oldsandman
02-06-2004, 09:41 PM
First impressions of the new R:
This is my opinion nothing more or less, yours may vary or differ from mine. As some of you know I am 43 years old have been riding quads for 20 years. I have owned a trx250r since new in ’86. I am in reasonably good shape for an old goat but I would now call myself a “recreational” sport rider.
When I picked up the new “R” is was a little under whelmed. The thing just didn’t really do much for me. The look was okay but I just expected something more. Sure the package was nice the motor looked good and it does look well built. I just thought it would be like 1986 again and just blow me away. Anyway I took it home where it sat for two days before I decided to order a few parts. I honestly was thinking of re-selling it before I did anything to it. Well the parts started showing up and I replaced the stock bars with low bend Tag t2 pro tapers. Put on some Roll pegs a Mugura hyd. Clutch, 13 tooth front sprocket and finally the HRC kit. I spent some time adjusting the suspension and changed my anti freeze to engine ice. So basically what I have now is a mildly modded 450r.
I took it out today for it’s first real test ride. I rode on dirt, gravel and grass. Ok this thing is really easy to kick over! A big negative for me was the kicker. I have broken my right ankle 3 time’s twice I’ve had reconstructive surgery on it. But this motor is so easy to start I can easily kick it over with just a tennis shoe on, no work boots or riding boots a tennis shoe! After starting it settles down to an easy idle. The transmission is so smooth shifting both up and down. It has just enough detent for a positive feel but without notchyness. The 13 tooth front sprocket eliminates the tall first gear feel. The power is very linear feeling it pulls all through the rpm range. The torque curve feels very broad and strong. This chassis really puts the power to good use. Handling is the best from the 400ex but with the power to make easy steering adjustments and weight transfer changes. Unlike the Ex I didn’t find my thumb constantly jammed against the throttle stop. Just pick your line and this thing follows it! Add in some throttle or just shift your weight and it does what you want. The quad feels unbelievably light and is so easy to flick around. The front end comes up with ease using throttle or pulling on the bars but is easily kept planted when needed, just move forward. The 450 feels so incredibly light that you feel a part of it instead of riding on it.
For the rec rider the R will make you a better rider it’s that easy to ride. The motor and handling inspire confidence to push it harder and faster. I ended the day really impressed with the new R! I really didn’t think I would be happy with it but I really am. I can’t wait to play with it on the sand! Anyway that’s just my opinion I could be wrong.
This is my opinion nothing more or less, yours may vary or differ from mine. As some of you know I am 43 years old have been riding quads for 20 years. I have owned a trx250r since new in ’86. I am in reasonably good shape for an old goat but I would now call myself a “recreational” sport rider.
When I picked up the new “R” is was a little under whelmed. The thing just didn’t really do much for me. The look was okay but I just expected something more. Sure the package was nice the motor looked good and it does look well built. I just thought it would be like 1986 again and just blow me away. Anyway I took it home where it sat for two days before I decided to order a few parts. I honestly was thinking of re-selling it before I did anything to it. Well the parts started showing up and I replaced the stock bars with low bend Tag t2 pro tapers. Put on some Roll pegs a Mugura hyd. Clutch, 13 tooth front sprocket and finally the HRC kit. I spent some time adjusting the suspension and changed my anti freeze to engine ice. So basically what I have now is a mildly modded 450r.
I took it out today for it’s first real test ride. I rode on dirt, gravel and grass. Ok this thing is really easy to kick over! A big negative for me was the kicker. I have broken my right ankle 3 time’s twice I’ve had reconstructive surgery on it. But this motor is so easy to start I can easily kick it over with just a tennis shoe on, no work boots or riding boots a tennis shoe! After starting it settles down to an easy idle. The transmission is so smooth shifting both up and down. It has just enough detent for a positive feel but without notchyness. The 13 tooth front sprocket eliminates the tall first gear feel. The power is very linear feeling it pulls all through the rpm range. The torque curve feels very broad and strong. This chassis really puts the power to good use. Handling is the best from the 400ex but with the power to make easy steering adjustments and weight transfer changes. Unlike the Ex I didn’t find my thumb constantly jammed against the throttle stop. Just pick your line and this thing follows it! Add in some throttle or just shift your weight and it does what you want. The quad feels unbelievably light and is so easy to flick around. The front end comes up with ease using throttle or pulling on the bars but is easily kept planted when needed, just move forward. The 450 feels so incredibly light that you feel a part of it instead of riding on it.
For the rec rider the R will make you a better rider it’s that easy to ride. The motor and handling inspire confidence to push it harder and faster. I ended the day really impressed with the new R! I really didn’t think I would be happy with it but I really am. I can’t wait to play with it on the sand! Anyway that’s just my opinion I could be wrong.