My 450EX Winter build

[J51S]

Heres a few pics of what I'm working on, I'll keep this updated.

I think I'm one of the first ones to actually use a TRX450 motor. It didn't use the big front motor mounts like the CRF uses I had to get creative.

[J51S]

When I first got the engine

[chargerlover]

no pics?

[J51S]

Some welding

[J51S]

Still have a little more trimming/grinding to do before I paint it

[Pipeless416]

interesting project. definitely keep us updated. i've kind of been getting the hybrid itch lately.. :o

[250x_kyle]

Originally posted by Pipeless416
interesting project. definitely keep us updated. i've kind of been getting the hybrid itch lately.. :o

making custom stuffs addicting. i want to build another 400ex im unsure of wether or not to build a conversion or attempt to build one with a frame jig.

back on topic this is deffinately an interesting build. there was another 400ex trx450r conversion on here a few years back. i may post it up if i can find it but if i remember correctly it would deffinately be worth a look.

[400man]

is it just the angle of the pic, or is that motor sticking up past the frame rails?

[J51S]

^Thanks guys ya thatd be cool if you could find that old post for reference.


And no it doesn't stick up that far thats when I first got it I just threw it in there to see what it looks like.

[HondaRacing83]

im not trying to be the downer here, but this is a little pointless to me. why not just go get a 450r, or put a crf450 in this. your just gonna have a little heavier, worse handling 450r with a thick tank

[250x_kyle]

Originally posted by HondaRacing83
im not trying to be the downer here, but this is a little pointless to me. why not just go get a 450r, or put a crf450 in this. your just gonna have a little heavier, worse handling 450r with a thick tank

multipule reasons its different. secondly the 400ex handles alot like the 250r yes the bike motor has a few pros but theres power to be had out of the trx motor. On a side note the 450r does not handle that great i personally liked the 400ex handeling over my r. another thing is the r motor is forward kick. This means that he does not have a clearence issue with the frame and rear break set up saving him about 200 worth of crap to make or buy a kick start extender and any relocation brackets he would need. this also will keep him from haveing to spend the extra dime on a shorty kicker lever and haveing to hack up nerf bars with heel guard or cut a rear fender.

[J51S]

HondaRacing83 im not trying to be the downer here, but this is a little pointless to me. why not just go get a 450r, or put a crf450 in this. your just gonna have a little heavier, worse handling 450r with a thick tank


multipule reasons its different. secondly the 400ex handles alot like the 250r yes the bike motor has a few pros but theres power to be had out of the trx motor. On a side note the 450r does not handle that great i personally liked the 400ex handeling over my r. another thing is the r motor is forward kick. This means that he does not have a clearence issue with the frame and rear break set up saving him about 200 worth of crap to make or buy a kick start extender and any relocation brackets he would need. this also will keep him from haveing to spend the extra dime on a shorty kicker lever and haveing to hack up nerf bars with heel guard or cut a rear fender.

Ya 250x_kyle pretty much sums it up for ya. I used to race 250r's and the 400ex is pretty damn close.

Asside from the 450r being ugly to me. They sit to tall, seems like all the new production bikes do:ermm: And for the price on bike motor vs. atv. It has 40hrs on it, forward kick, oil cooled as well.. no brainier

To me I just like custom. In my eyes it will be a better handling/looking 450R:devil:

[audioworks04]

What year motor are you using? Might want to look into a hone and rings, as 40hrs is getting up there in age on the 450s, depending on how it was rode. Looks to be in great shape. I agree on the seat on of all the new 450s being so high, I hate it. Keep up the work and keep us update.

[J51S]

audioworks04 What year motor are you using? Might want to look into a hone and rings, as 40hrs is getting up there in age on the 450s, depending on how it was rode. Looks to be in great shape. I agree on the seat on of all the new 450s being so high, I hate it. Keep up the work and keep us update.

The ad said it was from 05' and had less than 40 hours on it. When I went to pick it up it was in very good condition and I asked the guy about it and he said that it was the only thing salvageable from the quad. I guess when the quad was new it was totaled early on. It kicks over nicely and from what I can see from the inside looks very good still has original plug.

[mkh155]

looks good man! definately post pics of the progress!What part of taxachussettes are you from?

[yellow02400ex]

looks good I'm also for MA

[TORO1968]

Awesome build! I 100% agree that the 400EX handles better than the 450Rs and sits lower as well.

Looking forward to seeing your progress with the install!

[erik420]

Looks like its going to be nice build. Keep us posted. Where in mass are you from? Im always looking for new places to ride.

[jgar]

lol, is this a ma. thread? Nice work, I would like to see how this build turns out.

