For those of you who have experience with quads like the 450R, do you think it will be a good trail quad? Let's say if I was to get one and ride it in trails, and mess around racing it. Not competative racing though, just messing around for run. Do you think it would be reliable enough so that I could ride it whenever? Like just go out and start it and ride where ever? Or will it be a pretty high-maintinance quad? I may be considering it as a future quad, but am not sure yet. Thanks.

 

I do think the 450r would be a good trail quad, it handles the rough stuff with the stock suspension as proven in the Baha 1000 (I think it was stock suspension). As for reliability issue, I think all the 450rs that entered the Baha 1000 finished, some YFZs never finished.

 

I am still debating on weather I want to do it or not. I would have to trade in the Rinny and I'm just not too sure about that. Thanks for the info.

 

I believe the 450R- as great a quad it is, would be a might too aggressive to trail duty. But y'know-- there's talk about Honda building a 650ex type of a beast. there was a short peice on it in the November issue of Dirt Wheels. I'd recommed waiting for some confirmation on this 650 project before making a move.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

I would not be the least bit surprised to see a 650ex winning the Baha 1000 this time next year. If Honda makes a 650ex their line up would be complete (finally).

 

One of the things you might want to consider is the difficulty of the trails you plan to ride. On trails with a high level of difficulty, the kickstart may be a little tough to work with in a bind. Not that anyone ever kills their quad in a bad spot. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-blush.gif[/img] As far as to much power, I don't think it will be an issue as long as the bike dynamics are properly taken into effect. I have the 400ex and it handles awesome on the trails.

Most of my riding will be on trails with occasional places to open it up, and trips to Little Sahara in Waynoka, OK. The dunes is where the 450r will shine for me. Anyways, my 450r will be here Mid January. I can't wait !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img] [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

The light weight of the bike, power, and agility should make it a great trail bike.


Anyone know when they are suppose to hit the showroom floors? I have heard many differnent stories, Some said November, some December, and others say January. Whats the truth.

 

Honda's website say's January.

 

I'm curious as to why some of you think a 650ex would be better than the 450r. I'm not saying it wouldn't be I'm just wondering why. Take the Raptor for instance (which is what a 650ex would be competing with) it is fast but not as fast as the YFZ and obviously can't handle at all like the smaller bike. Even with the larger motor it doesn't seem to climb hills anywhere near as fast (from what I've seen).
I'm sure a 650ex would be a great bike but, I just don't see it being better than the 450r. Any input on either side would be great thanks!

 

The Raptors motor is not putting out nearly as much power as it is capable of in stock form. As for how the it was built.... How Yamaha does things is much different than how Honda does things. The Honda could have more or similar power to the Raptor, and would probably be much better handling and not sit so high.