hi,

for those with the 450r honda, how much of a pain is the kickstart, or hinderance when riding, i was contemplating betwen the quads where i have got great advice so far, considering i am now seeing the light that the 450r is 'more' of an all rounder (being honda i am hoping more reliable as well)than the yfz,the only thing i am concerned about is the kickstart.

 

First of all, neither of the 450's are going to be as "reliable" as say something like the bulletproof 400EX or Z400. It is just the nature of these engines. They are built for maximum performance and they rev very fast. The faster you go, the sooner things are going to wear out........it's just simple physics! You are trading durability for performance. (I am planning on doing a top end every 100 hrs. or so.) Also, these machines will need frequent oil changes. I change mine every 5 hrs., absolute maximum. Nice thing though, the Honda has the transmission oil seperate from the engine oil. Nice going Honda! (Great article. Everything that goes for the CRF dirt bike, also goes for the TRX quad. http://www.thumperfaq.com/oil.htm )

The kick starter is no big deal. Once you learn the drill, it will start first kick every time. When it's cold, you have to use full choke to start, the quickly adjust the choke to idle it down. When it's hot, pull the hot start button, but never tough the throtle until after it has started (otherwise it will flood). I have come to really enjoy the kicker!!!

I have my 450 set up as a desert racer. I pick it for more open trails and fast desert riding. It is geared tall and likes to rev, so it isn't a great bike for real tight or technical trails (maybe a gearing change could fix that?). Finest machine I have ever ridden!

 

The kick start is not a pain at all. Like recon said, mainly first kick every time unless it gets flooded.
I can start it sitting down out on the trail. After adjust to the kick start you will absolutely love this quad!

 

some may disagree with me on this, but i think the kickstarter is better than the electric. a kicker will never let you down, i say this because when i was riding my 250R with my buddy on his 2004 Warrior, his battery went dead and that's the only thing he had to start it, luckily we were riding where there were hills so he was able to jump start it.

 

yeah id have to say i went from my 250r to my 400ex and i feel like a sissy not havin a kickstart lol but oh well it beats makein u tired when ur bike wont start





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99 440ex
84 250r