[J51S]

^Thanks for the replies, ya I'm from Granby, Ma near chicopee/Springfield. Theres lots of places to ride around my house. I'll update later this week

[djwilliams0822]

is there any way to follow this to keep me updated? im new to this

[Pipeless416]

Originally posted by djwilliams0822
is there any way to follow this to keep me updated? im new to this

do you mean follow the thread? you should be automatically subscribed to it since you posted. you will be notified in your user control panel every time somebody else posts in here.

[djwilliams0822]

Thanks:D

[J51S]

Ya I was gonna have a decent update for ya but my paint job on the frame isnt up to par with me. I'm just gonna have it blasted and PC'd. Then I'll have a nice update:cool:

Its basically just a pile of "stuff" rite now

[J51S]

Ok so the frames back from powder coating. You can't tell but its a way different shade of orange:cool: So far I mounted the motor and swingarm in the frame. Radiator just resting in there I haven't bolted it in.

[J51S]

Another

[J51S]

eh one more

[MtnEX]

Heck, I have to admit I like this build.

Way to go on doing what Honda should have to start with.

Looking forward to seeing more progress.

[Fix29]

Looks great so far, can't wait to see this come together.

[B.C.#11TRX400EX]

Lookin good!!!!are u gonna use 450r plastics or ex plastics?

[J51S]

MtnEX Heck, I have to admit I like this build. Way to go on doing what Honda should have to start with. Looking forward to seeing more progress.

Thanks man, thats what I'm saying:rolleyes: I also just like to be different too. I'll keep ya posted


Fix29 Looks great so far, can't wait to see this come together.

Thanks I'll be updating frequently


B.C.#11TRX400EX Lookin good!!!!are u gonna use 450r plastics or ex plastics?

Thanks, I'm using 400 plastics with the duel round lights. I hate the way the new 400/450r's look, kinda space age to me:D

[B.C.#11TRX400EX]

Haha cool

[MtnEX]

Originally posted by J51S
Thanks man, thats what I'm saying:rolleyes: I also just like to be different too. I'll keep ya posted

Thanks I'll be updating frequently

Thanks, I'm using 400 plastics with the duel round lights. I hate the way the new 400/450r's look, kinda space age to me:D

Yeah, kind of seems like they go the wrong direction with things sometimes and change the things that needed nothing instead of the things that need attention.

I thought the 250R was right, and then they messed up the rear end in the progression to the 400EX... then kept that and messed up the front end, frame and center of gravity on the progression with the 450R.

If the geometry and construction on stuff is great, leave it alone and work on something else I say!

As for the looks department, I am finally to where I like all 3 generations to some degree. Even the newest F-4 fighter looking plastic can look ok with the right color combination and the headlight gone.

[B.C.#11TRX400EX]

I personally like all generations 400ex I like the newest version best but the others are good to, same for the 450r's I like the newer style best but thats just my own thoughts

[J51S]

^ True the more I'm getting back into the ATV scene the newer ones are growing a bit when there all raced out, they looks good. But I'll always be an ol school 250R/400ex guy:p

couple pics

[J51S]

another, also the way I mounted motor the exhaust will just about bolt up perfect without much modification, being a 450 headpipe/400ex pipe

[B.C.#11TRX400EX]

Wow thats lookin good man

[MtnEX]

Oh yeah, coming along nicely....

Arms, AC, HMF....cool.

[J51S]

Heres how it looks as of now, should have it done in another month.

So far ive had it running for a while flushing some new oil through it, jetting the carb and getting everything adjusted.

[J51S]

another

[J51S]

last

[CJM]

I think it turned out great! The kickstart is in the right place as well!

[MtnEX]

Coming along!

[chronicsmoke]

I'm really looking forward to the final product! I might have to do this swap down the road..

Subscribed:)

[hondagang]

hey man do u got all the measurements an every thing for motor mounts an everything else u had to change after looking at urs I might do a 450r motor instead of a yz426

[J51S]

Thanks guys the anticipation to ride this thing is getting to me, and race seasons getting close:D

"hondagang" I havn't taken any measurements. What I did was cut the old main motor mounts off the ex frame and cut the mount for the external oil tank because the motor won't fit in there rite if you dont.

Once you get it in there bolt up the swingarm first to the motor to start getting the motor aligned (I'm using 450r Rear setup so theres no shimming anything for the chain) Then you have to make sure the motors not sitting up to high (mines sits a little lower than an ex motor) but you dont want it resting on the frame so you have to shim the motor up a little so its nice and even. For the front mounts I used the trx450r front engine mount triangles and welded those to the frame.

