Dirt bike question?

Question

Do you think that old dirt bikes are better than the new because they are i have a 1982 yz 490.

Answer 1

Mechanically, older bikes are typically a much simpler design, which could explain why you haven't needed to replace anything.  However, there is no way that you're 490 would be considered "competitive" in todays market. Powerwise, yes, that motor is a screamer and will outrun other bikes in a straight. But races are rarely straight.

See, they invented a new type of race track that has jumps, hills, sharp turns....oh yah, its got it all!

Don't mean to bust your chops, but you gotta come back to reality. My old XS1100 could run with the new sport bikes, but don't ask it to turn or stop, because it didn't like to do either very well. My XR350R makes more stock power than the newer XR400's, but the suspension is light-years away. But hey, I'd drag race 'em!

Answer 2

I love the old ones, BUT the down side is finding parts.  Can be a real challenge if you break something stupid like a brake or clutch lever ...You could be waiting days for a part instead of riding!

Answer 3

Not a chance.

Answer 4

Wow dude, you are either very high or very uninformed about dirt bikes. I have owned over 25 dirt bikes in the past 30 years and they continue to get better all the time. A 1982 motocross bike is a dinosaur compared to modern motocross bikes. It couldn't even hang with a modern 125 on a motocross track. The handling and suspension just aren't up to par. An old open class 2 stroke like that makes a lot of power but suspension technology is now light years beyond where it was in the 80's. I'm glad you are proud of your bike but lets get real here.

Answer 5

No way! Not even comparable, I've been racing since 1981 I've ridden the  YZ 460 YZ490 etc. I now Race 2008 YZ450F & YZ250F, They are not built cheap, They have millions in development, Remember these 4 strokes are turning over 13000 rpms, they have titanium valves, footpegs, etc. Look at what the pro riders put these things through, look at what the free style guys do  on these things. New bikes are 1000 times better than the old stuff. Get on a new bike it will make you a better rider. Sorry for being negitive.

Answer 6

yes i do because the old bike are faster than the new ones. the makers like Honda had fast bikes until they tried to make it weigh less but when they did this they made they bikes slower so ya you have a good bike

Answer 7

not really.

Answer 8

they are bullet proof and you can work on them ...no computer stuff.. parts are readily available on the I  N

Answer 9

each bike is made  and better for different things. some climbing, racing, freestyle...... depends on wut u have, yours is a good race bike

Answer 10

no- i love old dirt bikes, but the suspension and brakes can't compare with modern- not to mention weight, geometry, and engine technology

Answer 11

Yes

Answer 12

YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!...

Answer 13

I love the oldies and love buying them to bring them back to restored glory! I will always take a noisy old smoker or thumper over todays new bikes.  I really don't see the point in spending $4k on something that is going to live in the dirt:)