Yeah, I ride the same bike as RC,  Friday, 07 July 2006 I\'ve ridden all of the \'06 450s (except the KTM). Believe it or not my favorite by a mile is the RM-Z. To me, rating the power output of a 450 is irrelevant. They ALL have too much power, no matter who you are. The RM-Z deffinately holds it\'s own against the CRF, KX-F and all others, but where it really shines is in hadling. Suzuki is notorious for creating the best handling machines available. This thing eats up flat corners. I can\'t say the same for the CRF. It also feels lighter, even though the scale might disagree. I have heard some complaints about the Manaual Chain Tensioner, but I\'ve never had to adjust it after my initial ride. For me this is THE bike of \'06.

 Good grip, while it lasts,  Friday, 07 July 2006 As far as grip exiting corners, or traction in a wide range of terrain, this is the best tire I\'ve ridden. It doesn\'t last at all, but if you know that before you buy it, you probably aren\'t buying it for longevity. It\'s quite a bit lighter than the Maxxis tires, wich has an impact in suspension performance, breaking, and turning.

 Above average hook up, decent durability,  Friday, 07 July 2006 I actually think the 756 or 756RR hook up quite a bit better than the SI, but Maxxis has a patent on longevity. The SI\'s aren\'t going to last as long as the IT, but you will last longer than most Dunlops. For race day I usually slap on a 756, then toss it at the end of the day.

 Not all it\'s cracked up to be,  Monday, 03 July 2006 Yeah, I read all the reviews. Some have said this is the greatest machine since the advent of 4 stroke mx technology. Well I\'m not one of them. I was fortunate enough to ride the YZ back to back against the CRF and KX-F and the Yamaha wasn\'t anywhere near the bike that the other two are. It is a deffinate step in the right direction for Yamaha to join the aluminum frame race, but I\'m not a fan of the underperforming engine, and difficulty initiating a turn. It just didn\'t seem very sure footed. Personally I would take a pass.