Opinions needed! 08' , 09', 2010 & 2011 CRF450's.

jeffro503
Posts
27442
Joined
7/22/2007
Location
St Helens, OR US
Edited Date/Time 1/27/2012 12:19am
Hey guys......I need your opinions in this if you can help. I went and bought a brand new 2010 Yamaha YZ450F about 2 months ago , and even though i really like the bike , I feel more comfortable on the Hondas. So i'm thinking of trading my bike in and picking one up.

The 2008 CRF450 was an awesome bike , and I may end up getting one of these in a strait across trade to a shop. I'll take it in the shorts a little I know.

I don't want a 2009 CRF450 because i had heard way to many bad things about them as far as the ergo's go on the bike...and that it "Just doesn't feel right".

I know nothing about the 2010 and 2011 CRF's.....and was wondering if I could get some input from you guys on how they feel?

Again.....right now , the 2008 might be my best choice , as i don't want to fork over a bunch of money to get into another bike , BUT , I will if i have to.

You guys that own any of these.......what's your thoughts?
|
10/19/2010 10:29am
'08's are great. The '09 is a great bike if you do work on it. Shorter linkage, forks revalved, etc. My brother has an '09 and has it working pretty good... You have to get the back end a little lower (linkage), drop the forks as low as they go in the triple clamps, and get stiffer springs. He put a Yoshi on it and it's a different bike. Much smoother with a less abrupt hit off the bottom. The bike is LIGHT.

If you're not going to do a lot of mods and take the time to get it setup right, the '08 is a far better bike. You will fight a stock '09.
Camp332
Posts
8370
Joined
8/16/2006
Location
Zoo Jersey US
10/19/2010 10:41am
I love my 09. Don't believe that hype. I had the suspension dialed in by RG3, but that is pretty standard on any bike.

In the beginning there were a couple hiccups, but once I had the compression pin replaced(via Honda recall), she runs like a champ!

mag23
Posts
748
Joined
5/12/2010
Location
Lincoln, CA US
10/19/2010 10:44am
I have an '09, yosh exhaust, PC linkage, and oversize front rotor... I love it. My only complaint was the stiff clutch pull. Feels like a smaller bike, I'm 5-9 155, it's perfect for me.
10/19/2010 10:45am Edited Date/Time 10/19/2010 10:46am
if I had to do it all over again, starting with a brand-new bike (excluding the 11 because havent rode one yet)

I would still go with my 09 for moto because last Oct I got it for 5000 out the door. yes you have to spend a bit on it. The 2mm LONGER linkage arm fixed the chassis on that bike. $250 from PC or Works Connection and then spring and revalve the fork and shock and go for it. I did get a Yosh for it, added some to the bottum, and stretched out the top, plus its a work of art, but the stock ehaust was pretty damn good! The difference between the 09 and the 10 crf450 was literally different fork valving (see below) and a sensor that told the ECM what gear you were in. Other than that, they didnt even change graphics. (09 sensor read 2nd 3rd 4th, 10 sensor reads every gear 1st-5th)

(for the record, I dont count fork or shock springs or revalving when talking about bikes because I have to do it for every bike i ride and count on it going in - 6'4" 250 pounds intermediate, nothing ever made stock works for me!)

for the 2011, they come with longer linkage arms. So look at the cost of the 11 vs how much you can get a new 10 +250 for the linkage imo.

The Shop

adamdf
Posts
2119
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
St. Michael BB
10/19/2010 10:53am
For 2011, they seem to basically have done the mods that the guys on the 09 and 10s had to do, supposed to be a better balanced bike out the crate.....

But if you can get a steal on an 09 and do the linkage and suspension, that might be the route?

But also consider resale value....for that reason if it were me, i would go with the 11, might spend a little more, but at the end of the day, it comes with the fixes and the resale should be a bit better...
shmoo
Posts
135
Joined
5/20/2009
Fantasy
226th
10/19/2010 11:26am
I wouldn't get (or go back to) an '08.
My '09 just turned 100 (hours). I love it and am much more comfortable on it than the '07.
There is no point in trading the '09 for a 10 or 11.
As the guys said above, they are easy fixes and voila, you have a 2011 CRF450.
If you can get a good deal on an '09, take it.

