Long Term Update: 2004 Yamaha YFZ450

Updated 2/26/2004
When we last saw our faithful YFZ, we had quickly transformed it into a race-ready competitor (December 2003 ATVR) and blew a $15k+ Z400 right out of the water. Pretty heady stuff.

Since then it's been a faithful trackday mount and put in some serious miles at El Cajon Raceway and other SoCal venues. It even did a weekend at Ocotillo Wells as a trail machine. It was about to undergo another transformation, this time into a comeback vehicle for ATVR publisher Sean Finley to return to ATV motocross, but a broken pelvis kept him from competing in the GNC opener at SoCal's own Glen Helen Raceway.

Now adrift in a sea of bent and used up parts, what's to become of the hottest quad in recent memory? Why another trip into high-zoot race machine mode!

Recently acquired ATVR staffer Adam Campbell is prepared to take possession of the YFZ in the near future for the full project treatment (unlike the quickie - but effective - job we did the first time) and take it to the frame for a thorough going-over. He'll break open his extensive rolodex of Southern California ATV illuminati and get only the finest pieces to complete the YFZ and make it into the ultimate track weapon.

Little does he know (because he doesn't read the website) that ATVR Editor Billy Bartels is planning the exact same thing for our just-back-from-the-shootout Honda TRX 450R, and the shootout to end all shootouts will ensue when they're completed. Stay tuned.