This is the first 450 that I have owned. I have ridden/raced 250 2-strokes for the last 6 years and I was starting to get discouraged running against the 450s. First off with the new bike the suspension just blew me away. It is incredible. I have never ridden anything close to this. All my other bikes were revalved and they don't even touch the performance of the stock stuff on the new Yamaha. The motor has tons of power, but the delivery is smooth. For me this is great. I race right to the checkered flag and I want more. Before I would be so tired that my tongue was dragging before the white flag flew. Reliability and quality are great also. Junk the stock chain immediately and the sprockets last really well. Bars are good stuff stock. The front brake lever is tough to get aftermarket right now and it is a $50 lever through Yamaha. ASV is the only replacement I know of. I have them on mine already and I love them. I strongly recommend this bike to anyone. I think that it is great all around.
Upgrades/Accessories: I have Decal Works custom graphics for my shop on it. ASV C5 blue levers. I have Renthal Tapered grips and Renthal chain. I junked the front tire (742FA) for a 755 and I am going to a 110/90-19 rear tire soon. I have a TM Designworks chain guard and I will be adding the chain slider in the spring. I have already had the suspension done. I haven't had the chance to ride it yet after suspension. I am planning to add a carbon fiber glide plate, Rad Mfg. black wheels with blue nipples and hub, Pro Taper Evo K-Dub bend bars, Pro Taper sprockets with RK GBZ chain, Dr. D full Ti system and Dr. D radiator lowering kit. Should give a little more snap and help it in the corners too.
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