Canadian YZ426

[Dewlap]

I was looking at a '01 Canadian YZ 426 this past weekend. Does it make any difference if the bike was produced in Canada? It looks the same... .
The previous owner modified it for street riding. It has fly wheel weights, spockets, hybrid tires, full light kit, etc. I'll be using it for street to trail riding, no racing (yet). I have to learn to ride first.
The guys in the dealer spent about 45 min. trying to start. I realize it hasn't fired since the Summer, but man it took 4 guys to get it turned over. Any thoughts on an electric starter?
THanks! - Dave

[Dell30rb]

They really are not hard to start once you get them jetted right for the altitude you are at. Also, the carb will need a thurough cleaning since it has been sitting so long, the gas has probably gummed up the jets.

[cowboyona426]

Electric start is NOT an option on the 426, but once you get it dialed they aren't too terrible to start unless it's cold. Mechanically, the Canadian bikes are the same as the ones sold in the US, except for maybe some minor jetting or suspension changes.

[Dewlap]

Thanks Dell,

I'm not sure if the stock jetting is being used. I live in outside the metro Boston area where the elavation is from sea level to 2000' in the mountains. Can the carb be cleaned like a car's? Just spray some Gunk/STP cleaner? The guys said that everyone who has a Yamaha just learns how to start them eventually and then it's easy. I just would hate to stall at an intersection with my wife on board and have to make a scene while she hopped off and I started kicken' That would probably look real funny though.
Dave

[Dewlap]

Thanks Cowboy.
Why is an electric start not an option? Would it just by to plain stupid?
Dave

[Dell30rb]

You should invest in a service manual, and an owners manual if you have neither. In one of them, it will describe the complete procedure for cleaning the carb... basically take the floatbowl off and jets out and squirt it real good with carb cleaner. Also make sure the float height is set correctly, and the accelerator pump is set correctly. The owners manual should provide you with jetting specs for different elevations/temperatures, that will at least put you "in the ballpark".

Once you learn the procedure, and have the jetting set correctly (assuming the spark plug and the rest of the motor are in good shape) you should have absolutely no problem starting her up.

Also, keep in mind this is a competition mx bike, and you will need to change the oil about every 5 gals. of gas, or whenever it starts to look just a bit dirty. Change the filter every other oil change.

[cowboyona426]

Originally posted by Dewlap
Thanks Cowboy.
Why is an electric start not an option? Would it just by to plain stupid?
Dave

Yes. Truth be known, the cases are not designed to accept an electric start. If you want E-start (and a Yamaha) you'll need to start with a WR 450F. Also, Dell brings up a good point about the oil- these bikes barely hold a quart and a half of oil, so you need to change it often and regularly. That is, unless you can rig up some kind of auxillary tank.