Average Rider YZ450 Questions

You can get a Kawi for 6,999 OTD. Out of the box it’ll just be “okay.” Need to add a slip on, twin air flow kit at minimum. I run a vortex mapped by Chad at XPR but if you’re happy with the power with a slip on then run it. Next mods would be engine hangars, clamps. Definitely takes a little massaging to get the power where you want it. As for the handling it’s pretty cock solid. I never mess with my suspension more a click or 2. Works pretty well everywhere. I love my Kawi plus I race a lot of contingency races which is really cool for the race budget.

I’ve heard amazing things about the yz. Also heard it’s very fast. No way to slow it down really. I believe keefer says you can add a heavier fly wheel but I’m not certain. Also not sure if you “need” anything for it such as exhaust, etc. I have heard the handling can be hit or miss. Works great one day then the next not so great. But as I don’t have one I can’t speak so much on that. Ex: I just had a buddy up at mammoth tell me “fighting the bike” all weekend. My Kawi buddy in the same class told me his bike was rock solid no changes needed. . overall I believe the yz is a great bike as well. 

Can’t go wrong!! 

Hey PNWMXer!

I am NO expert & definitely qualify as the weekend warrior Vet-Goon that can share a little insight! I haven’t raced seriously since 2016 when I made a sincere effort to pursuit LL’s the first year I was eligible in over 50 class, where I managed to qualify through 3 Palms area qualifier and before I made it to the Regional at Lakewood in Colorado, we found out my Dad’s cancer had returned, racing went out the window and my brothers & I were tag-team cancer care until he passed later that spring. (6’1”/205 & at my best would consider myself a solid Vet-B guy, even tho its just practice days and all about having fun the last few years!)

Having said all that… I had always ridden YZ’s and LOVED them, having had a 98-400, 2000-426, 2-2002 426’s 2005, 2-2009’s and 2015-450, I was SOLD on those Yamaha’s & their legendary reliability and I preferred the great stability over the slightly lower agility. I had a moto buddy talk me into a 2019 KX450, and frankly I absolutely loved that bike too! It proved to be a well rounded & reliable machine as well and I enjoyed every minute I spent on it too! I switched back to YZ’s with a brand new 2023 450…& you guessed it, loved that bike as well! It was crazy fast and turned better than the previous generation YZ’s in my feeble opinion! In full disclosure, I ended up swapping my 2023 YZ with a fellow Vi-tard for a 2023 KTM 300SX that I still have and regularly ride moto on & enjoying it to this day! (I do ride another buddies 24 YZ when we trade rides, so he can get his 2-stroke fix & I remember how flippin’ awesome the modern four-stroke is now! 😝)

I would tell you in my opinion, grab whichever bike you can get the best deal & dealer support on & embrace the change! 🤪 I truly believe ALL the current generation bikes are EXCELLENT and capable of years of care free riding with proper maintenance!

Regrettably I know moto buddies that have had odd failures, with KTM, Yamaha & Kawasaki, I guess its just the nature of our beloved hobby, and I would grab the one you get the best deal on & HAVE FUN!

Probably NOT the helpful insight you were hoping for, but having had all the bikes you are considering recently, I would’nt hesitate to recommend any of them, and I hope you enjoy whichever new scooter you choose as much as I have! 😎 👍❗️

I'd buy the yami all day over the Kawasaki. Superior engine and suspension. Generally bulletproof. The ktm chassis you're on in incredible imo but the forks suck and the engine isn't as exciting. I had a new husky rockstar edition. Rode it back to back with a friends 24 Yamaha and that was the last time I rode the husky. It was so much better out of the box. 

I own a 19 350 and 24 yz450f. Both great bikes 

Had a KTM FE ( 18 ), purchased in 2020 with 7 hours on it.  It was a good bike but lacked power a bit.  I ended up changing gearing, swapped the forks to spring and just never felt comfy on it. I had minor issues ( spokes never seated, races in the back wheel went south, very small electrical wires up front corroded, fuel pump went out).  I did put over 150 hours on it with multiple preventative top ends during that time. all issues i chalked up to hours, nothing bad. My feeling was it was a good bike, no real complaints.

I purchased a new 24 YZ 450 in Sept '23.  Power is great, suspension is good ( stock). I will be getting a 26 here soon.  It seems to fit me well in all areas and i like how hard it hits, i run it in the fastest, hard hitting map. Its a great bike. Good luck

I've had a 23 yz450, 24 kx450 and currently a 25 TF450. Once I got forks and gearing sorted the TF is by far the most fun 450 I've owned. 

