First year MX advice.

[capecod400ex]

Looking for some advice from people who have raced mx before. I want to run NEATV this summer and not sure which class I should run, I was thinking production C class but I've been finding alot of decent modded out quads for cheap around here which would put me in open C correct? so My question is should I find somthing stock put nerfs, bumper, and a kill switch on it and give er hell or get a decent race ready ride and run open C, Keep in mind I have no prior race experience

[blaster99]

You are going to have more fun in the open and 4-stroke classes. Unless you are on a can-am or something like that with good stock suspension, don't bother. Open and 4-stroke C are the classes for modded quads. Open is an open engine size class, 4-stroke is a 450cc limit.

[capecod400ex]

ok I'm just trying to avoid getting killed by running to slow in a faster class. I youtube'd NEATV and the production "c" classes I watched looked about my speed. I'm not going out there and doing triples and such. But ive seen some affordable 400s ready to roll that are all modded out which would take me out of that class. you think i would do ok in 4 stroke "c" ?

[Lquad71]

With a modded 400 you could probably run with some riders in the C class if you can ride it well, but honestly you would be wasting your money trying to get it to compete in any higher class than that.

[capecod400ex]

Thats why I thought maybe buying a stock 450 running prod C this year then next year once I have money for mods and more experience moving up.

[blaster99]

You will be fine in the C class. There is always guys that just go out there for fun. You could always run the production class, but the ride will be rough. The tracks get fairly rough so stock suspension isn't the nicest haha. A 400ex would work, but it wont be great. If you are looking to do this for a while, you might be better off going with the stock 450, then when you can get some new shocks or modify the quad you can move to the 4-stroke or open classes.

[KingpinsEx]

First of all DO not get a 400. They were not designed for racing, period. A highly modified 400 will not be nearly as reliable as a stock 450. If you are just starting out I would recommend a LTR or newer YFZ. There are probably more used LTRs on the market though. They are good enough stock to compete in the C class and you can modify them as you progress into the more advanced classes. I would not buy a used MX setup atv because the suspension will not be setup for you. My advice would be start at the lowest class you can, because you should be able to move up at any time. Most tracks do not let you move down though.

You are going to learn a lot in your first season. Probably make a lot of mistakes, just don't take it to serious. HAVE FUN. There are alot of guys who are advanced riders who stay in the slower classes to win. So you might be up against some seasoned riders even in the C class.

[capecod400ex]

Thanks for all the replies guys. I guess I will save up for a 450 then and go that route. I have a friend with a yfz 450 thats going to get into this season with me so it should be a good time.

[Exrider434]

Just start at the bottom and work your way into it.

[blaster12s]

buy as race ready as possable. you dont need motor work just good shocks.

[capecod400ex]

all the 450R's ive looked at are stock expect stupid stuff like bumpers and nerfs and hand guards. more than one persons saying to look for an LTR but I've always owned and liked honda.

[chronicsmoke]

Don't go out to win everytime..

I'd rather run at the back of a B class then get wiped out by some noob rideing over their capabilities in corner 1 in the C class...

For your first time, let them get a few seconds ahead, and then just ride your own'race'.. you'll get more and more confidence after every lap and then be able to try and compete.. jmo
:macho

Good Luck!

[Lasher]

NEATV is a great series. If your a honda guy, then get a trx450, not a 400ex. Suspension is key, especially for a newbie. It will get you out of trouble.

Make sure you go on Saturday to ride the practices. It will really help getting used to the quad/track.

On the starts, let the group go (about a 1/2 second) then follow. The C class is know for messy starts to begin with and you will be a bundle of nerves. Avoid the 1st turn mess and start racing from the back. Once you find you passing a lot of people, then go for it on the start. Nothing is worse than a "holeshot king" that cannot race. Creates a unsafe bottlekneck behind them.

When on the track, hold your line on jumps and don't ride all over. Keep your head up (not just 10 feet in front of you bumper) and look around. If a really fast guy crashes, know that he is coming fast to catch back up.

If you look at racing as fun, it will be. If you see it as an ego boost/trophy hunter it will not be fun.

[rollie]

get a 450R and run production, i raced production back in the day for 2 year's and i had a ton of fun, plus the bike is cheap to keep running all season long. then you can build the suspension the way you want it.

see ya at walden!

[tjsdaname]

be careful on the starts in the C class... the C class is usually a bunch of idiots aside from the few that know what they are doing and are going for the championship...
other then that just hold your line and you should be fine...

