Whats the story on the DS450?
Jan 22, 2008 | 07:37 PM
#2
The Champ
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 9,615
Likes: 0
From: San Diego
Whats the story on the DS450?
It is an interesting Can-Am crowd here. You have a big section that loves the Renegade/Outlander and the other are the big boyz on their DS650's or in many cases, even bigger.
Thing with this board is that many came together because the 650 fit their needs and the 450 is not really their cup of tea.
There are plenty of places having good discussions, just search.
I will tell you that the 450 is an exceptional quad and will be extremely cometitive this year in the racing circuits. I've seen them, ridden them and will own one once my funds improve.
TPR
Thing with this board is that many came together because the 650 fit their needs and the 450 is not really their cup of tea.
There are plenty of places having good discussions, just search.
I will tell you that the 450 is an exceptional quad and will be extremely cometitive this year in the racing circuits. I've seen them, ridden them and will own one once my funds improve.
TPR
Jan 22, 2008 | 07:56 PM
#4
Pro Rider
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,574
Likes: 0
From: East Brunswick, New Jersey
Whats the story on the DS450?
Hey TPR,
I'm really considering one in 09. Could you tell me a little more about the ride? I've ridden YFZs and I really don't like the quad. It's fast and low but I just don't like the ride. How different is it from that (power, egros). It seems very promising. How is the low end? Also what concerns me is the aftermarket crowd. I'm considering a a Honda 450 as well.. a little cheaper and GOBS of stuff for it.. but the DS450 the more I see it the more appealing it is becoming. Just want to wait 1 year see how it takes off and if there is any possiblity Can-Am reintroduces a sporty Big Bore in the future.
I'm really considering one in 09. Could you tell me a little more about the ride? I've ridden YFZs and I really don't like the quad. It's fast and low but I just don't like the ride. How different is it from that (power, egros). It seems very promising. How is the low end? Also what concerns me is the aftermarket crowd. I'm considering a a Honda 450 as well.. a little cheaper and GOBS of stuff for it.. but the DS450 the more I see it the more appealing it is becoming. Just want to wait 1 year see how it takes off and if there is any possiblity Can-Am reintroduces a sporty Big Bore in the future.
Jan 22, 2008 | 10:46 PM
#5
Extreme Pro Rider
THAT!!!!!Sounds down right sexy!
THAT!!!!!Sounds down right sexy!
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 4,389
Likes: 0
Whats the story on the DS450?
TPR you are correct but like entomber i want too wait a tad. Im still a tad weary the frame is awesome but lets see after a full season. What the results are that is all that has me on the fence right now.But if all gose well this racing season i will own one next because i have not found any other major worries with the design. And i do think it is as good as the ds in design and ergos for the job it was built to do. BUT ONCE AGAIN CAN AM HAS ONLY BLEW IT WITH SUPPORT OF THERE PRODUCTS THERE IS A LITTLE MORE AFTER MARKET STUFF FOR THE 450. BUT NOTHING COMPARED TO HONDA OR YAMAHA BY THIER REALEASES.LETS SEE IF THEY CAN MATCH ARTIC CATS PODIUM STANDS THERE FIRST YEAR.CAN AM DOSE BUILD A AWESOME LINEUP AND I DOUGHT THERE IS ANY OTHER MANUFACTURE THAT CAN SHOW THEM HOW TO IMPROVE THERE MACHINES. BUT THEY CAN TAKE A LESSON FROM ALL THE OTHER MANUFATURES ON HOW TO BUILD A LOYAL CUSTOMER FOLLOWING.OOOOPPPPSSSS I GOT OFF SUBJECT.BUT IN SUMMARY I WOULD JUST LIKE THIS OPURTUNITY TO SAY CAN AM GET YOUR HEADS OUT YOUR REARS. TEAMS WANT FREE OR ALMOST FREE BIKES START SUPPORTING THE PEOPLE WHO PAY FULL PRICE AND THEN SOME.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-blush.gif[/img]
Jan 23, 2008 | 11:57 AM
#7
The Champ
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 9,615
Likes: 0
From: San Diego
Whats the story on the DS450?
Ok, here's the skinny on the aftermarket: You'll see within the next 6 months virtually every company that makes parts for the TRX, YFZ etc. will have the same for the DS. Outside of Epic you have ATV Four Play, Leager's, Lone Star etc with suspension upgrades, you have virtually all the exhaust manufacturers on board and I know that most of the prominent engine builders have already gotten their hands on one. All the other goodies, that are typical of the aftermarket, bumpers, nerfs, pegs, bars all will be available as well. Not the limited products you see with the DS 650.
I also wouldn't fault anyone waiting a year, why not? If you are not in need of a new quad, just wait. I can tell you that during testing and racing from the time the quad was unveiled to the production units hitting the street, a number of small yet beneficial changes were made. This was a direct result of their effort to weed out problem areas that come up.
The good news is that if there are indeed any chassis flaws or problems, the way the frame is designed allows for changes to be made more easily as if you have to change a part or beef a part up, you can almost do it on the fly.
As for riding one, all I can tell you is that after you ride this 450 and then go back to another 450, the difference is very dramatic. You'll realize how well the mass is centralized and how that, along with the light weight and great front end geometry will allow you greater confidence in that the quad will do what you ask it to do. There is no fighting the quad, it doesn't kick back nearly as much as even race quads with dampers. It goes where you want, when you want and that is a good thing. The stock shocks are great as well, very progressive, they go from plush to firm to avoid harsh bottoming.
