best year 450r?

[ccmuscle22]

Curious what year everyone thinks was best? Seems to be lots of opinions. I can get a 05' brand new for under $5K. But with all the 05' recalls issues, 06' issues. Is there one year better to buy with less issues? Should I just get an 07?

[keller45]

05, the only issues they've had were crank bearing in the early models. I don't think they even have a recall...

plus they look better

[the Z Man]

Best buy is to get a like new 04, then put the extra money on aftermarket, I traded my 04 xc bike for a slightly modified 06 er, it was too much trouble changing this and that, I traded for a like new 04 and am very happy...

[mymastifftucker]

You are going to get a lot of responses for both models. Both have there faults. 04-05's had crank bearing issues. I have personally never had a problem with mine. 06-07's had problems with the electric start (obviously not a problem with a kicker) and I hve recently heard or trannsmission problems. But again I have never had a problem with my 07. If it were me, I would buy a new 05 and put the $1500 I saved into addons. JMHO, good luck on this one, you cant go wrong either way.

[400exrider707]

After watching 4 out of 5 of our 04/05 quads motos lock up, the only one I would even consider buying right now is an 06/07 kicker.

[mx1791]

the e-start on my 07 is really annoying, i wanted an 05 but the 07's where only $700 more at my dealer. imo get the 05, unless u can actually find a kicker 06/07

[450rJam]

Z man

just out of curiosity, what trouble did you have changing this and that ? is it easier to change this and that on the 04/05 ?

the e starts suck, but the 06/07 motors are better.
06/07 kicker would be my choice if I was buying one today.

[mephyst]

There are some minor differences between the chassis but not the motor between the 06 and 07 bikes correct??

I have an 04... never had any problems with it.

I too am looking for an 06/07 kicker. :)

[Dave400ex]

07 Kicker all the way! I had an 06ER and it was a piece. Electric start was horrible.

[the Z Man]

I was trying a number of different things the get the E-start to fire up quicker, got it pretty close but there was always the one time it would not fire up quick enough.
I would have been very happy if it was a kicker, the motor does run harder and stronger...

[450raider]

well this is just my thoughts im throwing in the hat but, you cant go wrong with any model its just you can mod an older one right away and your gonna have people claim theres a world of difference between them but theres not, the only real differences to casual riders (like myself) is the estart and the headlight on the newer ones so my point is you cant go wrong as long as its a honda:D

[BlaineKaiser450]

I have a 2004 450r and it has great power and turning. the newer 1s don't have great turning:D

[Zeke]

I have an 06 er and have had zero problems. knock on wood. it fires up first push with choke during the summer, and it takes a little longer in the winter but way easier than a kick. I just love watching my buddy try to kick his about 15 times to get it to fire and i just push a button. about the turning Honda actually widened the aarms and made the swinger longer for the 06 model.

[lj450r]

I have a 06 er also and have had no problems. Ive owned it for six months and fires up everytime. Must be rider error that fryed their starters.

[byrdman37876]

well i have no problem with my 07 er. starter seems fine and power is good.

[lumi]

i got mine for a year now and it runs like champ..

zero problems with anything and no rebuilds as of yet... very reliable machine as long as u maintain it as with everything.

my e-start is as good as the first day i bought it... most of the e-starts that go are RIDER ERROR. if everyone knew how they worked they would understand more and if they red the manual :rolleyes: ...



-lumi

[ccmuscle22]

Thanks for everyones input. I found an 04' today that's super clean, stock expect an HRC kit is installed, and a custom 450R bar clamp. Like under $5K out the door. A few more posts and reviews, I might grab it. A few simple add ons and it would be golden. Any thoughts?

[exrider44]

I have an 04 with a hc stage 2 and hmf exhaust so far, no problems. knock on wood

[dist5mxer]

my 05 made it all the way up to the last race of the season till it locked up.. which is awesome in my eyes. im running the 05 again this year with a hot rods crank instead of a OEM crank. we'll see how that goes.