I'm new to the forum and would just liek to say hello. I've read many post from here and it seems everyone really knows what they are talking about. Here is my question. I am a Honda fan, I ride a CT265 Honda 250r. I am going to be selling my bike to purchase a 450. I was certain on the trx450r until the last couple of weeks. I have heard things that lean me towards the YFZ450. The problem is I want to ride a Honda, I want to be competitive and relatively reliable. Can anyone give me their honest opinion on this. I know there have been a ton of TRX VS YFZ things on here, but I need to know the pros and cons, not a pissing match. I'd like to hear any disappointments both YFZ and TRX buyers have experiences, as well as, what you do like, and if dirtwheels take on the subject was realistic.

Thank you in advance!

Paul

 

Welcome. To me, it's similar to the classic battle of Ford vs. Chevy.

I think both the YZF and TRX are excellent machines, both with strengths and weaknesses, either one isn't going to cost you races or win you races, you are, as the rider. I'll leave it at that.

 

From what I know about the two, the Yami revs a bit faster, but the Honda has a higher top speed.
They are so close in specs as to appear that there will be very little difference between them.
I would say the Yami would probably win a 300 yard drag race, but the Honda is so much more
comfortable to ride that it would undoubtably be the best trail bike. Honda also has the best reputation
in the handling and durability departments. I would expect this to be reflected in their 450 too.

It boils down to this:
Want absolute maximum performance - get the Yami
Want the best all around quad - get the Honda.

Of course there will be Yami owners who disagree with this. But most know it to be true, even if they will
not admit it.

 

Welcome to the forums.

The most consistent information that I have heard is that the Honda is more comfortable as the Yamaha has a rock hard seat.

Now then, what have you heard to lean you towards the Yamaha? If you post what you have heard then you can get some "honest" feedback from those who own either. Good luck!

 

pbell read this post:

http://forums.atvconnection.com/mess...did/381914.cfm

then read this one:

http://forums.atvconnection.com/mess...did/382203.cfm

 

Well it's not so much what I have heard of the YFZ lately, it's what I've heard of the TRX. I've had a decent amount of seat time on yfz's with some mods and I like the bike. I have several friends that own the YFZ and I want to have something a little different, and the peice of mind of owning a Honda. Some of things I don't like about the yfz are: The swingarm (I've had 3 friends break them), axlecarrier and chain adjustment. I am hoping to swap some of the stuff from my 250r onto the 450r, but not counting on it, my r is heavily modified and I'd like to make use of some of the more expensive parts (i.e. shocks, a-arms) if at all possible. What I really don't like about what I have heard is that the front end is light. I raced this weekend and a guy had a 450r and everytime he jumped it the bike was straight up and down, in the corners he kept tipping. I didn't know the guy so I'm not sure how good of a rider he is or isn't. The bike was bone stock (except tires and rims) and didn't seem to have the muscle that the yfz's have. Could be b/c it's so quiet. I appreciate any help you 450r riders can give, i want to campaign the Honda,,

Oh and I should add that I ride primarily MX

I read the post your recommended and they help, one additional question: What needs to be adjusted on the trx450r throttle?

 

I would say that of the two machines, the Honda is easier to ride, what I mean is that it will reward you when you are riding hard, easy or whatever. They Yamaha is a machine that likes to be ridden a little harder, and it will reward a rider who rides that way. Obviously the starter issue, its really easy to kick over the 450R, I can do it sitting first kick EVERY time. Your A Arms will not work, you shocks could, I should say, they will bolt up. You can make your rear axle work, if you have a axle for a dual row carrier it takes a little work, but I know how, PM me if you end up doing it, I will hook you up). Wheels will work, rear sprockets will work, bumper will work (front ) rear off a 88-89 250R will work, your nerfs whould work, might need a little modifing, then the obvious stuff: bars, shock covers, levers, ect.
I have the HRC kit in mine, well the cam, I have no lid and a k&n, I was able to beat a few stock yfz's, one with a pipe. This was up a sand hill. I would say stock for stock, its a hp or two. Not worth arguing over.
If you like Honda, have tires/wheels, and some parts to swap over, go that way, if not. Go Yamaha. I am VERY happy with my 450R, but I would be happy with the YFZ450 too.

EDIT: onthe throttle, nothing SHOULD need adjustment. Honda should take care of that at the dealer, but basically, the cable needs to be adjusted so it will open the slide all the way. On the carb side.

 

For what it's worth, I will back anything KGB says.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

For the few months that I've been here, everything this guy says is genuine and true...he knows his stuff and doesn't bother with BS.

 

KGB -

Have you jumped you 450r yet? I notice you do a lot of sand riding, have you taken it on dirt yet? If so how was the front end and cornering? Not to get too personal but how tall are you and how much do you weigh? Again all your guys help is and has been appreciated.

 

Just 4 kicks, Thanks Man!
No problem pbell75,
I am 6'4 230#. It fits me great, I must admit there are two things I like better about the Honda over the Yamaha.(1) Ergos for a tall guy (this could be fixed through changing peg heights, and bars), and (2)the seat/tank. The tank has these cool reliefs in it for your knees, you can really grip that thing with your legs, really toss it around. I love that part. I don't mind a 3.2 gallon tank either, for desert/dunes rides that comes in handy.
In the air its awesone. I had a 400ex, w/ +3 a arms, axle, shocks, ect, stock this handles landings as good as my aftermarket suspension. My best friend and brother in law, has a 250R with alot of mods (suspension included), it fells very similar to the 250r in the air, not like my ex did. It feels super light inthe air. (Like a YFZ)
I have not had it on dirt. I can't say about that. I can say I never have thought it had too light of a front end. But take that for what its worth, I have only had it on the sand. We do find little tracks an really rally around them at the dunes, so we do get on them in and out of turns, never had trouble with too much weelie.
Fell free to ask whatever.