LInkage and forks yes, as above.

The other mod, which you might try is a throttle body insert (Splitstream works fine) to effectively reduce the size from 50mm to mid40s. This makes the bike come out of corners better. Noticeably, and much easier to ride. Not surprisingly Honda and others are running 43- 46 mm bodies (2011).

Put 15W oil in the HPSD- just like having a larger diameter body (2011)

Remap FI to get rid of flat top end.

When the 4 spring clutch retires, go aftermarket 6 spring.

Either way, you be happy. Interesting comment about the '10 YZF - good to know.




mxb2
Posts
22488
Joined
6/15/2010
Location
Bowie, MD US
10/19/2010 12:26pm
The 08 is a great bike if you can find one!, but why go backwards from the 2010 to a 08? unless u don t like the EFI, What don t you like about the Yammy? My buddy has one and loves it, with a fmf pipe and mapped and suspension done!(yamaha that is) I had a 07 crf 450 , great bike but i like my EFi RMZ better! Keep us posted! I think hillsboro motosports has a 08 new for sale in your area FYI. Depending on skill level and weight your probably gonna need your suspension done anyway!
jeffro503
Posts
27442
Joined
7/22/2007
Location
St Helens, OR US
10/19/2010 4:36pm
Well shit! I did some calling around today , and what is really going to kill me is , if I trade that Yamaha in , they are going to rape me big time!

The YZ450 was $8200.00 a couple months ago , but I got a $1000.00 rebate , and walked out the door with mine for $7200.00. And evn though the thing probably has less than 10 hours on it....the stinking trade in value is $4180.00 !!! Fucking pathetic!

Looks like I may just end up keeping it and doing some mods on it to make me feel a little comfortable. I DO like the bike a lot , I just felt more comfortable on the Hondas. But knowing me.....I JUST HAD TO be different!!

I missed out on Hillsboro selling them 08' Hondas for $4899.00 a month ago! They are $5999.00 now.......But with trading in my 2010 Yamaha......I would have to come up with friggin' $1800.00!

Jesus Christ this market has gone to shit! Who knows , maybe i'll put it up on Craigs list for $5800.00 and see if anyone bites......otherwise I'm just keeping it! Pretty sad resale value for bike with 10 God Damn hours on it!
redalert144
Posts
1778
Joined
5/24/2009
Location
Yuma, AZ US
Fantasy
3087th
10/19/2010 4:46pm
jeffro503 wrote:
Well shit! I did some calling around today , and what is really going to kill me is , if I trade that Yamaha in...
Well shit! I did some calling around today , and what is really going to kill me is , if I trade that Yamaha in , they are going to rape me big time!

The YZ450 was $8200.00 a couple months ago , but I got a $1000.00 rebate , and walked out the door with mine for $7200.00. And evn though the thing probably has less than 10 hours on it....the stinking trade in value is $4180.00 !!! Fucking pathetic!

Looks like I may just end up keeping it and doing some mods on it to make me feel a little comfortable. I DO like the bike a lot , I just felt more comfortable on the Hondas. But knowing me.....I JUST HAD TO be different!!

I missed out on Hillsboro selling them 08' Hondas for $4899.00 a month ago! They are $5999.00 now.......But with trading in my 2010 Yamaha......I would have to come up with friggin' $1800.00!

Jesus Christ this market has gone to shit! Who knows , maybe i'll put it up on Craigs list for $5800.00 and see if anyone bites......otherwise I'm just keeping it! Pretty sad resale value for bike with 10 God Damn hours on it!
I think Pro Circuit Or Factory Connection has the linkage arms for your bike too, helps alot from what I heard
mxb2
Posts
22488
Joined
6/15/2010
Location
Bowie, MD US
10/19/2010 5:42pm
jeffro503 wrote:
Well shit! I did some calling around today , and what is really going to kill me is , if I trade that Yamaha in...
Well shit! I did some calling around today , and what is really going to kill me is , if I trade that Yamaha in , they are going to rape me big time!

