<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: gleadogg

So I was just reading on another forum that the YFZ450 motors will randomly blow and they are not very reliable. Is there any truth to this or is it these guys are probably throttling the crap out of them without oil or something.</end quote></div>

That is the biggest line of BS I have ever heard! By todays standars and with all major MFGS there is so much testing with these engines that goes on before the public ever even sees a machine much less rides one that the only way you could blow a engine like that is by lack of KNOWLEDGE weather it be maintanice or just plain stupidity with aftermarket HP upgrades!

 

I am researching that 09 Suzuki that you spoke of, it looks like a hot bike.

 

I will take a YFZ over the Raptor any time. 50 pounds lighter, and a lower center of gravity. (For styling, they keep insisting on putting that Raptor radiator (weight) up high in the frame.)

I started out on a Blaster, and to me the YFZ feels like a larger more powerful Blaster. Some early models were sprung very stiff, and were miserable in the rough stuff.

 

gleandogg, yeah the Suzuki LT R 450 is a sweet bike. Just picked mine up 2 weekends ago. It is a lot wider and has a lower center of gravity than a standard YFZ, but it is pretty equal to the YFZ 450R I believe. I'm sure that you could get the Suzuki for less than the YFZ R, got my 08 near the end of the year for about 7 grand (Canadian $$), the Yamaha dealer that we were looking at wanted 9 grand for their 08 "regular" YFZ.

But I'm sure either bike would be lots of fun for you!

 

So does anybody think a Honda 400ex would be any good? Better for trail riding than the YFZ 450? I could get an 07 400ex for 4,799, opposed to an 08 yfz 450 for 5799.

 

The 400EX will be an easier quad to ride on the trails. The 450s are fast reving machines which means you end up shifting a lot and giving some good ol' clutch work in there. The 400 revs slower and the gears are taller so there is less shifting involved. The way the 400EX is geared means less clutch work and shifting on trails.

If you are wanting a 400, check out the Z400.