06 450R just for trails?

[atv35]

I am thinking of getting a 2006 450R (Kick Start) for trail riding. How is it in stock form? I will not be racing and am wondering how the shocks are and perfomance are with a 160 lbs rider? Don't really want to install the HRC kit right away either. Any oppinions would be appreciated.

[woodsman250r]

Its probaly the most trail friendly ride out of all three 450s. The suspension is very good and has room for improvement if you get someone like GT Thunder or Derisi to rebuild them. Power should be fine for starting of without an HRC kit and you could always put on a slip on and remove the airbox lid if you want more. However for just trail riding, the stock 450r will suit you just fine.

[atv35]

so without the HRC kit it should be fine power wise. I'm tring to compare it to a 06 Z400 stock for stock?

[bwilson624]

Stock for stock the power doesn't even compare vs. a Z400. It's a whole other level of speed. I have an '06 e start bone stock except for the pro taper bars ( I thought the stock bars weren't wide enough) and almost all I ride is trails and woods with an occasional drag race and I love it. I have heard from a few ppl that hot starts on the kick are a PITA. My e start fires fine every time, just don't touch the throttle.

[woodsman250r]

Originally posted by atv35
so without the HRC kit it should be fine power wise. I'm tring to compare it to a 06 Z400 stock for stock?

Yea the 06" 450r is a big difference in power compared to the Z400. It will be fine for you with plenty of power for just trail riding. And that is without the HRC kit. To be honest with you I wouldn't really bother with an HRC if you aren't going to race it. I would just get a slip on and keep the motor stock. But even without that, it should be perfect for you.

[450rJam]

the z400 vs the 450r wont be close at all, even with a poor rider on the 450,
actually stock vs stock you could just play with the 400 until you wanted to walk away.
the z400 has reverse and the 450r dont
I dont race either but I got the hrc kit for fun.
you really cant use all the power in the trails anyway but I spend alot of time in the open areas where I can keep an eye on all 4 of my kids at once while riding myself. We usually find a good jump or some berms and some hill climbs to play on.

[atv35]

Do you got the kick start version? So you guys think the 450R is a better choice?

[450rJam]

I got the e start and im very happy with it.
the z400 is a good trail quad also, its just not near as fast as
the 450r.
if you dont need or want a ton of power and speed then the z400 is a more than capable trail/woods quad.
if you could ride them both before makeing your choice it would
help.

[atv35]

Well I'm coming off a banshee so I don't want to lose all the power, But want a more trail friendly quad if you know what I mean. Reverse is no big deal.

[450rJam]

honestly, since you came off the banshee you would most likely
want more from the z400.
I love my 450r and its not just a great trail quad.
if you deside to take it to the dunes or drag race or mx or xc you have a quad that will be up front in what ever you want to do.
get the 450r and get the hrc kit IMO
you will still have to pick red or black
the red blends in alot (a ton of red 400's and 450's)
or black which looks totally bad @$$ but shows scratches quickly
(its half the reason I got the graphics kit)

[atv35]

It's not a good trail quad? I thought it was, But I'm sure it would be better then my banshee correct? I'm just thinking I will be disappointed with the power of a z400. I heard hard hot starts are famous on the electric only have you heard of this? I'm gonna be getting my son a TRX90 soon also. It will be fun to ride together.

[450rJam]

yes it is a great trail quad (better than the banshee and 10 times easier to ride)
yes you will be disapointed with the z400 power (compaired to the banshee and the 450r)
you need to turn the idle up 1/4 turn and she will not stall or hard start.
I got my hrc kit installed before I left the dealer and I have heard
it makes the starting easier.
the only problem with the starting is you cant give it any gas at all
and its hard for most people who have grown up giving it half throttle at the end of the kick have a hard time breaking the habit
GET THE 450R

[Kev450R]

I have an '06 450R with electric start and use it mainly for trails, with a little dunes riding as well. I've only had mine out on three rides (two trail, one dune trip) and have been really happy with it. I used to ride a bored, ported & polished '84 250R three-wheeler so I also wanted something with some power.

