Green or Blue 450

flower87
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flower87
Buying a new 2022 bike and trying to decide between a KX450 and a YZF450.

Why these 2? Well I don't want Austrian, simply because I have ridden some and as awesome as they are, they aren't fun enough. I feel they are too easy to ride, which normally would be a selling point for people, but I just want something more exciting. Don't want Honda, just because.

Bit of background. I am on my 3rd RM Army in 12 years since Fuel Injection, and they have always served me well. I know they have a kick start, and the R&D has slowed down, but they are still a good bike, and turn awesome. Also, they have all been as solid as a rock. 200 hours on each one with no engine or transmission issues. Check valve clearances and they are perfect. Only normal replacement parts. But its time for something different.

I am a 35 yr old weekend warrior. Weigh 88kg (195 lbs). Normally mid-pack in B-grade at your local race. Can hit a 80ft+ jump fine, but certainly not a supercross pro or anywhere near the category of those real fast dude that fly by us.

Curious of peoples opinions that have ridden both or just one. After feedback more than just how the bike rides. Things like longevity and part replacement are big for me. (for example - I hear that Kawasaki goes through Chain guides frequently - that would just annoy the sh*t out of me).

FYI - I asked Keefer and he said the Yamaha has a harder throttle response, and the Kawi is smoother to ride and more similar to what I would be familiar with coming from RM Army. But he did admit Blue Cru was awesome.
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Phillip_Lamb
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Phillip_Lamb 4/7/2022 4:10pm
4/7/2022 4:10pm
Yamaha all the way. They've always been rhe most reliable 4 stroke I've come across tho my rmz is really solid too. But they have the best package stock hands down. IMO and if inwas buying a new bike today it's what i would grab
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Muttly
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Muttly 4/7/2022 4:12pm
4/7/2022 4:12pm
Red all day.
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quadzrulebro 4/7/2022 4:13pm
4/7/2022 4:13pm
I have ridden both quite a bit and prefer the Kawasaki because I’m tall and feel cramped on the Yamaha. For a short or average height rider, this wouldn’t really be relevant. Find a couple buddies that have late model versions of both and ask to take a spin.
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Joko
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Joko 4/7/2022 4:40pm
4/7/2022 4:40pm
Didn’t Keefer report the 22YZ450f he had experienced a crank failure and through him off? Also said it’s a common random problem with this bike?
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JohnnyD13
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JohnnyD13 4/7/2022 4:41pm
4/7/2022 4:41pm
Kx450 For sure. I’ve ridden both.
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Kris Keefer
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Kris Keefer 4/7/2022 4:52pm
4/7/2022 4:52pm
Joko wrote:
Didn’t Keefer report the 22YZ450f he had experienced a crank failure and through him off? Also said it’s a common random problem with this bike?
Only on my 21 YZ450F. 22 rod has been updated.
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flower87
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flower87 4/7/2022 5:49pm
4/7/2022 5:49pm
JohnnyD13 wrote:
Kx450 For sure. I’ve ridden both.
Hey Johnny - can you elaborate a bit further why for each. And a bit about your riding skill, style, what suits you etc.
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flower87
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flower87 4/7/2022 5:50pm
4/7/2022 5:50pm
quadzrulebro wrote:
I have ridden both quite a bit and prefer the Kawasaki because I’m tall and feel cramped on the Yamaha. For a short or average height...
I have ridden both quite a bit and prefer the Kawasaki because I’m tall and feel cramped on the Yamaha. For a short or average height rider, this wouldn’t really be relevant. Find a couple buddies that have late model versions of both and ask to take a spin.
Unfortunately I don't have access to test ride mates bikes as no one I know has the newer ones. And they dont do ride days as bikes are so hard to buy.
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Hi Side
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Hi Side 4/7/2022 5:57pm
4/7/2022 5:57pm
Of those two...I'd go with the Yamaha. They are really pumping out some solid machines right now.
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Zycki11
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Zycki11 4/7/2022 7:02pm
4/7/2022 7:02pm
JohnnyD13 wrote:
Kx450 For sure. I’ve ridden both.
flower87 wrote:
Hey Johnny - can you elaborate a bit further why for each. And a bit about your riding skill, style, what suits you etc.
Engine-Yamaha
Ergos-Kawi
Suspension-Yamaha
Handling-Toss up, the Yamaha is more stable but the kawi has slightly better turn in
Tuning-Yamaha
Durability-Yamaha
Weight-Kawi

