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Either bike is good, I wouldn't think from experience that one is any better than the other, and you will find in racing they are both doing well. There is no problem with the Honda motors, or the Yamaha for that matter. You simply can't overheat the motors, even racing them in the heat. Your concerns there are nothing.

I would have a sit on both and the one that seems to 'fits you' best is the one I would buy. One might 'look' better to your eye. They are so close to compare I would go on personal reference.

Honda is definately the best choice there. They are the best bikes for beginners, all there is to it, and the reason for that is because, they are easy to ride, and are reliable. you can putt putt it around without having to worry about if youre ruining anything. They are tough, durable, they last forever (like anything honda powersports makes really) and they also are the most ergonomically functional. Youll find on the yamaha, that it feels like you have ten feet of bike behind you. They feel long, and heavy, and just really hard to control compared to the honda. And as far as maintenance goes, once again the honda wins.

pick what one you like if your buying new. and if your buying used pick the one in best condition. theres nothing wrong with hondas, you get lemons with everything you buy. maybe theres some people that have had some bad experiences with hondas but theres people that have had bad experiences with all the brands. its doesnt really matter what you buy there is still that chance that you end up with a defective bike.