and is pretty easy to start. I never had a problem with stalling the CRF, and stopping and starting it again is pretty easy. The power is smoother and not as hard hitting as the Yamahas either. The suspension is stiff, but not as stiff as the new YZ 450F. Would I wanna race a CRF - sure! I actually finished 2nd outta 15 when I raced Red's last year and beat the 3rd place girl pretty easily. Just a few weeks earlier at the same track I had a hard time keeping in front of her on my 125.
So for little ole' me... the CRF 450 is the better big bike choice! :thumb: