Which year 450r????

[longtimeridr777]

I own a 04 yfz, and am getting ready to sell it. I have been riding honda my whole life. Now that im lookin for a 450r, which years had problems and which years are bulletproof??

[longtimeridr777]

Dont buy an 04 or 05?? What was wrong with those years?

[exrider12]

04-05 are pretty much bullet proof other than the crank bearing failure which happens usually within the first couple hours of use. This is easily fixed with an updated bearing and crank from honda.
Also they are the better handling of the all the years.

06-08 are again pretty much bullet proof other than weak trannys. Again easily fixed with a tranny mod from companies like motoxperts.They respnd better to modifications and have an air filter pretty much twice the size of the 04-05.

If your doing heavy modding get an 04-05. If your doing exhaust, air filter, cam, and jet kit get an 06-08.

[hendershot106]

Originally posted by hondarider11
Oh I meant that you should get a 04 or 05. The newer ones have alot more problems. I do not do much maintence to mine and I ride it alot and have no problems. :rolleyes:

The newer ones have alot more problems????? How so?

05's are prone to crank failures....06 up prone to transmission problems (as well as 05's). 06 elec starter clutch have problems... 06 up trx kickers No worries on starter clutch and lighter... 05 and 06 both need same maintenance on engine components such as pistons, cams, valves, guides, clutches(identical)

Why buy a 4 yr old used bike to mod when you can buy a 07 or newer original kicker and save money in the long run when modifying....

06 07 08 09 plastic is just as cheap as 05 plastic when replacing.

06 up stock rear swingarm provides + 3/4" over 05, which can be used for racing with an aftermarket linkage, instead of an entire swinger/link combo....
and when replacing worn out parts when you buy a used bike.

Although, the 04 05 front hubs and spindles turn better, it does not offset the cost of upgrading from the stock 05 450r carb and airbox to a FCR Carb and enlarged airbox already found on the 06 up trx.

Both year ranges (04-05) (06-09) are likely to crack the frame in almost identical spots.... even worse after gussetting.


Basically, i recommend you buy a used 07 08 kicker... and put the 04 05 hubs and spindles on in when you begin modifying..

[Tommy Warren]

hey hendershot where do the frames normally crack? is it where the pro link attaches to the frame?

[exrider12]

what hendershot said:macho

[hendershot106]

Originally posted by Tommy Warren
hey hendershot where do the frames normally crack? is it where the pro link attaches to the frame?

Pro link??? Is it still 1986?? :D

They crack all over the place, if you race/ride them aggressively without suspension modifications... and still crack with aftermarket suspension, just not as quick.

upper frame rails where your boot rubs, inner frame where footpegs bolt (and under weldlets for footpeg mounts, all the headstay areas, front upper rear a arm mounts(cross tube brace with brake line mount), front shock bracket attached to frame tubes- these are all areas.

[fastredrider44]

Hey hendershot, you're very close to right on. Only thing I would add is that 07 and up kickers are rare. And 05 trannies are much stronger than 06 up. 06 up engine parts are also much different than 05 parts. And for racing XC, the 05 shorter swingarm does just fine. I'm still running an 05 and will continue to until I have to upgrade. (Probably end of next season)

[fastredrider44]

Originally posted by hendershot106
Pro link??? Is it still 1986?? :D



:D That's pretty good.

[hendershot106]

:D :D

07 up kickers are SOMEwhat rare... i found about 1 for every 4 or 5 bikes i was looking at when building a new race bike.... but why compromise on time when you can save money in the off season anyway!!!

[motofreak2772]

Get an 05!! but replace the swinger... and get the kickstart version. What kind of riding are you doing anyways?

[longtimeridr777]

I am doing mostly trail riding, some dune riding. The only mods i will be doing is a pipe, and jet kit. Besides that i will just be putting on full skids, some baja wheels, front bumper and rear grab bar.



Thanks everyone for your input!!!

[hendershot106]

Originally posted by longtimeridr777
I am doing mostly trail riding, some dune riding. The only mods i will be doing is a pipe, and jet kit. Besides that i will just be putting on full skids, some baja wheels, front bumper and rear grab bar.



Thanks everyone for your input!!!

Then you will be happier with a 06 up.

The longer swingarm will feel better in long sand whoops and hill climbs.

You will already have the larger more efficient airbox and fcr carb.

A stock 06 with a Good aftermarket Pipe, jet kit, and filter will be plenty strong enough and reliable.

[motofreak2772]

Yeah the 06+ electric start should be good.

