2/26/2019 1:34 PM
Edited Date/Time: 2/26/2019 1:40 PM
Disclaimer #1: I used to own a 2-stroke YZ250.
Disclaimer #2: I recently sold the bike.
Disclaimer #3: I had third gear go out in that bike three times. So I'm not a big believer in Yamaha's "legendary reliability." I do believe that overall they do make a reliable bike and tend to think my 2013 YZ250 was made on a Friday after lunch (A little Friday afternoon saki make transmission go knocky).
Disclaimer #4: I do not own any YZ 4-stroke - let alone a 2019.
With the above in mind, I do currently know four friends with 2019 YZ 4-strokes. One with the 250, and three with the 450.
Two of the 450 riders are experts (not pros). One of them just came off a 2018 Honda - on which he destroyed the rear hub, left case, chain guide, etc. by throwing massive whips for a photographer (repeatedly as the photographer kept sending him around). So I don't really blame the Honda for that. However, this did prompt him to go out and get a new bike, and he settled on the YZ.
Anyhow, all four rave about the 2019 Yamahas. In particular, the guy mentioned above that came off the 2018 450 CRF, stated the Yamaha was better in every respect. Power, turning, stability, suspension, flat corners, rutted corners, etc. The one 2019 250 friend I have has said much the same thing.
I did ride the 450 and 250. I did not ride them hard as they're new and I'm always skeert of messing up a friend's bike - especially a new one. The throttle response is what I noticed first. Keep in mind how I've never owned a fuel-injected bike, so it probably means nothing, but the instantaneous response reminded me of a well-jetted 2-stroke.
Other than that, I rode neither long enough or hard enough to offer anything beyond what I wrote above and don't really feel qualified to offer an opinion.
The other guys that own the bikes, they are qualified, so, whether you accept their testimony as solid evidence or not, that is your business. I'm just telling you what I've observed and heard at my local track.
The 250 rider and the 450 rider (the one that had the Honda) - I have helped both maintain their machines and set them up. The spokes have already settled in and no longer requiring tightening. We've never once found a sprocket bolt loose. The app for changing the power delivery is amazing. All other manufacturers will soon be doing this. According to all four riders, the suspension is awesome "out of the box." None of these guys have had any issues as some have pointed out in prior posts. After my experience with my smoker, I don't doubt you guys that have had issues with Yamahas. Three times for third gear - in my case - is just stupid. I know I have a giant clown foot, but that's just ridiculous and not my fault.
Hope the above helps. Me? If I was going to get a 2019 4-stroke, I'd get the Yami just because I'd have to spend nothing on the suspension, and I would install the Travis Preston map and live happily ever after. The KTM would be a very close second choice.