So far I haven't had any problems with hot starts, and it's been hot enough to run the fan a couple of times. It seems to be a great quad for going fast, or just cruising down a trail :D

--Kevin

[atv35]

Well I guess it's the 450R, But I want to get the kick start version mainly because I'm used to that. If I ever think I need more power I will install the HRC kit myself (mechanic by trade). Think they will give me a good deal for the 450R and a TRX90 for my son???

[woodsman250r]

I would suggest the kicker for sure. I have always had a kicker, (I feel its the most reliable starting for the trail). Also you won't have to worry about extra electrical and a battery which can lead to more headache and cost. I can't tell you how many times I have seen people have problems with their bike not wanting to start with the estart.

[crc440ex]

You are not going to have a easy time finding a 06 kicker, if you can find one at all. I bought a 06 kicker about 3 weeks ago and there were not many to be found then.

[atv35]

Last month I called my dealer and they were expecting to get 6 this month. With the economy the way it is now most people aren't willing to shell out 6500 for a toy, But if I can't find one nothing I can do. :ermm:

[atv35]

crc440ex

What state are you in???

[Coolidge]

I use my 06 450er for trail/desert riding, and I couldnt be happier. I know a lot of the racers want the kicker, mainly cause its lighter, and easier to start quicker in a race. I understand the kickers are pretty tough to find too. Ive been on trails & hillsides that there would have been NO WAY to get the bike started if I had to kick it. For trail riding, the electric start would be fine. I too have the HRC kit, but have not yet installed it. I got a chance to drag race my buddys 06 w/HRC kit this weekend on the El Mirage dry lake bed (FLAT OUT 5+ miles!) Anyways, my bike was dead even till I hit the rev limiter in high gear, then he started pulling on me. Im hoping the HRC wakes my bike up a little better than that! BTW, get the 450r. You wont regret it.

[atv35]

Just called my dealer and was told he can get the Black 450R kicker in a week. That makes me happy.

[trick250r]

i race MX w/ the ER. i wanted a kicker too, but you really dont need it to trail ride. i know, i know. you're thinking that you've got a 'shee and you dont mind kicking. well, i came from a 250r and i love my magic button compared to the kicker. i too was worried about the hard to start stories, but i've had no probs. with my '06.

[atv35]

I just want to get the kicker as I am use to that. I just found one in red only, But It will do. Gonna get my little guy a TRX90 to.

[450rJam]

thats cool, keep the good times going.
I love taking my kids out riding, To let them do the things that I had the most fun doing when I was younger is great.
post some pics when you get them.

[jhoppa]

If you are only going to trail ride AND leave everything stock AND you are easy on your equipment, why get a 450r AND why a kickstart?

I love my 06 450er, but I replaced the suspension with ELKA to make it handle better. I also put the HRC kit in it. For racing, you can't beat honda due to the parts availablity and cost of parts.

IMO, if I was only going to trail ride, the Suzuki or YFZ with an extended warranty would probably get my dollar.

If you are hard on equipment, Honda is the best bet. Still don't understand the kickstart if you are only going to trail ride. Maybe I am showing my age....
:)

[atv35]

450rJam

I will post pictures as soon I get them. My oldest rides my Kawasaki 220 which he really likes. My little guy 6 wants to ride like his brother, I'm sure you know how it is. I this that is a great time to spend family time don't you agree. Thanks alot also for all your help.

jhoppa
I am coming off a banshee and want something a LITTLE closer to what I had.. I am no beginer to quads at all either. I just got older and need something a little more trail friendly and I afraid the Z400 would be enough.

[trxextreme]

Im not really to happy with my 450 for trails, Its geared way to tall. I would like to drop the front sprocket down 1 or 2 to get first gear down to a more managable speed for tight trails. Great bike for every where else tho:D

[450rJam]

04/05 has 14 tooth stock
06 has 13 tooth stock

[atv35]

450rJam

What do think is a good price for the 06 kick 450R and the 06 trx90 if I bought them together?

