[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-confused.gif[/img]so coulld someone tell me more about the weight issue between the 450 and the 700...and what about power issues....then lastly wheelbase and ground clearance? thank everyone for thier input this will be my first quad i will be buying....i wanna get it right at first....i wish there was a dealer where you could test ride the various models in southern california..or some other way to get some ride time before i buy!

 

Both the 450's and the 700 will make a good machine but the 700 will be a better allaround machine. There will be less maintanence and more of a turn key bike than any 450 made! As far as weight issue goes that is pretty much mute as some of the 450's are bypassing it in weight now! Just look at this comparison between the 09 Raptor and the 09 YFZ 450R!
http://www.powersportsnetwork....&vehicle2=100562&go=Go

 

thanks i really needed some good input like yours!

 

The 450's are the "do more with less" machines. They use Formula 1 technology (like a little light slipper piston) to get the same power as a more traditional engine with larger displacement. These engines make all their power way up in the high rpm region....they use rev, not grunt. What I like about them, is that they keep everything as light as possible.

The Raptor 700 is a more conventional engine design, and a torque monster. It makes power down low, but falls a little flat on the top end. It carries its weight a little high in the frame, making it a little high centered. I have never liked its ergonomics. A bunch of my friends have both the Raptor and the Honda 450R or YFZ 450. They will all tell you that the 450's are faster, in spite of their lower displacement.

[And, don't even think about the Honda 700XX. Leave that heavy beast where it belongs, with the eastern rutted rocky trail riders.]

Ground clearance is similar on all the machines (except the Suzuki which comes stock with short tires), so just get a set of skid plates and you are good to go.

I also ride So. Calif. The Honda 450R is the king of desert endurance races, like Baja and Vegas-to-Reno. You know, start it up and ride 1,000 miles non-stop! If you aren't on the Honda, most likely you will not even finish the race, much less win. That was all I ever needed to know, and why I ride the 450R!!!

 

the only reason the 450r is king of baja is because honda is the only maker than gives real pit support. and btw the new 700xx won the baja this year. this proves even more its the make not the model. also i know a pro rider who has been racing the 450r the last couple of years and this year is probaly swiching to the new yfz450r. and i would bet a raptor 700 with barker/monster duals, intake and a efi unit willl take out any 450 with only pipe and intake and the right jetting in a drag race or hill shoot.

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: bigned1904

the only reason the 450r is king of baja is because honda is the only maker than gives real pit support. and btw the new 700xx won the baja this year. this proves even more its the make not the model.</end quote></div>

Honda does this with their new models, just to prove they can go the distance! The riders get paid to ride whatever the company is trying to promote at the moment, but you can bet they would rather be back on the R than on that big XX pig!

 

All the 450's need frequent oil changes. They have little slipper pistons, that tolerate a lot of blow-by. Fuel rapidly contaminates the oil and dilutes it out. Other than that, they aren't any more high-maintenance than any other machine.

Some good reading on oil changes, and "thumper" engine design:

http://www.belray.com/scripts/...44c5-84fb-2c3bc27e9509

 

after reading allthese informative posts im now more cufused than ever i guess i just need some *** time on ech bike! thank for all the input so far....i guess i will just have to hide behnd a rock inthe desert and gank a couple of bikes as they ride by..just to check em out dont cha know!

 

Alright just to try to clear things up for you...

450's are a LOT lighter than a 700.

Power wise, 700 obviously has more torque, but the 450 is a racing, motocross engine, very high performance.

Racing just about any 450 vs a 700 in a drag race... the result will usually be equal, if not the 450 will win. The 700 usually takes off quicker - it has A TON of torque. But once you get the 450's into the high-rev range, they will usually take off. The 450 is a lot lighter, whereas the 700 is big and heavy (top heavy, bad center of gravity IMO), but still great for trails.

Wheelbase, 450's are longer, wider, and lower, with better center of gravity. They have about the same ground clearance.

Hope this cleared up a few things.

 

the raptor 700 is just as wide as the trx450r and the yfz450.