What year 450r to buy

[mx8]

Looking to buy a 450r, just wondering if one year is better than another. What problems should i look out for. I have had very good luck with my 400ex, and thought i would try something different. Any info would be nice. I ride mostly trails and some tracks. Thanks

[exrider12]

the 04's have crank bearing issues wear the bearing would go out and wreak havoc in the bottom end. the 06's having some steering issues which someone else can explain better. The 06's have more horsepower but i think they dont look as good

[BlaineKaiser450]

i personaly like the 04/05.

[4bidden]

If you can find a very low hour 04-05 I'd go for that. Preferably an 05. The transmission issues on the 06+ are enough to keep me away.

Originally posted by BlaineKaiser450
i personaly like the 04/05.

X2

You can get more out of the 04 and 05 motors with mods and everyone talks about this crank bearing issue but mines still going. The 04 and 05 are definitly the best year to get.

[Dave400ex]

I would take an 08 kicker over the 04-05 any day. All years had issues with the tranny, the 06-up were just more common. A simple tranny mod can be done to fix that.

[Sjorge450R]

Originally posted by exrider12
the 04's have crank bearing issues wear the bearing would go out and wreak havoc in the bottom end. the 06's having some steering issues which someone else can explain better. The 06's have more horsepower but i think they dont look as good


its actually the rod bearing which then causes the thrust washer to have pressure against, causing that to slowly "disapear" and then cause crank bearing failure.

any way. I am still doing good on my 05 motor with about 100 hours on it. No problems yet.

[roundsy]

Originally posted by Dave400ex
I would take an 08 kicker over the 04-05 any day. All years had issues with the tranny, the 06-up were just more common. A simple tranny mod can be done to fix that.

what is this simple tranny mod you speak of? i'm very interested... :p

[Seano300ex]

Originally posted by 4bidden
If you can find a very low hour 04-05 I'd go for that. Preferably an 05. The transmission issues on the 06+ are enough to keep me away.
X3

[Dave400ex]

Originally posted by roundsy
what is this simple tranny mod you speak of? i'm very interested... :p

Call Toby at Moto-Xperts and he will tell you about it.

[blasterfreak99]

Originally posted by Dave400ex
Call Toby at Moto-Xperts and he will tell you about it.

how much would it cost to do this if you did it yourself?

[Dave400ex]

You won't be able to do it yourself. You have to send the tranny gears to him, which means the cases have to be split.

[blasterfreak99]

okay thanks!

[450rJam]

06+ run ALOT better

hrc 04/05 = stock 06+ (04/05 hrc cant hang with 06+hrc)
will equal riders

04/05 front ends turn alot tighter

tranny problems are rare with all years

lower end bearings get expen$ive (04/05)

e-starters are a biggest problem on 06+

as far as looks.......... its just opinion
(I like the headlight under the hood)

04/05 stock 10.5:1 compression//// 06+ stock 12:1

for trails the 06+ has more torque and is lower geared
(06+ with 05 front end would be the best trail/racer)

both can be taken to the limit but he said he rides trails and some track