yamaha yz426f reviews

I am a weekend novice rider. Woods, sand pits, and ripping it up under high tension power lines is where I spend my time. My 426 is a sweet machine but being an Mx bike has a drawback. Stock first gear is too high for slow woods. This bike was never designed to crawl along. I have a 3 tooth smaller sprocket and this helps in the technical stuff and boosts acceleration a little too, but it also brings top speed down alittle . I know I can't do 75 anymore. But that's OK actualy for my health. But don't misunderstand me, the bike is stable. It has no bad habits. It has great throttle response. Sufficient power down low that turns into a midrange that barks. It'll put a smile on my face every time I ride it. Suspension is good and doesn't do anything weird. I change the frame held oil with partialy synthetic and bring it to the dealer once a year. The YZ426 has never given me a mechanical failure. Always relible. And I beat this machine hard. I give this bike 4 stars only because it isn't completely versatile. But then again it was designed to be apure MX bike. Show less

Learning to start the bike was difficult, until I read the manual showing you how to start the bike. I always thought 2 stroke 250s were the defacto bike to ride, boy was I mistaken. This bike has loads of power and torque. My brother and I race, he rides a 2002 yz250. He has a hard time keeping up with me now, he he. I can Climb hills, without a head start, something that the 2 strokes have a hard time with. Show less

I've been Racing,or just riding hard for fun for twenty five years now.I've had the kx500's,xr600's,the 250 two strokes,ect.And,i could'nt pass up a deal from my dealer to buy new off the floor the one 2002'yz426f that he had left this year 5/03.I bought it,i rode it ,And... WOW,it's like riding my old big bore two strokes.Anytime,Anywhere you need the power,and speed,It's there.And the suspention,forget the days of bad landings...Anytime i have gotten in a situation with landings,or unbearable ruts or terrain,it sucks it up like auto pilot.I've rode the '03 honda cr450 and as well the yz450. by far to me the yz426f is more hard hitting,and stronger than the honda.The cr450 is a constant power without as much of quick punch.And the yz450 is too tractor like with low torque, for pulling down a house.But,the 02'426f(when they perfected so many changes from the 00-01's)for motocross it's the ticket. LOng story short Yamaha did'nt have to go to a 450 to keep up with the jones i'd put my 426 up against the honda anyday. A must buy! Show less

I love this bike because it does everything I want it to do with no problems. Thanks Yamaha! Show less

I started out a 2 stroke rider and thought 4 strokes were lame,heavy, bikes that sound stupid. No-One could have convinced me that a 4 stroke could be competitive with a 2 stroke. Hahah was I wrong. My yamaha 94 250 sheared the flywheel key and left me with nothing to ride one Sunday at the Wastelands. Untill Terry Painter, (the coolest guy in CMRC history. Now deceased.) Let me do a few laps on his 2001 yz426. At first I was intimidated, but not for long! Man the bike sounded so sweet! I just liked riding harder to hear the motor roar! I went out and traded my old bike and the lump sum of $3400.00 for a new (They put it together for me!)2002 yz426f. I pride myself as a fast junior, and all my buddies are about there as well, me bieng the least experienced rider in the group. I never stood a chance against anyone on my old 94 250 2 stroker. Now My pals cant touch me off the start line, they cant pull through a corner like I can and they cant beat me in a drag race! There is absoloutly no doubt in my mind that The 2002 yz426f is the most powerfull,smooth,and comfortable bike I have ever ridden. Incedentaly my two stroke pals ride: -02 CR 250 Vern -01 TM 300 John -01 RM 250 Derick -01 YZ 250 Reg Show less

I just Bought a brand new 01 YZ426F. Can't wait to ride my own! I have ridden my friends. They are a truely awesome bike! There's nothing like it. It is (The) bike of the decade! Show less

The YZ426 is one hell of a machine. If you have trouble starting you need to know the drill. Once you do then they start 1st or 2nd kick everytime. I rode 2 strokes before if you try to start it like one it will never start. Once you get used to starting the power and reliabilty is awesome! They are slighty heavier than a 2 stroke but that is my only gripe. The power is like an XR250 at low revs but like 250 2 stroke at high revs. Remember these babies put out 50+ HP at over 11,000rpm! A very quick bike Show less

THE YZ426 IS THE BESTMXER OF ALL TIME IT HAS POWER ALL OVER THE PLACE AND IS VERY FORGIVING. AS FAR AS STARTING THE BEAST, WHEN I WAS GOING TO TAKE IT FOR A TEST RIDE BEFORE I BOUGHT IT THE DEAL WAS IF I COULD START IT I COULD RIDE IT. IN ONLY FIVE TRIES I GOT THE SYSTEM DOWN. MY BIKE STARTS FIRST OR SECOND KICK EVERY TIME HOT OR COLD. UNLESS I FORGET TO TURN THE GAS ON. Show less

I started with a 99 CR250 then wanted more power so swithed to a 99 CR500. I enjoy riding the dunes, wheelies and racing up Oldsmobile Hill in Glamis. This bike does it all. The control is outstanding, the power there whenever you need it, regarless of rpm. Its basicly a YZ250 with a much more useable and powerful engine. I wish this was my first bike I had purchased! Show less

The 426 is a hot bike it runs circles around my CR500, if they were both brand new it would be a good race to watch. FYI remove the throttle stop and hang on. Show less