first of all im a honda fan. but i like to keep an open mind. im in the process of buying a sport atv. i mostly ride trails and i would like to race it on occasions. i know the raptor has reverse and it is a big bore. but i love hondas and the 450r doesn't have the reverse. but all im asking is which is a better trail quad???

 

The yamaha is a good quad it has a big engine, but that is it.
If you are riding trails,dunes or racing the honda is better.
The honda is built as a racing bike.it has lots of torq it`s lighter
and if you do some mods .its faster than the 450YFZ.

 

You are talking an 06 R, right??? The 06 is geard down a little, and should have more trail friendly gearing than the 04/05. The R has a superb trail frame and handling, but the engine likes to rev so you will have to be working the clutch a lot. Even 06 gearing is still a little tall for the trail.

The Raptor on the other hand will pull even in a gear that is to high, so you won't be having to be reving it out or working the clutch so much.

 

thank for the info
i was talking about the 2006 trx 450R elec. start
i think i will get the 450R, black! i love that bike.
now what about the reverse. is the 450R easy to turn around on a one lane dirt rode?
or do you have to get off and push it your self! i know there will be some pushing oinvolved but i was just wondering
how easy it is to turn around.

 

YIYO the Raptor 700 has way more torque thus making it a better trail quad than the R.. Also the Raptor 700 is just as fast as the 450's honda and Yamaha so myself i traded my YFZ for the Raptor 700.. My 2 cents.. Mace

 

Hey WVForeman450,

What part of WV are you from? I live in princeton.

Later,
Chinhawk

 

Hey! I live in Beckley....We should get together an ride sometime!!!

Let's GOOOOOOO Mountaineers!!!!!

 

Hey Scott,
I just finished 2 jobs up there in beckley, The 2 rite aids one on harper rd, and the other on r.c.byrd drive. Pm me and we will get together sometime.
Later
Chiknhawk

 

if your criteria is first mostly trails, then secondary racing- then the raptor 700R is your bike. the '06 450R, though has diferent gearing "for trails." IMO, it will not be a better choice of the 2 bikes since the engine on the new R is a ***** to the wall revvy and is more volitle than the 04/05 R's engine (tip: find a new 05 still instock and get that and pay WAY less than the 06 model and change your sprocket to be more trail friendly, if you want: i really dont find it to bother me in most cases).

the new 06 450R's volitility will ultimately work against you in the trails-unless they are pretty open and fast trails.... I think you would be happier with the raptor, even though it is a little bit heavier (but lighter than the previous raptors) -but has alot of power and torque.

reverse to me really isnt a requiement where i ride, but ive been involved with some situations where it could have been helpful. but its really nothing to pickup any of the 2 bikes or spin them around.

my $.02. the choice is yours. get what you like and feel like dealing with. ride safe, have fun.

 

I have ridden and raced against the 700 Raptor piped. My 450-R w/Kit is definitely faster.
But for trail riding I would get the 700, since it has so much more torque, and reverse. It will be just as fast on the trails, and easier to ride. Also it's suspension is softer so it will be more comfortable on the small rough stuff.
You can turn the 450R around by hand pretty easily, but reverse is always easier. And the suspension is adjustable, so you can soften it some.
You will be very pleased with either quad! Have Fun!