Honda needs to do something!
Jan 31, 2004 | 01:29 AM
#1
Thread Starter
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Shed Knocker Rider
Harley Punk!
Harley Punk!
Joined: Oct 2003
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Honda needs to do something!
First of all let me start by saying I have always loved Honda since I was a little guy. I'll even say there was no competition until the 2000's. But now with all the other brands stepping up to the plate, why is honda not doing the same, we all know they have the money and resources to do anything. I know they just came out with the 450r, but what about the updating the 300 and 400 ex's. I hear yamaha is even updating the warrior(which I think they are really stepping it up by doing that). And they also need a big bore quad more than anything. They already have a kickace 650 engine to use. I was just wondering how you other redriders feel about honda right now. Heck, even suzuki is starting to catch up to honda and yamaha and 4 yrs. ago I would say that would be a cold day in hell.
I understand it would cost a lot to update there machines, but think of the money that would be made in sales, I honestly feel if they did all of these things all u would be seing is red on the track and trails.
I understand it would cost a lot to update there machines, but think of the money that would be made in sales, I honestly feel if they did all of these things all u would be seing is red on the track and trails.
Jan 31, 2004 | 02:06 AM
#2
The Facility
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 4,062
Likes: 1
From: Mississippi
Honda needs to do something!
I see your point and it's a legit one.
If Yamaha does update the Warrior into something like a Z400, it's lights out for Honda until they get back in the game.
Judging from what the YFZ sells for what the Z400 sells for.......Yamaha would have both a great bike and would have an excellent price point......considering that they can build well enough, and heap enough to compet with the Z400 ofourse.
I have always been a little partisan to Honda but it's getting harder and harder to even convince myself of that for the last two years when it comes to quads for me to race.
As a casual rider, I don't really care that much for a little more power, liquid cooling, and reverse........but as a racer, I want the best that money can buy and it doesn't matter what the make is.......nor the color.
Hell............I race a Cannondale.
Not because I'm brand loyal to it or because I'm making payments on it.......but because, for me, it fits the bill and my race results have improved ever since I purchased it..................although the new YFZ450 catches my eye a little more each day[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]
I'll wait another year for ALL the OEMS to get their ducks in a row...........if they are not shot down first.
If Yamaha does update the Warrior into something like a Z400, it's lights out for Honda until they get back in the game.
Judging from what the YFZ sells for what the Z400 sells for.......Yamaha would have both a great bike and would have an excellent price point......considering that they can build well enough, and heap enough to compet with the Z400 ofourse.
I have always been a little partisan to Honda but it's getting harder and harder to even convince myself of that for the last two years when it comes to quads for me to race.
As a casual rider, I don't really care that much for a little more power, liquid cooling, and reverse........but as a racer, I want the best that money can buy and it doesn't matter what the make is.......nor the color.
Hell............I race a Cannondale.
Not because I'm brand loyal to it or because I'm making payments on it.......but because, for me, it fits the bill and my race results have improved ever since I purchased it..................although the new YFZ450 catches my eye a little more each day[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]
I'll wait another year for ALL the OEMS to get their ducks in a row...........if they are not shot down first.
Jan 31, 2004 | 02:21 AM
#3
Pro Rider
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 354
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Honda needs to do something!
I ride alot of tracks and trails in ohio and pa. and there are alot of honda's...go to rumble on the ridge and the 400 EX is everywhere, as far as updating the warrior, it's been the same since, what, 1985?
I'm not brand loyal, I figure just ride what fits your needs.
BTW, I saw the TRX today for the first time in person...and the pics you see in the mags don't do it justice, that's one fine looking machine!
I'm not brand loyal, I figure just ride what fits your needs.
BTW, I saw the TRX today for the first time in person...and the pics you see in the mags don't do it justice, that's one fine looking machine!
Jan 31, 2004 | 02:29 AM
#4
The Facility
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 4,062
Likes: 1
From: Mississippi
Honda needs to do something!
