I'm pooped tired and cranky, and don't want to spend time responding, but if I got a chance to trumpet my 450-s I'll do it. Bought in '98 it now has 14152 miles. The list of repairs are a left front wheel bearing, two left rear wheel bearings, rear brakes at 12000 miles, a seat recover job at about 11000, ring gear and pinion and axle at 13800, the usuall maintaince, change oil every 100 hrs, do the valves every spring, once a year, a couple of spark plugs just because I thought I should, new tires every fall to work the snow and ice. The latest is my carb started to drip, found out the holes the float pin fits in was worn and the float coundn't exert enough force on the needle valve to stop gasoline flow. The big ticket items have all been covered with the extended warentee. If you are going to ride lost of miles, go for the extended plan, otherwise don't.

The HO guys go faster, but you will keep on going and going etc. I really think they will be talking about this machine for years, for its durability and safety.

Do I like my 450-s? Like a good horse!!

About the tires, I keep stock Blackwaters on mine, I lose some ground clearance, but love not having flat. Next fall I may shop around for something that may get the clearnace back

Go forth and ride

98 450-s
Stock

00 Kodiak
stock