Worth Buying 04 450??? or go with 05???

[JM113]

I am sure you guys have heard this question more than you like. But I have not had much luck finding out the good/bad or major changes from the 2004-2005 TRX450.
Hoping someone can help me out with my dilema.
I can pick up a new 04 - $5500.
Or a new 05 - $6100.
Did Honda change much on the 05's?
Are there any big problems with the 04's?
I know 04 is a first year for the 450 (which I would normally never buy) but I figured since the motor/tranny is based on the CRF Honda had things in line.
Which would you buy?
I am possibly buying one tomorrow so any input would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks a million!

:D

[416exmx]

i just went through the same.. i bought a 05.. i think the only difference in the 04 and 05 was a color change..

[copter]

for $600.00 you can get an 04 and buy the black plastics if you want and still have some change left over..


Same bike, different colors

[mikes450r]

i dont see why there should be a price difference between the two...didnt they only change the color......i would just buy the 04 and change the plastics for about 300 bucks if you want black...then sell the red ones on here or ebay...good luck

[MyFlying450r]

The 04 is the same as the 05 just color and price is the difference.

[ridingorhiding]

i buy the red ones

[Jersey450R]

a few welds in key places are better on the 05's. look at the subframes on the 04's compared to the 05's. When you go look, see if you can put an 04' and an 05' next to eachother and compare the welds around the whole quad.

I know somebody's gonna bash me for this.

[btlblwnracer]

im not sure if what jersey is saying is true or not, but for six hundred bucks you could get on 04 and have it gusseted and powdercoated , and if your just going to trail ride it six hunred bucks is some good mods :D

[Shawn H]

The only thing that would stop me from buying the 05 versus the 04 is Contingicies (sp) if you race you get 2 hrs worth of possible continginicies (sp) with the 05

[Jersey450R]

Originally posted by btlblwnracer
im not sure if what jersey is saying is true or not, but for six hundred bucks you could get on 04 and have it gusseted and powdercoated , and if your just going to trail ride it six hunred bucks is some good mods :D
go and compare them. i guarantee its true, i'll put money on it.

[JM113]

Just want to say thanks to everyone for your replies!
This has made it much easier for me to make my decision. Will be picking up an 04 soon.
One last question. Are there any big issues with the TRX's?
Problems with tranny, engine, cooling....etc....etc.???
Thanks again!!!!

[Shawn H]

No
A few have had bad cranks but not very many at all

[mikes450r]

ya i believe all the bad cranks were found in the first 10 hrs or so...correct me if im wrong...dont want to give out bad info

[Shawn H]

Yep I think your right:ermm:

[528ATVRacewear]

When I got my 450r a few months ago I decided to go with the 04. I couldn't justify an extra $500 for only a different color.