1998 Yamaha YZ400F Classic Motocross Review
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 26 ส.ค. 2024
- In 1998 Yamaha brought the four-stroke back into the motocross mainstream with the introduction of the YZ400F. Using technology from their road-race team Yamaha brought an all-new level of performance to the Open class with the revolutionary YZ400F. While this first version was heavy and somewhat temperamental at times, it was a quantum leap forward from previous four-stroke race machines and the beginning of a movement that would transform the sport in the decade to come.
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When that bike came out, my mind was blown, couldn't believe it. I bought a 2001 YZ426F and have never gone back to 2-strokes.
Will never sell my 01 426!! They are an adrenaline rush to ride
Just loved my YZ400F. The bike that converted me to a huge Yamaha supporter.
No bike has ever had a bigger impact on the sport
True. For better or worse. Maybe the 97 CR250R would be the closest
@@neilr4867 What was the biggest difference from that year Cr and others before that?????
@@DetroitFettyghost The very first production motocross bike with an alloy frame? I'd say that's a pretty big impact... Or were you living under a rock?
@@neilr4867 living next to rocks. Smokeable ones. I was smoking them alot. Alot alot. 🤣🤣🤣🤣 Just kidding, no dude I don't know why that slipped my mind lol- it was a PRETTY big deal that year. Thanks for refreshing me buddy
You mean in a negative way?
I got the 99 model and loved it, but when hot was a bugger to start when hot, I put a procuit pipe on and it got better.
Awesome video and thanks for doing this. Loved the history of it all... I currently still own a 1999 yz400f. Some days I want to pick up something newer... but she has just been so good to me... cough cough... I guess I have had 3 back surgerys over the last 8 years. I would love to ride a newer 450 and I'm sure I would be convinced. Anyone else in my boat?
My dad bought a new 400f in 98 and I Remember it being a problematic sucker... I love these old school reviews! Always a very in-depth look at the bike and you always learn something. Thanks Tony
Thanks
Just got a 98 wr 400 .I love it best 700 bucks I've ever spent.
Nice video. This bike changed off road motorcycle racing forever.
Its HANDS DOWN the most influencial mx bike ever. PERIOD
YZM400 yes, YZ400f not so much
Funny, Honda has always been known for its four strokes but Yamaha beat them at their own game! YZ400F, what a legendary machine.
I had a 96 wr250 2 stroke and then I rode a 98 yz400f for the first time in the woods and was sold instantly. Waited a couple years and still have my 01 426f. Not a single issue with, raced moto and trails. Great bike
Hands down it is my favorite bike to rip around on.
Just had my 99 wr400 rebuilt and that bike shreds
great video. the deeper dive into this bike and all its technology, the better. its one of my favorite engines of all time, all versions of it and everything it came to power eventually, the dirt bike, the yfz450, etc, etc. Would be cool to do an evolution of this machine from say 1998 - 2003 through the 426 - 450 days, before it got FI.
Yeah its crazy how different the generation yzf’s are. My 05 wr450f is so different than my yz426f. Yeah its got the wide ratio but other than that the head is bigger on the 426..the crank is different, it idles different, and the power is STRONG lol everything i love about my 05 i like a little more on the 01. I know theres gotta be others that feel the same way. Maybe not
Once again, good job Tony! Very entertaining.
Thank you
The Motocross Vault You rock brother. I’m loving these videos You content is easier to digest that Kaplan cycle. I’m gona make the switch over here. 👍
There is literally NO WAY you cant love this man, his adorable fam or his channel is youre not a dirt bike fan! Love channel
A very rare picture of MC on the original 400F.
