Just bought my 1st ATV, a brand spankin' new 2001 HONDA 450S w/ an A2500 Warn winch, & was wondering if anyone has any good suggestions for sensible modifications in the 3-$500.00 range.
Not looking for any big wheel kits, the stock tires are fine, and I don't see myself in any situations at the present time that would justify such an expense.
Having ridden a friend's 1996 Polaris 400 Explorer the past couple of years I do miss the zip of the 2 stroke, & although I realize there's no comparison between the two as far as zip or top end, I was wondering if anyone has made any cost effective improvements to a 450S in the throttle response/top end department w/out going overboard. I've read all of the latest magazines and have been checking out the catalogs for accessories, but it sure is hard to know what accessories really make a noticeable difference.
This next question is sure to brand me as a newbie, but here goes anyway. What's up w/ the rev limiter? Can it be altered/removed to increase top end or is this one of those things that if altered will cause my atv to self destruct or worse?(not even going to mention the liability implications) I just ordered a pair of black plastic Maier handguards & a balaclava to wear under the helmet, (it's been fairly cold here in NE PA lately, according to PA standards) also have been eyeing some CV boot protectors, and a swing arm guard.
A bit long winded but I sure would appreciate anyone's personal input to my questions and ideas (ie. CV & swing arm guards)

 

Diff Lock.....best mod I ever made.

 

Sorry I can't help out in the power department, but may I suggest a Maier skid plate-cheap-easy to install, and tough. I found mine at Cabela's, along with a 2500lbs Warn winch. Happy Holidays.

 

Try asking your dealer about a stronger ignition coil. About skid plates:
get PRM for belly and swing arm/rear diff
get aluminum products c-v/a-arm(the best)

 

Hey Jeff,
thanks for the reply.
I wanted to ask about the "diff lock" mod that you suggested.
Please excuse my obvious ignorance, but what exactly is this "diff lock", why did you make the modification, and how has it enhanced the performance of your 450. As long as I'm learning, I might as well ask, if I'm not being too forward, how much did it cost?

 

Thanks for the input jimginny,
I too have recently been loking at Cabela's (Great catalog) and bought my Maier handguards there.
I would like to ask how long you've had your skid plate and how does the plastic seem to be holding up to the rough stuff, which was my 1st concern when I read it was made of "plastic".
Happy Holidays to you & yours in Ward Cove, AK

 

Hey NY450ES,
thanks for your input. Any leads where I might find these PRM products?

 

I just answered my own question about the "diff lock" on your "MOST EXCELLENT" website. Great tips in the "Tech Tip" section, also enjoyed your "Accessory Reviews" section.
2 things I'll comment on:
1.)Concerning oil, I asked my Honda mechanic which synthetic oil he would recommend, he replied "any good synthetic 4 stroke "MOTORCYCLE" oil, but DEFINITELY NOT AUTOMOTIVE oil." Any comment on this and if so which do you use in your ATV?
2)A possible inclusion in your winching tips, the rule of decreasing towing capacity due to increasing number of wraps your cable makes around the winch drum, ie. my owners manual for my A2500 Warn winch states the maximum towing capacity of 2500 lbs. is achieved when there is only one full layer of wire on the drum, and then decreases with every successive layer.
I really enjoyed your page & look forward to seeing additional info,
Lane

 

This last post was in reference to BigRed 450's ATV Zone. Once again...lots of good info.

 

Thanks for the compliments Lane (MR450S)...I'm glad you found some useful info. That is what we are here for, to learn and to helping others.
Your question about synthetic oils....I do not use synthetic oil in the engine, but I use synthetic gear lube in the rear end and now since I removed the clutch packs from the front differential and installed the locker, I use that same synthetic gear lube in the front diff. DO NOT USE SYNTHETIC GEAR LUBE IN A LIMITED SLIP DIFF. I tried it and it made all sorts of strange noises, plus it is not good for the clutch packs. Generally, synthetic oils for cars have friction modifiers which are not good for wet clutches or clutch packs. I would suggest a synthetic oil designed for motorcycle engines with wet clutches, such as Mobile 1 for motorcycles. Personally I've used 10w-30 Castrol GTX since new.
Thanks for that tip about the winch rating. I hadn't thought of adding that.. The tech info I have came from Superwinch which unfortunately is rated differently then Warn. I'll try and get some more info about a couple other brands as well and make a chart or something. Good idea....