How do the 06-09 YZ 450s work with the snowbike?

[GlennRMK]

I keep thinking about the snowbike thing. I have a 2012 GasGas 300 which I love for single track. However, I don't want to put the snowbike on it.

See a lot of nice 06-09 YZ 450s for sale.

I know the the 10+ injected YZ450s work well, but what about the carb models?

Not sure I could pony up the cash for the 10+ while $2500-$3000 for the 06-09 seems feasible.

How do they work and what needs to be done to make them work? KTM thermostat? Carb icing a problem?

Are there other bikes that work better for the money?

I know the YZ motor and the rest of the bike is pretty solid.

 

[Ausm7499]

I ride with a guy that has a carbed yzf and it does really well. His has an Athena big bore on it but I think a stocker would work just as well. One of the issues he had to address was carb icing which he resolved cutting some aluminum flashing to seal up between the cylinder and the carb so the heat from the cylinder would keep the carb warm. Every bike I have rode with has at least a few issues that have to be addressed to run well in the snow.

 

[Snowoff311]

I had a great experience up in Alaska with a 07 YZ 450f. The power was great, didnt do many mods and half the reason I sold my kit was I didnt feel like doing any. But while I had it, it was great. I would recommend a thermostat, a way to block off the radiatiors from deep powder, something to wrap up the carb, although I never had issues I have heard of them.

Bike ran great, and I really enjoyed it. Have a good time, Im ready to buy a new bike and TS kit, its that much fun.

 

[CATSLEDMAN1]

yamaha

carb or fuelie, got both in our group,no real problems, run a thermostat, cover your engine with a plastic skid pan to keep in heat, yes found snow that would ice carb, odd conditions not azz deep powder, wrong old icy grainy powder my 450 carb would ice. carb heater helped, took carb heater and engine cover. used stock air box with filter on carb, my pal ran same on his fuelie but we both had thermostats and engine cover, rode handle bar deep snow, no fun stuff but bikes ran.

upside Yam has most reliable valve train which is the 4 stoke'rs achillies heel .

 

[scooter4x40]

06 yz 450 with big bore kit

I am buying a Timber kit,which is the best track to get for riding in Golden BC powder.

Thanks

 

[Snowoff311]

I couldnt tell you, but if youre going with a YZ450F I would get the ST. Also as a salesman I have a lightly used fit kit for the 2013 ST for a YZ450F. Used it about 10 hours tops last season, its pretty much new. I would get it to you for $150 plus shipping/flate rate box if you need it.

 

[boondawgee]

I've got an '06 yz 450 that does pretty good. It had some carb mods for elevation change etc. Nothing like FI though.

I had a WR awhile ago that did great as well. Lots of mods including the motor. Battery was nice for e-start in deeper snow w/ a rekluse clutch, and after beefing up the system I was able to use grip heaters w/ a hi/lo switch installed. Kicked buttski

IMO get the biggest, baddest motor of any dependable brand you can find to attach a snowbike kit to. You can never have too much power.

Just my 2¢

 

[scooter4x40]

YZ450

My 2007 YZ 450 has a 480 big bore thinking of going to a 500 kit for first time snowbiking, is this a good idea and also were to buy a stator to run light and grip warmers.

Thanks