Is there really that much of a difference between the 07 ad 08 YZ450F's?

[RiderX]

I'm looking at buying at YZ450F and have read that the changes made in 08 make a very noticeable difference in the handling characteristics. Can any of you that have owned both confirm this? There's a plethora of YZ450F's for sale here locally. If I can find a real good deal on an 06 or 07 over an 08 or 09 it will leave me more $$ to spend on making to woods worthy.

Thanks!!

[YamaLink]

For my needs and ability the 08 frame makes a world of difference in how the bike turns. Makes it feel like a big bore 250F. Of course proper setup is key; you can have a horrible handling 08 vs a nicely set up 07.

[rcdude33]

I also thought that the 07 had different ignition timing where the bike has a harder bottom end hit?

I got an 09 yz450 and the power is pretty smooth but it's stock right now.

[rcdude33]

Sorry I read the thread to quick I didn't see handling

[FLFX4]

I have an 08 that is set up for woods racing..its a pretty decent bike but seems quite rigid. it definitely takes a lot of the edge off to run pro taper style bars. the bike does do well in the woods and feels light on a motocross track as well.

[jacobdewey]

You can buy the 08 triple clamps to put on the 07 to make them handle the same, and the 07's actually have more bottom hit than the 08 stock. Put a pipe on the 08 and it will eat the 07 alive. JMO.

[RiderX]

Here's my options:

2006 YZ450F $2500

2008 YZ450F $2800

2009 YZ450F $3000

[grayracer513]

Going just on a price only basis, and even assuming all three have been equally maintained, are in identical condition, and have the same time on them, the '08 is your best deal. A big difference in hours could put the '09 in front.

[wags450]

I looked around a lot myslef and picked up an 08 for myself and an 09 for my dad. Great bikes youll love either one of them.

[rcdude33]

One thing on my 09 is that I had trouble trying to keep the rear end from sliding, today me and ym buddy set the sag andi took it out but it was muddy and it still sli a little but i can tell you im getting waaaay more traction than i was before.

[RiderX]

I bought the 09. It has Dr D full exhaust, a Boysen quickshot, and a Zip Tye fuel screw. Otherwise it's stock. This thing is a monster. I think I'm going to put the stock exhaust back on!

[rcdude33]

I bought the 09. It has Dr D full exhaust, a Boysen quickshot, and a Zip Tye fuel screw. Otherwise it's stock. This thing is a monster. I think I'm going to put the stock exhaust back on!

Cool man!!!! Good choice!!!

[jshillhouse]

you wanna send me the 2008, then If I could find a deal like that locally here, I'd do that instead of rebuilding my 04 for $1500 ?

[i_wheelie_longer]

I never had an 07, but I had an 06 and 08.

The 06 had much stronger bottom end, but handled terrible. The front end was always pushing (even after adjusting sag and fork height) and I felt like I was always fighting it in the ruts.

The 08 was much more mild (most likely due to the different ECU and short stock muffler) and handled a lot better than the 06, and flowed much better in corners.

Both bikes were completely stock.

If you are just a recreational trail rider, I think the 06 or 07 would be fine. But if you are racing MX I would go with the 08+