I am getting ready to buy a new 450 and I am not sure if I should go with the Honda or the Suzuki...

 

They are both really good quads, the suzuki already has alot of high perf. parts on it, but you can buy the honda and put on better part for less money and still beat the suzuki. I have owned hondas, suzukis, yamahas, kawis, and a harley. I always had the best luck with my hondas.

 

how often do you have to rebuild the 450's

 

What kind of riding do you want to do? Track, maybe the Suzuki. Desert/cross-country, the Honda is a proven performer (multi-time Baja winner!). Trail, the Suzuki is a bit wide in the front!

 

I think in the long run you are going to find that the '06 Honda is not going to be any more reliable than it's competition. It would still be preferable to me than over a first year Suzuki. Oh, wait a minute, I own a first year Quadracer, LOL! It IS an '85 though!