What do you think Honda will do...

[Jersey450R]

OK, i have been thinking about this for a while now. Honda had kept real quiet so far this year after the 05' 450R release. notice how yahama has announced all the tiny changed to the YFZ and always telling us what they are gonna do for the next year production. now we all know the YFZ is going to be a full 450 for 06' so my thought is this...why has honda kept so quiet? i have a feeling they have something up their sleeves over at honda production. the 450R has taken quite some criticism in the past 2 years, i dont know why, i love my quad. In 86' when the 250R came out, it had some minor flaws like the 450R does.(notice i said minor). then in 88'(2 years later) they made some refinements to the R with shocks, frame, center of gravity, etc....so my feeling is for 06', we are going to see a refined even better peice of art called the 450R
now, what do you guys think?

[dirtriderex]

I think that is true, Honda is competitive and they won't just give up.

[Syrus]

Originally posted by dirtriderex
I think that is true, Honda is competitive and they won't just give up.

Your right, they are very competitive, and will surprize us soon enough ;)

so i better hurry up & sell mine cause thats gonna make the price for my 2004 450r hit the floor and take about $600-$1000 off right there

[450 Racer R]

I'm thinking maybe a factory turbo and intercooler to chew up the competition

[YFZ450Ridr]

i duno but jersey i think ur right. i think it would be pretty cool to see maby a 650r or soemthing too.

[Jersey450R]

no i'm not talking about a turbo, intercooler, or 650 or nothin like that. i mean making refinements to the 450R...for example----lower center of gravity, re-positioning the rear shock and linkage improvments, a longer steering stem, titanium valves, a larger compression ratio, reinforced frame work, an inch longer swingarm, stuff like this. theres no need for a 600 or 650, just minor adjustments so honda can take satisfaction and say that they build the "best" race quad out of the box. we all know they do but i'm really starting to hate the YFZ image. not hate, but theres too much hype about it. dont get me wrong, its a nice quad, but the 450R is a HONDA.

[Jersey450R]

c'mon guys, i need your opinions.

[thame2010]

yeah, completely agree..
that's something I hate from yamaha, they're always doing huge announcements of what tiny mod they have done to their bikes, quads whatever, but they announce it like it is something amazing, and when you check the honda website for example, you see a little description, with low-detail info on upgrades.. I'm trying to say that Honda is like.. more quiet than yamaha, the yama guys are like too f***ing cabrones.
And when people find out that that 450R has no electric start and reverse they start complain about it, without even knowing that it is to make it more reliable, because Honda never said it.

..to sum up, I also think Honda has serious plans on kicking yamaha's ***** twice as hard on 2006, and why not the LTZ450?:devil:

[450 Racer R]

I'd like to see a TRX 1000RR. wouldn't be able to touch it in the dunes... and how about flat track racing? you'd see speeds of 120-140 easy.

[Matt400ex_17]

Everyone can believe what they want about what the mag's say but so far i have not had any trouble with a yfz while on my honda. My biggest fear on the line is a z 400 with a bore and exhaust and everyone please remember that suzuki has already said that they will have a z-450 in 2006!!!!!!!!!! with the $700 you save on a 450r over the yfz you can destroy one.

[Jersey450R]

good schit guys, keep it comin!

[650ex]

I personally love the R...i have been ridin a YFZ alot here lately...I love it..its awesome...but i finally got to ride an R over the weekend....and i must say i like it alot better than the YFZ....its alot more comfy for what i do.....and id take it over a YFZ any day of the week....its just better for what i do...but im notta full pledged racer or anything like that so yea...ive also got a 2004 Raptor 350 and 2001 Raptor 660....but im looking into getting the 450R too...so yea...I love the R..

[jfboy]

One thing I wish honda built is a trail quad with a big bore motor adustable suspension, electric starter and reverse(btw make it light too) Like a trx650(using the dual sport motor) I know it would be a full race quad but it would be THE QUAD that would suit my needs.

When I saw the new 400ex I was a little pissed I was hoping for the big bore model but seeing them add on to the 400 made me realize that it might be a while before we get a serious trail/sport machine from honda.


*****But I do agree with you guyz, I hope the 450r gets good upgrades in the futur*****

[Jersey450R]

i really truly beleive Honda will not make a big bore. why? cause they dont have to.

[Punk'd]

Originally posted by 450 Racer R
I'd like to see a TRX 1000RR.

u wouldnt be able to hit 2mph without flippin lolll

[Jersey450R]

no one else has any opinions?