If you know how to cut metal and drill holes and weld, or find a friend that welds its really easy.

[hondagang]

all right sweet so u used a 450r swimgarm

[SHIFTx450]

I'm curious to see how your intake turns out.

I sold my 400ex/crf hybrid, I had difficulties making everything work due to the limited amount of room between head and rear shock crossmember on the frame.

Gave up and bought a LTR yes I did.. Still got my 400ex. But patiently waiting for the new 450r to come out.

[J51S]

hondagang all right sweet so u used a 450r swimgarm

yes





SHIFTx450 I'm curious to see how your intake turns out. I sold my 400ex/crf hybrid, I had difficulties making everything work due to the limited amount of room between head and rear shock crossmember on the frame. Gave up and bought a LTR yes I did.. Still got my 400ex. But patiently waiting for the new 450r to come out.

I used a trx450 motor intake sits straight on.

[SHIFTx450]

Yea the trx intake port sits straight, crf angled. But I'd imagine you still have the tight space to work with to get it all hooked up.

But then again you have an 05 trx motor, could be different than how the 06+ trx heads sit.

[hondagang]

all right thanks for the info

[J51S]

Almost there just waiting on the rear wheels to come in. And order up the plastics/graphics.

Here's some pics

[J51S]

another

[J51S]

another one

[J51S]

First test ride today, aside from the chain being too tight, it was really fun:cool:

[J51S]

After the ride

[chronicsmoke]

Love this!

Looks sick:cool:

[russellsroost31]

dude that thing is sick!!!!!!!!!!!
how soon will you have pics of it up with the plastics on it

[J51S]

Thanks ya its a beast, I should have the plastics on soon. Just been riding it and jumping it, then I'll go through check all bolts and put the plastics on:cool:

Heres a pic after I lowered the rear

[russellsroost31]

im in love with this quad hahaha :D what kind of plastics do u have for it

[J51S]

Thanks man, I love it too lol I'm getting white maier for it. Keeping the stock headlights.

[Shawthy33]

Awesome work, love the build.

Will you be racing in NEATV? What class?

[J51S]

Thanks man, and ya I will be. Its been like 7 yrs since ive raced :rolleyes: I'm gonna be in the 4stroke B class most likely.

[426kidz]

is your gas tank shield hitting the top of the motor or is it just real close?

[J51S]

426kidz is your gas tank shield hitting the top of the motor or is it just real close?

I think it hits a little bit but it seems to be fine. I beat it around the track pretty hard getting the engine hot. It didn't seem to melt it or anything.

[426kidz]

hmm im sure you could sand it down where it rubs... Im thinking about that build also. what did you get that motor for price?

[426kidz]

and when are you getting plastic, im curious what your going to do with the kick lever

[J51S]

As far as it rubbing on the head im not concerned. The motor I got for 900$ locally and it runs strong. I was dead even with my boys 06 crf450 dirtbike he got me at the end tho.

Plastics should start to go on next wk. I still have to wash it off and re torque everything first but its snowing..

The kick lever isnt a big deal, I mean wherever it falls on the plastic I'll just cut it out for it.

[426kidz]

I agree its no big deal, so all you had to do is the mounts? everything else was ok?

[trx400Rider]

Originally posted by J51S
Ya 250x_kyle pretty much sums it up for ya. I used to race 250r's and the 400ex is pretty damn close.

Asside from the 450r being ugly to me. They sit to tall, seems like all the new production bikes do:ermm: And for the price on bike motor vs. atv. It has 40hrs on it, forward kick, oil cooled as well.. no brainier

To me I just like custom. In my eyes it will be a better handling/looking 450R:devil:


From what I have been told and read, the 04 and 05 model trx450r's are notorius for crank issues. plus the 06 and up models all make more hp then the 04 and 05's and they deleted the oil cooler.
So be careful! might want to check the crank and bearings

[J51S]

426kidz I agree its no big deal, so all you had to do is the mounts? everything else was ok?

Well besides cutting all the factory mounts out, throwing in a couple gussets and welding in some cross members for support.

As long as you have general knowledge of modifying. I think its easy. My motor sits perfect I shimmed it before welding mounts so it doesn't rest on the frame at all. Everythings perfectly in line from the motor to the swingarm /chain:D




From what I have been told and read, the 04 and 05 model trx450r's are notorius for crank issues. plus the 06 and up models all make more hp then the 04 and 05's and they deleted the oil cooler. So be careful! might want to check the crank and bearings
trx400Rider

Ive read that too, I think alot of that falls under bike maintenance. Plus the older motors have potential of making bigger power, they have stronger valves etc.

