First time Yamaha 450(2018) owner.

swtwtwtw
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swtwtwtw 6/3/2018 4:24pm
6/3/2018 4:24pm
25 hrs in and more fun than new. Better too
Jurgen
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Jurgen 6/26/2018 9:39am
6/26/2018 9:39am
Is it worth it fitting the Pro Circuit lowering linkage on the 2018 YZ450? I’ve used this on all the previous YZ’s but apparently the geometry is different on the 2018 and this is therefore not required. Also I liked this as I am short and this lowered the back of the bike.
swtwtwtw
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swtwtwtw 6/26/2018 11:06am
6/26/2018 11:06am
Jurgen wrote:
Is it worth it fitting the Pro Circuit lowering linkage on the 2018 YZ450? I’ve used this on all the previous YZ’s but apparently the geometry...
Is it worth it fitting the Pro Circuit lowering linkage on the 2018 YZ450? I’ve used this on all the previous YZ’s but apparently the geometry is different on the 2018 and this is therefore not required. Also I liked this as I am short and this lowered the back of the bike.
The 18 has the lowered subframe stock. Worth it? If it makes the bike fit you better, yes.
Jurgen
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Jurgen 6/26/2018 11:30am
6/26/2018 11:30am
Does it improve straight line stability and cornering. That older generation YZ’s had that “stink bug “ feel with the back over riding the front and the bikes still being too high in the back so it was essential to fit the lowering linkage. Not sure if this is still the case or if there is a benefit.

The Shop

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RNagy052
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Bryceville, FL US
RNagy052 6/26/2018 6:27pm
6/26/2018 6:27pm
Jurgen wrote:
Is it worth it fitting the Pro Circuit lowering linkage on the 2018 YZ450? I’ve used this on all the previous YZ’s but apparently the geometry...
Is it worth it fitting the Pro Circuit lowering linkage on the 2018 YZ450? I’ve used this on all the previous YZ’s but apparently the geometry is different on the 2018 and this is therefore not required. Also I liked this as I am short and this lowered the back of the bike.
I put it on my mine and like it. Makes it a little better in rutted corners and rutted jump faces. I'm 5'8" and the bike feels better height wise as well with the link on.
lumpy790
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lumpy790 6/27/2018 6:40am
6/27/2018 6:40am
Went and looked it up 12 & 18 and the parts are different partnembers. $12 2012 spacer and a set of 2018 aftermarket wheel bearings is all you need to change the front wheel. Lot cheaper than buying another wheel.
#76
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#76 6/28/2018 2:46pm
6/28/2018 2:46pm
Motofinne, can I ask why you decided to leave KTM?.
Motofinne
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Motofinne 6/29/2018 2:42am
6/29/2018 2:42am Edited Date/Time 6/29/2018 2:46am
#76 wrote:
Motofinne, can I ask why you decided to leave KTM?.
I got to try 2 YZF 450s with 2 different setups(suspension) and i loved them both. I'm only 175cm "long" and the smaller Yamaha fits me better than the bigger KTM. I feel like i'm in more control in the corners and it feels more stable. And my KTM dealer got a new owner that changed things in the rider support system that i didn't like.

I was shocked how much better the 18 was compared the 17 Yamaha that i got to try one year ago.

So long story short. The YZF fitted me better, i wanted a change after riding the same brand for 4 years and the dealer support got better when i changed bikes.
Sheriff245 6/29/2018 9:31am
6/29/2018 9:31am Edited Date/Time 6/29/2018 9:32am
Lots of good info in this thread. I confirm that kit forks from the previous gen are bolt-on on the 18. Here's what's been done on mine so far:
- 105mm sag
- forks 3mm up (works well with stock fork settings, might go higher with a stiffer fork)
- psf kit forks
- 49T rear sprocket
- mapping tweaks (Preston map was my favorite, fills in the gap in the mid-range. Am running the smooth linear map now)
- ss front brake line - a must on every YZ

Some comments: I hate the airbox layout, too easy to drop dirt in the boot and you can't see it because of the mesh. I bought a GYT-R washing cover. Get the Twin Air. I will have to modify it, otherwise it covers so much that the airbox stays dirty. Stock forks are too soft for any type of agressive riding. I will tweak the valving to see how close I can get them to how I want them. Otherwise I am very satisfied with the bike.
Motofinne
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Motofinne 6/29/2018 10:56am
6/29/2018 10:56am Edited Date/Time 6/29/2018 10:57am
One more thing. I have over 10 hours on the bike now and the seat foam is "clapped out". The 19 comes with a harder seat foam and i can see why. Mine is way too soft. I need to get a 19 seat foam or a aftermarket foam.

Pit Row

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