Took a ride today to a friends shop to buy the kids a quad for xmas. While there I spoke with the GM about the 450R. He said they are looking at around 50 HP stock ( I'm guessing BHP) and that the HRC kit, which will be available when the 450 is unleashed, will provide around a 7 HP increase. The kit includes a new cam and a insert for the silencer. The HRC kit will retail for $299, dealer cost was around $210 I believe. The shop I was at is slated for 12 450Rs initially and the GM stated that he has requested an additional 15. He will be taking delivery of the first bike in early December, if all goes as planned. Said that they expect to start getting their inventory in Jan., with the bikes being dribbled out through spring of '04.

I was invited to take a ride on the first 450R they receive, as they have a dirt track on the shops property. I'll let y'all know my first impressions once I get the ride. It sure looks like Honda is doing their homework on this bike to make it competitive to the YZF. Guess time will tell.

Scott W.

 

the numbers sound a little inflated to me. Of course I hope they're not and that the bike really will have 50 ponies I just kinda doubt it.

 

I agree. After seeing some dyno numbers on the YZF, I won't believe it 'till I see it. Would be cool if it did make 50, even at the crank that would be pretty awesome for a light machine.

 

I know that some of the mags such as atv sport and dirtwheels have 450r's right now and will be doing test on them shortly.

 

What do they say about maintenance intervals?? Like do you have to do a top end every 20 hrs???

 

No, that's why they went with a 3 ring setup unlike the dirt bike 450 motor.

 

Yeah, I don't think they will be as extreme as the bike. They have changed the piston skirt and lost the TI valves, from what I understand. The machine looks like it's doing 80 while parked, I really think it's going to be a winner and I'm not a brand loyaliest. Heck, I don't even own a Honda.... yet [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img] .

Did anyone hear about the controls ? Wondering if they are going to use a braided ss brake line set up ? Not that it's a big deal to swap them out, but it would be nice if the top end machines came with more top end parts IMHO. That's one of the things I like about the pred. my friend has.

Scott W.

 

Some peoples info on dyno numbers are the figmant of their wildest imaginations.. HMF does real dyno numbers w/ knobby tires not Hoosiers on their YFZ and there not even getting close to 50 hp. The CRF has always had less peak hp and less hit then the YZF on the dirtbikes so why would the quad be any different.. Honda has their work cut out to top the YFZ and I don't see it happening. My bro owns a cam modded YFZ and it is amazing.. I don't and won't own either anytime soon so I am unbiased..

 

That's very true and dyno numbers can and do vary greatly from dyno to dyno. Too many variables are involved with a dyno to presume that your bike will turn the same numbers as another bike with the same equipment. Factors such as elevation, ambient air temp, humidity, the dyno operator, traction on the rollers, etc. all come into play. A dyno is a tool that is best used for diagnostic resources and for comapring what increases you have made to your machine. Dyno your bike stock, add some HP mods and then dyno again on the same dyno, same weather for knowledge as to what you have increased.

 

The mags won't have them til next week, or maybe later. Honda's call.