Last Saturday I got to ride the Honda, Yamaha and new Suzuki 450's. The Yamaha was my least favorite. It had to develop power (where the Honda had instant power), and it seemed a little loud and unrefined. The Suzuki handled very well but seemed way down on power, I was surprised that it was had less power (stock) than the other two. When I rode the Honda I couldn't believe how quick it was. It handled extremely well, it's power was instant and it was the quietest and most refined of the three. It seemed head and shoulders above the other two.
However, the articles I have read about the new 2006 say that it is tippy and that it has a harsh ride? Before I buy one I would like to know if these two things are true.
I didn't get to ride any of them for very long but I've had 23 ATV's and my first impression was that it was the best ATV I've ever ridden, it was very impressive.

 

It would be cheaper to up the power of the Suz than making the 450R handle as well. I'm very pleased with how my R handles and its power (took some bux), but I'd likely get the Suzuki if I was buying new now.

 

My R is and 04, and I rode a new stock 06 R for several hours this weekend. With stock tires, I occasionally thought mine was tippy, but only on sharp low speed turns. Didn't notice anything like that at all on the 06! I do have to say that the 06 suspension is harsh, like the magazines stated.

I am now running Holeshot XCs on ITP Baja rims. These tires are wider than stock and the rims have a greater offset, so I end up about +3" in back and +2 in front, and my R corners like it is on rails. Multi-time Baja winner and the best desert machine I have ever ridden!

I haven't ridden the 06 Yamaha yet, but I did not like the harsh suspension on 04 Yamaha my buddy use to have.

What kind of riding are you going to be doing??? If you are looking for a quad to ride on the track, you are going to want to do A-arms (and shocks) on either the Honda or Yamaha. If you are across-country or performance trail rider, then you are fine with a stock R

 

I don't know about that. I get my shocks back from Works today so I'll know more after this weekend but I only paid $600 to have all 3 shocks redone with tripl-rates in front. If it reduces the harshness as I predict, thats much cheaper then powering up the LT450 and you don't have to worry about tuning the fuel injection.
I would be cerious to know why Suzuki settled on less power then the competition in the first place. It doesn't make sense unless they were concerned about durability. That would be my concern as well.

 

If you liked the R that much, than buy it. OUt of all the quads listed in your sig, the 450R should be the MOST stable stock. It kind of sounds like you got to ride at a dealer, and maybe didn't really get ON any of them? The truth of the matter is, all of these will perk right up with a little aftermarket help. The zuk is nice and wide, could be good or bad depending on your situation.

 

take the restrictor out of the Suzi's exhaust and pull off the air box lid. The difference is HUGE!!! Just by opening it up like that you gain 9 horsepower over stock trim!! Add a cherrybomb cdi and get abother 5hp for 40 bucks!! But ya, havn't riddin the new honda but i bet it ripps like crazy.

 

I am only interested in riding the 450R in the sand dunes. That is why I don't want it to be tippy. I have others to ride on the trail. The problem with buying LTR450 and adding more to the engine is that the Zook is more money to begin with. I think I would rather buy the Honda and add Works Performance shocks if it is harsh riding.

 

I have an 05 450 r and depending on what kind of riding your going to to you might look in to a lowering kit...they are cheap and make a big difference...mine is just lowered in the front so i can drag race...with out it i cant keep it on the ground...you could also look in to front wheel spacers they help to.

But if your looking to buy a 450r i like it and it sounds like you do to. My buddy austin is a yamaha guy and it made an impact on him. and you know how hard it is to make a yamaha guy like a honda. its like ford and chevy it dont happen very often that you find a guy like likes both.