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Only $10 for all 2026 SX, MX, and SMX series.
Was wondering the same thing about the exhaust. Putting ‘26 on the ‘23-25 to calm it down.
I will say with vortex, flywheel weight and 14/52 gearing I’m really liking the power delivery on my ‘23.
Probably helps that I use 3rd in a lot of the corners.
Yeah i've done everything as well. Maybe I just need a 250f hahha
As I have got older and lighter (51lbs), I have been thinking about a 250 also. I'm still about 223lbs and going down more, so would a 250 pull me ok? I've had two 350 KTMs and liked one (2019), but didn't like the 2022 model I had so I'm a little nervous of going the 350 route again. My 24 YZ450F is pretty good with the Bundy flywheel weight and some ECU tuning, but it's still a handful.
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Im 235-245 depending on the day, and live at altitude, 220 is my fighting weight. I raced a 25 YZ250F. The bike is super fun, but if you're trying to be competitive in racing it'll be a lot harder. Especially on starts, even with a good jump I get absolutely eaten and spend the race just trying to catch up. Its not as bad on bigger faster tracks, but Ive run into places where I cannot clear some jumps especially out of tight corners no matter how hard I try, banging gears or pinning the limiter.
That being said, the 250f is still A LOT of fun to ride, its very busy shifting wise. Stock you'll be shifting everywhere. Up jumps, in the air, down jumps, into, mid, and out of corners. So if you're just looking to go out have fun and ride the wheels off its great, trying to win at our size not so much. Also lots more maintenance on the rev happy 250f.
Kind of interesting as like a lot of Vet guys, I am in that same boat. I felt like the 23-25 450 was a bit much for me, but I really do enjoy riding it. I have a modded 250F (prior gen) with the dual injector and I really love it. Starting to think about my next move and the '26 450 with the calmer chassis and power, is very intriguing. Basically addresses the 2 reasons why I didn't get a 23-25 450. Supposedly the '27 250F will get the new chassis and potentially a new motor, but also the baffles and whatnot, for sound regulations. So I go back and forth if I want to go down the road of modding a 250 again, especially since the dual injector price has gone up quite a bit since I got mine. Then factor in airbox mods, exhaust etc. So just getting a '26 450 and leaving it alone, seems more reasonable. Or just keeping my current bike longer.
LOL - i gave up on my 23 (450) It's a garage queen for the most part - bought YZ250f and have way more fun racing it (getting old sux) My 23 450 isn’t a bike than i can handle over the course of a season. Paying money to slow bikes down - it's the new VET thing lol.
I'm interested why you liked the 19 350 but not the 22 as they were basically the same bike?
The 22 just never ran like the 19. The 19 had a ton of hours on it and I ran across a used 22 with only 4 hours and bought it. It always just seemed to have a lag the 19 didn’t have and both had FMF pipes. The 19 just seem to have a free revving engine the 22 didn’t have. I had MotoLab remap the stock ECU and it didn’t help. Looking back I wish I could have tried a Vortex to see if that fixed it.
That is very strange as my 19 and 22 felt identical. I wouldn't give up on the 350 idea yet, my 23 and 25 350sxf have probably been the best bikes I've ever owned. And I had them at the same time as a 23 yz450, 24 kx450 and 25 tf450rc.
Being 50 lbs lighter might also get rid of that lag I felt too lol. Some bikes just run better than others even though they are supposed to be the same. I might have got a great 19 or a weak 22 model. I might have to give it another shot.
Are you talking about these? TTX? I couldn't find FTX? Thanks. https://www.ohlins.com/en-us/motorcycle/mx-enduro/kawasaki-kx250-suzuki…
TTX is the correct product for the Ohlins fork inserts.
https://coppersmithracing.com/off-road
I have a 24 450 and really like it. I am thinking about buying a 26. Any opinions from anyone who has made the leap? Pros and Cons.
What are you hoping to get with a ‘26?
The reviews on the ‘26 are accurate with the engine power change and edge of tire feel. However with mods to the ‘23-25 you can get similar feel. I like the pop that the ‘23-25 has with a vortex and heavier flywheel.
This is based off me comparing my modded ‘23 to riding my buddies stock ‘26
I’ve ridden then 26 and my modded 23. Depending on the track they felt similar but where I think the 26 might be improved is that the bump comfort will be better across more tracks. My 23 feels like a good package on some tracks and others it’s harsh in the front and no front grip. The 26 motor, out of the box is much more rideable to me, even compared to my 23 with twisted vortex and Bundy flywheel. I might try and put the 26 airbox on my 23 to see if I feel a change.
Thanks. I love my 24, but it does seem to require more effort to ride than the 21 crf450 I previously had. The reviews I read and test I have seen say the 26 is much more rideable. I don’t have many complaints with the 24 other than I get a bit more tired quicker on it.
