My best friend is going to be getting one of these two quads. Is there really that much of a difference?

How much difference between the 05 and 06 Honda's? Seems like the Honda cleans up pretty well in most of the races I read about in the mags.

 

There are some big differences between the 04/05 and 06 Honda, so read up on those before he makes a decision.

How does your friend plan to ride it????? I would pick the Yamaha for the track, and the Honda for the trail or desert (with a few mods).

 

How does your friend plan to ride it????? I would pick the Yamaha for the track, and the Honda for the trail or desert (with a few mods).
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Prob. mostly trails. Honda seems to place 1-5 in most of these races so I'd probably go with them but he is undecided. Personally they just feel to darn small to me, he's taller and doesn't seem to bother him but I just don't feel very comfortable after a while in the seat. Maybe I'm just lazy but after a long day of riding, sure is nice to have that auto. and IRS by the end of the day.

 

Big differences between the hondas. They changed the gearing around, so 1st isnt such a long gear, one model has kick for the 06's, and one model 450r you can get electric start as an option. These are just the differences I thought of. Read the feb issue of dirtwheels and look at the 06 450r/yfz450 shootout. I personally like honda so I am biased. Not a big fan of yamaha.