450r or 400ex
#1
03-23-2005, 11:35 AM
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450r or 400ex
Im going to be buying a new wheeler this spring and cant decide what to get. I want the 400ex because it has reverse and electic start, but I also want the 450r because no one is going to beat me out here if I own one. Also, ive heard that you have to rebuild the motor often on the 450r, and if thats true I dont want to dump all kinds of money into it. And how much more maintenance is a 450r then the 400ex. Thanks.
#2
03-23-2005, 12:09 PM
#3
03-23-2005, 12:33 PM
Pirate Biker
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450r or 400ex
The 450r does not need to be rebuilt often. Not really sure what you mean by often though.
If you are really used to using reverse and e start I'd say stay with the 400ex. However, the 450r is a sweet quad, I trail ride mine most of the time. I have never had reverse on any of my quads so I don't miss it.
Just like on the 400ex, regular and frequent oil changes are suggested. I have not heard of any problems with the 450r yet. I suppose if you were racing it exclusively you would need to rebuild the top end from time to time, but with just casual riding I think this thing will last alomost as long as a 400ex.
If you are really used to using reverse and e start I'd say stay with the 400ex. However, the 450r is a sweet quad, I trail ride mine most of the time. I have never had reverse on any of my quads so I don't miss it.
Just like on the 400ex, regular and frequent oil changes are suggested. I have not heard of any problems with the 450r yet. I suppose if you were racing it exclusively you would need to rebuild the top end from time to time, but with just casual riding I think this thing will last alomost as long as a 400ex.
#4
03-23-2005, 02:17 PM
450r or 400ex
My local Honda dealer recently informed me that the TRX450R has all stainless valves unlike the two problematic titanium intake valves on CRF450R motocrosser. The TRX450R also has bigger coolant radiator than CRF plus it has seperate oil cooler where CRF has none. The TRX cannot rev or make the power of the CRF so my take on this is the TRX should be much longer lasting than CRF. If anyone has contrary info on TRX valves please let me know.
#5
03-23-2005, 02:34 PM
450r or 400ex
Oldturtle, this is why I think between the 450's the Honda will shine in the long run. The Honda was a little more toned down to be more reliable and user friendly. Like I try and tell people, dirtbikes are pushing more power mainly cause they get sold to more racers, while quad generally get bough by recreanalists. Give it a few years and we will se which 450 looks good next to the other.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]
#6
03-23-2005, 03:57 PM
#7
03-23-2005, 06:18 PM
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#8
03-23-2005, 11:52 PM
Elite Pro Rider
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#9
03-24-2005, 10:31 AM
Red Rider
Honda, accept nothing less!
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450r or 400ex
These are VERY different machines! The EX is a great trail machine, although underpowered by todays standards. The R is a screamer. It is best suited for more open country, and fast open trails. The engine has to be ridden revved out. If you are going to ride a tight trail, you are going to have to work the clutch a lot, and it gets real old real fast. A gearing change might help.
The EX motor is very durable. The R engine should have frequent oil changes, and will need more frequent top end rebuilds. http://www.thumperfaq.com/oil.htm Everything that goes for the CRF dirt bike, goes for the R.
One other piece of advice. Only a fool would buy a 400EX for the same MSRP as a Z400. Unless you strictly ride very tight, semi-technical trails, do yourself a favor and get a Z400! The Z is by far the best all-around macine there is.
The EX motor is very durable. The R engine should have frequent oil changes, and will need more frequent top end rebuilds. http://www.thumperfaq.com/oil.htm Everything that goes for the CRF dirt bike, goes for the R.
One other piece of advice. Only a fool would buy a 400EX for the same MSRP as a Z400. Unless you strictly ride very tight, semi-technical trails, do yourself a favor and get a Z400! The Z is by far the best all-around macine there is.
#10
03-24-2005, 07:24 PM
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450r or 400ex
Ill only buy a honda, so no z400 for me. I wouldnt mind buying a left over 400 if i can find one, I like the older plastic. I do ride ALOT of tight trails, but i also take trips once ina while to a place with LONG dirt roads, straight too. Will I really have to rebuild the top end even if im not racing?