I was just wondering if anyone has moved up and what they think of the difference?

 

I love the 400EX, and it is a fine bike (probably the best trail bike there is). But, after being on the 450, the 400 seems like a SLUG!

 

Yes, I have moved from a significantly modified 400EX (416, cammed, FCR'd, ported, etc, etc) to a stock (so far) 450R. No power comparison, the 450R easily wins everywhere but the very bottom end.

The 450R revs faster, is much smoother, has more overall power, and develops power over a wider RPM range. And that's compared to my modified 400EX --- a stock 400EX isn't comparable.

Handling wise, hard to say at this point --- feels great. So far, feels much lighter, you can see the front tires without shaving the fenders, is easier to stand & move around on, and the rear fenders don't get in your way. Front shocks feel great - rear is better than a 400EX, but still needs some work.

1st gear is much taller than a 400EX - the rest of the gears are spaced nicely. Although 1st is tall, it pulls it well.

Front brakes are amazing. Rears work well.

 

I agree with all the above. And I will add:
I love the reliefs in the tank, it allows me to really grip the quad with my legs, so much better than ever before.
I love the 3.2 gallon tank, I am a duner and a desert rider, more gas teh better.
It feel WAY lighter in the air, when you hit a jump its so much more easy to control, and flies farther.
Speed is no contest, I had a 426 bore, big cam, port polished, FCR carb, ect, ect, and it was fast, now its a pig, well sort of (it feels like it)
Its time to move on my friend! You won't regret it at all.

 

My 400EX was great, but the 450R is amazing. First gear was to tall for trails, but I've already remedied that with a crf450 front sprocket.
On the 450R, I was hitting the trails faster (had to actually) with improved handling. Which for me is hard to believe as the 400EX handled trails like a dream. Still working on the shock adjustments, but that will come with time, at least I can adjust these now.

The 450R pulled hard at about 2500-3500 rpms and up before the sprocket change, now it is scary strong on the bottom. I can't wait until this weekend for a good hard 4-5 hr ride.

The kickstart works great at it starts suprisingly easy. Just make sure the key is on... [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img] (yeah I kicked it twice with the key off before I realized the error of my ways.) I love how it warms up quick, the 400ex was a bear in cold weather. The 450R starts on first or second kick, then I adjust the choke for 30-60 seconds and I am good to go.

I haven't had a chance to race anyone yet, just got it broke in. There is a guy on a stock raptor that wants to race this weekend. I think I'll let him win the first two races just to mess with him and then take off on the third. I've ridden his raptor before, I think I'll eat his lunch on the trails and in the drag. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

Thaks for all the good info guys. I think i'm gunna go over to micgian soon and look over there

 

hey man, im a fellow trail rider too, and im thinkin maybe 1st is a bit too tall for me too....what sprocket did you use on your machine...?if you have a honda part # that would make it real easy....i also want ot keep a decent top end, as sometimes i get the chance to really open it up across feilds.....how much does the sprocket take away from top end....
oh, and my 400ex was a great machine, but the 450 is a serious jump in technology.....these 4 stroke motors now are really ingenious....lotta smart people in R+D sqeezin every drop of hp out of some medium displacement motors...best thing that could happen to the market....even if we gotta pay for it

 

I got a 450r and I cant tell any difference in it and the 400ex.

 

you must have a lemon or something or you didnt ride a 450R! man, i've rode, and my family has owned just about every type of sport bike since i was 5 yrs old; i can tell you - this bike rips! mine is totally stock and the pull of it is very strong. i'm pretty sure it will take a raptor; if not, it will be very very close.

 

Yes it should be a big difference. The 400ex dyno's from 26-29 and the 450 should be 37-39. From the charts i saw the 450 has alot more torque too.