Racer X Films: 2008 Yamaha YZ450F Build

Not everyone can afford a new bike so fixing up old reliable one can be a good option. For this build we took our bike to Race Tech, who is now modifying and building engines. Race Tech rebuilt the engine with the full Wrench Rabbit kit. This kit has all of the bearings for the entire engine, a new crankshaft, complete gaskets, piston kit and cam chain-that’s a lot in one box.
The 2008 YZ450F was a top-notch bike back then with some great characteristics. There are some great traits on the old bike and if you feel good on your old steed then maybe you should consider a rebuild rather than a new bike. We went a little overboard with our rebuild and added some bling, but when you have a nine-year-old bike your wheels and plastic will need some attention.
Race Tech also went through our old shock and forks, and they performed like a new. Check out the test with Bruce Marada to get his thoughts.
Just about every part listed below can be purchased RockyMountainATVMC.com-as well as all OEM parts.

[@jonnylong7927]

These guys version of "cheap" and "budget" is still way more than what 90% of us can afford. If I saw the factory bikes budget I would probably have a heart attack

[@Runk3lsmcdougal]

just got a 2008 yzf450 with a full rebuild 65 hours ago for 2200, i love the suspension and frame. i came from an 06 rm 250, this thing is a monster. Im a c class woods rider so nowhere near the level of this guy. I personally dont think (after the bikes warmed up) fuel injection is a huge deal. Top fuel drag cars still run carbs. But on pro level who knows, not me haha. I feel like someone super fast on a fuel injected 450, would still be super fast on this bike

[@Skizzy7777]

Gregd351 yeah but people don’t get that you can literally engine swap

[@SSpecialDelivery]

Now that guy is a Real reviewer.. No sugarcoated bull shit

[@andrewlopez314]

2008 was the best year of the yz450f.

[@martincosta9961]

I'm still riding 09 yz450 , owned 2010,11,14 and for me a agree with the test rider this chassis corners better , feels lighter and front end a lot more stable . But I do miss the power and response of the 14 model . Great review guys and budget builds are still competitive for us average racers

[@metalofthedeath]

I forgot how crazy the old 450s sounded

[@metalofthedeath]

I didn’t really like that bike tho. It felt heavy and slow

[@frankiemarchese2978]

Back when dirt bikes used to sound good

[@ericsiebert8189]

I cant hit some of the rhythm lanes as hard because of some poping/backfiring... get real

[@mitchellkalina8191]

Ghost Walking it's not the popping that keeps them from hitting those sections hard, it's because they have the mechanical knowledge to know that it could possibly detonating. U don't wanna go into a big step on step off section and the motor lock up and u go to step off and the bike nose dives cuz the motor is locked up. Notice they said they didn't have the "confidence", meaning they didn't know if the bike would lock up and they eat shit because of it

[@nate4036]

I don’t think I’ve ever had an issue with carbs. Jet it and it flat works. Other than that he said power was right there.... 08s made the most power of all YZ450s at 52hp stock. The fuel injected bikes have maintained 48-49hp. I have two 08s, hole shot... it walks the new bikes. Plus it’s lighter

[@rwilko9525]

Good info there brother. I’m looking at picking one up, there’s one for sale here in Australia for three grand just around the corner

[@nate4036]

@@rwilko9525 you will be happy with your decision

[@kawasaki000000000000]

I do like how you guys do some older bikes on here . I personally own a newer bike but I still enjoy watching these videos . I would like to get a mid 00 250 a some point.

[@Sleepy.Time.]

Ping looks like he has been hitting the gym

[@cherokee88able]

This guy makes carbs sound like stone age technology lol good lord guy, proper jetting and tuning with a carburetor can deliver great results. This is the kind of guy that needs the latest technology in order for him to go fast and anything short of that just gives him excuses. Get real. And this is just getting petty at this point on my part but what are you...like 40 years old? Why do to you talk and sound like you are 16? Just no, please have PIng keep doing these tests, he is much much better at these sorts of things. End ridiculous KZbin comment.

[@bryceowen3114]

I agree a great example of how well carbs can work would be the fact that Kurt Caselli preferred a carb over FI and KTM actually made him a special motor in house that had a hard instead of FI including on their Baja bike.

[@jaymoto9820]

Bryce, you're right on man. JCR also preferred to keep using the CRF-X instead of the R version for their race bikes for the same reasons as Kurt and the KTM boys. Injectors and fuel filters are such an unknown variable to have to possibly deal with during a long ass desert race.

[@jaymoto9820]

BUT, for purely moto use, all other things being equal, F.I. is definitely better than a carb.

