In article oUQBb.3522$2g.2721@okepread05, SB wrote:
Is the Yaesu FT-897 a good radio?

yes, but so are many other rigs... you don't ask what you want to
use the rig for?

the 897 is a dc-to-daylight rig, offering vhf/uhf/hf... if you're
primarily interested in good SW reception, then get a dedicated
receiver...

some cool things about the 897 are its portability, ability to
use an internal PS, internal batteries, or external DC PS...

you'll need to add the TCXO, along with CW and SSB filters to
get the most out of the rig...

it does not have an internal antenna tuner, and does not have a
direct frequency entry keypad... but it does support the MH-59
mic, which can control the rig (direct freq entry, mode/band
changes, vol, menu control, etc.)...

a better deal, IMO, is the ft-817, which is running for $469
right now (about $100 rebate)... but it is a QRP unit...

the recvr strip is the same in the 817, 857, and 897...

hth