[650ex]

Yea i have an opinion...I dont think they need to change anything...Its perfect if you ask me...but every rider is different so dont hold that against me...if u want something changed u pretty much have to do it urself...what the factory gives you is what you get....thats why i buy all aftermarket goodies and do it myself :D

[Jersey450R]

yea i hear ya 650, but what i'm saying is we all know there are VERY MINOR flaws that everyone is aware about, its just the little things. think of it as a relationship with your girl...everything is awesome, but your missing them "little things" with her; the things that really matter.

[PEPwalshZ440]

Wait till you see what honda has up their sleeve for the 06' 450r. Prototype testing is allready being done and all that stuff u mechined is being changed...watch and see

[allmixedup047]

what about more head flow? i have heard about this as an upcoming surprise to the new 450r. ive also heard that the hrc cam will be already installed from the factory. but then again if you think about it everything will have small issues from the factory. but it hasnt stoped pro racers from switching to the 450r over the yfz. borich did better on the 450r over the yfz. atleast he could finnish a race on the 450r.

[Scottie Mac]

IF Honda does anything, all they will do is add an electric start. Other than that, maybe change their advertizing to stress the FACT that it is a great trail quad, not a race quad. The 450r, as it sits, is fine for trail riding.

Think about it, normal, everyday average trail riders outnumber racers about 100-1. Do you really think Honda will make changes to cater to racers when they make up so little of the buying pool? They did make some very small changes in the 250rs, but the EX stayed the same forever. It takes a HUGE amount of money to set up the tooling to build a quad, don't think they will invest any more money unless it is proven that it will be a major increase in sales.


Scott

PS
as far as GNCC riders, you are seeing a lot of riders switch to the 450r. But, for GNC, the yFZ still is the bike of choice, by far. Each can do the other's strongest point, but one is a better trail quad, one is a better race (MX) quad.

[allmixedup047]

i have to agree with scott.
i really dont think honda would sell any more of the 450r's by changing a few things. and if they did i dont know if it would be worth the hassel and money it takes to change the factory's set up. i think both quads can and are being set up for the ultimate race machines in gncc and gnc. they both have what it takes. the yfz does have a couple things more appealing to mx riders with its snappy throttle and lower center of gravity but then again you will see the 450r's out front as well.

i think its great that we have two companies putting out such great machines that it can make such a great debate. it just shows that both companies really made two great quads.

[Kilabanshee]

I heard alittle rumor from someone high up that the 06's may have electric start.

[Out_Sider]

idc what honda or yamaha does to their 450's.. the new suzuki is gonna be the baddest beast on the block, no doubt in my mind.

[Punk'd]

Originally posted by Out_Sider
idc what honda or yamaha does to their 450's.. the new suzuki is gonna be the baddest beast on the block, no doubt in my mind.

Ya no doubt suzuki is going to do its best to make theirs even better then the 2 out.. lol

[86GN]

Honda is a strange company and the politics within are difficult to understand. They don't let magazine tests dictate what they produce. If you look up and down the product line including motorcylces and quads you will see that there are few if any that are #1 in there respective class. Most are slightly overweight and underpowered. That is not a slam to Honda its just the way the engineers they have do things. They could make giant killers in every product they make but they want to keep the reliability and refinement. Most race quads and bikes are not box stock, they leave the aftermarket and ingenious owners to make them the way they want for the type of riding each one does.



Remember how long the 400EX stayed unchanged or the 300EX

[JDH]

I agree with you guys on the whole small upgrades thing. I think honda did alot of this on purpose. They aren't stupid. It is all marketing and keeping the product flowing. If they spend all that time and money in r&d and put 100% into the first quad they have to do it all over again in just a few years. That would be to exspensive. They will continue with the small upgrades for a while. 06 probably will be the first year they do any upgrades. Me personally I like the kick. remember KISS !!!! I think that is what honda did. As far as a trx 650r PLEASE BRING IT ON. I would love to ride that motha!!



just my 2 cents

[exrider44]

you can keep your suzuki I prefer to ride red.:devil:

[TRXRacer1]

If they made it electric start I might pick one up. I used to be anti-electric start, then I got used to it on the 400ex. Now I don't want to go back.

the 450r will still beat the 650r...im almost sure of that///though there will be alot more power with the 650

[Jersey450R]

yea, the name of the 650 would be, 650RT


the T is for torque:cool:

[450 Racer R]

they need to make a twin 900cc motor... two 450's together

[Jersey450R]

bump

[beak7707]

I would really like to know if they are going to change anything, because I'm going to get one. But I dont want to buy an 05 if the 06 will have many changes.

