The 450 will be more than enough for all but the largest of people. I am trading my 500 in for a 450 as soon as I have enough cash saved. Same power in an affordable machine with all the features. Just wish it came with gears!

 

I have BOTH the '09 550H1 EFI single and the '08 650H1 TRV. Things to note on differences I've found:

650H1 TRV:


- carb'd w/primer & electric choke so depending on your sea level may need to be re-jetted.
- has at top end pushing 55mph.
- TONS of low-end torque with good throttle response
- proven to be a "bullet proof" design and is VERY reliable

550H1 EFI:


- EFI
- new "ride-in" suspension/chassis set-up on the quad itself
- new tranny bevel gear design resulting in a machine that's ALOT noisier.
- low end throttle lag/delay - by design -
- top end pushing 60+mph
- LIGHTER steering!

Overall I'm VERY impressed w/both machines. I've had relatively very little issues/problems with either. Although I will add that I'm currently experiencing some "bogging" w/the 650 at WOT and loss of pwr, so I'm in the process of cleaning the carb and checking out my belt.

Either way I'd recommend both. All that's left is for you to ride both - decide which one suits YOU - and see what the pocket book $$$$$ can handle.

On a personal note - GET A TRV! The option to ride 2-UP is there.....or not.... and the machine itself IMHP is a far better handling/riding than a single due it's longer whlbase. The ONLY downfall(s) are lack of a rear rack for storage & turning radius. I solved the storage issue by pulling off the rear seat & adding a rear rack. If I need to ride double - I swap the seat back in. GOTTA LUV AC Speedrack system!



good luck

my .02¢

 

I,d be more than happy with a 55 mph top end. Not many places where I could ever go close to that speed.

 

So the 450 is an underbored 'zuki 500? Not necessarily a bad thing. I've had a Cat 500i since 2002, and have nothing but great things to say about that engine. 8 years of use, never a moment's problem from it. Not the most powerful, but bags of low end grunt.

I'm sort of facing the same choice myself. In the market for a TRV, found a very good deal on an 08 500 (zuki), and an okay deal on an 08 650 H1. Still mulling over which one to go after. The 650 is supposed to have more power, but that 'zuki 500 is a rock solid and trouble free engine, and right now it looks like about $1k difference in price - we haven't moved to serious talks on either.

Tough choice.

 

havent you been reading? the h1 cats all have cat built motors... they have there own engine factory these days

 

NP

I just figured I'd add those since it's a given that pretty much EVERYONE wants to know how fast each engine will go...or how to MAKE them go faster.......

 

I have no complaints about my 650 TRV other than that I really wish it had EFI