But honestly they are all good bikes and you really can't go wrong with either. My suggestion is if you want to try the yamaha I'd wait for the 26. The changes they have made almost make me want try one again. 

I have 23 Yamaha and I’m detuning the power as much as I can. Flywheel, twisted EcU, ect.  I love the stock suspension and chassis. 

But I do like the stock Kawi engine package better, much smoother to me and easier to ride out of the box.  So overall I am just dealing with the Yamaha power because I like the chassis and suspension so much.

I’ve been on ktm 300’s since 2017 and recently switched to a yz250, that wasn’t nearly as good of a race bike as my TC300 so I grabbed a 24 yz450 to race at mammoth. Fuck me that yz is insane, I went 9th overall in 40B last year on my 300( it was a $20k bike, every part you’d want and kit suspension) on the yz450 I got 4th overall and it was completely stock. Stock suspension was better then my kit stuff. The “fighting the bike” comment is the exact opposite of my impression at mammoth, my comment all weekend to my wife was, the bike legit rides itself. That was the easiest 18 min motos I’ve ever done there. 

My buddy has a 24 kx450 and I’ve put some laps on it, great bike too, slower sure but still a damn 450. Plenty of power, vibrates a ton and def doesn’t compare to the yz for me.

I should add to for the OP, coming off a Ktm frame I do prefer the handling of the yz over the Ktm as week, great turn in and comfort. 

Why not consider a Beta? Can be had for sub 7k if you can find a '24 leftover (they do some '25 updates on the leftovers prior to delivery i believe)

I have a 24 KX and so far all I've done is punch some holes in the airbox and the power is good enough. Stock suspension is decent once you get it sprung for your weight. It is slightly buzzy but as someone who rides a lot of offroad on 2 strokes I don't think it's harsh or anything.

I'll also say that you can find some deals on the 24s. I bought mine for under 6k OTD(before taxes)

I currently ride a KTM 350 and thought about moving to a YZ450 but after riding the YZ a few times I changed my mind. Personally I cant stand Yamahas engine and how it delivers its power. Im sure an ECU from Twisted or XPR could fix that but if you really like the smoother and linear power of the KTM line you might hate the power delivery of the stock Yamaha. The ergos also felt really bad/cramped compared to KTM as a taller rider. Try to ride one first if you haven't already before making the switch.  

I’m slower than average rider and the linear, smooth power delivery and predictable handling of my 2017.5 KTM 450 is perfect for me. I took a 2025 YZ 450 for a ride a few days ago. It’s an impressive machine with a very different feel than my bike. The suspension was great. It was valved and sprung perfectly for me so that helped. Much plusher than the KTM (my suspension is stock, but from a 2021). I mostly ride a sand track and find I need 150 psi in the fork to get the hold up I want, but then it’s a bit harsh. Go too low on air pressure and the handling suffers (again, I’m riding in sand - I can go lower in dirt without issues). The YZ felt plush and held up well. The suspension worked very well - plenty of comfort. 

My KTM feels a bit more stable and the YZ felt lighter and was eager to turn. This is probably largely setup, but I’ve ridden older YZ 450s and this bike feels much lighter with very responsive handling. Not what I was expecting based on experience with previous generations. 

Speaking of responsive, that engine is definitely that. Much snappier than my KTM. The KTM has a long, smooth, linear pull. The YZ is the opposite - snappy, instant throttle response that builds revs really quickly. The guy said he was running a fairly mellow map. I don’t think I’d want to ride it on an aggressive map! The bike is fast (really fast). I prefer my KTM, but I’m slow. This YZ is not a mellow 450. If you ride a gear high the bike might work well for you. 

I keep using the word “responsive” to describe the YZ. If that’s what you’re looking for like that I’m sure you’ll like the YZ. 
 

lol that is awesome!!  Congrats! As i said, can't go wrong. Throttle's on the right.

Not sure what was done to your buddies Kawi but as i mentioned the stock kawi verse the bolt ons that i stated originally is not even comparable. so yeah i'd believe stock kx to stock yz is not even close. 

Between the 2, Yamaha all day. But the real answer is the Triumph. That's the bike to get

Ridden a 24 Yamaha and love it. Reminded me a lot of my 14 YZ450, but turns way better. Very fast, but the one I rode had both a pipe and Yamaha’s hard hitting map. If I were going to buy a new 450 and the RMZ wasn’t an option, I’d be on my way to the Yamaha dealer. 