[XC250R]

I'd almost bet you will see electric start. They are all about sales, and that part of it has hurt them with trail riders. I'll keep the kicker, ever had a battery go dead on you in the middle of a race? Or a ride?

[Jersey450R]

i dont know about electric start. we may see something with the linkage and the frame welds.

[Dave400ex]

They now have the offroad 450 dirtbike with electric start, so it would be easy for them to add it for 06. I think that would be a smart thing to do!

[cady#1]

I heard in one of the mags that they are working on putting an e-start for 06 and some thing esle, maybe it was different gear ratios...

[Out_Sider]

i think they should have 2 models.. one with kick, and one with electric start.. just like they have they're bikes

[RideRedEX]

I dont see many changes, if anything like they said maybe electric start. swing arms, steering stems and stuff like that, are switched with after market products most of the time anyways. I think they have made a great ride already. They just need to do the same as yamaha and tweak the small things and make it even better. if i thought the yamaha was any better i would have one, but i havent found a problem with my 450r yet.

[450 Racer R]

Yamaha still has to tweak their motor for ATV use. Just putting four wheels on a dirt bike isn't going to cut it in the long run.

[Jersey450R]

i'll give ya a bump for that one Johnny boy! lol

[CTmxyfz]

Honda is going to wait to see how much better the 06 yfz will be and then they will make their move. What much can they actually do besides add suspension travel? thats the only thing is lacks over the yfz, it could use a longer swinger too. where as the yfz has more suspension travel, longer swinger, and only 439cc where as the R has 450 already.

[Jersey450R]

the frame and suspension is going to stay the same on the 450R. for the 06' YFZ, its final its going to be a true 450cc motor. yikes:confused:
the 450R is going to get the HRC cam stock for 06'. we may see a different linkage on the R also, thats about it.
I'm thinking they are going to put e-start on it because the CRF 450X has it and no doubt its interchangable.

[Jersey450R]

:) or :(

[450 Racer R]

:muscle:

[Toadz400]

Originally posted by 450 Racer R
Yamaha still has to tweak their motor for ATV use. Just putting four wheels on a dirt bike isn't going to cut it in the long run.

Actually Yamaha did the same thing Honda did and didn't use the dirtbike engine, they just made an engine that is very similar to it and then detuned it.

The Yamaha engine is designed to be run in the ATV, that's why they reinforced the gears so it could handle the extra wheel.

I think Honda could improve on the center of gravity on their 450, other than that I don't see much of a problem. When riding one I just feel like I'm sitting way too high to go fast, as on the YFZ yes some people will feel cramped, but I feel a lot safer sitting lower.

[dirtriderex]

Da*m I love my 450r. I hit 5th gear pinned in the feilds all the time and take corners:macho

[exrider44]

The thing about being tall doesnt matter. Its not that much taller then the yfz and thats why they make aftermarket arms.Most people dont stick with stock.

[beak7707]

Do you think honda will announce any changes, or will we be waiting till 06 before we know?

[sntheticdeluson]

i dont know dude they arent telling us nothing maybe they are just gonna give up and go out of business but if they dont they probablly arent going to do nothing they just made chances to 4 or there quads so they probablly will wait till the next year to do anything if they do anything at all to it so what its not perfect from the factory there is no such thing as race ready from factory everyone that buys a quad does something to it before they race it thats just my opinon

[beak7707]

I agree completely, I wont roll on a stock quad. But I am looking into getting a 450r, and if its just little changes I wont care. But I dont want to get a new 05 and in 06 they change the geometery, or gear ratio. I would rather have the 06, Its kinda like the 250r most people that had an 86-87 made it like the 88-89.

[beak7707]

But then again with honda, they may never make any changes. The 300ex is pretty close to the 250x from 87. The 400ex didnt get any major changes till this year, who knows.

[Toadz400]

Well since the 450R is more of a competetion quad, I'm sure they will make changes to it sooner than they did with the 400ex (or not at all like the 300ex).

[Jersey450R]

another bump



















last one

[450 Racer R]

:macho

[Jersey450R]

Originally posted by 450 Racer R
:macho
:huh

[Jersey450R]

one last bump before the thread dies, lol.

[450 Racer R]

Will someone delete this? half of the thread is just "bump" :p

[KILLAQuad]

I think honda needs to start telling people what they are going to do ... i know for a fact that the dealership i go to lost sales on the Rs due to the fact that no one knew what it was going to be... everyone go tired of waiting and went out and bought YFZs or Zs......

Honda needs to at least say something like what Yammi is doing.... i think the center of gravity thing might be welcome and i think a little more of the feeling of the 89Rs... actually i think that Yammi stole that idea with the YFZ....:huh

HMMMM.... makes ya wonder .... if so many people like it then why try to change it.....

