I recently got a 2006 trx400ex, and the power on it isn't really what I expected coming out of the corners and accelerating in general.
It's completely stock, and I was thinking about maybe taking off a tooth on the front sprocket and putting on a slipon pipe. Then maybe it will have that "zap" coming out of the corners.
I wouldn't say I'm completely dissapointed with the 400ex, because it's extremely comfortable.
I've been research 450rs, and they like have to be a quicker quad than a 400ex if they're supposably race ready. I do alot of trail riding that's in the woods with sand/dirt trails where i drift and accelerate hard out of the corners.
I hear the YFZ is faster out of the box than a 450r, but will the 450 accelerate fast enough the way i'm riding? i've driven my cousins banshee before, and that zap just puts me in a whole new world. I want a similiar zap or just a quad that has somewhat of a zap out of the corners.
I don't know a ton about the 450rs powerband, or whatever you want to call it.
How is the 450r compared to the 400ex in these conditions?
Tight corners-
Quick acceleration-
Low end-
High end--
Braking-
Rough terrain, slow and fast-
Overall abilities in conditions-
I don't know what to do

Those are the main things I want to know! I want to choose a 450r over a yfz, so fill me in . You can't beat that honda liability.
If anyone could help that would be great!
Any 450r owners here?
and I'd be looking at a 2006 450r
Thanks!!

 

The 450R is going to produce at least 15 more HP stock than the 400. The downside is that engine preventative maintenance is much more intensive. You need very frequent oil changes and valve adjustments to keep the motor in top condition, and piston life is much less on a race quad so rebuilds are more frequent.

If you go 450R, the '04/05 models were more sought after for trail riding as the suspension was softer. Starting in '06, the 450R took on a bit harder edge suspension wise, while Yamaha actually softened up the YFZ that year.

Another thing, while Honda's are quite reliable, that Yamaha mill has been around forever and is legendary. They have possibly the most durable valve train of any race quad. If you liked the Banshee hit, this motor is closest to that you can get in a 4 stroke.

In reality, either is an excellent choice if you go 450.

 

So the YFZ is closest to the banshee hit?
I like the 400ex hit, but its just not enough for me :P
the 06 450r has the same suspension as the 06 400 ex, right?
And the 2006 and new 450rs have a different piston and carb on them, and i heard it makes quite a difference.
Sure the banshee blows away almost everything in a drag, but coming out of corners in 2-3 gear on my 400ex i can go pretty fast, but it doesn't jolt you at all compared to a banshee. So if the 450r is quite a difference, i think i'm going to go for that.
Thanks for the feedback man!

 

Yes, any healthy 450 will make your 400ex feel anemic unless you are rock crawling with it or something. The YFZ is widely known for having the biggest "hit." More so for the '04/'05 model year. In '06 the suspension got better for trail riders(softer) but Yamaha used a slightly different head and intake tract that reduced the edge to it. Be forewarned, you will never mistake a 450 hit for a Banshee. Yes, the '06+ Honda motor was redesigned and is more powerful. It also has a lot of potential. Honda took what many felt to be a few steps backwards on a few suspension components, but probably not a big deal.

To somewhat answer your other questions, again, a healthy 450 will tear up the 400EX on top, for fast riding, acceleration, jumping, travelling at speed over rough terrain, etc. pretty much everywhere but that real slow, technical, 1st gear stuff.

 

i have owned all 3. the 450s will put out about 10hp more, which is significant. the yfz does have a harder hitting powerband, but i think i liked the 450r better for trails. lighter thumb throttle, slightly better ergonomics and softer suspension. i did not like the rear shck on the 450r though... it rebounds way too quickly and even sent me off the quad once. the yfz will win by about 2 quads in a stock to stock 100 yard race and they'll top out in the mid 70 mph range. if i were to get a brand new 450, the easy choice would be the '12 yfz. lighter throttle pull and more low to mid and a attractive price... and honda is reliable yes, but MORE reliable? those days are looong gone