I would like some experienced opinions , I'm looking at buying a 05 450r actually found several in my price range , never ridden one I had a 2002 stock 400 ex I loved but wasn't up to the speed I was looking for , I have a couple buddies w built 400s that pulled away from me pretty good , but I was just told the older 450s are not much quicker than the 400s but just a 400 w slightly bigger motor ? I was told the newer 2008 up 450 gave completely different motors clutches suspension etc ? I ride trails I'm not a racer but yes I wanna smoke the 400s when I drag my buddies !! Would love to here from the experts I ride a polaris 425 magnum a 250sx &350 x atc now

 

There are some difference in the motors. The 06+ models have a higher comp piston, titanium valves, the bore and stroke were changed as well and the carb was changed. I think gearing was lowered a little bit as well. Pretty much changed all the internals a little bit but the 04-05 450s are still much faster than a stock 400ex.

 

Yeah but none of my buddies have stock 400 they all have work done hot cam bored piped etc , I'm really leaning toward a 400 now after the reading on here , mine was stock but it seems every one I see for sale has pipe jetted etc and I ride trails climb hills etc but don't have a lot of wide open riding

 

Yea well for that type of riding the 400s are just about perfect. The 450s are extremely quick and could be good trail bikes but they are truly made to be racing. Very high maintenance compared to just about anything else. If you wanted to beat up on your buddies a little bit in the straights you could always go with a big bore 650-700. Just about all the brands have made one at some point(minus polaris and suzuki). I have a honda 700xx and I absolutely love it. Great trail bike and the fastest atv I've personally driven with just the big 3 (exhaust, intake, programmer). You would probably have better luck finding a raptor 660/700 though

 

Ok , yeah I wanna beat up on my buddies who don't? From what I've read on here the 450 would be a overheating nightmare if I did casual trail riding , more of a wide open machine , finding a 400 in my area lots to choose from 450 not so many most are just a lil out of my price range leaning on a 400 w tons of upgrades no engine work but suspension gears wheels etc lots of choices !

 

I backed away from the 450r completely , because I'm a trail rider hill climber , that does a lot of exploring & casual riding , then there were prob close to 50 400s within hour of me I kinda got overwhelmed , lol went for a mint 86 350x atc w upgrades like a 400 ex carb pipe etc w a title !! , the 400s will be around when I'm ready to add another

 

Well, a 350X is always an excellent choice! No worries on the 450R, I have done a few "family rides" with my YFZ. As long as you can keep a constant speed of 5 -10 mph they are fine and shouldn't overheat(engine ice or similar work great by the way.) It is the SLOOOWWW riding and/or a lot of clutch slipping where they get hot. Of course a 400 will work great for what you want too. Any stock 450 will put a hurting on a 400EX unless it has a lot of $$ put into the engine.