The YZ450 was $8200.00 a couple months ago , but I got a $1000.00 rebate , and walked out the door with mine for $7200.00. And evn though the thing probably has less than 10 hours on it....the stinking trade in value is $4180.00 !!! Fucking pathetic!

Looks like I may just end up keeping it and doing some mods on it to make me feel a little comfortable. I DO like the bike a lot , I just felt more comfortable on the Hondas. But knowing me.....I JUST HAD TO be different!!

I missed out on Hillsboro selling them 08' Hondas for $4899.00 a month ago! They are $5999.00 now.......But with trading in my 2010 Yamaha......I would have to come up with friggin' $1800.00!

Jesus Christ this market has gone to shit! Who knows , maybe i'll put it up on Craigs list for $5800.00 and see if anyone bites......otherwise I'm just keeping it! Pretty sad resale value for bike with 10 God Damn hours on it!
MX bikes are a money pit, great fun but don t expect alot for trade ins or resale, it is what it is , keep it and get a 250 and have 2 bikes!
Cook441
Posts
1619
Joined
5/30/2009
Location
Tacoma, WA US
10/19/2010 8:54pm Edited Date/Time 10/19/2010 9:12pm
Bought a stock 09- put an O ring chain on it and away I went- Did have the comp pin replaced- and I think the front forks feel a little easy to bottom compared to my 05- Passed a lot of guys on 10's, guys with mods etc..at Washougal this weekend and man when it dies it starts right back up like my two stroke...same thing with starts pulled three out of 4 holeshots last national amateur which somehow evaded me for years on the 05 crf 450- (used to nail them on the 2smoke).

I am happy but a simple man- I always sping for a new tire instead of "roost boost" and keep er stock-
adamdf
Posts
2119
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
St. Michael BB
10/19/2010 10:10pm
jeffro503 wrote:
Well shit! I did some calling around today , and what is really going to kill me is , if I trade that Yamaha in...
Well shit! I did some calling around today , and what is really going to kill me is , if I trade that Yamaha in , they are going to rape me big time!

The YZ450 was $8200.00 a couple months ago , but I got a $1000.00 rebate , and walked out the door with mine for $7200.00. And evn though the thing probably has less than 10 hours on it....the stinking trade in value is $4180.00 !!! Fucking pathetic!

Looks like I may just end up keeping it and doing some mods on it to make me feel a little comfortable. I DO like the bike a lot , I just felt more comfortable on the Hondas. But knowing me.....I JUST HAD TO be different!!

I missed out on Hillsboro selling them 08' Hondas for $4899.00 a month ago! They are $5999.00 now.......But with trading in my 2010 Yamaha......I would have to come up with friggin' $1800.00!

Jesus Christ this market has gone to shit! Who knows , maybe i'll put it up on Craigs list for $5800.00 and see if anyone bites......otherwise I'm just keeping it! Pretty sad resale value for bike with 10 God Damn hours on it!
Jeff, have you posted anything over on thumpertalk as yet in the YZ450 forum? There are a bunch of guys over there, some that have rode all the brands and owned them too, that love their YZs! Probably should check the place out for recommendations for your bike, i personally have not ridden the 2010 YZ but from everything i have read over there about it, i would keep it and set it up properly and not bother the stress of switching to anything else...
Picardo
Posts
52
Joined
10/13/2010
Location
US
10/19/2010 10:26pm
Reed said the Yamaha was JUNK years ago. You should have bought a RMZ...they ROCK!
Picardo
Posts
52
Joined
10/13/2010
Location
US
10/19/2010 10:27pm
James can't win on the new bike...he may never win again.
adamdf
Posts
2119
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
St. Michael BB
10/19/2010 10:36pm
Picardo, the only thing you accomplished in those last 2 posts was raising your post count, and thats not much of an accomplishment...the guy is trying to get some useful info, dont hijack this poor thread with crap like that, theres tons of other dumb threads for that...
jeffro503
Posts
27442
Joined
7/22/2007
Location
St Helens, OR US
10/19/2010 11:42pm
Picardo wrote:
Reed said the Yamaha was JUNK years ago. You should have bought a RMZ...they ROCK!
You are a fucking Idiot! Please remove yourself from this thread and the website.
-eagle-
Posts
1604
Joined
5/9/2008
Location
ZW
10/20/2010 8:04am
Do the 10 & 11 hondas have a 6 spring clutch or is it 4 like the 09?
10/20/2010 8:41am
you have to remember, trade-in value and retail value are two diferent things. Just like with cars, X is what its worth, Y is what you get for trade-in, reason being, if they gave you whats its worth, then no profit when they sell it. The question is, is it worth X to put up with the hassle and time waiting to sell it, or take Y right now on the spot and not have to deal with selling the bike yourself.