[exrider12]

06 and up!

[longtimeridr777]

Thanks alot guys!!! Ill be lookin for an 06' and up. What would you guys suggest for a pipe? I have always ran HMF pipes and loved them!! What are some other good pipes to run of these 450's?

[vAnS_77]

I would just wait and get one when they become efi.. just my 2 cents

[exrider12]

hmf's are good pipes. id suggest dasa, rossier,motoworks or sparks along with hmf

[longtimeridr777]

I haven't heard that they are going to make a EFI trx 450......Are you sure they are coming out with one? That would be worth waiting for. I was looking a getting the yfz450r, but like i said earlier im a honda guy.

[vAnS_77]

I mean its only time..It has been in the making obvly because of the fact they haven't came out with a new 450 since 04....This would be the year if any...

[motofreak2772]

I wouldnt wait on it... and for the price are you sure thats what you need? HMF would probably be the best choice just because of sound, quality, and you still get the power gain your looking for. I havent personally rode with one but this is from what ive heard. Also you can get them for a pretty fair price.

[vAnS_77]

I wouldn't go with anything that doesn't have efi....That's why im getting rid of my hybrid. Carbs are going to be the thing of the past here really quick.

[motofreak2772]

Originally posted by vAnS_77
I wouldn't go with anything that doesn't have efi....That's why im getting rid of my hybrid. Carbs are going to be the thing of the past here really quick.
Why? yeah its new technology that all the companies are starting to use but that doesnt mean anything against the carb systems... mine has worked just fine, even after efi came out.

[vAnS_77]

Originally posted by motofreak2772
Why? yeah its new technology that all the companies are starting to use but that doesnt mean anything against the carb systems... mine has worked just fine, even after efi came out.

The fact that companies are going to go full EFI sometime in the next 5 years. Is a good enough reason to get a new quad with efi.

[MX MaNiAc 06]

Originally posted by exrider12

06-08 are again pretty much bullet proof other than weak trannys.

I've broken just about everything EXCEPT my tranny on my 06. Snapped the crank in half, bent a valve, blew the top end (twice). Not to mention the HELL I've gone through with my POS electric start.

Screw that garbage I'm getting a Suzuki..

[motofreak2772]

Originally posted by vAnS_77
The fact that companies are going to go full EFI sometime in the next 5 years. Is a good enough reason to get a new quad with efi.

How? that makes no sense... just because the company is changing doesnt mean you have too. But w.e. I guess its good that there are people like you who want the new ***** a company puts out. Now with more buyers maybe honda will have some interest in atv racing.

[HondaRaceReady]

The fact that companies are going to go full EFI sometime in the next 5 years. Is a good enough reason to get a new quad with efi.
The companies are making everything EFI because its better for the environment. Same reason 2 strokes aren't produced as much as they used to be. Your new technology only saves gas and emissions, it doesnt make the bike faster. More weight = slower bike. EFI is definately not worth waiting for. The world is doomed anyway, EFI wont change much.

[vAnS_77]

Other than you don't have to jet...Program it to use a different fuel map....I guess those are not pluses for you...For me that appeals good. Your quad runs way more consistent all the time...

[motofreak2772]

Originally posted by vAnS_77
Other than you don't have to jet...Program it to use a different fuel map....I guess those are not pluses for you...For me that appeals good. Your quad runs way more consistent all the time...
I guess that can be a plus but jetting is not a negative... Its not very difficult and you act like you have do it every weekend. EFI is just different, not better, not neccissarily worse. buying a bike because of its carburation just seems stupid to me.


Originally posted by HondaRaceReady
Same reason 2 strokes aren't produced as much as they used to be.
you mean not at all? lol

[sparks 450]

I have a 04 trx 450r i bought in jan 04 and i have not had any problems with it.

[hondaracing_13]

Just got out of school, and they told us that Honda will go EFI on everything in 2010. Even the small stuff like weed eaters, and lawn mowers.

[sparks 450]

sweet

[Wayner]

Originally posted by motofreak2772
Get an 05!! but replace the swinger... and get the kickstart version. What kind of riding are you doing anyways?

'04 and '05 didn't come with electric start.....kick only. '06 was the first year for that.

[pro-rider46]

Originally posted by hendershot106
:rolleyes:

The newer ones have alot more problems????? How so?

