Hi im new to the site, but have been riding for a while. I am looking to buy a new quad, i havent had one for a few years now and im finally able to get what i want. I would really like a 450r or a yfz 450. I have done searches here and other places, but i havent seen many comments on how each of the bikes perform in the trails. I do a lot of trailriding, and also a lot of open area riding with friends. I want a bike that will be fast when i open it up but feel good on the trails. If anyone can point me in the direction of an article on either or both of the quads on trail ratings, or if anyone has ridden either as mostly trial bikes. I would rather buy honda but i have been hearing nothing but good about the yamaha, so im trying to make the smartest choice.

Thanks!

 

You should wait another month to see how the z450 and if Honda does anything different with the 450r.

 

get a raptor 660 or the 700 they are really fast and good on the trails

 

The 450R will beat a 660 and it stays with the 700.

 

Not completely true! I will admit being beat in drags by the 450R, But I have also smoked them... it all depends on what you want. My cousin just bought a 450, I love the bike but wouldnt trade my raptor for one.

 

all the new 450 class machines are good!! you have to look at what you want though. I still think the 06 Honda will have better trail performance than the yfz and the yfz is probably a better out of the box mx bike.
then again we will have to wait and see for an 06 shootout~

 

Wait to see what the 06 R is like! The 04-05 R's are geared way tall (in first gear at idle, my R goes 15 mph.), which is great for fast open country but not so well adapted to trails. A sprocket change can help, but better to just wait and see what the new bikes are like.

If you are looking for a trail bike, the best trail bikes are the Z400, 400EX, and 300EX, probably in that order.