I lost the championship because of the idiots in the C class last year... some guy's in front of me got together and I had nowhere to go so I stopped behind them (didn't hit them) and as I was putting my foot down to back up some dumbass ran into the back of me full speed.. it took 5 people to get our quads apart and it ripped the hose off of my rear shock... I finished the race with a pogo stick for a rear shock.. 4th gear pinned throughout supercross whoops with a blown rear shock gets a little sketchy lol.... I still beat that goon though..

and then I had another dumbass turn 90 degrees into me as I was passing down a strait away and I had a nice little crash....

[capecod400ex]

that was one of my concerns but I guess its part of it. I have a ton of hours on many different machines, growing up on an 80 acre property helps. But its mostly dirt roads pits and trails I've ridden but i have to high of a sense of self preservation to do stupid chit that gets people hurt, I understand accidents happen sum stuff is just stupidity.

[KingpinsEx]

I was a die hard honda rider my whole life. I was dead set on a trx 450r, they are great machines with a ton of potential. I like the power band better than any other 450 on the market. To set them up for mx can get very costly, very fast though. The right deal came along and I got an LTR 450. It is hands down the best (mx) handling atv out there. They are great for beginners because all you need is nerfs and a kill switch and hit the track. I'm not saying you need to get one, but keep your options open. I got a suzuki and never regretted it...

[Lquad71]

Like they said previously about beginners being idiots, they really are.i was leading points my first year and this person wasnt holding their line over a jump then hecked up on it and then switched over to my side ehere i then landed on him.not good. After that race i left that race so i didnt get killed and went up a class. So what im saying is as soon as you can you should move up. Those people understand how it works at leadt and in my experience it is much safer.

[capecod400ex]

Found a couple LTR450s locally they want $3300 and $3500 for them they are both 07s a friend wants to sell me a 05 yzf450 for $2200

[89trx250r]

The LTR's sound decent if they are nice dont go with a yfz especially an 05...

[blaster12s]

i love my 05 yfz. once you work out the little kincks it works great and runs strong knock on wood.

[capecod400ex]

whats wrong with the yfzs I know nothing about them

[Pacheco_450r]

The C class is really crazy, like others said there are a lot of stupid guys in that class that aren't super serious and don't know how to race without killing everyone in the process. People also race in that class who really shouldn't. I race in the beginner's class for quad-x here on the west coast and I always finish between 4th-6th. The thing is when you compare the beginner lap times to the next class (Novice which is comparable to B class for the nationals) My lap times put me in the same place for the Novice class as it does for the beginner class. So basically if you notice the same thing when you do a race or two you might as well move up and race with guys who know what they are doing.

[bbender85]

make friends at the track (i guess ON the track too, but i'm talking more in the pits). it's very beneficial to pit with people who know the routine and schedule.

take time to set up your suspension to its best potential, be it stock or aftermarket. do some research online or hook up with someone who knows suspension if you don't.

practice starts. more so for the clutch feathering technique and to figure out your ideal body positioning.

check bolts and fasteners before your motos.. nothing is more frustrating than having the ride of your life and DNF'ing because a wheel came off.

practice motos with other quads. i say this because i never practiced with quads before i started racing... all my riding buddies are bike guys. was a strange feeling coming into corners with another 50" wide machine right there haha.

have fun. don't take it too serious the first year. you will learn a TON, mostly by trial-and-error... emphasis on error. :)

[capecod400ex]

Thats the thing I'm one of those "idots" because Ive never raced before. And I agree going with someone who knows the drill is a big help. I have a friend who i will be racing with that lives near me so that will also help to have a travel buddy. I found a LTR-450 for $2800 but I think it might be kinda beat. I'm leaning towards a bone stock honda 450r with really low hours. for $2800 obo but will see.

[finsteratv]

Originally posted by capecod400ex
Thats the thing I'm one of those "idots" because Ive never raced before. And I agree going with someone who knows the drill is a big help. I have a friend who i will be racing with that lives near me so that will also help to have a travel buddy. I found a LTR-450 for $2600 but I think it might be kinda beat. I'm leaning towards a bone stock honda 450r with really low hours. for $2500 but will see. What year is the trx? I'd go with that since theyre the cheapest to build and pretty reliable, quite a few used parts for good prices for them too.

[capecod400ex]

Originally posted by finsteratv
What year is the trx? I'd go with that since theyre the cheapest to build and pretty reliable, quite a few used parts for good prices for them too.

04 kicker bone stock still has stock tires with half tread on them,and I was thinking the same thing lots of used parts on here and ebay.

