hello, im looking to trade my 400ex for a 450r. i listed my EX on craigslist.com and someone contacted me to trade. HOWEVER they said that the timing chain broke while trying to start the R and that "it didnt do any damage because it never started". to me this sounds like a bunch of BS, and even if it didnt theres still a piece of the broken timing chain possibly.. floating in the bottom of the engine cases. what does everyone else think about this? im thinking im going to hold out and wait for another offer on an R. thanks for any replies

 

X2.
I believe the 450 is an interferance engine. If so, lots of big $$$$ parts got damaged.
Even just a tap will bend valves in this engine.

 

Never seen a 450R timing chain completely break but if it did, you just about bet on having bent valves and possibly piston and/or cylinder damage. Stay away!

 

usually when people do this on the internet they are not telling the whole story. why woud he not fix it if is was easy and inexpensive. he could make alot more money that way. so i'm not sure maybe ask if he has had a mechanic look at it yet and if he 'd be willing to have one pull it apart and your trade would be based on the results. (if it's ok you pay the service if not he will) maybe he would go for something like that