Starting 450 class this year. Opinions and tips?

Jay450F
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Jay450F
Edited Date/Time 12/26/2013 9:43am
So I just purchased a 2011 YZ 450F. Last year I raced a 2002 Yz 426 with a works conn 460 kit on it. And a bunch of others parts. I was pretty comfortable on my 426, other than the weight of it, on the track. She had tons of power but being that old. It had a lot of problems. So I splurged and bought an 11'. (I cannot afford the brand new bikes) So my question is, although my new bike handles significantly better, what advice do you have to start seriously racing in a 450 class? I have rode my whole life. But only raced for the past 2 years. I never took it very seriously though. I just raced every once and awhile. This year I am trying to race the whole season. I am in good pysical shape but any workouts to do to be able to throw my bike around a little bit more? Thanks for any advice!
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TX24
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TX24 12/26/2013 6:39am
12/26/2013 6:39am
Seat time, set up, and riding with people a little faster than you.
jtiger12
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jtiger12 12/26/2013 6:41am
12/26/2013 6:41am Edited Date/Time 12/26/2013 6:44am
Order an extra clutch, and practice those starts. Try to hookup with faster guys, and push your limits a little. But, always know when to back off. When my hands start to lock and I start making little mistakes it's time to throttle back and catch the breath. A 30 min Moto is no good if you go down and stall the bike.
IWreckALot
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IWreckALot 12/26/2013 8:04am
12/26/2013 8:04am
Best thing you can do is practice sitting up on the seat as much as you can. The 450 constantly wants to put you on the rear fender. Once you get more comfortable with it, you can start moving back and forth.

Nice bike by the way. Don't let anyone discourage you from your decision. I went from a TTR 230 trail bike and picked up a 450 and rode that for the last 5 years. Don't do things you're not comfortable with.

Last year there was a guy that would go by me like I was sitting still but inivetibly I would come up on a section of the track and he would be picking his bike back up. JTiger is right, if you're on the ground or stalling, you're going backwards. Just practice consistency and make modest gains rather than going for it all at once.
Jay450F
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Jay450F 12/26/2013 8:58am
12/26/2013 8:58am
IWreckALot wrote:
Best thing you can do is practice sitting up on the seat as much as you can. The 450 constantly wants to put you on the...
Best thing you can do is practice sitting up on the seat as much as you can. The 450 constantly wants to put you on the rear fender. Once you get more comfortable with it, you can start moving back and forth.

Nice bike by the way. Don't let anyone discourage you from your decision. I went from a TTR 230 trail bike and picked up a 450 and rode that for the last 5 years. Don't do things you're not comfortable with.

Last year there was a guy that would go by me like I was sitting still but inivetibly I would come up on a section of the track and he would be picking his bike back up. JTiger is right, if you're on the ground or stalling, you're going backwards. Just practice consistency and make modest gains rather than going for it all at once.
Hell ya man. Thanks, I wasn't trying to sound like I have never rode a big bike. But I do know that they are a totally different world on the track and its something that will take time getting used to and comfortable with. That is more of why I wanted tips. I really appreciate your post man!

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crusher773
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crusher773 12/26/2013 9:25am
12/26/2013 9:25am
Sell it and get a 250/350 unless you are at the elite pro level nobody needs that much bike.
P
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P 12/26/2013 9:43am
12/26/2013 9:43am
Ride as much as possible, but don't just ride laps. Work on specific parts/sections of the track, especially corners. Also, try to practice on tracks that are prepped as if it were race day (usually hard to find). Lastly, take a class if possible. It will more than likely help you as a rider.


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