Have some patience friends! I'm not the hit it and quit it type! For real though, been insanely busy with work, weddings, sickness, sick cat, you know.... (when it rains it pours).
Sorry to be getting back to you so late on this. I do have an update, but wanted to think clearly about how I would move forward.
Still nothing from Yamaha corporate, however, I filled out the dealer survey that was emailed to me and they ended up getting back to me. I was honest, didn't bash the dealer, but clearly stated what I was frustrated about. The head of service called me over the phone and wanted to make it right (at least in their books). I thoroughly and politely articulated my complaint about Yamaha not addressing the issue. He was also polite this entire time, although, he said his tech told him he could get the machine to repeat the error on command, or not have the error at all AND that the floor model did the same thing. In the politest way I could, I told him that was completely false on both counts. His next approach, and I appreciate this very much, was to get him, a Yamaha regional representative, and myself with the machine all together to give it an overview. But, he made it clear that he would have the tech explain to me that this is how they work (then why invite me down if that's all you intend to do? to satisfy the books?). At the same time, I was receiving multiple comments from others on the Youtubes that this was normal (what the tech and service counter employee both told me). Many people commented that this was the centrifugal clutch, though I believe it could be another shaft inside there (I'm no expert, obviously). So, after MUCH thought, I decided not to revisit the dealer. I don't want to drag the machine down there just for them to explain to me this is how it works and send me off. I'm still not super happy that I have to feather the throttle into motion every single time just to save the transmission from excessive engagement, but I'll live with it. I've adjusted my driving style to worse machines. I'm not mad, sad, or ticked and I realize I'm choosing this path, so I must deal with the consequences. In the end, I think (hope?) it'll be fine over the long term, it's just a big pill to swallow after spending that kind of cash.
So, onward and upward. I'll just try to be happy with it.
I cannot say how much I appreciate everyone's eagerness to help me. It truly meant a lot. Not everybody has vast experience with transmissions, Yamaha corporate, dealerships, etc, so tapping into this network and not getting bullied out has been refreshing.
I've made an "overview" video of the 450 discussing my likes, dislikes, etc with the intention of informing others about this great little quad. I'll post that and many other related videos on this site so hopefully other folks can make more informed decisions in the future.
Thank you again everyone for the help - I certainly came out of this smarter ( i think...) and I fully intend to pay it back however I can.
***Any way we can setup a 450 page? I feel bad posting all this 450 stuff in the 700 section....****