I do have a question for you guys though. I have never gave retail, or even close to retail, on a new bike in my life. Im wondering if its just how the shops I deal with operate or ?? I hear everyone saying they had to give X for a bike and Im getting them a grand back of retail usually.
englishman
Posts
2604
Joined
3/7/2008
Location
England GB
10/20/2010 8:46am
MXA just did a big article in the September issue on the '10 Yamaha . Lots of mods to make it ride better.
Might be worth checking out.
LouDog
Posts
707
Joined
11/8/2008
Location
Wildomar, CA US
10/20/2010 8:47am Edited Date/Time 10/20/2010 8:48am
It really sucks how when you buy a new bike these days you get raped on price and if you dont like it take back to the shop and they offer you almost half of what you paid. This is why this sport is so FUCKED UP.
I really think you can get the Yamaha to work the biggest problem is the front end and how bulky it is.
10/20/2010 8:48am Edited Date/Time 10/20/2010 8:52am
eagle, 09 and 10 had the 4 spring clutches, dont know on the 11.

I will say this, on the 09~10 clutch, if you are hard on the clutch, they go fast - really fast! If you arent hard on them and use the tranny instead of the standard put it in 3rd and go )lol), no issues.

one other thing about the 09~10 CRF450, they have THE hardest seat I have ever sat on!
jeffro503
Posts
27442
Joined
7/22/2007
Location
St Helens, OR US
10/20/2010 8:52am
you have to remember, trade-in value and retail value are two diferent things. Just like with cars, X is what its worth, Y is what you...
you have to remember, trade-in value and retail value are two diferent things. Just like with cars, X is what its worth, Y is what you get for trade-in, reason being, if they gave you whats its worth, then no profit when they sell it. The question is, is it worth X to put up with the hassle and time waiting to sell it, or take Y right now on the spot and not have to deal with selling the bike yourself.

I do have a question for you guys though. I have never gave retail, or even close to retail, on a new bike in my life. Im wondering if its just how the shops I deal with operate or ?? I hear everyone saying they had to give X for a bike and Im getting them a grand back of retail usually.
I got kind of lucky on mine , and got a $1000.00 rebate off the bike when I got it. And when I bought it , it was the only shop I could find offering the rebate for some reason. About 10 miles away at an even bigger bike shop , they had my same bike for $1000.00 more , + the setup fees......which the shop I got mine from didn't charge me.

There are also things like " Honda bucks" or Honda rebates like what the 08' CRF honda had in August , which was $2000.00 of retail!

Either way.....I'm going to see if I can even make it worth my while to sell it , and if not , I'll just keep it. I do like the bike a lot , But I just feel slightly more comfortable on a Honda.....But I can deal with it for now.

Also....Retail I think is what the Manif is asking you to sell a bike for. A shop can lower the price so he has less net income on it to make the sale , or help someone out. They really don't make all that much on new bikes.....It's the parts and accessories is where they make good money.

Post a reply to: Opinions needed! 08' , 09', 2010 & 2011 CRF450's.

The Latest