Well, its been a great 3 years with my 2007 CRF450R, but i feel its time to move on to a new bike. I'm not ready to go fuel injected, and from my understanding, the new honda has some "bugs" that need to be worked out of it. I've found quite a few brand new 2009 YZ450s in the crate, at a great price, and i think this tuesday im gonna pull the trigger and bring one home.
This will be a big change for me as i've ridden nothing but CRF's since 2004. they have been great bikes, and i have never had ONE failure with my crfs. I've ridden quite a few yz450s and with the exception of the fork, they felt like a better fit for me then the CRF. what i would like to know from those who have them, how are they holding up for you? and any great things that stick out about it? any negatives?

The CRF is going up for sale. 3200$ glamisdunes.com price if anyone is interested. I won't lie, its been ridden hard, and it has been raced. but i take very good care of my motorcycles, and it is in 100% tip top shape.

In the later years, Yamaha has been trying desperately to make the YZ450 feel like the CRF. They detuned alot of the yamaha hit out of the engine, which I loved for sand. It's a good engine for the track though as it doesn't wear you out as fast. Sorry I can't comment more on the 09. I haven't ridden one. Just commenting on what I've read on other sites and magazines.

I've read on TT that the guys with 09's are swapping out the ignitions to the 06'. I guess the 06' had a nicer curve to it with more low end power than the later years but not the brutal hit of say the 04'. I have an 06 and love it but it's my first 450.