Posts
2
Joined
3/22/2026
Location
Moundville, AL
US
Hi, I just picked up a 26 YZ450F a couple of days ago after giving my son my 24 YZ250F. I weigh about 230 lbs. and I want to know if the 450 suspension will work for my weight or will I need to have springs and valve work done to it as well? I’m a slow vet rider who may race a couple times a year. Mainly just go practice for fun and exercise. Any advise will be helpful thanks.
I'd just go ride it. It may be a little soft but it doesn't sound like you are super aggressive. If you start to blow through the stroke on jumps, then re-spring it for your weight. For now, just ride it.
You could def go cruise around and probably be fine, but the components that came on that bike are top notch. So why not dial them in a bit? I'm no expert but start with setting sag. Then check static sag for an idea on spring rates. Here's an article that may help.
https://motocrossactionmag.com/bare-bones-how-static-sag-can-help-you-c…
I agree with Tbones, make sure the clickers are set to recommended settings and ride.
The forks should be pretty good. For the shock I would recommend trying to get a 100 to 110mm race sag. (105 ideally ) Once you get that check your static sag, if less than 30mm then it would be recommended to get a stiffer shock spring. Try to get that static sag measurement between 30-40mm as much as possible for the shock to perform well and not top out.
After about 5-7 hours of ride time the suspension should be broken in and May feel a little softer, re-check your sag.
Ultimately you may want a stiffer shock spring but I wouldn’t worry about the valving or forks, at least until it’s broken in and you have a goof feel for what you want out of the suspension.
You can ride it but it’s gonna be very soft. You are 40+ lbs heavier than it’s set up for. I’m same weight as you and the bike will feel much better with the proper springs and valving.
The Shop
Free shipping: VITALMX
Luxon 4-Post Bar Mounts
$189.95 - $239.95
Two things that are counterintuitive.
1. If you adjust the “rider sag” (sitting on the bike) to the correct 100-110mm range and then the bike has no/little “static sag” (bike by itself). The fitted spring is too soft - requiring too much preload.
2. A spring that is too soft, can make the suspension harsh, as it rides lower in the stroke. Where the damping/air spring ramps up.
You need springs or it is going to be very soft, ride it before valving and see what you think....
I appreciate the info. I will set sag and check static and go from there. It only has 1.5 hrs in it at the moment and an hour of that was breaking it in so it’ll take some riding to really feel it out. Just curious as to what I may be getting into as this is my first 450. It was a no brainer on the 250’s. Thanks!
Theres no sense in even checking the sag, its virtually impossible for it to be correct at your weight. Springs are mandatory at your weight, valving will most likely be ok for you maybe a bit on the firm side depending on your ability level.
I rode mine stock from 200lb to 235 and all in between. I did fine on it bone stock even at red bud and Daytona in my respective vet classes. I jumped pretty much everything (besides loraccos leap) on stock. I will say, if you get up to B speeds, youll be low in the stroke in corners and you may get a little harshness. Its perfectly fine to ride in stock form for the average 230lb guy tho.
I race my ‘25 YZ250f 17-20 times a year & ride almost every single off weekend. I’m at 205lbs on bone stock suspension.
The Yamaha stock suspension is SO good. Set the sag, adjust the clickers (we put an o-ring on the lower fork tube at the first seal change) to use almost all of the stroke, & go rip on the best stock suspension in the class…
Post a reply to: Suspension setup /upgrade