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So the dealership that supports my son sales Yamaha and Suzuki. We have a 2017 YZ250f coming and I was wondering if anyone has reasons the Suzuki would be a better choice. Or reasons to not get the Yamaha. We have rode suzuki's for 4 years now but that "New" RMZ 250 doesn't seem like a good choice for the stock class.
Like all bikes they do have quarks, and I warn anyone I know about them before they get one. When you get your bike there a few things you should do right away for prevention:
1. WATER. The wiring harness is straight out of the 1980's. When you get the bike (it's best doing this new trust me), disconnect all the electrical and use Di-Electric grease on all the connectors and then put them back together. I recommend wrapping them in some way, I used electrical tape around each connection, especially around the tank area. This will help keep dirt, water, and soap out. It's a piece of mind thing... I've seen way to many Yamaha's not make a moto after a quick in between moto wash.
2. Be careful of the air box. It's literally a vertical drop from the filter to the throttle body, very easy to knock dirt in there.
3. Keep an eye on your frame. Not sure if Yamaha has fixed their weld issue (I heard with the 60th anniversary edition they made the manfu. change) but I've had multiple buddies and my 16 450 crack at the lower steering head weld.
And yes, to the Yamaha die hard fans, it is a very apparent weld issue. Sorry, I don't care you've owned once since you've been conceived with no problems... I know way to many people who have that same weld crack.
4. GYTR Tuner. It's an awesome tool. Diagnostics, easy map changes (MXA has some good ones to start from), and an hour meter. Yamaha sensors and TPS are known to be a little funky, so the diagnostic tool is always a helpful addition to have, just incase.
I would go blue and wouldn't look back...unless they are going to cut you a sick deal on that RMZ.
The Shop
I am a Suzuki die hard but even I have a hard time throwing their name in the hat while giving up that much horsepower when considering the bike for a STOCK class. If you were modifying the motor I would go Suzuki.
that being said...nothing handle like a Suzuki. and in the amateur ranks hp differences can be made up with a riders ability. Heck I've put down holeshots on a 250f vs 450's
http://www.vitalmx.com/forums/Moto-Related,20/Crack-in-my-sons-2016-yam…
Changing bikes won't make your son faster.
In all seriousness... Take the Yamaha... There's a reason why it won every single 250F shootout last year, by a mile.
16 WR450f the same i hammer that sucker with the water, its a bit like air forks a lot of people commenting saying they are crap have never ridden on them its just what they have herd from some pit race talking shit.
Never had a weld issue either....now to the KTM450SXf's i had from 2011-2014.....
But i do read about a few issues but personally don't know anyone that has had any of the mentioned problems...
Pit Row
2016 yz450 - Frame Crack at 20 hours. Just got word from my dealer that Yamaha is actually sending me a new frame (I'm speechless), not as a warranty issue, but as what they call "good gesture warranty forgiveness". Basically so they don't have to pay the dealer the labor. Whatever, I'm pumped!
When I bought my Yamaha (15) the first thing I was told was about the wiring harness. This was directly from the Sexton's when Chase was on Yami, they couldn't stress that enough. Had a couple buddies on Horton Racing say the same exact thing. Better to just try to avoid a possible issue than to wait to have one...
The frame cracking deal... had a buddy have his crack this spring, he had a couple buddies who have as well. Heck, there's multiple topics just here alone.....
But you're right just like the air fork deal! Man, some of you are so loyal to your brands.
Maybe if there was no such thing as bad luck, I'd have no luck IDK, but yes I have had a very different experience then most. I'm not bagging on the bike either, my experience (beside the frame BS) was just a freak thing. It happens to all brands and I understand that, but Yamaha is the most resistant on backing their products than any other brand I have ever dealt with, customer service is just terrible. Issues aside, I love my Yamaha, the bike is awesome.
True about the frame issue its just I have never seen one but like you say there are multiple threads here regarding it just never seen one in Aus do it but I'm sure there are a few.
And I'm not diehard Yammy man only been back on them for a few years after having KTM's for ages.
This is odd though... I too have had shock issues on my 16 450. Although I have had the shock done and I only rode it once before it was revalved, I've had issues with my preload rings unlocking and coming loose as I ride.. not really something you can blame on the a revalve you know?
Additionally, the internal body of my shock had some small but rough casting flaws that ripped the new seals from the revalve on the first ride. I should really start asking what day my bike was built on...
I wouldn't think Yamaha does the assembly or manufacturing on the suspension components? This would be a KYB problem?
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