Broke it down for ya haha. In all honesty, go sit on both bikes and pick the one you like better. They are both great
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FGR01
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FGR01 4/7/2022 7:09pm
4/7/2022 7:09pm
quadzrulebro wrote:
I have ridden both quite a bit and prefer the Kawasaki because I’m tall and feel cramped on the Yamaha. For a short or average height...
I have ridden both quite a bit and prefer the Kawasaki because I’m tall and feel cramped on the Yamaha. For a short or average height rider, this wouldn’t really be relevant. Find a couple buddies that have late model versions of both and ask to take a spin.
This is a common misconception that because the seat to peg distance is short that short guys will like it. The problem is the seat to ground is tall so we can't reach the ground and the seat and gas tank under it are wide as F..... so wide that it holds your legs out all bow-legged like riding a horse and makes it even harder to reach the ground.

Trust me, YZ250F and 450F are no bueno for the inseam challenged. In summary, they suck for both short and tall guys... hahaa
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Muttly
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Muttly 4/7/2022 7:48pm
4/7/2022 7:48pm
quadzrulebro wrote:
I have ridden both quite a bit and prefer the Kawasaki because I’m tall and feel cramped on the Yamaha. For a short or average height...
I have ridden both quite a bit and prefer the Kawasaki because I’m tall and feel cramped on the Yamaha. For a short or average height rider, this wouldn’t really be relevant. Find a couple buddies that have late model versions of both and ask to take a spin.
FGR01 wrote:
This is a common misconception that because the seat to peg distance is short that short guys will like it. The problem is the seat to...
This is a common misconception that because the seat to peg distance is short that short guys will like it. The problem is the seat to ground is tall so we can't reach the ground and the seat and gas tank under it are wide as F..... so wide that it holds your legs out all bow-legged like riding a horse and makes it even harder to reach the ground.

Trust me, YZ250F and 450F are no bueno for the inseam challenged. In summary, they suck for both short and tall guys... hahaa
And you can always trust, “Fat Gut Racing”. Sorry, some things I remember, some I don’t. 🤠🏁
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Joko
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Joko 4/7/2022 7:50pm
4/7/2022 7:50pm
Joko wrote:
Didn’t Keefer report the 22YZ450f he had experienced a crank failure and through him off? Also said it’s a common random problem with this bike?
Kris Keefer wrote:
Only on my 21 YZ450F. 22 rod has been updated.
Must have been a manufacturing or casting problem? The part # is the same in 2022…
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Titan1
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Titan1 4/7/2022 7:57pm
4/7/2022 7:57pm
How tall are you? I’m 6’1” and have no issues at all on the YZ…but I’ve a got friend that is 6’3” and they hated the YZ ergo’s.

I’ve never ridden a 22 KX (or YZ for that matter)…but after riding both 21 models…I’d pick my YZ again all day every day…but…I ride mostly off road…if I rode more moto the KX would be more appealing (I just liked the stability of the YZ for the desert).

Both awsome bikes…pick the one with the dealership closest to you…and if that dealership sells both, pick the one you can get the best deal on.
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Dirt.Squirt
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Dirt.Squirt 4/7/2022 8:07pm
4/7/2022 8:07pm
Never ride a newer KX but I’m gonna say YZ only because I love mine so much lol

