I just bought a new 08 trx 450r and i've heard the 04-06 were faster I haven't had a chance to race any. I was also wondering how much power they have and what is the top speed.

 

The 04/05 have quite a few differences from the 06 and later models. The most obvious things are that the 04/05 has an oil cooler, a longer stroke, and the engine is beefier everywhere. This means that it favors low end power more than the later models, but probably loses a little on the top end. I think Honda realized that they had overbuilt the 04/05, and went for the lighter engine that was similar to the CRF450X with the later models. Many desert race teams will only race an 04/05. so that should tell everybody something important right there!!!

I have an 04 that is HRC equipped (and a dozen of my buddies have the 06 and later models), and all I can tell you is that I can go way faster than it is usually safe to go! Truth is, we can all probably kill ourselves just fine on a stock 400EX, so I don't see any point in worrying about what 450 is faster. Top end is mostly all about gearing anyway......

 

in drag races i can always leave the newer ones off the line, sometimes they catch me though....

 

in a 450 shootout i seen somewhere they said the 08 honda 450r had a top speed of about 78...my 08 gets pretty close to that.