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View Full Version : What year has the best engine?


fauxamish
06-29-2009, 03:19 PM
I am looking at putting a 450r engine in my 400ex (I like the way it handles better and I have invested a lot in suspension, etc.) and want to know what year engine to look for. I do not care that '04 or '05 handle better than newer or whatever, just strictly about the engine. Which one is more reliable? I have researched and heard that '06+ have tranny issues, but have a better carb. '04 & '05 had crank issues... That is what I am interested in. I will be going with a kick start version if that makes a difference. Which responds better to building the engine?

I am not looking to do this right away, but I want to know what to look for over the next few months

Thank you for your input.
sparks 450
06-29-2009, 03:37 PM
The 04 -05 engines with a fcr carb put on it i think are better than the newer ones. I do not personally know of anyone that has had crank problems. great reliability, i dont know of anybody that has had any problems with the 04 -05. i am sure that there has been some people with issues but i dont personally no of any. i do know of some people that have had valve issues on the 06 and up models. that could be because they didnt do the first valve job on time a must for these bikes
sunco
07-01-2009, 10:31 AM
06-07 faster tha the 04-05 but all are good as the rider hammering on the throttle
07-01-2009, 12:00 PM
hearing from people that have both they say they get back on the 04/05 thats their backup ride and they feel like its a slug and they have to work more to go faster. Just hearing that I dont think I would ever buy a 04/05 even though I love that style.
fauxamish
07-01-2009, 12:02 PM
Thanks for the input everyone.
BlaineKaiser450
07-01-2009, 03:03 PM
Major mods = 04/05

Minor mods = 06+
sparks 450
07-01-2009, 03:40 PM
Originally posted by BlaineKaiser450
Major mods = 04/05

Minor mods = 06+ perfectly said
fastredrider44
07-01-2009, 04:13 PM
Well pleased with my 05. I can run down any 06 up that has the same amount of work. FCR really wakes the 05 motor up as well, but does take a little off the top.
sparks 450
07-01-2009, 05:18 PM
Originally posted by fastredrider44
Well pleased with my 05. I can run down any 06 up that has the same amount of work. FCR really wakes the 05 motor up as well, but does take a little off the top. sparks racing sells a 41 fcr that is perfect for 04-05 . it gives it great top end and uses the stock hot start . i have know problem beating 06 and up either.