I think honda will announce something about 1 week before the Release of the 06s........:confused:


OHH WELLL....:ermm:

[Jersey450R]

nah johnny, i think we'll keep this thread:macho

[Toadz400]

Originally posted by KILLAQuad
i think the center of gravity thing might be welcome and i think a little more of the feeling of the 89Rs... actually i think that Yammi stole that idea with the YFZ....:huh

Are you saying that only Honda is allowed to make quads with low center of gravity?:confused: And a lot of aftermarket companies make there frames like the 250R, are they stealing? I think it just makes them that much more better and everyone should do it like that if it works.

[KILLAQuad]

Originally posted by Toadz400
Are you saying that only Honda is allowed to make quads with low center of gravity?:confused: And a lot of aftermarket companies make there frames like the 250R, are they stealing? I think it just makes them that much more better and everyone should do it like that if it works.

You didnt get my point... the 250R had a Sporty stance just like the YFZ does ... the 450R is more relaxed... NO I DONT MEAN they are stealing the ideas....:rolleyes: ...... i said Honda should have made it more like the 250 with the 450 motor in it..... Not saying that the 450s design is bad AT ALL... but it is easier IMO (also coming from EXs and Zs racing Back Ground) to Race the YFZ and 250R... with the stance that they have....

Also for something else that Honda should do is make the HRC cam or even kit an option from the factory...... NOT for $300 more however.....

[Jersey450R]

The 06's are going to come with the HRC cam. I talked to this cool guy at my dealer. He even said he would hook me up with one. All i would have to do is pay for labor:D

[Toadz400]

Originally posted by KILLAQuad
You didnt get my point... the 250R had a Sporty stance just like the YFZ does ... the 450R is more relaxed... NO I DONT MEAN they are stealing the ideas....:rolleyes: ...... i said Honda should have made it more like the 250 with the 450 motor in it..... Not saying that the 450s design is bad AT ALL... but it is easier IMO (also coming from EXs and Zs racing Back Ground) to Race the YFZ and 250R... with the stance that they have....

Also for something else that Honda should do is make the HRC cam or even kit an option from the factory...... NOT for $300 more however.....

Oh ok, I see what you're saying now. Yea I think the 450R should've been more designed like the 250R and the YFZ, I definately like how they ride.

[beak7707]

Is that the only change you know of jersey?

[Jersey450R]

:p might be a new color configuration too...maybe

also, look for something with the linkage set up.

[kssandduner]

I wanna know when the new HRC linkage is going to come out??

Joe

[cheetah]

I feel the only thing it could use is E-start. For XC racers, the dead engine start hurts the Rs. While I understand it's not a huge concern and people are winning on the Rs no doubt, I have rarely seen an R holeshot a GNCC. Let's face it, getting the holeshot makes the race a little easier.

[beak7707]

I dont care if they change stuff, I just hope the parts fit the 04-05 frame. Like if they make a longer swinger or new linkage, it would be nice if they will work with the older frames. That will suck if they do it ike the 250r's and change frames and what not. And with the e-start I dont know if they will do it or not. The 450R's seem to do fine in the xc racing, if you ask me kick is faster than electric. I remember watching ballance school everybody on his 250r, and at the ironman the 450R took a couple holeshots.

[Jersey450R]

i doubt honda will change the frames in the next few years but i dont doubt they will change something with the rear
pssst....this dude at my dealer is affilated with Honda;)

[450 Racer R]

^I wouldn't believe everything you hear from them guys at motion.

[Jersey450R]

yea i know what you mean by that, lol.

[Mxracer53]

This is the most likely changes. Redesigned hrc cam,redesigned linkage, +1 inch longer frame and +1 inch wider frame,redesinged frame for lower center of gravity, +1 inch wider axle, electric start w/ kick back up,and redesigned suspension. thats my opion on what they should do.

[450 Racer R]

why a wider frame? I like it nice and skinny. It's easy to straddle and real comfortable.

[Jersey450R]

Originally posted by 450 Racer R
why a wider frame? I like it nice and skinny. It's easy to straddle and real comfortable.

yea, what he said, haha!

[Toadz400]

Originally posted by beak7707
I remember watching ballance school everybody on his 250r, and at the ironman the 450R took a couple holeshots.

Two-strokes are a lot easier to start than a 450 4-stroke though, especially if you have to worry about hitting the hot start. And don't say I don't know what I'm talking about, I have a Banshee and I've kicked over several 4-stroke engines...one being the 450R, and a 2-stroke is definately easier.

