arnt the 450 quads like the 450 dirt bike when it comes to maintenance???
if rode hard... top end rebuild every 20 to25 hours and low end rebuild every 60 hours...
i have a 05 crf 450x, that had ti intake valves that were junk after 15 hours...... replaced um with SS..
you have to check the valve adj. often and adj. often ( if there titanum).....
change the oil after every ride( there hard on oil)... so i guess what im saying is there mainenance intencive.....
but the hondas as far as power are king...... and respond to mods the best..... [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]
IMO...................

 

I would either pick the YFZ yamaha 450, or the Honda 450R, but in my oppinion, i would pick the Yamaha over the honda, because of better handling and More bottom and mid range power, it is an awesome machine!!

 

I would consider the new outlaw 525 from Polaris, KTM powered!

 

go with the one that has a more comfortable riding position. The 06 Honda is a much better machine that the previous years as far as performance, the newer YFZs are more comfy than the old ones. If you go with a YFZ stick with stock cams and put them in the modded position. Just did a cam shoot out last weekend and the stockers did very well. The YFZ has a much more comfortable drag racing position[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img] much easier to sit on the seat than the honda.

 

I have an 07 injected raptor 700 and have only riden it one trip but I can tell you its a ripper! I put a pipe on mine and a prodesign intake/filter kit and a fuel injection controller and its an animal. it has so much torque too which is something that the high rpm 450's will never have. its very smooth riding and will outrun equally equiped yamaha suzuki and honda 450's with ease. didnt see any kawi's so couldnt say about them. it doesnt have titanium valves or a hockey puck for a piston so a rebuild wont be for years. it more than makes up for the weight difference with power and ride quallity.

 

thanks for the replies. Bigwaynester, do you just roll the cam forward one tooth? I have a buddy with the yammie 450 that needs a little help.

 

Yes, im pretty sure u roll it forward one tooth, my friend that had a YFZ 450 did, and u wouldnt believe the difference it made!

 

yes the exhaust cam. that makes it the same as the dirt bike cam setting. It is very easy to do as well.

on my other post I ment to say it is easier to sit on the gas tank than the honda..Do the gas tank test when you check one out and you will see what I mean, the transition is much easier on a YFZ.

YFZ 's also have great stock valves and valve train. If your friend need any more info let me know. Pipe and intake, free cam mod=whole new machine.

 

I usually ride with a couple 450's when we go to the dunes, the only complaint that I hear from anyone who has one, either brand, is the seat is like sitting on a 2x4 on edge. I know my skinny a$$ can't take that hard seat for very long, just a thought.

Seth

 

i lik the 450r the best