My 08 handles way different

[HondaRaceReady]

Today I went riding and there were other guys with 450r's. We were drag racing in a field, and we switched bikes a couple times to try them out. Seems like my 08 handles way different than the other years. I rode an 05 and an 06, and they both felt like they sat higher, and felt like they needed more body english to keep them from flipping on fast turns. All 3 450r's had stock a-arms and stock shocks. I dont know why, but there was a huge difference. The other bikes turned easier than mine and the clutches felt different too. Is there something different about the 08's? I definately like the way mine handles better, but whats up? I thought the 05' were supposed to handle better and I thought the 06's were supposed to be the same as 08's.

[warr72]

Could it be because your quad is new?

[HondaRaceReady]

I dont think its because mine is newer. It definately felt like the older ones had a higher seat hight and they definately steer smoother.

[warr72]

Thought maybe with the new bearings ,seals and such would have made for a tighter feel, harder steering. The lower seat height or feel I can agree with as it feels almost like a 250R.

[glamiskid395]

well lets see. the newer 450s have a one inch longer swingarm, and the spindles are wider by bout 1/2 inch on each side.
i figured this out, this weekend, compared my 07 450 to an 05 450r and mine was longer and wider.

[HondaRaceReady]

well lets see. the newer 450s have a one inch longer swingarm, and the spindles are wider by bout 1/2 inch on each side.
The 06 I rode was still different than my 08, and I'm pretty sure they are the same width and length.

but the 06 is the same as your 07 and should be the same as his 08...

[TWISTED]

I thought the only difference from 06-07 to 08 was the tank cover and BOLD NEW GRAPHICS???

[d3ktrix]

The bikes have different bars or tires?
Relocated pegs on the nerf bars?

The seat on my 05 always feels SUPER low compared to the 06+'s.
All hard like too :P
Even when the 06's have suspension.

[fandl450r]

The 08 does have a lower seat height by about 1/4".

One reason they handle differently is that the 06-08 use a different spindle setup as well than they 04-05 which is one reason why I'm swapping my 04 spindles to my 08.

I also believe that the gas tank is slightly slimmer as well.

[coryatver]

the shock preloads may be set different. Its the ring on the top of the shock. With the preload all the way backed off it will handle better becuase it makes it sit lower. Tires also make a huge difference

[miles Machine]

when you change the spindles from a 40-05 to a 06 up do you need to use the corresponding a-arms??

[fandl450r]

Originally posted by miles Machine
when you change the spindles from a 40-05 to a 06 up do you need to use the corresponding a-arms??

I believe they all need to be used with corresponding parts. Such as 04/05 Spindles should use the same year hubs/rotors.

Not sure about the a-arms, I'll be using 04/05 JB Racing LT arms. I know you can switch the caliper assemblies though.

[coryatver]

Originally posted by miles Machine
when you change the spindles from a 40-05 to a 06 up do you need to use the corresponding a-arms??

you need different top a-arms. bottom arms are the same

[HondaRaceReady]

Other than motor mods, the only differences between the 06 and 08 were that the 06 had new kenda klaws on stock rims. Mine has stock wheels and tires. I guess it could have made a difference.

I think the shocks may have been setup differently or different tire pressures.