Right around the bend in April, I'm gonna be making the switch to a new 450. I just cannot decide which one to get.

I have ridden both. My friend just got a brand new all stock 2005 TRX450r and I have ridden my friends 2004 YFZ450 with a Dr. D slip-on. I love the power on both of them. They both just wanna take off and I love it. I just can't decide! I am kind've leaning towards the YFZ because now that my one friend just got his 450r, all of my friends are trying to get one. I can't decide!

Here's the interesting part however.
My friend with the 05 450R Drag raced my other friend with the piped YFZ up a hill. They are both good riders, both are around the same weight, the YFZ was piped, and my friend on the 450R beat the YFZ up the hill. I dunno whether it was from tires because the person on the YFZ still has there stockers on and there getting pretty bald, and the 450r's we're the first weekend on em.

Maybe you guy's can help me decide.

I don't mind a kickstart, I used to ride a 250r, so it doesn't bother me at all.
I mainly ride trails, but starting in around march, me and my bud's are gonna race MX.
The 450r felt kinda narrow, and I can't remember the YFZ that much because it was a long time before I even considered getting one.

Any suggestions/comments/opinions/choices would be awesome.

Thanks
Warrior68man

 

See this post:<a href="http://forums.atvconnection.com/messageview.cfm?catid=8&threadid=426668&highlight_ key=y&keyword1=450R">

http://forums.atvconnection.com/messageview.cfm?catid=8&threadid=426668&highlight_ key=y&keyword1=450R</A>

I heartily agree with Duncan on this one! It's pretty simple, if you want an all-around machine, I choose the Honda. If you want an MX machine, choose the Yamaha. I meet guys out on the trail (desert cross-country) on the Yamaha, and they don't seem to be having all that much fun.

 

I understand what your saying about it being better at everything else besides MX, but about the cross country thing. Take a look at Bill Ballance. I know its mostly rider and he could probably do what he does on any machine, but he chooses the YFZ. The only gncc guy who actually gets some wins on a 450r is Chris Borich. Not to inflick any arguements, just stating some facts. I guess the average rider would do better on a 450r then a yfz on trails.

I dunno....like I said, the 450r seemed too narrow. I bet I would get used to it though. Afterall, my EX is 48inches wide so cornering on it is like a dream.

Thanks for the input. It was appreciated and helpful.

 

http://www.gtthunder.com/trxDynoHp.html
http://www.gtthunder.com/trxDynoTorque.html
http://www.atvquadnews.com/article.cfm?id=71

 

On the other hand, look at Doug Eichners sweep of the WORCS series (part MX and part XC), on the R. If you look at the list of top 10 finishers, there are more R's than anything else!

With ITP Baja rims and Holeshot XC tires, my R is just under 50" in the rear, and +2" in front. I did think the bike was a little tippy in stock form, but who keeps their bike stock??? I run my R strictly in the open desert, and have no sense of instability even at very high speed. It's one sweet ride!

If you are mostly a trail rider, either one of the 450's isn't really the best choice, at least not in stock form. The Honda handles well on the trail, but has a pipey powerband (lots of clutch slipping necessary in the technical stuff). The Yamaha also has a pipey powerband, and stiff suspension that is set up for the track, not the trail. Your 400EX is probably one of the best trail bikes ever, and if that is mostly what you ride, KEEP IT!

 

that last link is such a joke, they cant even spell right! then they compare how much gas they hold? lmao they are so honda biased because every time the yamaha is better in a certain category they quote dumb sayings like "the yamaha takes it"...unbelievable

 

o just cause somebody liked the honda better dosent mean u gotta cry. uh trailriders can use every gallon of gas they can get

 

Get the yfz.

 

lmao.... it comes down to whether to like blue or red better....

 

ok i know this is a bit insensitive, but i dont think id take advide from a kid with a 250ex,but thats just me