Im looking for a sport atv Ive got it narrowed down my choices are the honda 450r, the 400ex or the polaris predator. Im a large rider at 6 foot 4 350 so comfort and power will be an issue. I have about 3000 to spend.

Im really leaning towards a Honda 450r since it has more power than the 400ex (and i know absolutely nothing about the predator still doing research) However, I know the 450r is a race bred bike, I can afford normal maintenance but i want something very reliable ie no major top end rebuilds to worry about. Once of my concerns since im buying used is getting a 3000 dollar bike and having the top end crap out 2 months later and i have a bad *** looking Carport ornament. a 4 stroke rebuild at a shop around here can be half the cost of the bike. I could get alot newer 400ex at the same price of the 450.

Im not going to do any racing, just aggressive fast riding. mostly trails, creeks, and WOT runs when in the mood. So i need some suggestions im even open to other bike models keep into consideration my size i dont want to look like and feel like a gorilla on a power wheels. Im not really intrested in a utility bike because every utility ive rode on ive tried to run it like a sport atv and they really wernt designed for that. plus i have a old honda big red for slopping around in the mud on

 

Check out the Raptor 700....bigger bike for a bigger guy, fuel injection, and reverse.

Bet you could find one for $3000 on ebay or Craigslist easy.

Not bashing Hondas, just suggesting other models

 

i actually considerd the raptor, but i knew someone who owned a 660 and it really didnt hold up well, It snapped an a-arm from just doing a donut and catching traction and landing wrong. I have kinda phased out the 450r since its really not a good match with my size and weight plus my luck someone has beat the **** out it and i will end up having to pay for a expensive rebuild a week after buying. I will do a little more research on the 700.

 

not pushing, but the 660 and 700 are different animals, with the 700 being much more refined. The 660 had a number of tranny problems as well, which they apparently fixed with the renewed Raptor 700

 

hmm, only the 2001 660 had tranny issues.... I also agree, the 700 is a great fit for you.

Hondarley, not sure what happened with your buddies 660, but I am pretty sure that arm had to have been compromised in an earlier "incident." The 700 uses the same arms/swingarm/shocks as the YFZ450, which are capable of handling some serious abuse. The frame is completely different animal from the 660, as is the motor also. I would give honorable mention the The DS650, no reverse, but a big machine for big guys that has a rep for being just about bulletproof.

 

2 of my buddies have yamahas, they neither one liked em. I know this one guy who couldnt ride his yamaha for over 30 minutes (on ky terrain at least) without getting soreness alll over his back and upper half..
I'd say Honda is the way to go