I think it'd be a great idea to sell 2 models of the 450R, one with eletric start, and the other with kickstart. And for a slightly higher price, you can have a kickstart backup.

[Jersey450R]

the 450R would be close to 370 dry with an electric start.

[Toadz400]

Originally posted by Jersey450R
the 450R would be close to 370 dry with an electric start.

So? Still fast as hell...that's still lighter than the 400ex and it has a much more powerful engine.

[creechfan]

but i'm really starting to hate the YFZ image.

what image is that???


And yes, Yamaha makes big announcements about the “little things” but they have to cover all their bases in the marketing world. I like hearing about all the little things Yamaha is doing to their line up. I would rather hear too much then nothing at all!!!

Heh, remember through the 90's untill the (400ex) nothing got changed on any sport quads……any new news coming from any of the manufactures was new rack designs and color combinations. Blaaa….
:devil:

[Jersey450R]

My opinion:
YFZ'a ARE overated. They are excellent quads and they do rip, but for the more practical rider, that dosent ride SOLELY motocross and supercross, the 450R is a much more wise choice. I was riding with a two fellas this past weekend and they had just bought YFZ's the day before. They waved me over and were like, "OMG your quad is sick"! One of the dudes wanted to ride it so i let him. He came back and i quote his words..."Wow, your quad is much easier to ride. The seat is so comfortable and the power delervery is more drawn out. I feel like i have to ridethe YFZ like its a 250R".
Well this guy was no beginner to riding and said himself he wished he had had a chance to ride the 450R before buying the YFZ. I told him thats what i did. I was so stuck on buying a YFZ before i bought my Honda. I love the YFZ's but i ride everywhere, not just MX. I guarantee that if the 450R came out before the yahama, then the tables would be turned. You would see all 450R's on the track. Its just the way things work in this industry.

[creechfan]

I did not ride the 450R b4 I bought my YFZ…but my decision was a lot easier than most. I live on ONE acre and I ride 90% of the time at MX tracks or in some kind of race environment.

I am really happy with how the YFZ does in theses environments.

When every one wants to get down to it…it is not what quad is better suited for what environment, it is what kind’a rider is better suited for each machine.

[Toadz400]

Originally posted by creechfan
When every one wants to get down to it…it is not what quad is better suited for what environment, it is what kind’a rider is better suited for each machine.

Exactly:cool: .

I prefer my Banshee over my 400ex in the woods.

[creechfan]

I prefer my Banshee over my 400ex in the woods.

I could not have given a better example....!! LOL....

[jfboy]

Originally posted by MixMasterMike
the 450r will still beat the 650r...im almost sure of that///though there will be alot more power with the 650

I dont care that much about what will be beat what I really wnat is a meaty powerband, like the 400ex, just more of it. the 450r is a more "rev happy" engine.

[tido450]

i think honda will do nothing, thats what their motto haS been for years look at the 400ex, the only reason they changed it is because they were getting hammered on sales. maybe for 06 the 450 will get some BNG's:macho

[Jersey450R]

Originally posted by tido450
i think honda will do nothing, thats what their motto haS been for years look at the 400ex, the only reason they changed it is because they were getting hammered on sales. maybe for 06 the 450 will get some BNG's:macho

I think you just made a very true and worthy statement. Maybe we will see a different color combo. The 450R in yellow and black would be of the HOOOOOOK!

[MY450R]

Originally posted by TRXRacer1
If they made it electric start I might pick one up. I used to be anti-electric start, then I got used to it on the 400ex. Now I don't want to go back.
i hope they dont put elec on it cuz its perfect the way it is
mine starts first kick every time and i mean every time
went riding all tis weekend and it didnt get above 32 degrees
well i give it a couple tweaks with the throttle then choke it and it fires first time every time

[Jersey450R]

Originally posted by MY450R
i hope they dont put elec on it cuz its perfect the way it is
mine starts first kick every time and i mean every time
went riding all tis weekend and it didnt get above 32 degrees
well i give it a couple tweaks with the throttle then choke it and it fires first time every time
ditto

[dn1911]

come on guys it honda. if its not broke don't fix it. they stay quiet because they don't have anything to say. i think they will be taking more of this approach as they do to everything else. they have been getting their *****es handded to them form year in the 400 class trail quads with no changes to the EX. and when they did it didn't help any with performance. why? cause it works just fine the way it is.

also the R will probably never see an electric start. just don't think they will add the weight when so many like the kicker.

what i don't understand is why the two wheelers still get so much more attention even though quad sales are 2 to 3 times as high. all it is, is the national race coverage they get from them. generates more publicity and money.

