I have only owned Hondas, but I have ridden both the 450R and the YFZ and I like the Yamaha better. IMO, the YFZ is a better replacement to the 250R (and most 250R riders will tell you that). It sits lower, feels wider (even though it is not), and handles better than the 450R. Honda reliabilty is untouchable...I admit that. But the YFZ feels like a more performance oriented quad than the 450R. I know that the 450R is sweeping all of the major quad races from XC to MX. But those sponsored riders have 15-20 grand invested in their quads. So maybe a modded 450R is better than a modded YFZ. But in stock trim or even mildly modded trim, the YFZ gets my vote. If you have the extra $$ to buy aftermarket A-arms and shocks, then I vote Honda.

 

well said and i agree with 1BAD250R. the 450R is still missing something... i like mine but the handling dynamic and balance that the 250R has is not there yet.. the YFZ is the closest thing on the market to the 250R 'feel.' what bike do you think yamaha studied closely (due to its 17yr dominance on the tracks) before they released the YFZ? Maybe honda should have done the same thing...

 

The yami is more of a moto-x bike to people and the trx is like a desert bike. Its down to
what type of riding you do. W/ the riding I do, which is mostly trail riding, Id probably say
the trx.

 

Ive always like the Yamaha...thats what ide go with. They both have advantages and diss..like somone said earlier depends on what kinda riding you do.

 

Just so everyone knows, I wasn't trying to bash the 450r in my earlier post. To be honest, the machine I most likely buy next year when I get a new quad will probably be a 450R...just because I am used to the reliability of a Honda. But you better believe that the day I bring it home I will order some Houser +1 a-arms, a Durablue X-33 axle, and a set of Ohlins shocks. I just wish Honda engineered the 450R to feel similar to the 250R.

 

Personally I'd go yamaha. I love my yfz, my opinion is you can't beat the titanium 5 valve. I've never had a problem with mine.

 

both are great but both have their downfalls. the honda is more comfortable for me (i'm 6'2") but i think the yamaha handles better. they are about equal in regards to acceleration (though you will get differing opinions from both camps) and both are great jumpers. if you give the magazine comparisons any credit, the majority of them rated the yamaha ahead of the honda. honestly it all comes down to personal preference. if you are a smaller guy then the yfz might be a perfect fit for you. however if you are bigger (6' or more) you might want to look at the honda or even a 700R.

you didn't mention track racing so i'm assuming that you mostly ride trails.

 

didnt he already buy it.... lol