6ft tall 250lbs pro practicer
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motoxrocks
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motoxrocks 4/7/2022 8:22pm
4/7/2022 8:22pm
Joko wrote:
Didn’t Keefer report the 22YZ450f he had experienced a crank failure and through him off? Also said it’s a common random problem with this bike?
Kris Keefer wrote:
Only on my 21 YZ450F. 22 rod has been updated.
Joko wrote:
Must have been a manufacturing or casting problem? The part # is the same in 2022…
P/N is different maybe by just a letter if I recall? I had a 21 and 22 rod in my hands and they are different but still waited for a Crank Works rod after a rod failure on my 21 at 35 hrs. Yamaha rod cost $40! Where is that made???? Fast B guy up my way blew a 22 450 rod with 10 hrs! Some guys have no problems?? Kind of a crap shoot but it's more than just a few!
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Timo
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Timo 4/7/2022 8:31pm
4/7/2022 8:31pm
quadzrulebro wrote:
I have ridden both quite a bit and prefer the Kawasaki because I’m tall and feel cramped on the Yamaha. For a short or average height...
I have ridden both quite a bit and prefer the Kawasaki because I’m tall and feel cramped on the Yamaha. For a short or average height rider, this wouldn’t really be relevant. Find a couple buddies that have late model versions of both and ask to take a spin.
FGR01 wrote:
This is a common misconception that because the seat to peg distance is short that short guys will like it. The problem is the seat to...
This is a common misconception that because the seat to peg distance is short that short guys will like it. The problem is the seat to ground is tall so we can't reach the ground and the seat and gas tank under it are wide as F..... so wide that it holds your legs out all bow-legged like riding a horse and makes it even harder to reach the ground.

Trust me, YZ250F and 450F are no bueno for the inseam challenged. In summary, they suck for both short and tall guys... hahaa
The seat height on the Yamaha is actually pretty low, it was the 14-17 that was tall. I also don't find the bike overly wide, at 5'7" this generation fits me better than any of my previous bikes.
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Timo
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Timo 4/7/2022 8:40pm
4/7/2022 8:40pm
Kris Keefer wrote:
Only on my 21 YZ450F. 22 rod has been updated.
Joko wrote:
Must have been a manufacturing or casting problem? The part # is the same in 2022…
motoxrocks wrote:
P/N is different maybe by just a letter if I recall? I had a 21 and 22 rod in my hands and they are different but...
P/N is different maybe by just a letter if I recall? I had a 21 and 22 rod in my hands and they are different but still waited for a Crank Works rod after a rod failure on my 21 at 35 hrs. Yamaha rod cost $40! Where is that made???? Fast B guy up my way blew a 22 450 rod with 10 hrs! Some guys have no problems?? Kind of a crap shoot but it's more than just a few!
21 pn: B2W-11400-00-00
22 pn: BDB-11400-00-00
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Muttly
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Muttly 4/7/2022 8:45pm
4/7/2022 8:45pm
motoxrocks wrote:
P/N is different maybe by just a letter if I recall? I had a 21 and 22 rod in my hands and they are different but...
P/N is different maybe by just a letter if I recall? I had a 21 and 22 rod in my hands and they are different but still waited for a Crank Works rod after a rod failure on my 21 at 35 hrs. Yamaha rod cost $40! Where is that made???? Fast B guy up my way blew a 22 450 rod with 10 hrs! Some guys have no problems?? Kind of a crap shoot but it's more than just a few!
I’d suspect banging it on the limiter, aka “checking the rod”, might have something to do with that.
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Pistonslap
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Pistonslap 4/7/2022 9:47pm
4/7/2022 9:47pm
You mentioned what's most important to you and that means the Yamaha is the best choice. Its definitely more reliable and the power output can be adjusted loading tunes through the app. Your inseam will determine if you need the GYTR taller seat and other than that the suspension is also perfect out of the box.
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Rider 5280
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Rider 5280 4/7/2022 9:54pm
4/7/2022 9:54pm Edited Date/Time 4/7/2022 10:01pm
Joko wrote:
Didn’t Keefer report the 22YZ450f he had experienced a crank failure and through him off? Also said it’s a common random problem with this bike?
Kris Keefer wrote:
Only on my 21 YZ450F. 22 rod has been updated.
How about 2020 YZ450F rods? Are they they similar to the 2021 and at risk for failure?