450 is a big bore for honda especially in the sport quads. heck it took them forever (once again) to make a utility above 500cc. and they seem to be perfectly content with the rincon. even though the many bigger machines sell more and repeddily beat it in shoot outs. don't get me wrong i would love a 600 class machine that would fall along the charchteristics or the Raptor just with a better chassie (spelling?). if you know what i mean. lots of torque with good trail gears would be awsome in an R frame!

just my opinion though. honda should get some younger blood in their market and R&D programs.

[sgerbyshak]

Why does Honda wait so long to update and refine its machines?
Honda dropped the ball and let Yamaha grab a huge share of the atv market. How could Honda let Yamaha come out with the yfz before the 450 R. The day that Honda knew about the yfz they should have announced the 450R. Alot of people went out and bought a yfz because they didn't know Honda was comming out with a 450R. What was Honda thinking? Why not just build the best atv possible?
Here is what Honda should do...They should built the best machine it can for under $10,000. They should have a 450R that is fuel injected with an aluminum frame set up for racing. The fuel could be housed within the frame with the air filter where the gas tank normally would be. Buell has a motorcycle with an aluminum frame that holds the fuel. The new Honda would weigh less than the 250R. Are you telling me that Honda cant make a better, lighter. faster atv? Cant or won't. I think Honda is more concerned about being sued or complying with the environmental regulations for 2010...

[Toadz400]

I wouldn't think Honda would be worried about going into debt by making pure race quads like Cannondale, considering it's a multi-billion dollar company.

[Thump_It]

I would bet that in prolly 2 years the TRX's will be fuel injected.....I was talking to some guys down ath Moto Sport Outlet and they were telling me how the '06 CRF 450's are gonna be fuel injected.......and the quad will prolly follow if it is successful. I'm not 100%, but it is probable. :confused:

[Jersey450R]

bring this back to the top please

[chad502ex]

Originally posted by Thump_It
I would bet that in prolly 2 years the TRX's will be fuel injected.....I was talking to some guys down ath Moto Sport Outlet and they were telling me how the '06 CRF 450's are gonna be fuel injected.......and the quad will prolly follow if it is successful. I'm not 100%, but it is probable. :confused:

I believe that is what I said a while back in another thread here at ATVRIDERS. No-one believed me then either.

;)

[Thump_It]

I believe ya...lol, if that helps any :p .

[quads_kicka$$]

yamaha is going to be doing alot of changes to the yfz for 06 besides upping the displacement. I read in a magazine where ballance is saying they are changing the way it handles and that they are even looking for changes for years later. Yamaha is in the number 1 spot will do anything to stay there. They are gonna make a killing with the new yfz. AN ATV REVOLUTION IS COMING!!

[One_Bad_400]

i say honda has nothing up there sleave, i think all there going to do with the R is put electric start and ive hurd a lot of romors about revrse!?!?! but i dont know, they might come out with a bad ***** R thats wieghs 300lbs. with 50 ponies with 12'' wheel travel from stock!!:eek: that would be awsome, never know though

[Jersey450R]

Originally posted by quads_kick*****
yamaha is going to be doing alot of changes to the yfz for 06 besides upping the displacement. I read in a magazine where ballance is saying they are changing the way it handles and that they are even looking for changes for years later. Yamaha is in the number 1 spot will do anything to stay there. They are gonna make a killing with the new yfz. AN ATV REVOLUTION IS COMING!!

Dude, the revolution came already. Where were you?

[Rich250RRacer]

