IVE HEARD SO MUCH GOOD ABOUT THE 450R, BUT NEVER HAVE RODE ONE, BECAUSE IVE BEEN IN GERMANY WITH THE US ARMY FOR THE PAST 2 YRS, AND LOOKING TO BUY A FRESH 05-06 HONDA 4 WHEELER, IVE BEEN RIDING SINCE I WAS 7 YRS, AND HAVE BEEN DYING TO RIDE THESE PAST 2 YRS. I HAVE 3 MONTHS LEFT HERE, AND I DONT WANT A ATV THAT I HAVE TO REBUILT 2 OR 3 TIMES A YEAR. I KNOW HOW TO TAKE CARE OF THEM, AND WAS WONDERING IF THAT WOULD BE A GOOD CANIDATE FOR THE TYPE OF RIDING THAT I DO, WHICH IS TRAIL RIDING. I LIKE TO HAUL *** THROUGH THE WOODS, BUT I LIKE TO CRUISE, PLAY AROUND TO. IF NOT THE 450R, IT WILL BE THE 400EX WITH A K&N AIR FILTER, JET KIT, AND FULL WHITE BROS. EXHAUST. BUT I GOT MY HOPES UP FOR THE 450R!!!!!


RIDE RED, RIDE HARD!!!!

 

ive had mine for 2 yrs. no trouble whatsoever and no where close to a rebuild. they are good bikes but the maintenace is a little bit higher than on like a 400ex...follow the manual at the very least...

i would suggest you get an 04/05 and gear it down for trails. that yrs' engine, IMO, will prove to be more stable for the common rec rider than the new '06 engine. the 04/05 engine has a smoother powerband, has an oil cooler, lower compression and although it wil rev good for a 4stroke, it is less revvy than the newer 06 engine. the 06 engine just flat out rips. no question about that.

you can still get new 05's at most dealers with a significant markdown. they wont be electric start (that happens in 06) but they are very reliable.

as for as another choice, i would also reccomend the Z400. it is a good all round bike that responds pretty good to hop ups -for a 4 stroke. you can pick these up for reasonable price used or go for a new one or leftover 05 model; just watch out for the magnesium corrosion problem (do a search on here, you will find out about it and how to remedy it).

 

THANKS FOR THE ADVICE, I' LL PROBABLY DO THAT THEN, IM NOT TO WORRIED ABOUT HAVING A ELEC. START