Funny thing is my friends 06 CRF450 bike sounds like sh*t idling. Sounds like a bad bearing. Where as mine sounds pretty smooth at idle. Hopefully I lucked out on this motor. Very very happy with it so far.

[426kidz]

How bad of vibrations do you have my 426 makes my feet numb from vibration

[Pipeless416]

Originally posted by 426kidz
How bad of vibrations do you have my 426 makes my feet numb from vibration

you should check all of your mounts. i had that happen once and i realized i didn't tighten the lower mount beyond hand tight.

[250x_kyle]

Originally posted by trx400Rider
From what I have been told and read, the 04 and 05 model trx450r's are notorius for crank issues. plus the 06 and up models all make more hp then the 04 and 05's and they deleted the oil cooler.
So be careful! might want to check the crank and bearings

i ran the balls of my 04 trx450r for years and i know my buddy ran it when he owned it. both were maintenence freaks about it and it never blew on him or i.

[J51S]

426kidz How bad of vibrations do you have my 426 makes my feet numb from vibration

Geeze thats crazy. I mean it vibrates a little like the shift lever on the bars wobbles a little at idle. When your on it its like any other normal quad, could ride it all day.:cool:

[J51S]

Well here's a couple pics before the numbers and graphics. Foot pegs are lower down and moved back a little, I lowered the sub frame a little bit too. Also moved the scoops from where there supposed to mount to perfectly around the radiator for best air flow. Handles beautifully.:D

[J51S]

another

[J51S]

last one

[chronicsmoke]

Looks good! I need to do this to mine..

[Nac's22]

250r rear plasticslook sweet on there. Overall very nice build. See you at some races, I don't race much anymore but I'll hit practices and there is a possibility I might do some races for fun. Guess I'll have to worry about this "400ex" haha

[dxcody]

Originally posted by trx400Rider
From what I have been told and read, the 04 and 05 model trx450r's are notorius for crank issues. plus the 06 and up models all make more hp then the 04 and 05's and they deleted the oil cooler.
So be careful! might want to check the crank and bearings

06+ 450R are 5x the amount of maintainence tho.

[J51S]

chronicsmoke Looks good! I need to do this to mine..



Nac's22 250r rear plasticslook sweet on there. Overall very nice build. See you at some races, I don't race much anymore but I'll hit practices and there is a possibility I might do some races for fun. Guess I'll have to worry about this "400ex" haha

Hey thanks for the complements, ya this year i'm just easing back into the mx world for the fun:devil: Southwick will be the first one

[yamahaboy47]

not to be a dick or anything but on the side note: the 05's 450r's were known for the crank to crap to bed

[yamahaboy47]

sorry didnt read the whole thing. but on the other hand good luck with the build!

[J51S]

^ Not true. Ive heard a couple peoples say that but I haven't seen very many bad cranks in 05's. 06+ requires a lot more maintenance too.

Its all on how YOU treat the motor. You ride it wot all day every day and don't maintain the bike properly parts will start to wear out, and that doesn't matter what the year is.

Your good to the bike the bike will be good to you. Plus its a Honda they last a WHILE.

[01boneless]

Originally posted by J51S
^ Not true. Ive heard a couple peoples say that but I haven't seen very many bad cranks in 05's. 06+ requires a lot more maintenance too.

Its all on how YOU treat the motor. You ride it wot all day every day and don't maintain the bike properly parts will start to wear out, and that doesn't matter what the year is.

Your good to the bike the bike will be good to you. Plus its a Honda they last a WHILE.
actully thats very true, the 04-05's had a recalled crank that failed some people had them under warranty and took them in to get the updated cranks and some are still running the old cranks and doing just fine

[chronicsmoke]

Originally posted by 01boneless
actully thats very true, the 04-05's had a recalled crank that failed some people had them under warranty and took them in to get the updated cranks and some are still running the old cranks and doing just fine

and some of the late model 05s had the updated crank I believe..

[01boneless]

Originally posted by chronicsmoke
and some of the late model 05s had the updated crank I believe..
yea i think after augest but dont quote me on that

[russellsroost31]

that thing looks like a track demon
u have one sick a s s quad!!!!!!!! :eek2:

[J51S]

russellsroost31 that thing looks like a track demon u have one sick a s s quad!!!!!!!!

Haha thanks man ya its been pretty good to me around the practice track. So far I couldn't be happier with it.


One more pic after a ride

[300exBorg]

Wow, this is an awesome build! I need to do something like this to my 400ex now haha. Nice to see some folks from New England (live in RI) doing stuff like this!!!! Love the build though man this is by far one of the best build threads I've read in a long time!