Hey guys, I'm looking to get a new 450 Sport ATV; here are my options so far.

Yamaha YFZ 450
Kawasaki KFX450
Honda TRX450r [sorry, might not be exact on the honda details]

Which one do you think will be best for me? The Kawasaki so far seems be in the lead with me so far - what do you guys think?

*note, I ride trails.

 

You need to be real specific about your riding conditions. These machines have somewhat different specialties. Here is how I see it:

The Honda 450R is the king of long distance endurance racing! Races like the Baja 1000, Vegas to Reno, etc. This machine will go the distance, and not let you down!!! If you aren't on the Honda, chances are you won't even finish...much less win. So for me, this is the only choice for the desert.

The Yamaha would be my pick for the track or play riding (informal MX).

The KFX lugs down better than the other 450s, so I would pick it for a trail quad. But, none of the 450's would ever be my first choice for a slow, tight, technical trail machine. There, I would want to be on the venerable old 400EX, or the Z400 if the trail was more open and faster!

 

if your riding mostly trails i would suggest the 525 outlaw or ktm or the 700 raptor.the 450's lean more to the track style of riding

 

They are all capable trail machines. They will probably all need a bit of customization to be ideal for your situation. I am partial to the Yammies as I have 2 that have been raced, bashed, crashed and beaten. Only minor problems with either and 75% of that is replacing normal consummable parts like brake pads, clutch cables, etc. Most of the rest is OE(operator error, D'Oh!) The motors are pretty durable provided you are religious with maintenance. Honda also has a great product. If you are leaning green that seems to be a better trail basher on paper. I haven't gotten a chance to ride one yet[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif[/img]

 

I only ride for about 2 - 4 hours at a time usually, sometimes only a little longer. I do not race MX and usually don't do any large jumps. Where I ride there is a large variety of trails: but 75 % it's a little more open, with lots of natural whoops.

I also considered the 700r since it is more of a trail machine with torque. \

The Kawasaki was said to be great for the trails as well though. I don't think I'll go with the YFZ since it is mainly a track machine, and I think there are better options.

So, I think I've narrowed it down to the 700r and the KFX450. Hmmm ...

 

hahaha, well im in the same situation, im all about trails, but i do dunes and track when i get the chance, i spent all summer reading about all the 450s (and the big bores too) and ive decided upon the KFX after testing an SE model at the dealer, though the choice isnt final, i may be getting either the TRX or the KFX, those are my favorites so far for my kind of riding, dont count out the raptor though, they are great machines, very reliable too

 

From everything I have read online I think it's hard to go wrong with anyone of those three quads. I just purchased 3 new Honda's and so far we love them. Best of luck to you and keep us posted on what you decide to buy.

 

For what you are doing I would definitely pick the 700 if it were me. The bottom end torque is great on trails and you don't need to shift as much.