[@Patmclean232]

Yes fuel injection is obviously better. I’ve only ridden one ktm with fi, and the throttle response is impressive, but a carbureted bike is not a deal breaker. On the other hand I had a cbr 600 with a carb and a cbr 929 with fi and with those engines for me it was more of an issue that the bike with fi handled drastic temperature changes way better than the carb. In the northeast it gets pretty cold here and my 600 was a bear to get started in the cold. The 929 would fire right up no matter what. As for my 450s having a carb never bothered me in the least.

[@fernandofernandez5719]

Derek Bakken you are rigth i got 2008 crf and 2019 yamaha yz450f and i feel wayy better on my crf

[@davidornelas5835]

Carbs are more friendlier...linear, easier thru the turns. Love the carbs.....like the FI's.

[@chem6269]

sounds like the bike could use a bigger mainjet and maybe a go down on the clip one time, and a tad richer on airfuel screw like half turn out....

[@DaltonRimmerGTO]

I’ve never regretted something as much as selling my 06 yz450f. I’m going crazy over it. I made 400$ on my sale but money ain’t shit when I’m missing my baby

[@gjovanibriskovic3807]

Who is better yz450f carburetor or full injector.

[@Holgrinator]

I sold my 08 wr450f that was uncorked and tuned perfect and I bought a 2016 yz450fx. The 08 WR handled better and was more comfortable even though I love my FX And the power it has the WR was a better woods bike.

[@toomey06_9]

"Budget build" *spends 5 grand on parts*

[@Patmclean232]

toomey06 _ right?? Lmfao! I don’t have that kind of change lying around for my toys

[@popeyethesailorboy8905]

Definitely not 5 grand. Unclog your ears, the guy literally said 2k

[@tpghl5225]

toomey06 _ Glad I'm not the only one thinking that. I was like if budget build is over 5k in parts and bling then I must be homeless budget build

[@Skizzy7777]

Deegan M 2k

[@Shadow_ST3]

I know right

[@TeKaMOTO]

So what was that "budget"? Cause by a quick estimate I'd say that just the parts on that thing must have cost at least 2500-3500 dollars? Plus the bike.

[@johnathanyinger]

I'd say $3500 without the bling parts and graphics kit.

[@TheRealKalEll]

PLUS the $3000 bike (Canadian) so yr looking at the cost of a new bike if it were a last year model

[@TheRealKalEll]

So u save about 1-$2000 off a brand new bike. Maybe (usa) save $3000

[@Mountain_Yeti]

Get a beat bike for less than 2k, put 4k into with your own labor. For under 6k, you basically have a custom bike built for you that is all fresh. How is that not a great deal? They aren't money pits so long as you do your own work and actually take care of it.

[@Jay-vr8it]

This guy gave that carburetor a black eye

[@dash11111111]

Sold my fuel injected kx250f for a new yz250 and it hauls ass. Can't say the carburetor makes the yz "worse" then the fuely bike.... just my opinion

[@babisyou]

i heard so many guys, who race, saying that yamaha's 08 bikes are perfect in cornering compare to new. damn that must be true...

[@icool247]

You guys need to make a College Student Budget Build. Im sure this build + bike price was at least $4000-$6000

[@icool247]

I like vagina. I'll hire a pro Knob Gobbler for my male professors.

[@popeyethesailorboy8905]

I would buy a put bike if you cant afford the big bike.

[@dr187mx]

I got my 2015 YZ450F with under 10 hrs for $4500. I bet that build was more than that.

[@ACDCRD]

Ya but it's faster than your 450f

[@dr187mx]

ACDCRD The new yz450fs make around 10 more hp than a carbed one.

[@MK-no8dq]

There are almost new rmz 450's for under $4k all over in my area! no way im dumping that much money in that yz if its mine. that said cool idea racer x just glad it wasnt my money used on it.

[@Buelna597]

Were do I get that plastic kit that will fit

[@JCDesertFilms]

Most people can't afford new bikes.

[@jezuaccc]

Awesome bike I ride an 09 Yz450

[@enriqueaguayo4811]

I've had a fuel injection bike and went back to a carburated bike Because it was all I needed and could afford. but with proper tuning a carb is just as good as F.I. people just have to read and learn the different circuits in the carb.

[@TheRealKalEll]

AWESOME BIKES....YES, he's right. Fuel injection and new parts on these old cows make em one HE'LL of an AWESOME race machine fo sho

[@DisruptiveUnicorn98k]

The 08 has shorter swingarm made for corners but acceleration not so much it has way more grunt but it does go flat up top

[@stephenlessard325]

Thats a new mx racers attitude. Old bikes hit harder then efi. stock vs stock or even piped. New bikes like rpms, old bikes can be lugged more.

[@blublipper]

How did you determine that the popping was coming from the stator? Seems when they are running they usually check out...