[capecod400ex]

<a href="http://s43.photobucket.com/albums/e398/bryrylan/?action=view&amp;current=5J75R25M23G63J43p4c29075adf29 303f1e21.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e398/bryrylan/5J75R25M23G63J43p4c29075adf29303f1e21.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s43.photobucket.com/albums/e398/bryrylan/?action=view&amp;current=5L45G95Kc3K53L63Jbc29580fc72a 1ee616a3.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e398/bryrylan/5L45G95Kc3K53L63Jbc29580fc72a1ee616a3.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

heres the add
"Ready to ride 2004 Honda TRX-450R ATV. Kick start, 4 speed, manual clutch. Low hours, garage kept, all plastics in good shape. Very well maintained. Includes some riding gear, maintenance supplies and truck ramps. Very Fast Quad!"

[89trx250r]

Haha well if its a 4 speed you might have an issue boss :) Also remember the trx isnt 49-50 inches width so plan on getting some a arms an axle nerfs potentially shocks if you get long travel arms etc etc..I think everyone was trying to tell you ltr since there pretty much ready to race from the showroom with a set of nerfs and a tether...

[KingpinsEx]

TRX's are not cheap to build. You will need to replace brake lines, a-arms, shocks, tires, rims, axles, not to mention purchase the basics, nefts, tether, exhaust. Something else to keep in mind, the 50 inch width quads are DESIGNED to be raced. Beefer frames, better bearings, shocks, ect. The TRX was not designed for that purpose. They are an okay place to start, but you will need to spend some serious $$ to be competitive. Even in the C class you are not going to see very many stock quads. I would take a beat LTR over a mint stock TRX.

[KingpinsEx]

TRX's are not cheap to build. You will need to replace brake lines, a-arms, shocks, tires, rims, axles, not to mention purchase the basics, nefts, tether, exhaust. Something else to keep in mind, the 50 inch width quads are DESIGNED to be raced. Beefer frames, better bearings, shocks, ect. The TRX was not designed for that purpose. They are an okay place to start, but you will need to spend some serious $$ to be competitive. Even in the C class you are not going to see very many stock quads. I would take a beat LTR over a mint stock TRX.

[Lquad71]

you have to replace a lot of things if a quad is beat, at least if you want a nice quad

[440racer66]

go with the ltr if you are on a buget. a trx is a good mx quad but you will have to fork over about 3 grand to get it to compete with a stock ltr. you can swap out the stock shocks on a ltr with some used aftermarket suspension and have a great setup. i personally have an 06 yfz and had an 05 you can get a yfz to be a great bike but it gonna cost you to bulid. i would try looking around for a built quad for a good price i got mine for 3500 with lt axis customs jb a arms and 6pt subframe and a lonestar swinger. so i would look into all my options before i bought one.

[rollie]

or spend $1000 twice a year on an LTR tranny :p

im just kidding, but this is coming from me, who raced NEATV production against LTR's on my 450r, i would get a honda, once you get really into and end up with a fully built quad, you will not regret getting a honda, sure the suzuki is wider, which is good for now that you race production, but as soon as you become a faster rider/make friends, your going to want walsh/pep on the suzuki too haha

[KingpinsEx]

I would never encourage someone to get a beat quad, espcially if the motor has not been maintained. But I would def. consider it. A beat LTR would probably be someone who trail rode it and just did not do the basic maintenance. If your going to race you better get familiar with your quad so what a good opportunity to take it apart and go over everything. You should do that with any used quad so you know what you got. If you got to replace a few bearings so what. If its beat you can talk them down even more when you bring up all the work that it needs. The cash you save you can buy some more racing parts. Like I said, as long as the motor is decent, nothing is bent, you should be good to go.

[capecod400ex]

I look at it from the standpoint of if the outside is that ruff and not taken care of whats the motor look like? I hate buying used that last bike I bough ened up being a massive pos and money pit, cracked frame, motor work was not nearly as fresh as said, bearings ect ect... so I'm being very picky this time around.

[mkh155]

You will do fine on any quad..I know this because you are from Cape Cod and the cape breeds nothing but winners! lol i am a native! Have fun bro,NEATV is and the people who race and are involved are awesome..

[capecod400ex]

So.. I bought the 04 honda today. prob the cleanest used quad ive seen, I looked at 08s and 07s that were waaaay more beat than. It looks show room besides some scratches on the plastic. The guy that sold it to me is a coast guard helicopter mechanic so he took the maintenance seriously. For $2500 bucks I got the mint 450 with tittle, a HJC helmet,Fox racing chest protector,5 quarts of honda oil, oil filters, spark plug, repair manual and a set of ramps. I think i did ok.

[capecod400ex]

Originally posted by mkh155
You will do fine on any quad..I know this because you are from Cape Cod and the cape breeds nothing but winners! lol i am a native! Have fun bro,NEATV is and the people who race and are involved are awesome..

lol thanks man which town did you live in?

