what year bikes?

[BlackWidow]

Hello all

Well I would like to get into road racing and have been contemplating a 250 until i came across this site and a few articles on the 450 singles as used for RR. I am 6ft 1in and 220lbs so i have always asumed a 250 would be too small for me. I say asumed because i have never been on one. Anyway i thought the 450 might be a better choice. I would love to hear any comments you have on this. But the biggest question i have is what are the best years for used bikes. I understand that it would porbably be better to get the newest models available but are any of the 90's models good? what would be the recomended cut off year for this type of build? Thanks for putting this forum into place as this type of RR machine gains popularity im sure this will be the meca for all builders and racers.

Mike G

[Kris VanOrden]

Early rules in the sport said they wanted all aluminum frame bikes. So i would at least stick with that, Honda has been using aluminum frames for there bikes for a lot longer then other models but they tend to need a little more maintenance then other models. I would recommend a yamaha, they seem to last rather decent and have the power you are looking for and a lot of companys have already made parts for them.

[BlackWidow]

I live near Willow Springs and checked there rules and did not see any restriction on frame material. (I oculd be wrong of course) But if there is no restriction on the material of the frame would a 90 era bike be a sufficiant platform for this build? Another question is if i only wnated to take the bike to trackdays then what would you recomed for a cutoff year? Thanks again



Mike G

[Kris VanOrden]

The aluminum frame rule was later changed, but I own and ride both a 03 yz450f and an 07 yz450f and the new frame construction and engine feel a world of different!