diference between 04/05 to 06/08

[Stiles86]

the frames and engines, mounts etc.

[fastredrider44]

What all do you want to know. They look similar, but really there are a lot of difference, like frames, motor mounts, motors, suspension, etc. Anything specific you want to know?

[mcb92]

I would like to know...The pros/cons for each model, which years are better for what (eg...top end, bottom end, frame, ride feel, etc..)

I'm looking at an '05 R right now and wondering what it would lack that and '06 or newer has?

[fastredrider44]

Boy, lots of pros and cons for both. Here is my OPINIONS:

04-05 Better and tougher motor, better front suspension, Fail proof kickstart, strong motors.

Lots of crank bearing problems, but most have been fixed by now. Short swing arm, Weak frames, not as good of a carb.


06- present More powerful motor, Better rear suspension, electric start with kickstart as an option, and easy to add kicker to electric start, better carb, better airbox, better electronics.

Small electric fan, lack of oil cooler, shorter power range, front spindles and control arms, starters suck, hard to start.

I'm sure I'm leaving something out, but both can be made into excellent bikes. It just kinda depends on what your going to be doing.

[fandl450r]

Get the best of both worlds. Use 04/05 suspension on an 06+ that's what I just got done building and I couldn't be happier.

As most have said their are pros/cons found in both. Comes down to preference.

[Stiles86]

i want to build another honda, im taking that you cant put an 05 motor on a 06 frame?

[exrider12]

Just fab up some mounts and your good to go I think.

[mcb92]

What's the difference in the 04/05 carb and the 06+? Could you just swap a newer carb on an 05?

[fandl450r]

Originally posted by mcb92
What's the difference in the 04/05 carb and the 06+? Could you just swap a newer carb on an 05?

The stock 04/05 carb is not an FCR, 06+ are all FCR's.

[mcb92]

So that should be an easy swap?

[fastredrider44]

Yeah, the swap isn't hard. Just use the carb and airbox from an 06 onto an 05. However you do lose a little top end, but very little. And you gain a lot of snap and bottom to mid power.

As for an 05 motor in an 06 frame, you could, but I don't know why you would want to. You can do just as much with an 06 motor as you can an 05. Can't really go wrong either way.