Yeah, sounds ridiculous (if not dangerous and iditiotic), how can a complete newbie go out and buy a 450 without ever even being on a quad in his life? Well let me explain, this post might help others out there debating the same idea....

Background: I have been stoked on getting a quad since 3 years now. In the beginning it was when I first saw a few raptors while on vacation in Spain, they use their quads legally on the streets . Then, I saw some program on tv that showed guys doing all sorts of freestyle quadcross, jumps and all, that was the final straw. My sports background is mainly watersports (kiteboarding, wakeboarding, windsurfing) but also snowboarding, and working out a lot.

Over a year ago, the idea started to really boil once I got divorced (read: free time + no wife bla bla hassles + cash = opportunity -knocking). I was looking for an adrenaline fix that didn't require wind or waves or water or snow...ie not nature-dependent.

I've wanted a motorised toy since I was six and had always some crap reason why I couldn't get one:

-age 6, go-cart, parents said no.
-age 14, motorbike, parents said no.
-age 20, jetski, no cash.
-age 31, atv, wife hassled, which resulted in a no to avoid further hassling.

So a few months ago, I said, "it's now or never". And bit the bullet on a yfz.

Why the Y? because I wanted to get something which I could slowly progress on, while at the same time have max potential (plus easy to resell case I didn't like it). Slowly progress meant not hammering on the gas, not going on steep climbs, and not jumping. This is the mental part which I've learned through the years of many "extreme" (hate the word) sports. The physical part, well let's just say I'm in shape.

So....I've had it for 10 days now, rode it about 4 times....and getting the hang of it....love riding on dunes, starting to make real small bunny hops (not quite part of the original phased approach plan, but small is like 30 inches in the air)....awesoe to powerslide around, it's killer. Definately lived up to expectations - only problem is even with my limited amount of riding I already prefer dunes to trails...for the space and more options for jumping. I already dream of Glamis....one day.

Would I recommend the 450 to a newbie? why not - provided the person has brains and some athletic aptitude if you really want to ride it right.

Am I just insane or are there others with a similar story? Most of you people seem to have been riding before you could even walk, at least that's the way it seems. Or coming from MX backgrounds. How many had a completely unrelated past like me?

Curious....

Ride on-

Steve

 

shur why not. i know you know that the 450 is one realy fast nimble quad. just as long he keeps it easy for a while and does nothing stuiped. me personley i would go with the raptor it seems like he wantes a yamaha. and the raptor has a lot of power but at a munch more easly controlible rate.

 

Ride within your abilities is key. Get a complete set of sefety gear and watch out for the next guy. You could cut the throttle back as your skills get better....and the only way for better skills is seat time. Did the wife left because you would not nut up and put her in her place? J/K! Welcome too the 'connection forums.
Gary

 

thats awsome that you got a quad. welcome to an awsome sport and great forum.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

Yeah I thought about the rappy, but I wanted something that one day I can ultimately take to the track, and is light to ride on (nimble). Plus, easier to sell a Y than the rappy....if it had come to that.

No reverse, oh well, got arms and legs.

Steve

 

I got everything for safety, armor etc. As a matter of fact, the only aftermarket part I got were nerfs, for safety.

Wife - got sick of constantly having to constantly nut up with her - so now life's a great ride these days [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

Steve

 

Hey...At least it's a Yamaha...lol...Congratulations.....

 

Thumbs down on overbearing woman. It would have never got better. Good for you on the safety gear.
Gary

 

The YFZ was my first quad ever also. NEVER regret the purchase at all.

When winter approached here in MN, I trailered it out to Glamis with my summer car and left it for the winter so I could
fly out and use it every 3 weeks or so.

Ended up selling it out there last Saturday so I wouldn't ahve to tote it back behind my small sports during the 2000 mile
trip back.

Just purchase my second ever quad yesterday.. another new YFZ, cant' wait to pick it up Saturday!

 

Cool! Welcome to an awesome sport, and an awesome forum. You picked the right quad IMO. I have a Raptor right now, and will also be jumping on a new YFZ450 soon [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]. Very light, nimble, and fast bike. They are killer fast and can beat most all bikes out there with limited money, but it gets hard when there are heavily modded bikes around (Glamis) but hey, just mod the YFZ more!! [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img] We all wish you the best of luck, and the best of fun with your new machine, and we all hope to see you stick around on this forum!! [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img] Congragulations, god bless and happy riding!