Opinions on 1982 YZ 490

[mitch75]

Want to know the good and the bad about the 1982 YZ 490.

[Hoony]

let the fun begin.

I rode one back in 82' didn't think it was so bad (i had the same model 250). heres my take

if you want to race pre 85, there are a lot better choices around, if you just want a bike to ride VMX they are fine.

[dave]

BEWARE they are DANGEROUS!!!! and if you know someone with one tell them I'll come over and remove it from their property immediately before it causes damage!

[mitch75]

Nice one dave and i guess it would be kept in your shed for the safety of others.

[mx250]

This is a prototype bar stall for YZ490 riders but was rejected as being 'too small' .

[lms6201]

i,d want a bit more space in that chair , not the most competitive but like back in 82 can be improved , are cheap to keep running and easy to get major parts for ,solid tranny , people say they ping a bit but can be jetted a lot better , chances if it is a runner it would have been done , maintainence on the rear end is a must with the j to keep it tracking , they like to swap ends at speed , forks can be improved and 43mm kayaba bits are common ,  the  k is a far better handling bike and overall should be a better choice , as it turns out i could spare a pair of 490k,s   

[hotdog1975]

rebuilt a 490J approx 5yrs ago & now sold - doh

they do ping when hot - do the head mod & jet correctly

use valve grinding paste on the flywheel taper to lap it in & apply a drop of loctite on reassembly - otherwise it will shear the key

most bits are available inc a/market plastics - maier etc

[pirie593]

Was there an I model 

[JohnnyO]

No I model. The J's weren't that good compared to the K model and the L is better again.

[pirie593]

Do the K or L models qualify for twin-shock racing in the UK?

Is the J model better than the G or H model?      

[lms6201]

when u say(or ask)if it is  better , do u mean is it better than the previous model ( i guess all manufacturer,s try to make a better model every year )or is it better against it,s competition ?  and as for twin shock in the uk what is it based on ? our evolution class ?

[colmoody]

JohnnyO can you tell me what the difference is between 490 K and L and which year models are which. Bought one secondhand  in the mid eightys. Think it was an 84 model. Had a red seat from memory and had done bugger all work. Had big plans for it but you can guess the rest.

It's about last weekend JohnnyO. Whats your story.

[JohnnyO]

JohnnyO can you tell me what the difference is between 490 K and L and which year models are which. Bought one secondhand  in the mid eightys. Think it was an 84 model. Had a red seat from memory and had done bugger all work. Had big plans for it but you can guess the rest.

It's about last weekend JohnnyO. Whats your story.

Too many local motocross races been on.. can't afford to go to everything.

The '84 L model has a new frame with a centre port exhaust and the pipe on the right instead of side port and pipe on the left side. L also has new cylinder with 8 petal reed replacing 6 petal of earlier models. The J, K and L all have different plastics.