should i move to a 450????

[87HONDATRX250X]

Hello every one. Im kinda in a dilemma here. I wanna start racing a bit next season. I did one race at the end of this season and did pretty good on my 400ex. My question is tho should i step up to a 450? Id only buy a race ready one probably but that's gonna cost around $5,000 and im only 16 :( Or do i keep my 400ex and put another grand into to make it completely race ready? Or any other thing to get more power so i can keep my 400ex? Any input or help id greatly appreciate.

[-TheDude-]

what kind of racing and what class? if your racing harescrambles i wouldnt worry about getting a 450 yet. Do some suspension work and have fun. you dont need a 450 to race hs. its 90% rider at an amateur level, if your racing mx get a 450

[honda400ex2003]

after looking over the 400 setup you have i say keep it and use that. the 400 class is still a good class to ride in and you will def have better chances of winning just starting out on a track. steve

[87HONDATRX250X]

i race mx. I ran in the novice class (400cc max) with about 6 people in it. Jumped the gate the first moto and ended up finishing 2nd. 2nd moto got first. Then they let me jump up a class to see how i did. The junior class (max 450cc) i was the only 400 outta 16 riders. Got 8th. I go to a track every weekend to practice so its not unfamiliar ground. All the other tracks in the circuit i haven't been to to yet so not sure how well id do.

[99400esex]

Originally posted by 87HONDATRX250X
Hello every one. Im kinda in a dilemma here. I wanna start racing a bit next season. I did one race at the end of this season and did pretty good on my 400ex. My question is tho should i step up to a 450? Id only buy a race ready one probably but that's gonna cost around $5,000 and im only 16 :( Or do i keep my 400ex and put another grand into to make it completely race ready? Or any other thing to get more power so i can keep my 400ex? Any input or help id greatly appreciate.

I may be totally wrong, but you say you would only buy a race ready quad right? well I thought a race ready quad like a yfz 450 is alot more than 5000? I personally would keep the EX, I prefer to own one over a 450 anyday.

[87HONDATRX250X]

race ready meaning a good used race bike. One that's been rebuilt or something. But yeah think ill just keep the ex seeing its payed for. Im not getting payed to race so 5gs + is a lot to spend at this point.

[87HONDATRX250X]

Thanks for the input guys. Think im sticking with the 400ex and getting some after market shocks and a-arms. Any other mods that could give me more power? Cant go over 400cc.

[CJM]

I would stick to the 400.

This weekend I raced a stock 07 450R. I found out my quad is indeed fast for a 416 and my topend nailed him but he had more low end power than I did (course could also be rider, 1st gear is useless for me pretty much as is second to a degree. Even so, with the right suspension you can out handle them.

[87HONDATRX250X]

Originally posted by CJM
I would stick to the 400.

This weekend I raced a stock 07 450R. I found out my quad is indeed fast for a 416 and my topend nailed him but he had more low end power than I did (course could also be rider, 1st gear is useless for me pretty much as is second to a degree. Even so, with the right suspension you can out handle them.

I never use 1st may be for loading up but thats about it.

[CJM]

Originally posted by 87HONDATRX250X
I never use 1st may be for loading up but thats about it.

I usually use up first in about 20-60ft and can hit all gears in a short time-but I dont drag the shifts out like a nut.

Reminds me gotta ask about sprockets..

[IMSROLL450R]

If you are really serious about racing move up. If not then stay with the 400. Pretty simple. Even in local races you cant hang in the 450 classes with a 400 regardless of mods. I know this being a 400 forum I'll take heat but the facts are serious mx racers ride 450s as I usually have.

[-TheDude-]

Originally posted by IMSROLL450R
If you are really serious about racing move up. If not then stay with the 400. Pretty simple. Even in local races you cant hang in the 450 classes with a 400 regardless of mods. I know this being a 400 forum I'll take heat but the facts are serious mx racers ride 450s as I usually have.
racing mx i agree 100% harescramble on the other hand you dont need a 450 unless your running pro or money class. i kill alot of 450s with my 416 in the woods

[IMSROLL450R]

Originally posted by -TheDude-
racing mx i agree 100% harescramble on the other hand you dont need a 450 unless your running pro or money class. i kill alot of 450s with my 416 in the woods

Agreed. In the woods where you cant just outrun someone the ex hangs gracefully.