As A proud owner of a ‘99 WR-400F I can attest to almost everything you outlined in this video. I’ve owned my bike since buying it from it’s 2nd owner back in 2004, and have ridden it from the 11,000 ft peaks of California Sierra’s to below sea Level in The deserts and NEVER has this bike failed me. It’s been raced, trail ridden , and now restored to “ Better than when I bought it “ condition just this year. It’s been one of my favorites ( besides my ‘77 RD-400 which I bought brand new from Don Vesco Yamaha here in El Cajon ) and my ‘85 Tri-Z 250 3 wheeler ( also bought new) from The now also defunct Kearney Mesa Yamaha shop. I also own a 2000 R6 and as you can probably guess am a Yamaha guy at heart ( A 1973 Mini enduro started this whole obsession when I was 13 yrs old😆). But The WR has still been one of my favorites of all time & thanks to a Baja -Designs street legal kit ( the Bike was originally Alan Roach’s own machine which he started the company with) has allowed me to enjoy riding it everywhere. Thanks for the killer video and keep these old history’s alive!! 👍
I have a can/eu spec wr426 with some light mods (fmf powerbomb header , acerbis 14 liter tank, rad fenders and bark busters along with over size rads and a 1.8 bar radcap) any thing you would recommend I put on it? I've been thinking about hotcams intake and exhaust cams or going to yz timing on exhaust cam when I check valves next, any thing you would recommend swapping for reliability
?
@@dakkadakka9189 On my Wr 400 I’m running a full FMF exhaust system , did the Removal of Throttle stop ( there’s possibly one in yours also , only way to tell is to remove rubber boot from filter side of carb & twist throttle wide open & have a look at slide in bore to see if it’s going ALL the way up , if not you may have a stop that limits its upwards movement all the way , lots of videos on line to show how to remove it ). On my bike I’m still running stock cams , with de-compression lever still in place & just learned the way my bike likes to start. Also did the “ Grey wire mod “ of unhooking it to change rev characteristics ( again look on line to see how it’s done , your bike may have already been modified by a previous owner ) & I’m running a “ Twin-air “ foam filter with air box lid off as I’m in mostly dry riding conditions here in Southern California. Carburetor jetting is required if running a less restricted intake & exhaust & will have to be figured out for your particular elevation / atmospheric conditions where you normally ride. Last but not least Change oil frequently. I do mine usually about every 500 miles or less , as oil is a lot cheaper than a re-build … in All the years I’ve owned my bike it’s only needed ONE valve adjustment!! A true testament to the original design of these 5 valve heads . Doesn’t hurt to run a little “ Marvel Mystery oil “ in with either oil or fuel on occasion either to help keep things internally clean & well lubed . Most auto parts stores here in U.S. carry that brand . Happy Riding …😉😎👍
@@stephenmiller5023 thanks as a Canadian spec bike I don't have throttle stop or tamed down ignition (for what ever reason only the us had to have throttle limited ignition tuned down and a more restrictive muffler ) I may see if I can jet It perfectly as it appears to be a little rich but I'll take that over lean, my bike is pretty good for starting usually 1-3 kicks depending how long it's sat though I was wondering if you've had any experience with like the quickshot kits if that would be worth it . I always run 91 octane shell with octane booster and additive. What do you run for a spark plug I'm thinking of my usual ngk iridium plug ?
