Opinions
I really liked the 2007 YZ; in fact, it was my favorite 450 mostly because of the friendly power. Sure, everyone always wants more, but how much can you use? Yamaha gave me just the right amount and surrounded it with better handling and improved suspension. What more could I ask for? Nothing, really. I think I'm pulling rank and keeping this one for the year. Unless someone else has something better
-Jimmy Lewis/5'10"/185 lb/Vet Pro
This bike really surprised me. I was never a big fan of the 2007 YZ450F, mostly because of how it handled. I never felt comfortable on the '07 in any corner. The 2008 is totally different. It instantly felt very solid in every single corner, and after only a few laps I felt like I was able to charge a little harder into the corners than on my Honda. In sweeping turns I was able to get on the gas a little earlier. The power seems to come on sooner and faster than last year's model; the motor pulls hard and very smoothly though sometimes I found myself caught in the wrong gear. I think a slightly larger rear sprocket would really make things exciting. The bike also feels quite a bit lighter than last year's version. I was able to flick it around with little effort. The suspension was pretty good for stock; it was a little soft for me, but then again I'm a big guy. The bike worked really well for me at Glen Helen, staying nice and straight through the rough spots, though I would want it much stiffer on a more jumpy track. This is by far the best stock bike I've ever ridden.
-Scott Denison/6'1"/230 lb/Intermediate
Through all the days, laps and hours of our 2007 450 shootout the YZ-F was the most consistent. It was easy to ride with its mellow power and decent handling-except if you count the dated front tire and crappy, annoying, boot-grabbing shrouds. The frame felt too stiff at times, and the bike would jump up in corners and resist that berm-burying sensation we all dream of at school, in the office (like I am now) or driving to the in-laws (I would imagine). For 2008, I think Yamaha nearly fixed all those quirks. Our new White Stallion (that's what I call it) is the best stock big-bore Yamaha four-stroke I've ever ridden. It has a turning attitude I can live with, but the stability and suspension action through acceleration and braking bumps are where it shines for me. The bike is more than stable, more than solid and more than connected. It's dialed in to go straight on the gas and on the brakes. I hit numerous off-camber, square-edge bumps on the first day of testing just because I couldn't feel them! Usually, I look for any excuse to go around those things. Not on this pony. Its shock is working great. The fork action around the track is potent as well. It gives a ton of traction and won't mysteriously throw you down like the '06 and, to a lesser extent, the '07 could. The motor is boosted just enough with the shorter muffler and tuning tweaks. I couldn't really be happier with the power coming out for my ability. I'm still anxious to mess with the high-speed compression and sag, but I'm confident that's nearly the only suspension adjustment I'll need to really enjoy this ride.
-Jesse Ziegler/5'10"/175 lb/Intermediate