The Yamaha's chassis made me feel awkward, though it was very stable. The rougher the track was, the better the suspension worked. I was aggressive with the motor because it is smooth. I did feel the motor was a little slow, however. I liked the way the Yamaha turned on flat-track-style corners. The rear brake worked a little too well, making it difficult to drag. Overall, I felt uncomfortable on the Yamaha but the suspension made it a fun bike to ride.
Being tall, I found the KTM roomy. The motor was very impressive and not far off the Honda's. The hydraulic clutch worked very well. I felt the suspension was plush but too soft; it caused the bike to dive under braking and bottom on jumps. Sometimes the front would knife when trying to turn under another rider. On acceleration bumps, the rear shock would not track straight. With a few adjustments, the KTM could be at the top of my list.Jason Chisum/6'2"/168 lb/Vet Intermediate
| YAMAHA YZ450F TEST SETTINGS |
| Stock Setting | Kramer6'1"/205 lb | Chisum6'2"/168 lb | Neuer5'11"/160 lb | Lewis5'10"/180 lb | Keefer5'11"/170 lb |
| Nov. | Vet Int. | Int. | Vet Pro | Pro |
| Race sag (mm) | 100 | 105 | 104 | 104 | 105 | 102 |
| Shock low-speed compression | 13 | STD | STD | STD | 10 | STD |
| Shock high-speed compression | 1.5 | STD | STD | STD | STD | STD |
| Shock rebound-adjuster position | 12 | 13 | STD | STD | STD | STD |
| Shock spring rate (kg/mm) | 5.3 | STD | STD | STD | STD | STD |
| Fork oil level (cc) | 260 | STD | STD | STD | STD | STD |
| Fork compression-adjuster position | 8 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6-8 | 6 |
| Fork rebound-adjuster position | 13 | 11 | 10 | 12 | STD | 10 |
| Fork spring rate (kg/mm) | 0.46 | STD | STD | STD | STD | STD |
| Main jet | 165 | STD | STD | STD | STD | STD |
| Needle-clip position | NFLR-4th | STD | STD | STD | STD | STD |
| Pilot jet | 45 | STD | STD | STD | STD | STD |
| Air/fuel screw | 1.75 | STD | STD | STD | STD | STD |
| Gearing | 14/51 | STD | STD | STD | STD | STD |
Comments: All settings are counted out after the adjuster is turned fully clockwise. Needle-clip positions (i.e., 2nd, 3rd) are counted down from the top.