@@dakkadakka9189 To be honest I haven’t had to remove my spark plug in so long I’ve forgotten which one I’m running at moment (😆) but I believe it’s still an NGK stock type as I carry a spare for it , along with plug wrench/ socket in my back pack at all times . One thing I LOVE about 4 stroke Yamaha’s over 2 stroke ones is the plug life ….. my years of riding my RD-400 , and 81 YZ 125 & ‘85 Tri-Z 250 3 Wheeler all got me pretty good at pulling the occasional fouled plug or checking “ Color “ when going through jetting changes after Boring / porting / polishing jobs or changing pipes & / or silencers , as well as going from Desert to Mountain riding spots . The one nice thing at least about my particular WR is it pretty much doesn’t seem to care WHERE you ride it & always ,ALWAYS starts on 1-3 kicks like yours & as long as you use Hot start button when warm ,that scenario doesn’t change. But flood that thing & 😖🤨🤬. Only happens on rare occasions when I crash , or swap bikes with a buddy when out on a ride to see if their “ Latest & greatest “ bike they just hocked their life savings on would make me think I may need to upgrade to whatever it may be ….. almost 22 years now & NOPE, not found many bikes that would make me want to get rid of “ Old Blue” . Enjoy your 426 man, and keep it “ Rubber side down” 😉
@@stephenmiller5023 thanks again I'll try she's definetly a beast very linear power band
I rode the YZ 400 4-stroke when it came out and was amazed by the handling, etc and I agree it really changed the game. However, here are some factors that changed the game just as much, if not more: 1) Lack of further development of the 2-stroke by going "for broke" in using newer technologies. Two-stroke development was headed for the back burner. 2) The imbalance of racing 2-strokes with one-half the displacement of the 4-strokes they competed against.....who thought that one up? One-half does not equal one. 3) Pollution standards against the two-stroke......c'mon, how much pollution could all the two-strokes in the world put out compared to autos, industry, aircraft, and all other forms of transportation? 4) the dirt bike publications putting down the 2-strokes for some very poor reasons, except the magazines were caught up by the "new girl in town" syndrome and touted the 4-strokes as some sort of giant leap, equivalent to the Moon Shot of the Apollo series. Riders ate it up; you couldn't be"cool" if you weren't taking out the "new girl".... 5) There were a few other factor but I don't want this to turn into a rant. I guess you can tell I'm a 2-stroke guy but I'd like to have seen more technology put into the two-stroke earlier than it has been dribbled into them....hydraulic clutches,electronic power valves talking to electronic carbs, slipper clutches, lighter materials in more places, more rider adjustability of the bike to fit the rider(ergos) , less weight restrictions, injection, etc. Besides, I love the sound of a two-stroke "on the pipe". Good video......gimme my two-stroke.
I agree completely, but you're wrong about it not being touched since the dark days. KTM is that company that is doing this. They have hydraulic clutches, electric start, and fuel injection. If you truly love two strokes and want that development, get a KTM.
@@samoliverio7455 You are right Sam and they are doing a good job at it. Plus, Yamaha came out with the 125X and the 250X (I think) this year. We need to get more Japanese companies in it, too, even though a prefer European bikes and have ridden Husqvarna more than any other bike.....lessee......I guess I've had at least 10 Huskys thru the years. I do not understand how the Feds can think a few two-strokes can put out a zillionth of the pollution that all the cars, trucks, diesels, ocean liners, etc can put out. I guess we poor dirt bikers can't BUY DAMN CONGRESSMEN LIKE THOSE BIG COMPANIES. It really frosts me if you can't tell.
6 lbs lighter than a 01 yz250. Wow
I bought every single magazine in 97-98 when l heard about these. I wish that l had the money to keep one in it's crate. I loved them then... but I'll ride a 2t now again thanks... I wonder what a crated one would be worth today ??
great vid mate i had one in 1999 and it put all three inlet valves through the piston i got it fully race ported and had race cams put in and wholly shit it dynod 53hp after the build that bike was soo good we rode mostly in the desert in new zealand at altitude and my bike ripped the sand such great memorys. The thing was although it was heavy it was easy to ride i remember hitting jumps beside the main high way and looking down on big 18 wheelers so i must have been high, the bike just landed perfect every time such a great machine.
Our grandparents owned a Yamaha dealership back when these bikes came out, I even uncreated them as they came into the dealership.
uncrated ?
Think theres any of these or a 426 left in a crate somewhere?
@@frankiemarchese2978 Plausible, it's not unheard of that a private party will buy a crated motorcycles for future investments.
I bought the 99 model and loved it after 2 stroke life and it was very good and with a Pro Circuit exaust can was great at starts but if it was hot and stalled was a bugger to start. In wet conditions was a holeshot machine.
Should do a video about the 2002 crf 450r that ryan hughes rode
I have a 2000 yz400f its a beast they came 98 to 2000 then the 426 came out only a 4speed then the 450 fun bikes
Love these videos!
yes your absolutley correct you had to power through jumps soo different to a two strocke at the time.
