Alrighty last one before I make my final decision. I'm kind of set on the YFZ just because it seems to have better handling and slightly more snap but if it's unreliable I'll have to get a TRX.

I'll probably be buying used. Anywhere from an 04-06. I have heard that YFZ's are more reliable because they use 5 valves instead of four but I'm not sure if that's true. Alot of people tell me the TRX's are more reliable over time. If the YFZ is only going to be a little more maitenance I'll most likely go with it but if it's more serious things I'll probably get a TRX.

I'll be doing mostly trail riding, I do ride somewhat hard but nothing like what a quad would be put through in actual racing.

 

Man... I've been over this already (go down to your original thread). I don't think either bikes would be good for you. You said you did a lot of riding in the Appalachians, and if you are always changing heights then I would say carbuated (like the YFZ and TRX) is a bad way to go. Look for EFI bikes (Electronic Fuel Injection)! You don't need to re-tune the carb. Plus the YFZ is a track/MX bike.

I still say go for a DS450X or Raptor 700.... now that you say that you want to buy them used I would say it gets trickier, as the 06 Raptors were carburated 660's. And DS450's didn't come around until 07.

So basically you kind of have to go carburated... unless there is an alternative I'm forgetting? I know that my bike, the LTR 450, was EFI and they made them in 2006, and you can get 2006s fairly cheaply now, but it's an MX/track bike, not good for mountainside trails I bet! You said that they were kinda rough yourself I think.

SO yeah kinda makes your choices a bit broader... I still say to avoid the YFZ though.

 

The R is the king of desert endurance racing (Baja, Vegas to Reno). You know, start it up and ride 1,000 miles non-stop! If you aren't on the Honda, you likely won't even finish the race, much less win! Knowing that you can't figure out what machine is most durable/reliable?????

I agree that neither of these is a good trail quad! Look for a 400EX, Z400, or Raptor 700 instead.

 

OK where to start. Having a carbed quad in the mountains is not that big of a deal. I ride in the Rockies, I have gone from 7500-13000 in one ride. You do lose some power but not enough to make me not want one. The 450 class does just fine in the tight trails. If they were so crappy on trails then why are all the top GNCC racers on 450s? It is true that it takes a bit energy and talent to ride a 450 fast on trails but they are great trail machines. Plus when you get to the open spots, the 450s will leave the 400s behind.

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: reconranger

The R is the king of desert endurance racing (Baja, Vegas to Reno). You know, start it up and ride 1,000 miles non-stop! If you aren't on the Honda, you likely won't even finish the race, much less win! Knowing that you can't figure out what machine is most durable/reliable?????



I agree that neither of these is a good trail quad! Look for a 400EX, Z400, or Raptor 700 instead.</end quote></div>

Totaly agree with reconranger by a good trail quad. I ride the Rocky's as well and if you realy want to enjoy yor ride/quad get one desinged for that purpose!

 

So according to you I don't enjoy myself? I like having a multipurpose quad. It does just fine in the trails, I can run it at the track and be competitive, and I can drag race and hold my own. The 400 class gets owned on the track and drag racing. The 700 is a dog on the track. Yes, the 400s and the 700 are great on the trails. A 450 is a great all around quad if you ask me. It has plenty of power for the mountains, it has plenty of speed. They handle very well.

 

The 700R IMO is the king of all arounders esp for trail use no rejetting (EFI)it will as you say do track but this gentelaman said trail riding and for that I would go 700R. Lets also not forget that the 700R is the most buildable 4 stroke out there and is one of the top speed kings of the desert.

Its #1 selling sport bike for a reason!

 

The Raptor is a great machine, no question. It is a completely different feel than a 450 or a 400. Stock the Raptor is not that impressive. Put the big 3 on and it is a whole different story. IMO the 700 is uncomfortable to ride. It makes me sit up too high. It just doesn't feel right. That is what sold me on the TRX450R, it's ergonomics.

Where in Colorado do you live? I'm in Aurora.

 

That is funny as that is how I feel being on a 450. Being 6.2 220 I feel very cramped when I am on my R I feel as if if I am on air and can move anywhere I need to. I like the 450 class quads that is a very competetive class and good to see them so close to each other in all apects of build and power output.

I want to try and ride a new YFZ 450R as that looks like the next gen of 450 to me though the KTM 450 has my eye as well!

I am in Co Springs. Where do you usualy ride?

 

We ride a lot near Central City and Estes Park. I've been to Rainbow Falls several times, I really like it there. The whole 4 mile area near Buena Vista is probably me favorite. What about you?

You have no idea how bad I wanna throw a leg over the KTM525XC. I do mostly trails so I'm not real fond of the 50" wide machines.