I have put in a few hours on a friends (bone stock) YFZ. I think this bike is probably at its best on a groomed track. It isn't a trail/mountain fire road bike at all, but is workable for the open desert (it takes the whoops like nothing I have ever ridden......YZ linkage!).

We also spent some time in the dunes (Rasor Rd., we had unridden sand all to ourselves!!). The bike handled well, and has a powerband that is a natural for the sand. It is also a great jumper. I think with some softer aftermarket suspension, this bike is going to shine out in the dunes!!

http://bokasmo.com/pages/ohv/califor...sor/index.html

 

I just got my YFZ about a month ago and on my last trip I went Dumont...I was very satisfied. Currently my YFZ is stock but I raced a few tricked out banshees and 1 raptor up comp hill.....beat every one of them by at least a 1 1/2 bike length. The suspension felt great and I believe you said with a beefed up suspension it would handle better in the sand.....I think to goes with any quad you get stock.

 

just like your quote says "DON'T BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK!" Iv'e hade mine for 2 months and riddin in about all terrain but mostly at pismo in the dunes. First off this thing rocks in the dunes not much can keep up and only highly modified machines beat it at the drags. Nothin wrong with the suspension you can catch big air all day. I put a 13t drive sprocket on last weekend and actually took it deer hunting but i spent most of the time thrashing around on the quad, i was at 6000ft and nothin but fire roads and this thing rocks. all i can say is you would have to ride one.






I DONT RIDE FAST I JUST FLY LOW!

 

VERY WELL SAID TIMMYBOY I TAKE MINE TO THE SAND, DIRT, MX TRACK YOU NAME IT!! AND IT KICKS SOME ***......

 

I thought the suspension was harsh out on the trail. Obviously the bike is set up for taking BIG HITS on an MX track. My impression was that a milder (not beefed up) suspension would be better for sand. Set up right, this will probably be THE sand bike!

 

If you ride the alleged "dune king" Banshee then get on the yfz IMO the banshee doesn't hold a candle as far handling/suspension/acceleration and overall ease of riding in the dunes. My bro bought a shee cuz we mostly do dune riding and he wishes he would've bought the yfz.

 

Exactly. Been on 'em both. Wouldn't even consider a Banshee now.

 

I agree it's an awesome handling ATV, a little stiff (shocks & seat), but still an awesome ATV. I have one, and I'd have to say it's the first 4 stroke that's actually started me thinking of parting with my Ole Banshee. If I did, I'd definetly have to put softer aftermarket shocks on it and taller seat foam w/an aftermarket seat cover. On my Banshee I have Ohlin shocks which give me a cush ride and soft landings. I still think the "acceleration/hit" of the Banshee is second to none. It always puts a smile on my face when it kicks in! Not even the YFZ can match that hit. But, like I said..... the YFZ is the first 4 stroke that's got me thinking about parting with my Banshee and to me that says a lot about how good an aTV it is.

Rude Dog

 

Yeah, I like that too, that's what sold my bro on buying one.