Whats everyones view on the Yz465h

[Mick D]

The initial question was what experience have you had with them, not what you think of other brands
Go down to your local Maico, KTM and Husky shops and try and buy parts for a 81 model. No problem there at Yamaha.

What a load of crap Ted. Why do you think magazines have always done "shootouts" and "comparisons", to get their opinion across?
Your talking about a sea of competitors, what else should one be comparing them to? 

[Husky500evo]

The initial question was what experience have you had with them, not what you think of other brands
Go down to your local Maico, KTM and Husky shops and try and buy parts for a 81 model. No problem there at Yamaha.

Ok . Your initial post was say that they are #1 , which I disagree with . I commented that from my experience with them , the best parts of the YZ465H were the forks and front brake . The standard rear suspension from my memory was substandard compared to other brands , although I am sure that this can be improved with modern technology . Although to me , they feel top heavy to ride because the rear shock is mounted high in the frame.  My later experience with rebuilding a few of them , is that the gear selector fork with the number 2 on it is almost impossible to find . The right hand crankcase is commonly damaged from the bike kicking back when kick starting . Clutch baskets are an issue and billet aftermarket replacements are expensive . I have seen a few cases where the front right side flange on the bottom of the cylinder has broken off , because the headstay has pulled hard on it when the frame has flexed from landing off a big jump ( this may not be as big a problem with a light weight rider on the bike ) . The frame front downtube rusts out where the water gets trapped behind the gusset . The plastic sidepanels are NLA from Yamaha and I couldn't find quality replacement aftermarket ones . I find that parts are much easier to source for Maico , either OEM or aftermarket .

[Mick D]

The initial question was what experience have you had with them, not what you think of other brands
Go down to your local Maico, KTM and Husky shops and try and buy parts for a 81 model. No problem there at Yamaha.

Ok . Your initial post was say that they are #1 , which I disagree with . I commented that from my experience with them , the best parts of the YZ465H were the forks and front brake . The standard rear suspension from my memory was substandard compared to other brands , although I am sure that this can be improved with modern technology . Although to me , they feel top heavy to ride because the rear shock is mounted high in the frame.  My later experience with rebuilding a few of them , is that the gear selector fork with the number 2 on it is almost impossible to find . The right hand crankcase is commonly damaged from the bike kicking back when kick starting . Clutch baskets are an issue and billet aftermarket replacements are expensive . I have seen a few cases where the front right side flange on the bottom of the cylinder has broken off , because the headstay has pulled hard on it when the frame has flexed from landing off a big jump ( this may not be as big a problem with a light weight rider on the bike ) . The frame front downtube rusts out where the water gets trapped behind the gusset . The plastic sidepanels are NLA from Yamaha and I couldn't find quality replacement aftermarket ones . I find that parts are much easier to source for Maico , either OEM or aftermarket .

I agree with all of that. Slightly top heavy? yes.
I have ridden and owned both extensively.
Uncomparable to a properly serviced and very easy to live with 81 Maico.
 

[KTM47]

IMO the best EVO class bike ( apart from the Maico ) is the very underrated KTM 390

At last someone who knows what they are talking about.  Forget the rest MAICO are the best.

And yes the pogo sticks can be made competitive.

[KTM47]

The initial question was what experience have you had with them, not what you think of other brands
Go down to your local Maico, KTM and Husky shops and try and buy parts for a 81 model. No problem there at Yamaha.

My local Maico shop is at Gympie.  Maico @ Chippy's.  There are more parts available for 81 Maicos than any other Evolution or UK Twin Shock bike.  The facts are both Rick Dougherty (Evolution) and Bill Brown (UK Twin Shock) invented the two different forms of VMX racing for the 81 490 Maicos.  Having said all this finding an 81 490 Maico for sale is difficult, but finding a YZ465 H is easier and cheaper.  The Yamaha is a good bike, just not as good.  We are talking about the bike here not bike and rider combination.

[Husky500evo]

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I had a bit of success racing my YZ465H in '81 and won a few races , but I was only a medium sized fish in a small pond . When I ventured to the big smoke for race meetings , I had a big can of whoop ass opened up on me and a big reality check . But with the benefit of hindsight , I might have been a bit more competitive on a Maico 490 ( or maybe even an RM465 , as that full floater rear suspension was just magical ) . 

[tony27]

What you have to be 100% sure of is that the engine cases are in good condition. If the two case halves are rooted, so are you.

Is there a way to do this without engine disassembly? Where do they wear/fail?
I've heard they can crack around the kick starter shaft.

Basically look under the carb at the back of the kickstart assembly. Very common for them & 490s which use the same cases to either blow the small bulge out or worse still split the case around the bearing

I'll fess up, Josh had a ride of my 465 at the latest round of the eNZed series & the power has him hooked, horsepower is the most addictive drug known 

[KTM47]

The initial question was what experience have you had with them, not what you think of other brands
Go down to your local Maico, KTM and Husky shops and try and buy parts for a 81 model. No problem there at Yamaha.

Ok . Your initial post was say that they are #1 , which I disagree with . I commented that from my experience with them , the best parts of the YZ465H were the forks and front brake . The standard rear suspension from my memory was substandard compared to other brands , although I am sure that this can be improved with modern technology . Although to me , they feel top heavy to ride because the rear shock is mounted high in the frame.  My later experience with rebuilding a few of them , is that the gear selector fork with the number 2 on it is almost impossible to find . The right hand crankcase is commonly damaged from the bike kicking back when kick starting . Clutch baskets are an issue and billet aftermarket replacements are expensive . I have seen a few cases where the front right side flange on the bottom of the cylinder has broken off , because the headstay has pulled hard on it when the frame has flexed from landing off a big jump ( this may not be as big a problem with a light weight rider on the bike ) . The frame front downtube rusts out where the water gets trapped behind the gusset . The plastic sidepanels are NLA from Yamaha and I couldn't find quality replacement aftermarket ones . I find that parts are much easier to source for Maico , either OEM or aftermarket .

This forum site needs a LIKE button same as Facebook

[80-85 husky]

"horsepower is the most addictive drug known  " im not so sure....well in 99% I think your right but the first time I rode a 83 cr 500 husky, I swore of big bores for ever. now I have a 400....nice compromise.. but in 85 I rode an it 490l that was well set up and I was hooked...

[KTM47]

One of the main things that made/make the 490 Maico so good was the power spread.  Dare I say it, they don't have a powerband it is just a broad spread of power.  They are easy to ride, not a beast.

Allegedly the Japanese manufacurers brought 81 490 Maicos and tried to copy the power characteristics.  Kawasaki got close.

[Rossvickicampbell]

I know it isn't about the 465 - apologies - how did the KTM rate along side the Maico?

[80-85 husky]

not as good in the engine and in steering but the ktm 390 -420 engines had nice easy broad power.

[Big Scotty]

Gday
I think 777klx answered his own question in his first post,rode the bike and loved it,buy it ride it enjoy it,no bike was ever perfect,I always get beaten by better riders,not better bikes?
Cheers scotty

[Mick D]

Gday
I think 777klx answered his own question in his first post,rode the bike and loved it,buy it ride it enjoy it,no bike was ever perfect,I always get beaten by better riders,not better bikes?
Cheers scotty

True, true. If you loved riding it. Just buy it and ride it

[skypig]

Gday
I think 777klx answered his own question in his first post,rode the bike and loved it,buy it ride it enjoy it,no bike was ever perfect,I always get beaten by better riders,not better bikes?
Cheers scotty

Big Scotty is smarter than the entire parliament, even when they are all in attendance and awake!