I got to trade rides with a 450r and here are my first impressions. I found it very comfortable ,light, predictable quiet and a very smooth power delivery. It also felt tiny compared to my speed and didnt have the mega overrev either. It seemed they focused on midrange power which is a good thing for the trails we were on. Being a fresh from the dealer quad it started on the first kick and stalled after about 10 seconds. Then it took about 50 kicks and two people to get it running again. The owner was about 150 lbs and if he let the kicker get to high his body wieght wasnt enough to budge it. I think when it breaks in it should be easier to start and on hot starts it fired up right away after that. I couldnt compare how it did against my speed because I was running prowedges ,long travel moto suspension and the 450r stock tires were worthless in snow. It seemes if the 450 bike engine is pulling 50 horse then the quad motor is seriously detuned. The quad had a few small issues with the heat shield bolts falling out on the exhaust pipe and a wire harness hanging out of its holder by the radiator but that is just minor stuff. It seems the heat shield was installed as an afterthought because it is held on with hose clamps but that makes it reusable to be used on and aftermarket exhaust.It also had some blue substance dripping off the swingarm but I think it was bolt marking dye washing off from the melted snow.
Overall it looks like Honda finally got their crap together and built the quad which should have been released in 1990. Better late than never Huh? It doesnt fit my needs becuase of the lack of a battery and electric starter (bad knees). If the engine can handle modding it should make a great racer. Hopefully it will be broke in by this weekend and we can see how it does after it loosenes up.

 

Tell us how the quad starts on the next outing. Thanks.

 

I presume it didn't have the power up kit installed?????

 

I think it just started hard because of thecold,it was new and he wasnt strong enough to give it a good initial kick. One of the other guys I ride with picked his up monday and his starts fine.

 

Mine did that too at first. Its real critical that you do not push on the gas while kicking. It will kick back and WILL NOT start. I got it down to one kick sitting down EVERY time.