What an awesome well built bike, but yeah very heavy. Idk those guys threw these things around on the track. I get arm pump after a few minutes riding my yz426f
Tony could you do a video of the yz426 thru the yz450? Lots of changes since 1999. Thanks for the great content 👍
Hello Tony and everyone, from Raphael from N.France. Thanks for the extensive research and work that you put in your first-class videos. To me, because i don't practice motocross, a wr400f (113 kilos-249 lbs dry)it is like (sorry :-)) a 1993 klx250r with UPSD fork and 400cc, since Kawasaki produced it only in 250 (104kilos- 229 lbs dry) and 650cc (125 kilos - 275 lbs dry)... i have a question : what was the YZ400F and 426F palmares in the MX (beyond 1997) 1998-2002 period / how often did official factory teams 2 and 4 stroke contend together in that period, based on the example of the big YZF ? ...or where could i find listings on this...? / Supercross videos on utube about this... Thanks if you can help...
The original Iron Donkey. Powerful but heavy.
Do history of lt250r and 500r
What blows my mind is that the YZM made 60 hp, back then, the new 450’s barely make that
I would love to see how history would have played out if all of this had happened at displacement parity. If the first Japanese race thumper had been the trick works 250F, instead of a 400, then things would be very interesting. Or if the AMA had instead made a new 450cc class for 2-stroke and 4. I have a decent amount of experience with big-bore 2-strokes that AREN'T high-strung Japanese 500s, and I think that probably would give you almost everything people like about the 4-strokes. Put one of those 80s Husky 400WR motors into a modern MX frame and you'd have your 45hp that pulls hard from idle and builds to the top with zero sign of a dip or jump anywhere. Old Euro 400s were silk! But that became a lost art when the Japanese brands started making 500s with the mouth-foaming personality of a 250. Of course no one wanted to ride those monsters. But the rise of these modern 60hp thumpers proved that people weren't really done with Open Class power; they just didn't want to get murdered by a CR500.
Rumor has it there was a yzm250f built in Japan, but was never publicly displayed not sure why it never surfaced in Japan or European racing though.
Should do a video about the 2002 crf 450r that ryan hughes rode
and mike laroccos pre production version and the one sebastian tortelli rode in 2000 at japan national
I had a 99, the best mod I done to it was the Power Now intake.
I'm still rocking a 99 yz400f. Bought it used in 2000... Always looking for good upgrades to look out for.. do you remember the info on the intake mod or other worthy mods? Thanks
I never knew the modern motocross 4 stroke engine derived from a street bike motor
and the Husaberg 70 degree motor is now a leader in road racing, same as ktm powerplant
Mx paddock was full of them in 1998
I had both In 98 the yz250 and yz400, the 400 I have a try and it was just not my style. I love 2 stroke power.
Had the 99’ excellent bike
Can we get a video on the yz426
Think one if these are in a crate somewhere?? Or a 426??
Anybody else having issues with the video not playing?
I uploaded it at 4K maybe try lowering your resolution
Ill give that a try
naa it started fine i only used the decomp on initial start im a big guy and would just kick it at tdc mine always started noo problem.
Another great job keep it up
Good content
How about a yz426 in the back of a grey 89 toyota pickup on a hoodie.
Leave it to Yamaha to make a milestone bike, again.
Wow
But still before you take off on a jump you know weather to let off or try and make it on a 2 stroke.
SShh , don't put it out there. All the collector bandits will pick up all the year-zero 98 YZFs and drive up the price because it was the 'first one'
"Love it or hate it"... both lol too bad honda didn't lead the way with the unicam motor. That never would have got off the ground with all its valve and piston failures. But no it had to be the yz400f, the most reliable 4t ever, now were all stuck with 4Ts or a 20 year old 2t design. If they would have kept developing 2Ts their would be no competition.. oh and if AMA hadn't allowed 4Ts to cheat and use a motor twice the size of the 2t competition. Yeah I'm a bit bitter lol
Nah the 2002-08 unicams were tanks.