The 2009 Yz 450

I’ve got a 5 hour 2006 yz450f if you want to rekindle that magic! I could be talked into selling it, potentially!

I've always believed the double cradle/split beam or whatever you want to call it style frame you see on the older bikes, the (still current) YZ 2 strokes, KTMs, and now Triumphs is the way to go. There seems to be something inherently good about their flex characteristics.

I find it interesting how people seemed to love that chassis. I'm mostly a YZ fan but I did not gel with that gen of 450. I felt like I couldn't trust the front end. I rode a few different ones and always felt that. I was on Suzukis at the time. Seems like I may be the minority though. 

You aren't alone.

I never got the planted front end sensation out of any of the '06/'07 YZ450s that I had in the previous steel framed ones.

However, I did love the power delivery, slim and small feel of the bike and the suspension. Just never got the front end bite I wanted. Reminded me of my '03 CRF450 in that department - sort of vague front end feedback and then it would push when I would start to trust it. 😬 Not as bad as the CRF, but not like the steel YZFs.

22mm triple clamps and keep the rear axle forward in the blocks helps me a ton with that for that gen.

I rode an '08 for about 5 years and that thing felt like it was made for me.

Ditch the shorty muffler, make a couple changes to the FCR.  Done.

Awesome bikes, been a while since I was on one but I remember smooth power delivery and great suspension.  I wouldn't hesitate to buy another if I had the opportunity.

 

I had a 08 and it did everything good enough but not great. Suspension setup all I did was heavier springs and it worked well. Putting a DR D. exhaust on it that really helped the engine a lot. 

After riding a KTM good enough wasn’t enough anymore.

Yamaha updated the chassis in 08 and it made a large difference with front end feel.  My 06 was vague to say the least

My 09 was one of my favorite bikes too. It was probably slow for a 450, but I loved how it handled.

The swingarm, linkage, rear hub, brake carrier and caliper on that specific model are an awesome upgrade for a YZ250 twostroke.  Big unsprung weight savings 

dont know why but i really liked mine.  slow 450s are often good

I loved that bike...stable, planted, easy to ride, great suspension...It was a really slow/under powered 450, and that may have been part of the magic.  

https://motocrossactionmag.com/the-yamaha-2009-yz450f-suspension-settings-jetting-specs-likes-dislikes-plus-much-more/
 

I like the 2018+ as well as the 23+ better than that gen. Getting the fcr top cover off sucked for needle changes. I do like the shorty style muffler that came on some of those years though! 

I've got an 09 YZ250f that I bought as a basket-case and built, then gave to my wife as a learner bike. Don't know how they compare to the 450's that year, but I'll say this. I have 3 much newer bikes, and she'll kick them to the curb in favor of that 09 any day.

Those 250fs feel so planted. So much grip and trust. Not enough snap or bark to get much wheel spin. Just hooked up and go.

The 18+ were OK but I disliked the tall gearing and low seat/tall bar combo, felt like I was riding a toilet or a quad.

I don't think it was actually slow/under powered, it was just easier to ride. 

Just bought a 40hr 09 yz450f. I sold mine 7 years ago and regretted it. This one will stay with me forever. 

Those engines are anvils. 👍

Best box stock bike I've owned.  Add a tooth to the rear - go racing. 

Just got to finally to do a back to back with my 24 and 06. It's decently low hour bike. I still love how it turns. I like sitting IN the bike. The new trend is on top of a flat motorcycle. The suspension was still good 20 years later. The engine has good torque but man they just don't rev like a modern 4 stroke. It's reminiscent of how a 450 at engine feels. Mine also needs a tad bit of carb work but overall not bad. Im confident the slower engine also helps the feel of the handling. I hadn't rode this bike in about 10 years and instantly felt comfortable again 🤘🏻

09 YZ 450 was my first 450 experience and man I loved every second of it. Fantastic bike. 

I had an 02 & 04 yz250f…..loved them…reliable as hell….figured a 450 would be great as well….brand new 06 450 anniversary edition….christ….what a piece of shit……..broken transmission gears…broken shock spring….then bottom end/ crank finally gave out…..new cases, crank, top end…bla bla bla…. Back to YZ250 2 stroke to finish out the year…..the yellow & black looked cool though….

the older bikes were more planted and the 09 yz450 was easy to ride in part because the peak HP was down that year, it still had a snappy motor it just wasnt going to rip your arms off. and it was relatively light