[450rJam]

honestly I dont think they are going to give you a big break on buying 2 of them, I bought a crf50 crf70 and the 450r and I dont
think I got much better deal than if I got them one at a time.
depending on what you get (waranty,hrc,maint. deal)
about $6,500 to $7,000 for the 450r
guessing around $2,000 to $2,300 for the trx90.
if you cross state line you dont pay tax but you dont get a title until you pay the taxes. some states dont require personal property tax (missouri)
chanute in kansas does pretty good deals
columbia in missouri does as well
I got mine at freedom honda in grandview missouri
it was a good cross between good deals and not too far to drive.
If money is an issue you may want to check into a used trx90
for your sons first atv.
my son and youngest daughter are into dirt bikes more than quads. they are actually alot cheaper.

[450rJam]

your geographical area has alot to do with the prices also
there are some on here who claim some really super deals.

[atv35]

i'm gonna check it out tommorow. If it came down to the price I would get my son a new one and me a used one. He comes first if you know what I mean. :)

[crc440ex]

Originally posted by atv35
crc440ex

What state are you in???

Ohio... about 20 miles southwest of Cleveland

[atv35]

8800.00 for both what do you think?

[450rJam]

sounds pretty fair, depending on what all your getting for it.
is that with the hrc ?
are they both 06 ?
try and get them to toss in a helmet or at least a big discount on one for the son, they have some pretty cool ones now days.

[atv35]

No HRC but both are 06's 450R is a kick start.

[450rJam]

not a steal but not a rip off, your prob. at 6500-6600 for the 450
and 2200-2300 for the 90.
I think thats about the average around here.
did you take the boy with you to check them out ? did he sit on the 90 ? how did it fit him ? is he excited ? I know you must be.

[atv35]

No it was over the phone, But he has sat on one before and loved it. Now my problem is finding the time to get there. I hope by early next week. My kids are into sports (Hockey, Baseball & Swimming) We are so busy. I'll get there by next week for sure. Thats was the best he could do and I considered that fair.

[450rJam]

I would bet they try to stick you with some more charges.
dealer set up or some other bogus charges, then they will hit you with the maint. deal, and some extended waranty.
most are open on sundays and closed mondays around here.
very few sports play on sundays.

[atv35]

I already told hime 8800 otd or no deal and he agreed. I am not spending any more then that.

[GIXXER1KR]

I love my 06 with HRC kit.I put full skids and 22" ITP mudlites in the rear for the rough trails and nothing stops it.Love it and then pop on 18" and she s ready for the track!!!You'll be more than happy.I just got this and kept my completely built 2stroke quadracer!!!Love them both but if i had the choose,it would be the Honda all the way!!!:D

[bwilson624]

I live in western North Carolina, and I couldn't find a kickstart either. I'm really happy with my estart though.

[Smidgy]

The 06 is more trail friendly than the 05 due to its lower geared first gear, the 05 just wants to fly in first gear, leaving you kinda lugging it to get going until you get used to it(and stalling often).

the 450r is a great quad, you will love it, honda makes them reliable so you can focus on getting out there and enjoying it. And enjoy it you will. The power is awesome, it has good shocks, and it is light and nimble so that you feel like you can throw it around more than it throwing you around. It makes it very versitile at whatever you want to do with it.

[tooanxiousii]

Originally posted by atv35
I already told hime 8800 otd or no deal and he agreed. I am not spending any more then that.

I don't know about the 90 but two days ago I bought a new 06 450er for $5929 +tax (6%) and title + $6300 out the door

[Chris S.]

I bought mine which is electric start a couple of weeks ago. I paid $5700 for the quad. $400 for 4 year extended warranty, $300 for HRC kit and $210 for install labor. After all the misc. fees and tax it was under $7300 for everything. I didn't shop around. I went to the closest honda shop, they had what I wanted and that was the best price they would give me. I wanted to buy local because I wanted to have a relationship with them for future service or warranty issues and am I glad I did. My first time riding it after they installed the kit, my water pump impeller blew into pieces and there was also seal in the topend that started to leak oil. Took to them monday morning and had it back wednesday night all fixed. Good service is worth a few extra bucks. I am real impressed with power delivery and after the hrc kit was installed I was even more amazed. It also is easy to drive slow on trails. All around great quad other than the stiff shocks but I am comparing to my last quad which had dual rate long travel. Good luck!

[atv35]

I'm gonna get the electric start. No Kick starts availble anywhere in the US.