Hi-I am looking at getting a mint 04 450R with alot of extra's (pipe,nerfs,bumpers,etc..) and was wondering if there was any known problems with it like motor,frame, clutch, etc.... Also has anyone put one of those goki electric start kits on and how well do they work,look, install? Thanks for the help!

 

The only problem I have with my 04 450r, is a blown knee. I can't start it till like September or when ever the doctor says its OK.

Really though, they seem to be free of typical problems. I have heard of something breaking on one, and something breaking on another. They don't have a "plague" like some models seem to adopt.

 

Check the upper frame rail below the gas tank and right by the motor mounts for cracks. That's the most common place for the frame to fail if it's been ridden hard.

 

the only mechanical problem that have been reported repeatedly is minor- that stupid heat shield on the pipe that vibrates the hex-head bolts out. i lost one the other day for the first time since i had the thing. however, its nothing that lock-tite wont cure... i dont know if honda corrected this after the 04 year or not. seems like they would have.
i could go into the problems with the handling but you are not asking that so i wont bother...

as far as the goki, they have been around ever since i can remember. i dont think they make crap but i dont think its top of the line either. their kit was installed step by step in a recent issue of dirtwheels on a 450R. it didnt look that bad but it doest look a little bulky (its a big starter) and sticks up and about a 45-60 degreee angle on the side of the engine. the kit has everything you need inc engine side cover and increases the oil capacity and utilizes a spin-on type oil filter instead of the "internal" type honda uses. it retails for $599 but you can prob get it cheaper than that. it has no effect on the kickstarter- which is a plus - so it can be used as a backup.

the thing that i would change if i got it would be the starter button that comes with the kit- looks cheesy. id get a cluster off of a 06 450r and wire it into that for a cleaner look.
other than that it may be worth looking into. if you convert on with all honda parts it will cost ALLOT and require another wiring harness. go to gokis website and/or get the issue of the dirtwheels where they installed and tested it. i think it was the same issue they tested the new LTR450R by itself (not the shootout with the other 450's).

 

Thanks for the info fellas. Tractorpacker I know how you feel I used to have a 350X and you needed some muscle to kick that som bitch over!!!!!!

 

The only problem I've had is that I got addicted to it and want to ride all the time!