[mkh155]

Thats a pissah deal on the bike man! I was Born and raised in Bourne.What town are you from bro?

[89trx250r]

Now comes the fun of dropping a few thousand to make her race ready! Post pics as you add parts and get ready for the season :) goodluck sir!

[capecod400ex]

Brewster. the guy with the bike was stationed on Otis so I got a pretty cool tour of all the helicopters and jets.

[Pacheco_450r]

You got a great deal man! Goodluck for the upcoming season!

[capecod400ex]

Originally posted by 89trx250r
Now comes the fun of dropping a few thousand to make her race ready! Post pics as you add parts and get ready for the season :) goodluck sir!

Thats why I want to start with production class because if I don't like racing I wont have wasted money on things specific to racing, I put nerfs a slip on pipe and a bumper on all my quads so if its not for me I only wasted entry fees for one race.

[Lquad71]

being an 04 I would recomend getting the updated crank bearings because those are the scariest things on those bikes. Other than that it is the strongest tranny out of the trx's as well as the best spindles compared to the 06+. The rear end is definately not the greatest and if you're serious i would recmoned somenthing aftermarket or an 06+ rear end(they bolt right on and you can get a linkage with long travel with an 06+ swingarm.) The power is also not as quick as on the 06+ so basic things like a pipe, filter, proper jetting will be a good start. IF you want you bike to be more responsive or if you end up going a little higher in class then I would reccomend getting an fcr carb, a hotcam or webcam or even cheaper and still good is a crf450 cam. a piston definately helps and what I noticed a lot was putting an entire crf ignition on. These are just some tips that have been proven and hope it helps with any future investments:D

[Kovatch]

Look into used LT front ends. You can land some good deals on used parts that aren't too beat up.

I would consider a set of 20" front tires and 18" rears. Get beadlocks for the rears.

Always remember, do it right and do it once. I used to cheap out on shocks, nerfs, and just buy what I could afford and it was the biggest thing that held me back. I never had long travel on my Z400 (6+ years ago), but now my YFZR it set up with LT shocks, good parts, etc and I think it does well on the track.

If you have $400 and want shocks, but a good used set is $650, just wait and save up!!! Suspension alone can save you is so many different situations: bad jumps, whoops, corners, etc. You don't need to run the LTR front end on a TRX, but definitely consider good quality parts (shocks, a-arms, pipe, etc).

Sent you a PM too.

[89trx250r]

Yea but I dont think your understanding what im saying...You're gonna need aarms shocks nerfs tether axle some beadlocks for the rear etc. You cant just go out there with nerfs and a slip on at stock width you would hate life after the first 2 mins...Atv racing is an expensive sport thats why everyone in here was trying to tell you to buy something thats already race width or was set up for racing even if it was a little more beat up then the trx youd be much further ahead then you are now...You basically have a nice brand new stock quad which is probably great on trails but is awful on a track...

[capecod400ex]

Pictures

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e398/bryrylan/Brewster-20120223-00081.jpg

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e398/bryrylan/Brewster-20120223-00080.jpg

[KingpinsEx]

That thing looks mint, but I must agree. You are going to have a hard time competing on that thing, even in the production class. I'm not trying to discourage you, but MX is just not going to be fun on that thing until you get it setup. Start with the basics, nerfs, tether, tires/rims. Just there you are looking at close to a grand.

[89trx250r]

Yea dude that thing looks mint! I wasn't trying to discourage you either I just was telling you realistically whats involved...

[capecod400ex]

Originally posted by 89trx250r
Yea but I dont think your understanding what im saying...You're gonna need aarms shocks nerfs tether axle some beadlocks for the rear etc. You cant just go out there with nerfs and a slip on at stock width you would hate life after the first 2 mins...Atv racing is an expensive sport thats why everyone in here was trying to tell you to buy something thats already race width or was set up for racing even if it was a little more beat up then the trx youd be much further ahead then you are now...You basically have a nice brand new stock quad which is probably great on trails but is awful on a track... I dont think your understanding me everything you listed MUST REMAIN stock in the class I'm racing in.

[blaster12s]

here are the rules for the production class.