The power is very Rotax, stock you feel like the power is light on the bottom, in reality you are at about 1hp deficet compared to the top which is Honda. Once you hit the midrange, look out, it's got power for days. Now add a pipe, filter and either a programmer or pink wire mod and the bottom end wakes up big time and you still get more on the mid-top.
Don't know what else to tell you other than wait or not, this is a great quad.
TPR
I also wouldn't fault anyone waiting a year, why not? If you are not in need of a new quad, just wait. I can tell you that during testing and racing from the time the quad was unveiled to the production units hitting the street, a number of small yet beneficial changes were made. This was a direct result of their effort to weed out problem areas that come up.
The good news is that if there are indeed any chassis flaws or problems, the way the frame is designed allows for changes to be made more easily as if you have to change a part or beef a part up, you can almost do it on the fly.
As for riding one, all I can tell you is that after you ride this 450 and then go back to another 450, the difference is very dramatic. You'll realize how well the mass is centralized and how that, along with the light weight and great front end geometry will allow you greater confidence in that the quad will do what you ask it to do. There is no fighting the quad, it doesn't kick back nearly as much as even race quads with dampers. It goes where you want, when you want and that is a good thing. The stock shocks are great as well, very progressive, they go from plush to firm to avoid harsh bottoming.
The power is very Rotax, stock you feel like the power is light on the bottom, in reality you are at about 1hp deficet compared to the top which is Honda. Once you hit the midrange, look out, it's got power for days. Now add a pipe, filter and either a programmer or pink wire mod and the bottom end wakes up big time and you still get more on the mid-top.
Don't know what else to tell you other than wait or not, this is a great quad.
TPR
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Jan 24, 2008 | 12:16 AM
#8
Extreme Pro Rider
THAT!!!!!Sounds down right sexy!
THAT!!!!!Sounds down right sexy!
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 4,389
Likes: 0
Whats the story on the DS450?
You are correct about the bike TPR the ride is unmatched and is way ahead of the comp.But like i said team racing and us guy's who need a bike to pull off several seasons is two different thing's. But no ever make the mistake of believing i don't like the bike it is the shiz nit its Can Ams loyality to us im questioning.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]
Jan 24, 2008 | 12:09 PM
#10
The Champ
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 9,615
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From: San Diego
Whats the story on the DS450?
<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: AZSAND
You are correct about the bike TPR the ride is unmatched and is way ahead of the comp.But like i said team racing and us guy's who need a bike to pull off several seasons is two different thing's. But no ever make the mistake of believing i don't like the bike it is the shiz nit its Can Ams loyality to us im questioning.[IMG][/IMG]</end quote></div>
Ok, here's what I have heard in regards to the bike's durability outside in the realm of the everyday man.
The motor, during tests against Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki and Suzuki were as follows, and I apologize for not having the actual hours logged as they were never given to me.
The Suzuki motor needed a rebuild the quickest, followed by Yamaha, Kawasaki and Honda. The DS had I believe an substantial number of additional hours on it prior to needing a rebuild. Now my speculation is that is is probably due to the fact that the most equalizing factor in the weight of the DS is the motor. I believe that because they were able to save sooo much weight everywhere else, they added a bit of beef to the engine to improve reliability whereas the other motors are very light and contribute to the weight savings. I don't have actual weight figures but I'd be willing to bet they have an additional 5 pounds or so.
Now again, I could be totally wrong on the weight issue, but if you factor all the savings in weight elsewhere and having about 5 pounds of overall savings over the others (I know KTM came in lightest with 1 gallon of fuel in tests) that some weight had to come from the motor.
The one thing all 650 owners know is that the motor is not the lightest on the market, but easily one of the most durable.
Disclaimer: What I posted was basic information at best, test results can and would likely vary under different circumstances with different testers so I am in no way discrediting any other manufacturer.
TPR
You are correct about the bike TPR the ride is unmatched and is way ahead of the comp.But like i said team racing and us guy's who need a bike to pull off several seasons is two different thing's. But no ever make the mistake of believing i don't like the bike it is the shiz nit its Can Ams loyality to us im questioning.[IMG][/IMG]</end quote></div>
Ok, here's what I have heard in regards to the bike's durability outside in the realm of the everyday man.
The motor, during tests against Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki and Suzuki were as follows, and I apologize for not having the actual hours logged as they were never given to me.
The Suzuki motor needed a rebuild the quickest, followed by Yamaha, Kawasaki and Honda. The DS had I believe an substantial number of additional hours on it prior to needing a rebuild. Now my speculation is that is is probably due to the fact that the most equalizing factor in the weight of the DS is the motor. I believe that because they were able to save sooo much weight everywhere else, they added a bit of beef to the engine to improve reliability whereas the other motors are very light and contribute to the weight savings. I don't have actual weight figures but I'd be willing to bet they have an additional 5 pounds or so.
Now again, I could be totally wrong on the weight issue, but if you factor all the savings in weight elsewhere and having about 5 pounds of overall savings over the others (I know KTM came in lightest with 1 gallon of fuel in tests) that some weight had to come from the motor.
The one thing all 650 owners know is that the motor is not the lightest on the market, but easily one of the most durable.
Disclaimer: What I posted was basic information at best, test results can and would likely vary under different circumstances with different testers so I am in no way discrediting any other manufacturer.
TPR