08 YZ450F..who has one?

[Chris Halvorson]

So I think my mind has been made up. I have been doing a lot of research on the Honda and Yamaha 450's, and I think the Yamaha is the route I am going.

I would get a WR...but I just can't get over the headlight on a motorcross bike...so that is out of the question. I don't like riding at night anyway.

So who has one? Any opinions?

If my Raptor sells...this is the first thing I am getting....

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u118/Chris5150_album/2008_YZ450F_SE.jpg

[Steve]

I don't, but I'd love to have one. I do have a WR400 though and love it. Removing the headlight takes all of 5 minutes if you're slow, replace it with a number plate. That shouldn't determine which bike you buy, but you can't go wrong with either.

[Chris Halvorson]

I really don't want the Wide Ratio transmission either...but you are right...can't go wrong. I guess the WR is all choked up for emissions reasons. I was looking at the header on both the YZ and WR...and there is a big difference. I also heard there is a stop that has to be removed in the carb as well.

[Jeffro600]

All the time when i used to be big into MX, id see guys buy WR's, try to turn them into YZ's and always end up selling them and buying what they should have in the first place or spending more money than it would have cost to just buy a YZ.

While they may sound close to each other on paper, the WR and YZ's are completely different bikes setup for completely different riding situations and the differences between the two are far more than just a headlight. The suspension is valved and sprung differently, the transmission ratios are different, the engine is softer and more trail friendly on the WR(heavier flywheel...not sure if there is actual engine differences like the models of a few years ago) as well as several other small but very noticeable differences.

It really boils down to this...If your going to be doing mostly trail riding and possibly ever using it on the street, get the WR. If your going to be doing mostly MX and or VERY agressive trail riding, get the YZ.

[Chris Halvorson]

Thanks for the well written comment Jeffro600.

I would agree with all you said. There is a difference in the engine department on the new WR's. The header pipe is smaller, the carb is choked off (can be removed, for CA). I will never take a Dirt Bike on the street. Even the WR's are not that hot on the street. I would like to think that I am a agressive rider....and I will just have to force myself to not head out to the race track with it. I love track riding...but if I get another injury that cost's me time off work...well, they have been very understanding so far, but that could change. I have been always partial to race suspension anyway. After the first 30 hours I usually get the suspension revalved and rebuilt..so I can tune it for my needs. This has worked out best in the past.