TRX450R Honda MX Debut at Glen Helen

[Admin]

Needless to say, I was really impressed with the way it looked on the track. Not only did it look great, but Cain rode it like he had it for a while. He started near last, but was able to pick off one modified YFZ after another with ease. If I wasn't there, I would have had a hard time believing it myself. I must point out that Cain does have Pro license, but I still believe the 450R is going to be a very competitive machine right off the showroom floor.

[Admin]

I really liked this picture!

[Admin]

The suspension in the Front compressed all the way on alot of the jumps, which is good because it is using all the available travel. I have heard one negative rumor that some of the front shocks have failed during testing. I guess we will have to wait and see if this is true.

[Bad Habit]

Originally posted by EXriders Admin
I really liked this picture!

That's the same view that alot will have this coming year.

hehe....I just had to say it.


That's what I love to see. Slap a pipe and some tires on it and you're ready to race, AND be competitive. That to me is the definition of Pro-Production.

[Admin]

This pictures give a good example of what I mean about the positioning of the Footpegs, Seat, and Handlebars. Cain looks to be fairly comfortable in his race crouch on the 450R and he is about 6' tall. I have noticed taller YFZ guys having to lean over more for the handlebars. Again, this could be corrected with the a new stem and different handlebars on the YFZ. I personally think they are both great machines, but if the TRX450R had an electric start, I personally wouldn't even consider the YFZ. Again, this is my early judgement, and the TRX may have problems crop up which might chance my impression, but I highly doubt it.

[Admin]

Anyway, Cain proved to me that the TRX450R was very competitive off the showroom floor by finishing the 1st Moto in 2nd Place and Winning the last Moto in the 30+ Class. In its first MX race against a class full of modified Fourstroke Quads, The TRX450R was Victorous! That was Impressive! For the Record, Cain Smead also won the 30+ Intermediate Class in Round 6 on a YFZ450. He is a very talented racer.

The TRX450R has already won the Baja and now its first MX race and it hasn't even been publicly released yet! I will be getting two of these bad boys. One to keep stock and one to modifiy! Come on Honda, HURRY UP!!! I can't take it any longer!

[Admin]

Congratulations Cain on your Overall in the 30+ Class, and I can't wait to read your article!

[Admin]

Closeup View of the Front! I originally didn't like the way it looked, but it is starting to grow on me.

[Admin]

Side Angle Front View

[Admin]

Angle View!

I like the way the front fenders are removable, but I don't know how well they will hold up to a heavy load of mud on them from a race.