06 vs. 05

[is4baja]

just wondering if there is a big power diffrence between those two years?? which do you recommend?

[roundsy]

try the "search" button, this question has been asked many, many times

the common response will be that the 06 has more power for light modding, the 05 engines seem to hold up better for heavy modding, and the 05's handle better.

The 04/05 has smoother power. I like my 04 a lot better then my buddies 06.

[blakefoote]

06 has more power but i wouldnt go with anything but an 04/05 though...the 06/07/08 are un reliable as hell...i might have just had sucky luck but i have had an 06 for 3 years and gone through six or seven motors....

[is4baja]

thanks a lot, ill probably look into 05's..also i heard that 04/05 have a problem with the linkage..is that true? can i just buy an aftermarket and fix that?

[WB450r]

Originally posted by is4baja
thanks a lot, ill probably look into 05's..also i heard that 04/05 have a problem with the linkage..is that true? can i just buy an aftermarket and fix that?

ive had my 05 since the very beginning of 06 and have not had a problem with engine or the linkage..

[is4baja]

its not that they have weak linkages, but i heard that it will kick from the back a lot and ive heard from a couple of friends that a new linkage eliminates that kick

[BlaineKaiser450]

the stock rear end is a swapping, bucking, kicking, death trap. I cant believe ive lasted with a stock rear end as long as i have. But an LSR link and a new rear shock is gonna fix all that for me

[kingdingaling]

I've had my '07 450r for a little over a year now and i haven't had a single problem out of it! Until now i've never heard a single complaint about reliability on any of the Honda's. And as far as power...it all depends on what you prefer. The '05 has alot more bottom end due to the longer stroke and smaller bore. The '06 has a little better midrange and top end because of the larger bore and smaller stroke.

[86250rrider]

Originally posted by is4baja
its not that they have weak linkages, but i heard that it will kick from the back a lot and ive heard from a couple of friends that a new linkage eliminates that kick



im using an 06 swinger and gtthunder x/c link and revalve on my 05 and its too sweet. :D

[javensracing08]

Originally posted by kingdingaling
I've had my '07 450r for a little over a year now and i haven't had a single problem out of it! Until now i've never heard a single complaint about reliability on any of the Honda's. And as far as power...it all depends on what you prefer. The '05 has alot more bottom end due to the longer stroke and smaller bore. The '06 has a little better midrange and top end because of the larger bore and smaller stroke.

you got it backwards buddy...i have both the 06-08 is snappy & has more bottom end & the 04-05 has smoother power and more mid to top end

[86250rrider]

obviuosly your speaking with stock camshafts.:D

[d3ktrix]

Originally posted by is4baja
its not that they have weak linkages, but i heard that it will kick from the back a lot and ive heard from a couple of friends that a new linkage eliminates that kick

All the Honda stock rear ends blow.
They say they fixed it for the 06+, but it's still a death trap IMO. Little better maybe, but still crap.
No matter what year you get, most likely you will want an aftermarket shock/link for it. Or at least a revalve/link.

[86250rrider]

WHAY HE SAID :rolleyes:

[BuB400]

What about crank bearings on the 05's?

[86250rrider]

i have heard of them going in 05 and 06 models. from what i have seen , the 05 models are more reliable assuming you got the good crank bearings and inserts. i got my info from fellow x/c racers on what year to get. the consenses was an 05 .thats what i got then.