I sold my LTR about a year ago and have been dying to get back on a quad....now im stuck on which 450 to go with this time around. I DO NOT want a yfz, but im interested in just about everything else. I would like to know your guys pros and cons on your recommendations please. I primarily trail ride with some open fast trails now and then. Ive been looking into the ds450 a lot more and kinda like what I see, but I absolutely loved the handling and power of my ltr. The wide stance and gearing made it difficult in the woods at times though. Ive also always loved the simplicity and durability of the hondas but they lack in suspension. Not much experience with the kfxs tho...any input would be great, thanks.

 

You could try changing the sprockets to a slightly smaller or larger one depending on what you are looking for for woods riding. A friend said the same as you. It seemed to high geared for the woods,so i believe he put a 2, 3 or 4 tooth smaller sprocket on the front and he said it was perfect. cheap fix. I always thought the EX had really good suspension.

 

When I was choosing a 450 to buy, I narrowed my choices down to the Honda TRX, the Kawasaki KFX, and the Cam Am DS. I left out the KTM 450xc because I don't know much about the company, and this is the first atv they've made so I'll stick to the ones who are familiar with the industry. I ride mostly woods/open trails, so keeping this in mind I chose these three for the following reasons:

TRX 450R
Pros: -Smooth power delivery, good power produced through low/mid/high
-Great ergonomics, the controls are all placed well, its comfortable
-Split oil circuits for engine/transmission, keeps engine and transmission cleaner, which increases operational life
-Reliable engine, no known major defaults
-Really smooth shifting transmission
-Lots of aftermarket parts available
Cons: -Suspension isn't as good as competitors, doesn't mean its bad though
-Not the most powerful stock

KFX 450
Pros: -Good low/mid end power
-Has reverse
-Impressive 32 bit fuel injection, auto adjusts for altitude, temperature, you only use as much fuel as you need
-starts good in any weather
-light, easy to handle
-decent suspension
Cons: -Vibrates more than any other 450
-Restrictive air intake design cuts top end power
-feels a little cramped
-titanium valves, lighter but they can beat the hell out of the valve seats after awhile

DS 450
Pros: -Amazing power, mid/high end pulls hard
-Great air intake design
-lightweight, and feels even lighter than it is
-amazing front end and suspension, best handling in the business
-dual pyramid, no weld aluminum frame, stronger and lighter than traditional welded aluminum frames
-great ergonomics, really comfortable
-great brakes
-great 16 bit fuel injection, starts in any weather
Cons: -lack of low end power noticeable in fourth, fifth gear; cutting the pink wire, removing the baffle and inserting a K & N air filter fix this issue easily enough
-radiator is a little more exposed to mud than other 450s
-handle bars too low, 1"+ riser fixes this
-a little bit of vibration when revved up

 

We've owned a 250 EX, a 300 EX, a 400 EX, a Raptor 250, three YFZ 450s, a Raptor 660, three DS 650s, and a DS 450. Of the 450s we've owned, the DS 450 is far better than the YFZ 450s. Although it has less power down low than a YFZ 450, it has significantly more power in the mid and upper RPM range. Suspension is far more plush, yet still handles the big hits well. Handling is the main thing that sets it apart from the YFZ though, and the DS 450s handling is the best of any sport quad we've owned. It drives great, with no darting or bump steer.

If I were buying a 450 sport quad right now it would be a DS 450.

 

Thanks for the input guys, really. I like the ds450 a lot for the handling and suspension but all I'm finding near me for a decent price is 08s and the clutch issue scares me..but I have thought about swapping sprockets on an Ltr....Honda=reliable...keep the thoughts coming guys

 

Haven't had problems with the clutch on my DS 450 so far, but I have heard about some having noisy clutches. They did have a recall for it too, but drilling some holes through the clutch pack solves this problem. I intended to get a TRX 450 when I was looking at quads, but I found a DS for a decent price and I couldn't resist. I don't have any regrets whatsoever, but I might be picking up an '06 450r rolling chassis if the price is right. Its weird riding the DS after everything else I've ridden, it feels so advanced, very well designed; perfect ergos for me.