Yamaha Dirt Bike reviews

I've had the bike three years now and am closing in on 40k miles. I've had several long road trips with many 700+ mile days, including a 4,200 mile trip through British Columbia, down the Pacific coast to So. Cal and back to Colorado. The bike is dependable, fast, light, comfortable, cheap to own, easy to maintain, fuel efficient and fun to ride one or two up. I'm taking my honey on a jaunt to Mt. Rushmore and the Badlands this weekend and know it'll perform flawlessly. I've considered other touring bikes like the Victory CCT, but that bike's size and crappy gas mileage make me realize I already have the best bike for my riding style. I fully expect to reach 100k on this ride. Show less

We had bought a Chinese bike many years ago and learned it is much better to buy a used "Big 5" bike over a Chinese version. We bought this bike at six years old and it is a delight! If I had to do it again, I'd stick with the TTR50 over CRF50 because of the electric start (we also own a CRF250X and CRF250R so I'm not biased). It may not seem like much of a difference but it is...this is my third youth rider in the family. Show less

I moved to this bike after riding the following: 2004 R1 (with 50,000 miles) 2009 R1 2009 R6 After getting sick of the riding position of the sportbikes on the street, I decided to go this route. I couldn't be happier. The FZ8 is a great bike all around. It's designed for the street with increased low end torque as well as plenty of snap on the top end. The riding position and comfort makes this bike the perfect commuter bike or weekend warrior machine! Show less

I love this bike! It's the best purchase I ever made. It's a fun bike, reliable, fuel efficient, has a sleek look and great sound, too. It's the best bike by far. Show less

Overall the bike is amazing. The power that comes out of it is extraordinary, and the 4 strokes can't compare at all. The back suspension is perfect, nice and soft, not a worry on the big jumps. The front suspension is a big stiff, but it's fixable. It's a fairly reliable bike, usually starts first or second kick every time and there's plenty of compression. I rode a mate's 2007 KTM SX-F250, and the power that that bike produces is absolutely horrible compared to the YZ. It's a perfect bike for racing. I usually ride in the forestry, and it's perfect for out there. The bike can usually get a top speed of about 150km./h., but obviously the bike isn't meant for long straights. It's got plenty of power for all the corners and the tight tracks. Overall, it's a 5-star bike. I'll never be upgrading. Show less

Please note, I am 55 and have been dreaming and waiting. This was the ultimate birthday present to myself. My first bike has great looks. While I have only been riding for a few hundred miles, the bike is manageable, nimble and more than I expected. I have only had a mild taste of the power on tap. 65 is a trot. Most of my riding has been old two-lane highways with a 45 limit, lots of elevation changes and curves. Now I take on interstates to cross state lines. I am planning to ride in the cold. I got the bug bad. The FZ1 is the cure. Oh, by the way, Sasha is a red 2010 FZ1 Show less

I've been riding for five years and this is my 4th bike. I started on a Gixxer 600, went to a 1000 then to a Harley which I hated and now I just picked up a 2012 YZF-R6. I switched to a Yamaha because of a few reasons. I think it's the best looking bike out of the 600 class. I know it has tons of power for a 600 and it's a little cheaper than a Gixxer 600. I am definitely going to look into an aftermarket seat because like all the other bikes, it feels like you are sitting on a piece of cardboard. I only have about 50 highway miles on it. Break in period is up to 600 miles. I'm dying to open it up around the turns but I'm going to be good until I hit the 600 mile mark. If you are considering a 600cc sport bike, take a look at the R6, you wont be disappointed! Show less

This bike is amazing! I went from an older Sportster to this bike, deciding that I wanted to go a little faster. This bike did the trick. I acquired a 2001 YZF600R for myself for my 26th birthday and have been scraping pegs on it since. The only down side I have found is tires for it aren't cheap. If your looking at this bike for a first "crotch rocket", I would highly recommend it, great motorcycle. Show less

I had a pick on the wall when this came out. I was 14. I rode a buddies in 1999 and I vowed to get one. I finally did and by howdy am I glad. It's reliable as the sunrise. It still has good power after all of these years and relatively easy to maintain. It's much more comfortable than today's sport-bikes. It has decent mirrors and is good for short riders believe it or not. Downsides: I can feel every bit of those 630 (wet) pounds. The engine can feel agricultural compared to modern in-line 4 cyls. It turns about 5k rpm. @ 70 mph. I plan to keep this future classic until it disintegrates. Show less

I read the previous review on the bike and felt the need to comment. I'm the original owner of an '08 YZ450F and would buy 20 more if I could. The bike has had very little issues outside of normal maintenance. In Arizona we ride year round with winter temps averaging in the 60's to the summer blazing heat of 110. With the extreme conditions the bike has held together great. The only issue that Yamaha could change on their bikes is the plastic sleeve for the compression valves in the forks. Over time they crack and affect the performance. You cannot buy just the sleeve, you have to buy the whole assembly at $250+ per side! I also have several friends that ride the same bike and they have very few issues with theirs as well. Show less