OEM motor and matching frame combination model required. Frame geometry must remain as designed by the OEM, including all suspension pivot points. Material may be added for strength but not removed from the OEM frame. The following MAY be changed from stock: Tires and size, wheels (offset allowed),hyper tech wheels with center hubs included are allowed, sprockets, chain, gears, clutches, handlebars, levers, spark plug wire, coil wire, steering stem, grips, steering stabilizer, braided brake lines, air filter element (no air box rings), carburetor jetting (main, pilot only), removal of pipe baffle, front bumper, rear grab bar, relocating chain tensioner, fenders may be trimmed or aftermarket plastic is allowed, brake rotors, axle (must remain stock width) shocks may be re-valved and springs changed as long as they do not change the factory mounting location or housing or main design of the factory shock. A different year shock may be used as long as it is from the same make and model machine and was factory. No altering of subframes, brake or clutch master cylinders. Clutches and basket may be changed. Nerf bars and tether switch is required. No other modifications allowed. The only exception is the Can-Am mx model (stage 1 package) that comes with a motorworks pipe is legal

ENGINE:
a. Cylinder re-plating is allowed but must retain the original manufacturer's bore
b. On all machines – the Motoworks Sr4 aluminum or the Sr4G2 slip on pipe is the only legal aftermarket pipe allowed. You can remove the baffle from your stock factory pipe.
c. High-compression pistons are not allowed

d. ALL internal engine components must be stock OEM parts. No swapping of stock parts or modifying in any way of the motor from original factory form.
e. All external engine parts must be stock OEM (carburators, cases, cylinders, etc.). No modifying period!
f. Stock OEM carburetor only. You can rejet the main and pilot jets only. Absolutely no other modifications period!
g. Stock injectors, stock injector housings only.
h. On oil injection machines only oil may be put in reservoir. Pre-mix fuel is no allowed in oil injection system.
i. Ecu module is allowed to be changed or added. Can-Am can only run the one that comes in the stage 1 mx package. Suzuki is allowed to run the cherry bomb. Other brand machines the same equivalent style boxes. If in doubt if your machine is legal check with Howard only!
j. Wire harness may be trimmed down to eliminate switch, lights, etc.

No removal of air box lid or modifications done to lid or box and no outerwear covers .Complete Stock exhaust must be used and you are allowed to remove the baffle or see (b) above for only aftermarket slip on pipe allowed. No a-arms, wheel spacers, or aftermarket bolt pattern changing hubs, no swing arms, etc. Top 3 riders in points at end of year must move up. No factory OEM upgraded performance parts allowed (gtyr, hrc, etc. are .not allowed) due to costs



so get the hrc kit. shocks revalved. motorworks pipe. tires rims, and change gearing track to track.

[blaster99]

an HRC kit is not allowed in the production class, it is a STOCK class.

[Lquad71]

but you can get it like that from the dealer. but i think they cut the air box so idk.

[KingpinsEx]

Bottom line, the TRX is at a significant disadvantage against the LTR, YFZ, Can Am, for mx, especially if you cannot modify them. Honestly it is fairly dangerous to race mx on a stock TRX.

[89trx250r]

Yea I wasn't gonna say anything cause it's really not my place... But racing in the C class on a stock width honda with other kids having stock width quads it seems even more dangerous then if you were all at 50" at least it would be more stable then...why would they make a class to face stock vs stock when the trx is so far behind the yfzr the ltr the can-am even ktm...

[beastlywarrior]

I find it funny that you can only run a motoworks pipe

[blaster12s]

yeah the class is very biased to the can am because or the stage 1 sponsorship thingy. so basically the best bikes to have are the ktm and can am. get a revalve motoworks pipe and your set. but i have seen some people almost keep up on stock yfz and trx's it can be done but you are at a huge disadvantage.
if i were you. move up to the open class and start with suspension.

[capecod400ex]

My hole point of doing the stock class is because I want to see if I even like racing, I understand I would enjoy it more all modded out but I don't really want to dump 2K into suspension then be like o wow this isent for me then have to rip all that off to ride trails. If i catch the racing bug like i prob will then no doubt I will get a-arms and suspension axle ect. I want to do like 1 or 2 races before I drop that much money.

[capecod400ex]

really doesnt seem that hardcore

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PwL93Y6vQu8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uj3qFVhHm8E

[capecod400ex]

compared to these guys (I would chit my pants)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YcOz9rSwVc4

[Pacheco_450r]

Running a mostly stock bike in the C class competitively can be done! Not bragging or anything, but my first race ever was in the beginners class for itp quadcross on my 05trx with a slip on pipe, nerf bars, and a killswitch. Everything else was bone stock including the 20" tires. I took the holeshot in both motos and 4th overall. Point is if he is a decent rider which I'm sure he is, getting the basic neccesities put on will be enough to get his feet wet to decide if he wants to really get serious about it.

[89trx250r]

Well the second video you linked is the neatv pro class obviously thats 1000 times different then production C class...

[blaster12s]

good luck. makesure you have fun.
ill be at most of the races blue and orange yfz. stop by and say hi