The connecting rod is a different P/N for the 2020 YZ450Fs as well:
B2W-11651-00-00
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Juck
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Juck 4/7/2022 10:32pm
4/7/2022 10:32pm
I'm 6'0 and hate the ergos on the current generation YZ. Lower pegs helped but still feels so cramped, also hate how wide the frame is
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suspensionguy 4/7/2022 11:14pm
4/7/2022 11:14pm
Green all day. Had a 19’ blue one, sold it within 6 months, hate their tuning app also, much prefer the simplicity of the couplers and the showas too. I’d also rather have RMZ but that’s just me.
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JBecker 72
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JBecker 72 4/8/2022 12:52am
4/8/2022 12:52am Edited Date/Time 4/8/2022 12:55am
I’m 6’1” and have the GYTR tall seat and 2018 YZ450F bar mounts (+5mm) with SX race bend bars. Still running factory pegs because I like the extra clearance for ruts. Granted mine is a YZ250F, but same deal for the 450. My previous bike was a 16 KX450 with the pegs in the lower position and once I made those changes to the Yamaha I don’t feel cramped on the bike at all.

I don’t know how anyone could hate the tuning app. It’s so great and easy to use. Hopefully everyone goes to something like that on their bikes. I’ve tried about 15 different maps at this point at no cost to me. My Kawi had to get remapped by Tokyo Mods and that cost over $100 with shipping and I was stuck with just the one. Couplers are a decade old tech.
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chump6784
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chump6784 4/8/2022 2:14am
4/8/2022 2:14am
I'm 85kg, 5'10 vet expert and live my 21 yz450f. I set the suspension to mxa's recommendations and have only changed 1 or 2 clicks since. Made a map that takes a little bit of the snap out at 0-10% throttle and run that map from sand to hard pack. A mate just bought a new crf450 and is struggling with his suspension. He watched me ride on a rough, rutted track in the weekend and he asked who did my suspension as my bike was just so smooth. He couldn't believe it was bone stock with some clicker adjustments.
I sat on a kawi when i was buying and the ergos just didn't do it for me
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JohnnyD13
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JohnnyD13 4/8/2022 4:37am
4/8/2022 4:37am
JohnnyD13 wrote:
Kx450 For sure. I’ve ridden both.
flower87 wrote:
Hey Johnny - can you elaborate a bit further why for each. And a bit about your riding skill, style, what suits you etc.
I am a 6 2 vet b rider. I had the Honda right before the kx450. I’ve been to Loretta’s in plus 30. The difference for me is the weight. I think if the Yz cut a decent amount of weight I would be in line for one. The kx is all around an amazing bike and it doesn’t do anything weird. They are pretty close but the kx is just a little better in a bunch of different riding situations. Hope that helps and send a picture of what you decide!
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JohnnyD13
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JohnnyD13 4/8/2022 4:40am
4/8/2022 4:40am
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AH387
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AH387 4/8/2022 4:57am
4/8/2022 4:57am
FGR01 wrote:
This is a common misconception that because the seat to peg distance is short that short guys will like it. The problem is the seat to...
This is a common misconception that because the seat to peg distance is short that short guys will like it. The problem is the seat to ground is tall so we can't reach the ground and the seat and gas tank under it are wide as F..... so wide that it holds your legs out all bow-legged like riding a horse and makes it even harder to reach the ground.

Trust me, YZ250F and 450F are no bueno for the inseam challenged. In summary, they suck for both short and tall guys... hahaa
Well said. I am average size but I know exactly what you mean. I think it's easier to make the bike work for average-to-tall riders than it is for shorter riders. Taller seat foam and lower pegs pretty much fixes most taller people's issues with the rider triangle. But the bike is always going to feel big for a shorter person. That being said, while the ergos are weird, you do get used to it and they are great bikes.
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SlowMoFo
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SlowMoFo 4/8/2022 7:12am
4/8/2022 7:12am
I would choose which ever is easier to ride based on your style and ability. Me personally, I would have to pick the tammer, smoother power band if there is such of thing on these new bikes.
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