yz426 or yz450?

[HarryH1985]

I have been looking into getting a bigger bike and have looked at both the 426 and the 450. Just was wondering if there were any major differences besides a larger engine. If I went with a 426 would I expect to upgrade to a larger bike later like a 450?

[MotoMan]

Ahh yeah, lots of differences.

I am not sure on the exact amount but I know the 450 is way lighter then the 426, lots more power, quick clutch adjuster, more power, handlebar mounted hot start lever, auto de-compression, waay easier starting, higher rev limiter, 4 speed tranny, and did I mention more power??

[Satch0922]

If you can afford the 450 go with it. Not only is the engine bigger but it has the autodecompression cam and is lighter than the 426. The 426 is a good bike but the 450 more refined. (426's have the "on the fly" clutch perch)

2002 426 dry weight 232
2004 450 dry weight 222 (per yamaha)

[MotoMan]

Thanks for the specifics Satch, I wasn't sure how much lighter it was. 10lbs is ALOT!! :

[Satch0922]

Yeah it is Motoman except most guys (like me) have taken alot of weight off our 426's while my buds with 450's keep adding things too them!! LOL Nothing like seeing a 450 rider "topping off" his tank before riding! Then throw on frame guards, radiator guards, A/M triple clamps, steel sprockets, heavy tires (the list goes on and on) then you might be surprise at how small the weight difference is!

They are both great bikes. The BIGGEST improvement the 450 has is the decompression cam. Since installing one in my 426 I think I can ride this thing until I learn how to ride!! LOL

[MotoMan]

And more power satch, don't forget about more power.

[Satch0922]

How much more?? Oh yeah...$3000 more!

[MotoMan]

Well that depends on weather or not he can find a used one.

[Satch0922]

Originally posted by Satch0922
If you can afford the 450 go with it. Not only is the engine bigger but it has the autodecompression cam and is lighter than the 426. The 426 is a good bike but the 450 more refined.

[HarryH1985]

Thanks for all the info, I am pretty sure that I will be able to find a 450 that is used and for a good price and also a 426 because my dad has a dealer's license which lets him go to those reposession auctions. Would a 450 still be a good choice if I am riding mostly trails and desert/dunes?

[MotoMan]

Are your trails very tight or more wide open?

[HarryH1985]

The trails are mostly open with a few tight spots here and there.

[MotoMan]

You will be happy with the 450 I think.

Reason I asked is the 450 can be a handfull if you do miles and miles of tight stuff. With the desert riding thrown in you will be a happy camper on the 450 I would think.

[Keetoman393]

The 450 isn't a very friendly trail bike. It has a higer gear ratio because it has 4 gears to do what 5 does on the 426. I have ridden a 450 on the trails and it was a lot harder to maintain speed without stalling (one of the drawbacks of the auto-decompression). When you try to lug it too much, it will stall at the worst moment. Other than that, the 450 is a great bike! It was just designed for MX and not for the woods. If you can find a WR450 or even a WR426, it would make you much happier, especially the WR450 because it has electric start! Good luck and keep us informed when you get a bike!

I had to edit this post because I had so many typos I couldn't make sense of it! Man, remind me not to eat chinese food anymore!

[MotoMan]

Good point Keeto, I thought of the 4 speed issue right after I posted. Good thought man!

[Chillicous]

Hey guys. hate to be the only one here to prefer the 426, but i actually have both a 2002 yzf426, and a 2005 yz450. the weight difference is not a big deal at all you really cant tell the difference i could even forget what bike im riding sometimes. The 450 does have a bit more power but the 426 can haul up everything thing the 450 has they are both great bikes, and can both pretty much do the same things. i would go with the 426 if you can get it cheaper because the thing just hauls, never lets you down. it is actually the easiest bike to start using a kick start if you know how, really easy starts on the first kick, second every once in a while. but ofcourse not as easy as pressing a button on the 450. 5 gears on the 426 and i can pull wheelies in all of em. love the thing to death, best bike ive ever had. id get it over the 450 anyday. dont get me wrong they are both great bikes. 426 is just better though (in my opinion)

[ktm_cody_199]

This guy I ride with used to have a yz426 and says his new 06 yz450 is smoother and has less bark.If your buying used look for whatever is the cheapest and is in best condition,that is important.I think with the money you save on the 426 you can buy a jet kit and pipe and be happy.Or if you are riding trails then another route would be a nice used ktm 450 or 525,the 525 with big bore and stroker kit is FAST I drag raced one at croom on a flat straight and it absolutely BLEW my little 250 thumper away like I was on a xr 50

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[Only registered and activated users can see links. ] This bike should have 2006 graphics and shrouds,looks way better

[Only registered and activated users can see links. ] Just some suggestions

[cowboyona426]

Dang, way to dig up an old thread! I've owned both an 00 426 and now an 06 450F. I think the 426 worked a little better for the riding I do (trails) because of the extra weight- it felt planted 100% of the time without fail. My 06 likes to push the front tire and get skittish on me. No I haven't done any suspension tuning on it yet to help the problem out, but I didn't need to on the 426. As far as power I think you'd be hard pressed to tell a difference. My advice- buy the one you can get the best deal on (not necessarily the lowest price!), ride, and enjoy.

[ktm_cody_199]

Originally Posted by cowboyona426

Dang, way to dig up an old thread!

WOW!!I didnt even reliaze how old this thread was!!Didnt even read the dates

[Vetteman]

I agree with chillicous, I like the 426 more than the 450 because it has alot of power I can be cruzing in 5th gear and crack the throttle the front wheel will come off the ground.It can go some place the 450 can`t because of the extra weight on it. I`d rather have a 426 than a 450, thats just me.