What year 450 to buy???

[BamBam21]

What are the pro's and con's of the diff year 450's (I prefer the kick start), I have a 2003 440 ex now with alot of upgrades and looking to possibly step up to a 450, what do you guys think???


Thanks for your input
BB

id say 2005... all my friends race all diff. year 450r's but everyone's fave is the 05

[zje400ex]

I used to own a 2005 honda 400ex. I wanted to make the step up too. I mainly trail ride, small tracks, and open fields. The 400ex has more bottom end power but the 450r will blow you away in top end. I'm very happy i made the step up to a 2005 450r. I'm glad mines a kickstart because i'm in college and only get to ride when i'm home for breaks. So i never have to worry about a dead battery. I do like the 06-up body style better than my 05.

Anyways...you can't go wrong with any year 450r if you ask me. Great bikes and is a nice upgrade from a 400ex

[450rKid13]

well, you can still get an 06+ in kickstart.. you just have to look pretty hard. I ride an 04 and i've got no major issues with it, just the constant thought of that rumored crank issue where it just decides to blow up sometimes. The 06+ is supposed to have the crank upgrade from the factory. So it really just depends on how much you wanna pay for one. and if you're willing to tear into the motor if anything goes wrong. Either way, it's still a HONDA!! braap.

[/infamous/]

06 has more HP stock than an 05. Plus the overall design is much better in my opinion. Never had any problems with my 06

[sparks 450]

2004 - 2005 trx i think are a better all around and more reliable bike.

[450R NOOB]

I think only the 05 had troubles with crank bearings and if they lasted over 10 hours they are fine. The 06 is better for mild mods(more stock power) but 04 - 05 is best for major upgrades. I've heard some people had trouble with 06 trannys but not many. Kickstart is the way to go whether 04 - 09

[coryatver]

04/05
Has a better tranny, the motor builders can get more hp out of them then the newer model becuase of the head design. A lot of people prefer the carb in this model over the fcr for xc racing. The front end spindles/hubs/upper a-arms are better handling

06+
Better swingarm/rear shock/linkage, makes more power especially with hrc kit(excluding high end head work) . No crank bearing issues like 04/05. Tranny has issues. Newer model year so usually in better condition.

[tpro450r]

06 is a good year, I have only had problems with my starter clutch. but like they said any year 450r is a good one, honda has always built good machines....any bike has issues, It's just a matter of how much someone nit picks at it