4 speed?

[Johnny340]

I’m considering a yz450f that has a 4 speed tranny for a snow bike. Is this a good idea or is 5 speed way better? Any other considerations? Carburetor vs injected?, electric start, etc.
Thanks.

 

[needpowder]

Fuel injection is huge on a snow bike. Electric start is really nice but not mandatory. What year are you talking about? Old. Bikes are great on dirt but for snow…at least in real mountains and pow pow having a modern bike is pretty key in my opinion.

 

[needpowder]

Welcome to the forum by the way. Lots of good peeps on here with great information.

 

[suva]

Carbs are fine as long as you have a 'feel' for them. Some guys don't and struggle with starting etc. You'll need to do a good job with motor shielding to keep the carb warm and/or do a carb heater. I don't have any experience on snow with the 4 speed Yamaha on snow but I suspect the tranny feel a little gappy and if you geared it down to close the gaps top speed would be really low, which may or may not matter depending on how much road you ride.

 

[eric82930]

I have personally been impressed by the old 4 speed yami i think it was an 06. It was not gappy And I can make a carb start easy and do magical things and be more reliable than fi but if you are concerned about kick starts and carb tuning would be a bigger deal breaker than the 4 speed for most people and if cost is the issue there are plenty of cheap 2013 ktms not much more cost than an older bike.

 

[Johnny340]

Thanks for the replies! I'm considering an '03 which is the 3rd generation YZ with the 4 speed ('03- '05). I'm not concerned about carbs at all and know i can get it running reliably. Just might have trouble with the availability of easy conversion kits, being that old.. Just researching everything now...engine 'blankets', thermostats, etc. Didn't know about a carb heater!

 

[Johnny340]

I'd love to reply and say thanks, but I'm waiting for moderator approval..??

 

[Johnny340]

Test..

 

[needpowder]

Loud and clear!

 

[Johnny340]

All good now, Thanks!
Great forum!