I rode Kawi’s for a long time, 05 250f, 06-07-08-10-12 450 and I liked them all, but the Yamaha’s always felt like home. Like you, I also have not liked any Honda I’ve ridden. 

See if u can ride the YZ - mine sits mostly and i ride my 250f. The YZ is always in a hurry - just wants to get to places before i'm ready to get there. 

Paging @Rider 5280 for an update (YZ to KTM).

came from a 22-450sxf to a 24-yz450f.....the suspension alone is woth the change.  Have had no relatiblity issues on mine.  Only thing that is a must is changing your front brake line for a steel braided one, coming from ktm the front brake on the yamaha was was way to soft.  The steel line made it about the same.  You can get the motor to feel more ktm-like with the tuner app, and even more so with an aftermarket ecu(which i dont have) so dont let the big power tiring you out push you away. 

Fix the brakes, tune the motor with the app, and enjoy.  I like it a lot more then my ktm.  it also vibrates less and has way less engine braking which i like.  bike feels more flat and smooth.

10+ years KTM moved to a 24 YZ450

It is quite a tricky bike to setup if you are heavier. The window of comfort is small but if you get in there it is amazing. I understand why some people don’t get on with the YZ. Fork height, spring balance can make the bike stinkbug/twitchy quite easily.

I would try one before buying.

Will share some thoughts this weekend.

Happy 4th of July boys!

.

+39 B guy here. Weighed from 190-230 riding these bikes. Currently 193. Was 200 at daytona and 220 in 23 and 24.

I love my 24. 

History 

15 250sx

16 450sx

17crf450

21 crf WE (stolen

23yz450 (stolen)

23 kx SR (could only stand 7 hours worth)

Bsck to 24 yz450.

My crf was good, but everything it did, the yz does it better and more forgiving. The kx felt long and lethargic like an 02 crf. Sr motor was ok, but suspension and handling sucked for me, even with tighter offset clamps. Had to do smaller rear rotor too because the stock one was too grabby with no ability to modulate. Stock suspension tried to kill me too. Had to have it done immediately. I only bought it because of all the rave reviews of thet gen and i got it for cheap. I had in my head after my bikes got stolen that i didn't need another new yam due to cost.. well, trying the kx cost me a hell of a lot more having to do all the things i did. 

The yz's ive ran stock aside from WC perch n lever. Keegers aggressive map, tamer holeshot devices (front and rear), and send it. I splurged for a set of titanium pegs and wc lowering mounts just because i got them on here cheap. Ill have no intentions of doing an exhaust either.

For the first time on my yz im having the suspension done. I had a leaky seal from red bud mud. I loved the stock stuff and even did well at Daytona on it (in 23 and 25). Only thing i wanted was a little more hold up down low in high G corners. Only performance mod i want to do is full hinson clutch. Im notoriously hard on clutches. i mich prefer a cable clutch for better modulation. Once i take care of hold up and clutch, ill have full confidence in this mostly stock bike. No clamps, no cdi, no exhaust, stock gearing. I love it and will try to keep this 24 awhile and resist the urge for a 26 that id immediately put a cable clutch on. 

As far as reliability. Itll be as reliable as any. Sure, ive read a handful of cranks, but ive seen all brands if 450s exploded one time or another. 

Oh, another must is a 110 rear tire. Turns awesome and works through ruts better. Ive become a fan of the race spec 34.

Sorry for the half assed typing. My phone lags like crazy when typing on vital. Did i mention i love my yz? Lol

I have a 24 also and really like it. I have a little issue with on/off clutch feel, so does the WC lever and perch change the ratio and help with that?

I have been on Yamahas for years, and I have heard of the con rod thing on vital of all of the race prep jobs we have done on them and services/ tear downs I have never seen one actually fail that was properly maintained. 

Kx is a great bike too, but I feel like they almost wear out faster and start breaking little annoying things here and there. My buddy switched over from green to blue a year ago and was amazed at how much less often bolts rattled loose and how much less chassis maintenance the yz needed, but that is a one off account. 

Yes, the honda lever ratio is a little different. Its perfect and creates great modulation. 

@erik_94COBRA --- thanks for the reminder to take a break and do something besides work!

I’ll update this later when I ride this upcoming weekend and perform some back-to-back comparisons --- but here’s some general feedback for now.