05's are prone to crank failures....06 up prone to transmission problems (as well as 05's). 06 elec starter clutch have problems... 06 up trx kickers No worries on starter clutch and lighter... 05 and 06 both need same maintenance on engine components such as pistons, cams, valves, guides, clutches(identical)

Why buy a 4 yr old used bike to mod when you can buy a 07 or newer original kicker and save money in the long run when modifying....

06 07 08 09 plastic is just as cheap as 05 plastic when replacing.

06 up stock rear swingarm provides + 3/4" over 05, which can be used for racing with an aftermarket linkage, instead of an entire swinger/link combo....
and when replacing worn out parts when you buy a used bike.

Although, the 04 05 front hubs and spindles turn better, it does not offset the cost of upgrading from the stock 05 450r carb and airbox to a FCR Carb and enlarged airbox already found on the 06 up trx.

Both year ranges (04-05) (06-09) are likely to crack the frame in almost identical spots.... even worse after gussetting.


Basically, i recommend you buy a used 07 08 kicker... and put the 04 05 hubs and spindles on in when you begin modifying..

05`s dont have any tranny problems. the 05 airbox flows more air then the 06, i dont have proof, but thats what i heard. the 06+ are a lot like the dirtbike engines. the 04-05 are kinda on there own. i prefer the 04-05 over the new ones, just kinda because they have more capabilties imo, and when built are more reliable so ive heard. either way, if its a honda you cant go wrong.

[hendershot106]

Originally posted by pro-rider46
05`s dont have any tranny problems. the 05 airbox flows more air then the 06, i dont have proof, but thats what i heard. the 06+ are a lot like the dirtbike engines. the 04-05 are kinda on there own. i prefer the 04-05 over the new ones, just kinda because they have more capabilties imo, and when built are more reliable so ive heard. either way, if its a honda you cant go wrong.

post the flow chart to prove that an airbox/boot with over 30% less intake tract area flows more...... until then.... no heresay.

[vAnS_77]

Originally posted by hendershot106
post the flow chart to prove that an airbox/boot with over 30% less intake tract area flows more...... until then.... no heresay.

Joe Byrd runs a 05 quad even in 09...So the 05's have to be doing SOMETHING right...

[hendershot106]

Originally posted by vAnS_77
Joe Byrd runs a 05 quad even in 09...So the 05's have to be doing SOMETHING right...

yeah he sure does.... im done with this thread.

[fastredrider44]

The ongoing thread.... It all boils down to preferance. I have an 05, and am going to be looking for a newer bike, but the 05 will still be my race bike.

[fastredrider44]

Originally posted by pro-rider46
05`s dont have any tranny problems. the 05 airbox flows more air then the 06, i dont have proof, but thats what i heard. the 06+ are a lot like the dirtbike engines. the 04-05 are kinda on there own. i prefer the 04-05 over the new ones, just kinda because they have more capabilties imo, and when built are more reliable so ive heard. either way, if its a honda you cant go wrong.

05 carb and airbox make more top end power than 06 up, but the 06 up carb and airbox are definatley better.

06 up are basically dirtbike engines, with weaker trannies than 04, 05. Even though a lot of parts will interchance between the year models, 06 up 450s are a lot different than the 04, 05 models.

[vAnS_77]

Originally posted by hendershot106
yeah he sure does.... im done with this thread.

It was a joke relax bro lol...

[hendershot106]

Originally posted by vAnS_77
It was a joke relax bro lol...

its all good bud :D :D :D.... im just not gonna argue.... i prefer 07's... they are cheap.... i know how to build them with my eyes closed...some ppl prefer 05's... as long as its a 450r... it dont matter... thats what 75% of amateurs run... you can work on them...they are relatively cheap.....(no 11,000 or 9,000 dollar price tag..) and did i say that amateurs can work on them????

[fastredrider44]

Originally posted by hendershot106
its all good bud :D :D :D.... im just not gonna argue.... i prefer 07's... they are cheap.... i know how to build them with my eyes closed...some ppl prefer 05's... as long as its a 450r... it dont matter... thats what 75% of amateurs run... you can work on them...they are relatively cheap.....(no 11,000 or 9,000 dollar price tag..) and did i say that amateurs can work on them????

Thats probably the first time that I've been in 100% agreement with you. :D

Unfortunately though, amateurs working on them is whats wrong with half of them. Haha.:devil:

[hendershot106]

Originally posted by fastredrider44
Thats probably the first time that I've been in 100% agreement with you. :D

Unfortunately though, amateurs working on them is whats wrong with half of them. Haha.:devil:

haha 10-4 on that!!!! :D :cool: :D