I've been looking for this comparison for some time in ANY of the magazines. I want to buy a 450ER, but want to see how it stacks up to the Yammie. Don't know what's taking them so long; lots of us must be wanting to see the two compared. Any of you have any first hand results of these two machines pitted against each other...particularly at the dunes? Only interested in 06 vs. 06. I'd be interested in some feedback and observations on this. Thanks!

 

Been wondering myself, why it has taken them so long to do a review where someone actually rides the machine. It usually takes another issue after that before they get out a shootout article.........should be a nice 3 way shootout between the Honda, Yamaha, and new Suzuki!

 

That's probably what they are waiting on.

 

Guaranteed that's what they're waiting on. Boys I have to say, and this is not just because I own a 'Zuk (I used to have a Rubicon and love Hondas), I think this year it's going to go:

1. Suzuki LT-R450
2. Honda TRX450R
3. Yamaha YFZ450R

 

Goblin-If you are talking an out of the box MX racer, than you are probably right. Certainly, one needs to put a-arms on either the Honda or Yamaha to be truely raceable, and the Suzuki comes with them right out of the box.

However, if you are talking desert or cross-country racer, than I am not so sure. The Honda is currently dominating the desert!

 

This is true. I was referring to out-of-the-box mxer. Sorry I did not specify.

 

I'll bet the mag write ups for out if the box MX racing will go:

1) SUZ
2) Yam
3) Honda

 

I just don't know about that 2nd and 3rd place finish. The new kick-start version Honda sounds pretty competitive. I just wish the mags would install the HRC Kit before they do the shootout because that's the intended hop-up for every racer.

 

I am hoping the power of the 450r will be on par with the YFZ, at least with the HRC kit installed. Curious also how the suspension compares. It's taking the magazines too long to test this machine even by itself, let alone a shootout. Hoping some of you readers have done some of your own testing between the two.

 

I think with the amount of performance motor work and front end geometry fixes done to the 450r it will be better than the yfz. As for mx it would be: 1) ltr450 2) trx450r 3) yfz450 on the trails it would go 1) trx450r 2) yfz450 3) ltr450 on the dunes all would be an awesome pick, as for overall straightline power 1) ltr450 2) trx450r 3) yfz450 (I actually think the ltr and new 450r will be right on par while the yammy will be a little behind)