Note: I am a Vet B rider and ~ 185 lbs without gear FWIW.

NOT EXACTLY THE SAME BIKES THE OP CITED but here are some raw thoughts on the 2022 KTM 450 SX-F versus 2020-2022 Yamaha YZ450F:

(1)
I prefer 2020-2022 YZ450F engine by quite a bit at this point. The low-end snap + strong linear pull = perfect for me, I am very much a crack the throttle/yank the bars rider for getting over obstacles. I also am at 5,000-ft in Denver, CO (down ~ 15% power to start) and am finding the 2022 KTM greatly lacking in low-end snap ---> Still working this, already have installed the following: Vortex ECU, Twisted Development exhaust flange, Ti-6 Pro Circuit full exhaust, 2-stroke screenless air filter cage, went +2 teeth on rear sprocket ---> Trying quicker throttle cams next (have 2-3 to try)

(2)
Yamaha YZ/YZF KYB suspension is SUPERIOR to KTM WP suspension, PERIOD --- I do have FC KYB-converted forks and shock as well, etc. --- more to come on this to come

(3)
I greatly prefer the KTM handling over the Yamaha --- way better cornering, way more intuitive handling. That said, I get along with the Yamaha fine, but the front end seems to always be ready to let go/wash out à I’ll try to post a video of when the front end suddenly let go on me … me no likey.

(4)
The Yamaha’s extra weight is an asset on rough tracks. The KTM’s lightness is not that obvious in motion because it has such a heavy crank feel --- I am disappointed in this, but love the crank feel on the 2019-2022 KTM 350 SX-F, super flickable.

(5)
KTM transmissions mfg’d by Pankl = EXCELLENT! Every time I shift this makes me smile. I also notice less debris in oil.

(6)
The KTM ergo layout “just works” --- nothing odd, I was so surprised at how easy it was to ride with ZERO adjustment for me. The engineers really nailed this IMO.

(7)
The oil capacity of the YZFs is miniscule (760-cc). I smoke the oil in 3 hours. For me and my work schedule, being able to go 10 hours on the KTMs without destroying the oil is a great advantage ---> Given these bikes are so close for me, this often results in me taking the KTMs instead of the Yamahas. Yes, really.

(8)
I am not sold on hydraulic clutches --- they really do lack feel for my style

(9)
I was always good with the 2020+ front YZF front brake systems, even stock (I seemed to have gotten a "good one"). KTM is the best, however --- and I am saying this after spending $2000+ to try MotoStuff V2 calipers (don't like, too Jekyll/Hyde for me with differential piston configuration) and Ride Engineering V2 calipers (which are quite good TBH). KTM brakes SUUUUCK to bleed, however - haven't gotten this down yet when the system is fully drained.
 

If I were currently buying a new bike, I’d buy a 2026 YZ450F.

More to come.

I can't speak for the YZ but I did have the last 3 generations of FC450s and switched to a new platform KX450 and here are my cliff notes:

- all the mods everyone have suggested I agree with, however I think going up a tooth on the rear sprocket AND lengthening the chain to do it are the way to go. 

- Once you learn to ride it, the bike has plenty of power. This isn't a bike you lug around to get max gains. You can almost ride it like a 350. My FCs would hit that rev limiter much quicker and stagnate whereas the KX will pull 2nd and 3rd so much longer. 

 - The bike is super planted and corners much better than my Austrian bikes. I tried every type of fork option and nothing beats my pro circuit tuned Showa stuff now. 

- You have to really focus on dialing in the engine mounts, bars, levers, and pegs on the KX. If you aren't dialed, you'll pump up faster on it versus the Austrian bikes. 

- The KX is heavier, but the only place you really notice it is putting it on the stand. 

- The new gen KX looks so good. Like so damn good. 

I have an update on dialing in the 2022 KTM 450SX-F engine if it serves this post still (had a breakthrough with Vortex ECU).

Will post later this week if there's interest.

I mostly ride at 5,000 feet and above ---> Do you think you were loving the YZ450F engine because it was detuned by elevation at Mammoth?

When I used to ride my 450Fs at ~ sea level (lived in AZ for ~ 12 years), I always loved their power but I needed to ride a gear high to keep things under control a lot of time. This is when I became a lugger (2002-2014). Now I am a lugger for life --- the chassis-calming benefits are just too amazing to not capitalize on, and low & behold, I'm a lot faster as a lugger, too.