....now the blaster has some company in the garage. I'd like you to meet "Casper, the friendly quad":
2005 YFZ 450 that's all stock except:
FMF slip on pipe
air box lid removed
re-jetted
Uni-filter
Protaper bars
She was primarily used out in the sand dunes during her past life, and I took her out to the all terrain of Ocotillo Wells on Sunday for my first real ride. Here's what I noticed:
The YFZ soaks up the small bumps a lot better than my Blaster with Banshee front shocks
I had heaps more power. The power seemed endless as I could always find more juice no matter how steep the climb, how deep the sand, or whether I lost momentum through a slide.....there was always plenty of power to easily keep on rolling.
The extra power also helped to more easily get the front-end off the ground when needed for that unexpected obstacle in the path (rut/trench/tree/etc).
The quick response, longer gearing and power also makes it easier to launch when needed.
It wasn't bad cruising slowly through rugged areas. I saw many online opinions that suggested 450's aren't good at lower speeds, but I didn't have any problems slowing my roll.
I always wondered why people complained about their thumbs getting tired with thumb throttles as I never had a problem with my Blaster's throttle. Well the first half hour on the YFZ was definitely more taxing on my thumb than normal. After a half hour or so I didn't notice anymore.
The protaper bars are higher & wider than my stock blaster bars. Took a little bit of getting used to the feel, but I found I like having my arms a little wider and higher. Makes turning and sliding easier because you're already in correct arm position.
I thought the bigger overall size of the YFZ would have made it a little more comfortable on my knees, but as it turned out, my knees felt about the same as they do after riding on my blaster.....which is to say they felt cramped.
It was nice to have electric start and a neutral position light.
The nylon swing-arm skid plate that comes stock on YFZ's is unacceptable. Yamaha should be ashamed,.....but they probably don't care because the other manufactures are doing the same thing.
So all and all I had a good first time out on my YFZ. She ran good and strong and the only maintenance thing I noticed was the clutch is at the end of its adjustment. Not sure if the cable is stretched or the clutch is worn out.....I'll soon find out.
Can't wait to head out to the high desert this weekend to log some more saddle time on my new beast!
2005 YFZ 450 that's all stock except:
FMF slip on pipe
air box lid removed
re-jetted
Uni-filter
Protaper bars
She was primarily used out in the sand dunes during her past life, and I took her out to the all terrain of Ocotillo Wells on Sunday for my first real ride. Here's what I noticed:
The YFZ soaks up the small bumps a lot better than my Blaster with Banshee front shocks
I had heaps more power. The power seemed endless as I could always find more juice no matter how steep the climb, how deep the sand, or whether I lost momentum through a slide.....there was always plenty of power to easily keep on rolling.
The extra power also helped to more easily get the front-end off the ground when needed for that unexpected obstacle in the path (rut/trench/tree/etc).
The quick response, longer gearing and power also makes it easier to launch when needed.
It wasn't bad cruising slowly through rugged areas. I saw many online opinions that suggested 450's aren't good at lower speeds, but I didn't have any problems slowing my roll.
I always wondered why people complained about their thumbs getting tired with thumb throttles as I never had a problem with my Blaster's throttle. Well the first half hour on the YFZ was definitely more taxing on my thumb than normal. After a half hour or so I didn't notice anymore.
The protaper bars are higher & wider than my stock blaster bars. Took a little bit of getting used to the feel, but I found I like having my arms a little wider and higher. Makes turning and sliding easier because you're already in correct arm position.
I thought the bigger overall size of the YFZ would have made it a little more comfortable on my knees, but as it turned out, my knees felt about the same as they do after riding on my blaster.....which is to say they felt cramped.
It was nice to have electric start and a neutral position light.
The nylon swing-arm skid plate that comes stock on YFZ's is unacceptable. Yamaha should be ashamed,.....but they probably don't care because the other manufactures are doing the same thing.
So all and all I had a good first time out on my YFZ. She ran good and strong and the only maintenance thing I noticed was the clutch is at the end of its adjustment. Not sure if the cable is stretched or the clutch is worn out.....I'll soon find out.
Can't wait to head out to the high desert this weekend to log some more saddle time on my new beast!
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