Many people like to speculate what is going to happen, but the truth is Honda's R&D team has been spending extensive time with it's racers and conducting surveys at various races looking for input from 450r owners. Everything it learns will be incorporated into the new 450r. As for other offerings from them, an very reliable source says they have been testing a quad with a CRF250 based motor, it could be a possible replacement for the 300ex or 400ex. When Honda developes a prototype like this, one of the first things they look for is what they call the "fun factor", and reports from those who had a chance to ride it say it is a total blast. A 650 has been in the developement stages for quite awhile, but got pushed aside to to work on the 450r. This quad is targeted at the Raptor and V-force buyers, so if it every sees production, don't expect to see a quad as race oriented as the 450r.
For all the Yamaha and Suzuki guys out there and the guy who said most of the bikes and quads in the Honda line-up are slightly over-weight and underpowered, here's a little history lesson. In 1983 the entire CR line-up was best in class, same in 86 and 87. The 1993 CR250 has been considered by most magazines as one of the best motocross bikes ever built, so good in fact, that McGrath's 94 and 95 works bikes were based on it, and the 96 model only improved on the 93's design and corrected the very few problems the earlier model had. Now the CRF450 takes over where those bikes left off. As far as 250r's are concerned, nothing has to be said, they speak for themselves.
One thing can be said for Yamaha, they have never been afraid to take chances and an introduce something totally different and off the wall. Remember the BW200, a two wheeler with atv tires. The Tri-Z250 was like no other three-wheeler designed. The Banshee is still unbelievably popular. They built street bikes such as the V-max (a name that still makes insurance companies shudder) and the Genesis motored, five valve per cylinder Fazer. But for all the YFZ owners and owners of the future Suzuki quad who have a short memory or weren't even born yet, here's something for you to keep in mind. The TRX250R's never won a magazine shoot-out, according to them, it wasn't race oriented enough, it wasn't as fast as the Suzuki LT250R, it was too trail oriented. Sounds a little like what they have been saying about the 450r. Go to a race today, a GNCC, GNC or even a local race, how many LT's do you see? The LT was all the rage in 1986, now 250r's out number them 20 to 1. The YFZ and this new Suzuki had better enjoy their moment in the sun, because sooner or later, the cream always rises to the top.

[crf500]

that was some great info Rich250r keep it up guys

[trx450jason]

very nice post..nice way of looking at things..i have never thought about it like that

[culookn]

i see honda making all of these changes to make it more "user friendly" and handle better. its awesome that hondas putting so much money and effort into becoming king of the hill again as they did with the 250r. but when you think about it. as good as it will be stock in 06, it wont compaer to your race ready of xc ready machines. i wonder if theyll stop production as they did with the old R's after a few years?

[steveatv3]

Yamaha doesnt think about the little guy, yes someone who wants to be a pro racer will drop the most money for a quad, and if yamaha keeps uping the bikes price. You will sell my quads to the average every day rider then all the pro racers!

I never was fond of yamaha it always seemed they were to worried about going fast and not reliablity, Hell i got 2 banshees and a raptor in my shop right now that i am working on for some clients!!

[WhiteBros400ex]

Originally posted by Jersey450R
no i'm not talking about a turbo, intercooler, or 650 or nothin like that. i mean making refinements to the 450R...for example----lower center of gravity, re-positioning the rear shock and linkage improvments, a longer steering stem, titanium valves, a larger compression ratio, reinforced frame work, an inch longer swingarm, stuff like this. theres no need for a 600 or 650, just minor adjustments so honda can take satisfaction and say that they build the "best" race quad out of the box. we all know they do but i'm really starting to hate the YFZ image. not hate, but theres too much hype about it. dont get me wrong, its a nice quad, but the 450R is a HONDA.

I agree with you all the way and think the same as you.

BTW look what he said its a HONDA:D :macho

[Jersey450R]

thanks for the props bro :cool:

[mersingt]

yamaha didnt just throw 4 wheels and tires on a dirtbike motor they went through the motor

honda wont do crap.....look at the 300ex its the same as it was b4 except for "new graphics" and a name change back to fourtrax.......

you really think they are gonna do n e thing about any of there quads...... :o

yamaha on the other hand is tinkering with all there quads and so is suzuki i like honda dont get me wrong but damn they need to do somthing fast

those of you saying that there will be all this new stuff yeah new stuff like graphics and yellow plastic probably...... maybe a new price tag...... honda is full of crap now a days and cant get by with what they used to do....

what everyone has said is great.....most of all of us are saying what we would like them to do....This is honda were talking about here

they love dirtbikes more not a year goes by theres not somthing different on them.....if i went out today to buy a new race quad it would be a yamaha yfz 450 you cant be brand loyal these days

[Thump_It]

Why would they change the 300EX? It's not a race quad, it is an economical sport quad for the begginner enthusiast. Styling has changed and rightfully so, but why mess with the motor? It's reliable and that is all the Average Joe needs. The ATV racing scene is getting bigger everyday and Honda is not going to ignore that. I think you'll be suprised on what Honda does with their quads in the near future, but go ahead and get your Yamaha.......we'll be waiting for you at the finish line.:devil:

[450 Racer R]

Originally posted by mersingt
yamaha didnt just throw 4 wheels and tires on a dirtbike motor they went through the motor

What do you mean by "they went through the motor"? I got this right from Yamaha's website... Not only is the hybrid 439cc DOHC titanium-valved five-speed engine far superior.... Doesn't "hybrid" usually mean putting two things together? such as a dirtbike motor in a quad frame?