I’m in the same situation with my 24. I rode my buddies 26 and the front end feel/stability/grip is substantially better imo. With my buddy and I swapping out, we both agreed my bike was noticeably more plush. His bike was stock, while mine has a 6.3kg rear spring and .52kg front springs. We also both thought my 24 had a bit stronger power and revved out further. We swapped mufflers and it made a noticeable difference. His 26 gained a bit more bark and my 24 became a bit more mellow. We’re going to swap airboxes next and see how that works. Debating on getting the fcp cups and keeping the 24 or just moving to the 26. Also tempted to give the new Honda a try instead, can’t stop starring at that bike lol. I’ve tried all sags between 108-95mm and the bike feels best at 95 for me. Looks like the 26 gained .7 deg of rake, while the fcp cups give you .3 deg of rake. Not sure if they’ll completely give the 24 the same feel as the 26.
Pit Row
Hey, just joined, I’ve owned the 23, 25 and now 26 models, mainly ride sand tracks.
Suspension mainly front fork is harsh, rideable but with a proper revalve you get a substantial improvement.
Gearing, I believe with the smooth power Yamaha chose gearing that made 3rd gear usable, but its landed more in middle ground not really beneficial for 2nd or 3rd gear corners at my speed.
Basically, once the fork is set for your skill and best gearing chosen for preference, then the chassis and other modifications Yamaha have made come into play to make the 26 noticeably a better bike. Its more settled coming into bumpy corners and slightly more stable.
I found running a FMF slip on has returned a majority of the power and I now run last year’s gearing with no problem. The difference is with the new air box, flywheel weight, maps etc the abrupt initial crack of the throttle is much improved and I can go into corners and hit the throttle without the on off jerk I would get if I wasn’t a 100% clean in the corner, instilling confidence. The bikes still an animal but the first 10 metres or so, whatever that is in feet is controllable.
What’s great about the 26 compared to previous models for myself is the scope of adjustability. Yamaha have done the expensive stuff, chassis, engine mounts, fly wheel weight, maps, air box etc.
So after suspension tune and a slip on muffler (if you prefer) all you have to do is decide your best combo of gearing and maps that suit you and you’ll not be able to blame the bike ever again. haha.
Has anyone tried using the Brembo clutch master cylinder off the GYTR hydro kit on the 2026? I've heard the new Nissin clutch doesn't have as good a feel as either the old cable or GYTR hydro options on the new bike. I have a 2023 now, looking to pick up a 2026 soon, and have the GYTR kit for the old bike but never installed it. Wondering if the Brembo is compatible and if it improves the feel. I asked Keefer but he only said they were looking into it, and didn't have feedback yet.
Picked up a new 26 yesterday and took it for some laps today. Really loved it! Haven’t ridden a 450 for a few years have been on a 350 so definitely noticed the extra power haha. Need to get the suspension sorted for my weight and I feel this will be a great bike.
Interesting, an 8mm bolt seems like overkill for this. That "button" is just a press fit grommet, I'd think the dzus would be more secure than that. Personally I've never had an issue with the dzus, but seems like there's always been guys with covers falling off since back to the 2014 version. If the ring is catching on your pants I believe you can get versions of it that requires a screwdriver or allen head to twist it, so no ring. This would probably fix most of the issues with them coming loose.
What does the flywheel weight do for the engine feel? I have a 24 and it's exciting to ride, but it can be a lot to handle on some parts of the track. Mine is all stock, running the Keefer connected map. Also, my front end seems to knife / oversteer. I dropped the forks to 2mm and have a starcross 6 soft/medium on the front.
https://www.keeferinctesting.com/yamaha-yz450f-flywheel-weights-tested/
Keefer tested them here. It appears Yamaha has one now. I got one from Bundy Built and it smoothed it out some with a little less engine braking.
There's a thread for the 2026 YZ450F, would like to see people post their experience with the bike.
https://www.vitalmx.com/forums/moto-related/2026-yamaha-yz450f-hydro-clutch-new-frame-and-more
Congrats!
So finally picked up one of these newer body styles and in person I like the front fender. Comparing it side by side to my 2019, I want to put a new style fender on it. Super long and kinda low at the front, kinda droopy looking.
I can’t stand how loud these are so I got the new pro circuit BC system to see how it compares.
Pro moto billet makes end caps with different levels of quite inserts if anyone is looking for cheaper options than a full system.
Dish anyone know if the reservoir cap from an ‘17 YZ450 will fit the 18-26 shock reservoir?
Before ‘18 the reservoir cap had a Schrader valve now it’s the needle poke style.
JBI has caps with the schrader valve for ~$60 but can get a ‘17 cap from Rocky for $30.
Thanks!
https://www.ridejbi.com/jbi-kyb-bladder-cap/
Nice bike - the desk and bench looks like mine lol (comforting)
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