450R Vs. 400EX

[RipinItUp 400EX]

What does everyone think is a better machine overall? 450R or 400EX? I have an 01 400EX and was thinkin of upgrading to my buddies 04 450R that hes sellin. Was that a good year for the 450R? Any help appreciated!!

[jtjpilot]

The 400ex is legendary. However, it doesn't stand up to todays 450's. The Honda 450R is better in every aspect you can think of. Plain and simple, it's faster, lighter, more comfortable, etc, etc. etc.
I bought a 2005 400ex thinking it was plenty of quad for me but I sold it within a year and bought the 450R. Bottom line, you will have a smile on your face thinking of what a great decision you made by getting rid of the 400 and getting a 450. Don't get me wrong though, the 400 is a great quad but falls short in all catagories these days.

As for the year of the 450R, I believe 2004 is the first year. It has some issues (Bearings I believe????) but overall pretty minor. I would say go with the 450R, you won't believe the difference!

what type of riding will you be doing? i have both adn there are a lot of times out on the trail that i wish i had the 400ex back. the 450r likes to rev high adn needs a lot of throttle to stay running. this can be a pain when trying to finesse your way over a log or when when riding with people on utility machines. don't get me wrong, it can be done, but it is much easier on the 400ex than the 450r.

[mrnate400ex]

i'll agree with the tight trails and not going so well with the 450r, but once you get to know the machine you will get used to it. i will never go back to my 400ex. the raw power on hand with the 450r i just unbelievable!! make the change, you won't regret it!!!

[lumi]

if your agressive treail rider the 450r will work wonders. if your a starter and like to ease aorund the trails the 400ex for you.


and yes suspension, weight, power everything is better on the 450r.

but on the other hand the 400ex would last you longer and maybe a bit less maintenance.


-lumi

[NoFallsNoBallsX]

def. go with the R..u wont regret it!!

[RipinItUp 400EX]

Ok thanks everbody. The reason I want the 450r is because My buddy barely rode it and I'm getting it for 5800 Canadian.

[jtjpilot]

what would 5800 canadian equal in United States Dollars?

[mymastifftucker]

About $2.50!!!! :D

[Jonas]

Get a close out '06 instead. You should be able to find one at a dealer for cheap now. Also, you will get a 6 month warrantee with it. You will always be about 3-5 horespower ahead of the '04-'05 mod for mod.

[MAD450r]

If that was true why do the bigger name racers or engine builders keep saying 04-05's make more power.

I have yet to loose to an 06 in a drag and im on stock piston still.

[CHEVYZ]

I agree with it. Although I have also heard of people getting out more power from the older model engines (meaning it is CAPABLE), the newer engines will outperform the older models with average mods. Basically, it is much easier to get more power out of the 06 engines.

I am a totally unbiased rider. In fact, I use my 05 for drag racing as compared to my 06 which is just my play bike.

[lumi]

in my opinion and the many engines i have gone threw and seen, the 06 is a better engine design and makes more power and has more potential. plus they are to me more durable in design.


the only reason in a drag a 05 might win is not engine, is gearing 04-05 have higher gearing.



just my 0.2 cents.
just info



-lumi

[CHEVYZ]

Actually gearing on the 05 doesn't work to much of an advantage on the older models because the newer designed engines rev much higher.

[lumi]

i dont think the rev difference is that dramatic to make up for a increase in speed for a 13 to 14 tooth.


if anything it justs gets to the top speed faster.



-lumi

[CHEVYZ]

My HRC 06 would pull my 05 on the topend when it had a pipe, cam, and rev box.