Thinking of buying 2012 YZ450F

[mbrad]

Thank you for taking the time to read my question.

I am thinking of buying a 2012 Yamaha YZ450F, are there any general issues I should watch out for with this model year? Any other tips when looking at this bike? Owner says about 100 hrs on bike.

Thanks

[noonersracing]

My recommendation is if your going to get a Yamaha get a 2014 or newer. For me it isn't a mechanical or maintenance issue, it's a riding issue. Mostly motocross related so if you're two tracking or doing trails then you're good to go. I had a 2011, basically the same bike, zero issues mechanically. Pretty bulletproof. Riding though, it was a learning curve. The front end had a hard time staying in ruts. I had to get my weight to the front a lot more than other bikes I've had. If not I'd pop out of the rut. I just felt like I worked harder on that bike in the corners than I needed to. The suspension was great though. Loved it. I recently had a 2014 YZ450F that I bought new. It was much better, not perfect but a lot better. I probably wasn't any faster on it but I sure wasn't as tired when I got done riding. I just sold that for a 2014 YZ250F as I wanted something to do hare scrambles and motocross with. I'd have been miserable on the 450 in technical woods trails. So, that's my 2 cents.

[mbrad]

Really appreciate your feedback. Currently have a 2007 YZ250 2 Stroke. Do mainly trails.

Electric start only started in 2015?

Thanks!

[cowboyona426]

I don't know that the 2012 would be my first choice for a woods bike. Depending on the conditions where you ride it could be OK with some suspension work and gearing but there are probably better choices out there. If you can swing it, look for a 2016 YZ 450FX. I prefer the 16 because it's the only FX with both kick and electric start. It's a hybrid between a YZ and a WR and I've really enjoyed mine.
The YZ went to electric start only in 2017, a 2015 would be kick start only.

[mbrad]

Thanks for your input.

Not many FX’s for sale even close to my area. There was one but it was scooped up quickly.

I do agree it would be a better bike for trails.

I’ll watch for a 2016!

[cowboyona426]

The 14-16 YZ are all basically the same bike, just FYI.