From honda's site... Boasting an incredibly potent package featuring a CRF450R-derived engine... the TRX450R's motor is based on the dirtbike motor, but many internal modifications were done.

What did Yamaha do to their motor? Add electric start? and maybe change gear ratios? I noticed my buddies YFZ has shorter gears, I wouldn't doubt if even the gearing wasn't changed.

[Dale512]

Well, the YFZ engine does have a shorter stroke, different gear ratios, bigger clutches, thicker gears, Bigger Piston Pin, electric start, and different cam timing than the YZ450F dirtbike. Also Rich, awfully funny I'm looking at 2 shootouts that the 250R won, I thought it never won any shootouts?

[robman]

Big tank,high center of gravity,plush suspension,light front end and a space between the motor and the rad that a 5 year old can crawl through tells me this was originally a big bore trail killer.But when you watch the Birdman take those turns so smooth you can't denie how great a quad it can be on the track.

[Rich250RRacer]

Originally posted by Dale512
Well, the YFZ engine does have a shorter stroke, different gear ratios, bigger clutches, thicker gears, Bigger Piston Pin, electric start, and different cam timing than the YZ450F dirtbike. Also Rich, awfully funny I'm looking at 2 shootouts that the 250R won, I thought it never won any shootouts?

What year? What mags? Majority of them said as I stated previously. They considered the Suzuki a superior race machine, and everybody knows the ending to that story.

[450r's r sexy]

yeah ur guys r right and all i think the same im not goin to rip on yamaha on its talk and so i think tho that honda is goin to kick yamaha butt but then yamaha eventually will make more improvments and then there wil be a fight but i think that the ltz450 will eventually kick ***** the most. yamaha is kool and all but its not the greatest there have power tho i cannt say nothin bout that but i think HONDA IS THE BEST in my eyes......

HONDA FOR LIFE!!!!!!

2004 450r
proflow uni filter open box
hmf slip on
ac nerf bars
shockwears black flames red backround
pro taper bars

[Punk'd]

I want to see Reverse added.. maybe a stiffer rear shock. Tell you what though I love my kickstart and I have NO problems with it. I dont see why everyone complains. But thats really all I can think of that I want done to the 450.

[Twiztd451]

i dont have any problems with my 450 either i love it and have absolutely no complaints the kickstarter doesnt bug me neither does not having reverse....its a race quad guys and its light get off and push not that hard anyways yea no complaints here

[jmoney45]

Originally posted by Rich250RRacer
What year? What mags? Majority of them said as I stated previously. They considered the Suzuki a superior race machine, and everybody knows the ending to that story.

Check the '88 Dirt Wheels shootout. The Honda won, followed by the 'zuki, followed by the tecate. They reprinted this shootout a couple years ago and I still have it.

[mersingt]

so what if its not a race bike....niether is the warrior

and yamha made a crisp new design and improvements to it the 300ex needs better shocks....and a lighter weight

[FAST 450R#1]

If honda doesnt do sumthing with the 450r for 06 when the new stuf comes out on the yfz an the new z450 comes out it will probly become like the 400ex. It was the best when it came out then the z400 came out an the 400ex seemd slow an not as powerful. If honda did do some thin with the moter like put the hrc in it i think thay would sall more an would kill the yfz stock an wouldnt end up like the 400ex thats just my 2 cents

[300ex73]

So far, from my understanding, is that in 06, the R will have electric start at least as an option. Word has it they'll also be slightly refining small things as well like the linkage. So, I don't think that the kickstart purists/lovers will have to worry too much about giving it up, but the electric start riders will also be satisfied.

Now, I do remember reading someone's complaint about the 450R's deadstart performance. I talk to a guy who just moved up from A Class Pro to Pro Am, and from my understanding, they can smoke the YFZ guys off the line, just due to the fact that you can use more of the kickstart to get it moving, and that the YFZ has a horrible electrical system. I've not personally seen him do a deadstart, but have heard that watching some of the guys that are used to doing dead-kickstarts is insane compared to the electric start guys.

Anyways, I figured I'd share what I've heard.

[Toadz400]

Has anyone seen Honda's truck? Looks pretty good for a Honda vehicle, never been a big fan of Honda (except for quads).

[Punk'd]

Originally posted by Toadz400
Has anyone seen Honda's truck? Looks pretty good for a Honda vehicle, never been a big fan of Honda (except for quads).
yeah same here

[Jersey450R]

had to bring back this thread from the dead. :blah:

[Punk'd]

Im hoping for a beefed up 450, a 650r and a Yamaha Rhino type thing, but Honda of course.

Wouldnt that be a dream:p