[@steventracey2937]

needs to have the muffler packed. man that isn't a budget build. maybe for a magazine where they spend 10,000 on top of a new bike. the popping can usually be easily fixed with a quick adjustment to the air screw

[@channel1_channel]

weird sound from the bike/or my lap speakers?

[@theleviathan451]

halfasheep I heard it to

[@tiklairin]

Where can we see the overhaul price of the build and all ?

[@tiklairin]

Thx man

[@buddha65281]

Are these good for trail riding or just moto? Looking for a dirt bike and saw a 2008 yz450f

[@nate4036]

08s are pretty linear with power delivery. But they are violent hitters if you throttle it

[@HyLifeSociety]

Just throw a Lectron in that ol’girl, give her that snap snap! #braaaap

[@nastysoda9212]

lectrons suck, gotta fiddle with them more than regular carbs

[@logannaramore54]

carb is better

[@TeKaMOTO]

WHY IS IT SO FUCKING LOUD?!?!?!?!?!?!

[@dillonplutschuck552]

nice bike

[@fortnitegoat2960]

I got a 08 yz450f my race bike i raced a crf450 2017 and a ktm450sxf 2015 straight away and I have no reason to lie I thought they'd win but believe it or no I beat both 2 3 times its all about jetting

[@nickofcambodia2980]

What plastics and graphics kit is this ?

[@jdirt1982]

Would this be a good bike to deliver coke and astroglide to byu ??

[@ACDCRD]

Damn carburetor bikes are loud

[@MattGore88]

how is that budget!?

[@matthewmcquillan1842]

Spends over 5k on parts and doesn’t even tighten the nut in the valve stem of the tube at 1:26

[@nastysoda9212]

that's how most people use that nut, roll it out to keep the cap on. that last thing you want to do is actually tighten it to the hub. you'll pop your tube

[@davevowels7568]

TEST RIDER VERY HONEST.. BUT SOUNDED AS IF HE JUST GOT OF 1976 HARD TAIL LOL

[@zonlymachine]

3:58 can someone explain to me how a bad stator would effect high rpm fuel delivery from a carburetor? thanks

[@nate4036]

Think they’re saying it was timing issue rather than jets

[@davidornelas5835]

Had a similar issue....bike would actually cut out completely at certain RPMs. Honda Stator issue. 2015 CRF450R

[@garrett3234]

Honestly Wrench rabbit is really overpriced and unless im fetting it for free Wiseco or Namura or Vortex are the way to go. 2. Riding a carbuerated 2stroke my whole life i have never heard anyone tell me it made them lose confidence cause of that. Fuel injection is great and i want a 2017 crf450r but it wont make you instantly gain confidence just maybe less work

[@nastysoda9212]

the "kit" doesn't make sense. Just replace the worn parts as you go through the inspection

[@LastMountainMotorsports]

This guy makes efi sound like the be all end all of dirt bikes, how did people ever ride carburetor bikes???

[@ClayFick]

How do you get Dunlop tires w the yellow lettering?

[@mattbeaudet4037]

Clay Fickenscher You can find them anywhere... they are a little pricey because they are pro race tires

[@ClayFick]

can you get them from Rocky Mountain? I've just never seen them available

[@mattbeaudet4037]

I honestly have no clue, but I have seen those Dunlops on Motosport.com

[@mattbeaudet4037]

motosport.com

[@jaymoto9820]

get yo self a yellow paint marker and hit them joints up

[@justinf6758]

Why did it sound like that

[@1Corinthians151to4]

so basically what the rider at the very beginning of the interview he is saying "this bike is dog shit,"

[@jmicm13]

Horrendous sound quality. Sounds like I'm listening through a coke can.

[@aidentayes941]

Damn the year after this it was fuel injected y’all missed tf out

[@popeyethesailorboy8905]

I hate the fact that they had a guy so biased and unappreciative, test ride this beast. He starts off his response with "UMMMM". How disrespectful can you be, are you fuckin Ricky Carmichael? I didnt even know who this fool was until i seen this video.

[@sassafraswakeboyz4121]

My engine guy can tune that carb like it has fuel injection...my 04 450r is faster then most new 450s. LEARN HOW TO TUNE CARBS

[@valleyboystv6170]

2nd

[@codymarguccio9290]

That bike sounds terrible!

[@OohPieceofcandydude]

no it was a bad yz.

[@HopOFFmyGlock]

If you can’t afford a new bike? Then just buy an older one and put more $ in parts into it than it would cost to buy a new one..

[@OohPieceofcandydude]

this was a really bad yz...

[@Adidasskate134]

no this was a great yz the 2010 models were the shittiest model

[@hreindustries]

Couldn't have picked an uglier bike

[@hreindustries]

Not only does it look awful it sounds awful to.