Go over to Yamaha and check out the "New Yamahas" post. The pic of the new Warrior........I mean Raptor 350 is there.
warrior226,
You are right about the number of 400EXs used for racing, but that number has dwindled big time in the past 6 months here in the south. I went to a harescramble fun ride last week to bring in the new season and everyone was on Z400s and YFZ450s....LOL
It's a great time to be involved in the sport regardless of what you ride.
warrior226,
You are right about the number of 400EXs used for racing, but that number has dwindled big time in the past 6 months here in the south. I went to a harescramble fun ride last week to bring in the new season and everyone was on Z400s and YFZ450s....LOL
It's a great time to be involved in the sport regardless of what you ride.
Jan 31, 2004 | 03:08 AM
#5
Thread Starter
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Shed Knocker Rider
Harley Punk!
Harley Punk!
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Honda needs to do something!
Very true statements knowsalot.
As a trailrider- I do want a machine with superior handling and a significant amount of power and reliability, honestly there is not one quad out there w/ those traits IMO. Like I said in the past, Im still waiting for a quad with raptor like power and great handling on trails. A 650ex would fit this criteria perfect, and I just cant see why honda has not done this yet. They would be happy with the profits made and we riders would be happy with a quad that most of us have always wanted. I guess after my 15 years of dedication to the sport(mostly with honda!), Im just a little disapointed.
BTW- about the statement wanting a superior quad, my buds and I could keep busy all day long on a badger! LOL[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]
As a trailrider- I do want a machine with superior handling and a significant amount of power and reliability, honestly there is not one quad out there w/ those traits IMO. Like I said in the past, Im still waiting for a quad with raptor like power and great handling on trails. A 650ex would fit this criteria perfect, and I just cant see why honda has not done this yet. They would be happy with the profits made and we riders would be happy with a quad that most of us have always wanted. I guess after my 15 years of dedication to the sport(mostly with honda!), Im just a little disapointed.
BTW- about the statement wanting a superior quad, my buds and I could keep busy all day long on a badger! LOL[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]
Jan 31, 2004 | 03:57 PM
#7
Pro Rider
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Honda needs to do something!
I agree - Honda needs to make a move and soon. The 450r appears to be a good start - but the 250/300/400ex need a serious update if they wish to continue being competitive with Yammi, Zuki, etc. Personally, I think they should drop the 300 - update the 250 and 400 and add a 650/700 model. Don't get me wrong, I still love my 400 and won't be trading anytime soon as it's all I need, but if I was in the market today I'd probably be looking a lot harder at the competition. They can't expect people to be brand loyal if they don't put forward at least a comparable line of bikes. Reliability is great and all, but with a few exceptions, the competition is putting out a reliable product as well.
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Jan 31, 2004 | 04:10 PM
#8
Pro Rider
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 380
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Honda needs to do something!
motox26- Honda does need to get on the ball and update their sport quads. The 450R was a great step in the right direction, but it will not be the quad for everyone.
They should scrap the 300ex and 400ex, make the 450 with elec start and reverse that handles as good or better than the 400ex, offer a 450cc COMPETITION ONLY race quad and introduce a big bore quad in the 650-700 cc range. Just my 2 cents.
They should scrap the 300ex and 400ex, make the 450 with elec start and reverse that handles as good or better than the 400ex, offer a 450cc COMPETITION ONLY race quad and introduce a big bore quad in the 650-700 cc range. Just my 2 cents.
Jan 31, 2004 | 04:54 PM
#9
Pro Rider
Joined: Aug 2002
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Honda needs to do something!
I would like to see a 650+ cc sport quad designed for the aggresive trail rider, like the raptor, maybe alittle lower and wider, with reverse. Of course alot of people are gonna buy the 450 and trail ride anyway...
Jan 31, 2004 | 06:16 PM
#10
Range Rover
Joined: Dec 2003
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Honda needs to do something!
I Agree With You Totally, They need to update the 300ex, and put reverse on the 400ex, and make a 650EXR [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img] Now i'm thinking. At least make a 650EXR and put reverse on it, and electric start. Need something to give these raptors a good looking 650EXR @$$end to look at.