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The Shop
Should i wait for the 2019 that might get some updates on parts that fail?
I'm only 175cm "long", so the biggest thing i felt was that the Yamaha was smaller. The gap between the footpegs and the seat was way, way shorter than on the KTM and that was a huge difference. The Yamaha was clearly heavier. But it did somehow turn better for me than my own KTM 450. I think that has a lot to do with me feeling more comfortable on the "smaller" Yamaha?
I could wait for the 19 but at the same time i might get a really good deal on the 18. Difficult to make a decision... Then we have brand new KTMs that will be here within a month. I'm going insane
I do have to give Yamaha credit. I rode the 2017 YZF 450 and i thought it was junk. The step from the 17 to 18 is huge, at least for a shorter rider.
I am kind of in the same boat, could wait for the 19 KTM's but it also makes sense to wait for the 19 Yamaha if the updates are crucial. The easiest thing would be to get a new KTM and be done with it but it could also give me some motivation if I switch brands.
Well i'm still waiting on the offer from the dealer. The thing with getting an 18 would be that i could get it a lot cheaper than the 19. And the 19 wont get any performance updates.
I do run tall Kevin Windham bend pro taper bars thought which are about a full inch taller than stock.
Hopefully I will be able to ride one before I make up my mind about what bike to buy.
Pit Row
I have had nothing but horrible luck with my 2018 YZ450F. My story - Six hours on the bike and third gear started skipping at a high RPM. It sat in the shop for five weeks swapping every part imaginable. Along the way they also found out that the valves were completely out of spec and needed to be shimmed. They couldn't figure out the problem so Yamaha put a brand new motor in it (major major push from my local dealer). I have now had my bike back for 2 1/2 weeks with five rides at approx 5 hours and now the starter clutch has gone (out of this brand new motor).
My other riding buddy has had his in the shop twice this year from the starter clutch. Went at 15 hours the first time, and seven hours this time.
I owned a 2016 and a 2017 YZ250F and had to replace the intake valves twice in once season on the 16 (22 hr/50hr) and once on the 17 (36hr). Two other riding partners both bought brand new 17's last year and the valves went in both them at 10hrs.
I raced Suzuki's from 2010-2015, but during 2008-2009 I had a 08 YZ125, 08 YZ250F, and a 09 YZ250F. Those bikes were unreal how reliable they were. Either we have got a whole batch of lemons or Yamaha is easily the most unreliable bike on the market right now.
It's safe to say that my faith in the blue brand is out the window. Frustrating for me and the dealer.
Post a reply to: YZ450F 18 problems, already