A 450 question for the sport guys

[robdcol]

Hey guys, I have a quick question I tried searching a bit for the answer but being downrange I run out of time for browsing.

I am looking into getting a used 450 be it TRX, YFZ or a LTR, more torwards the TRX or YFZ due to price and width. Mostly recreational riding, wanting to get into xc and maybe mx but that is not my deciding factor you can mod and set up anything to work for what you want,

My question is from the start of the 450's what years are the most reliable meaning which ones and years had the biggest issues.... I know performance is more to maintain. I heard YFZ had the 04-05's with crank or oil issues to get 06 and up but what about the TRX or LTR any years with issues to avoid??? Thanks

Edited August 26, 2009 by robdcol

[Stoopidbot1]

There are real no negative years for the TRX, the 04-05 model was kick only and has an external oil cooler. The 06 and up have the option of an electric start/kick and have an internal oil cooler. Sam with the LTR, I don't know of any bad years.

You are correct about the YFZ years.

[robdcol]

so the only 450 I should avoid is the 04-05 yfz's, and electric start is good but not a deciding factor either probably just try for 06 and up across the board see what happens craigslist is looking quit promising in the tampa area lol

[DrtyGrlKristin]

Yeah, you will be safe getting anything 06 and up.

[robdcol]

good stuff, I think I have decided on the YFZ... after looking at some aftermarket items such as suspension, which I hear the TRX could use for a setup such as racing be it xc or mx. The YFZ seems to be right in the middle for race ready, or raceable I should say, the LTR being more ready but very wide for XC or trail use. The TRX being great for race after a handful of mods, I have a bit of a budget so the YFZ seems best suitable I guess, although I really like all 3. Wish the TRX had a better suspension, maybe I can find a used one thats somewhat hooked up already lol kinda likely since I will be searching the craigsling lol.

[DrtyGrlKristin]

Don't forget about Polaris's 450. It comes with Fox Shocks, Maxxis Razr's, and it has reverse.

[robdcol]

True a place by me has 08's new for $3999, but there kinda fugly lol the front of those things are just weird. wish the ktm's had been out longer so I could find a nice used one to much for new, well to much for new anything in my opinion, I looked into the polaris when I saw huevos 11 and noticed they were all riding them thought there may be something to them I didn't know, but ehh not for me.

[robdcol]

Hmmm after just browsing craigslist some more 04-06 TRX's and YFZ's $3000-3500 can't beat that tons of TRX's in that range.....so just add suspension, would be good to go then right?? aside from other typical mods that you do to anything... atleast thats what I have been reading only downfall is suspension

[Stoopidbot1]

The suspension on the TRX is not that bad, it's actually half way decent.. Take the time to dial in your shocks and get a GT Thunder rear linkage. Get rid of the stock radials and put on some holeshots or Razrs. The thing does great every where except in the higher levels of MX racing.

[robdcol]

Right on, suspenison can get expensive, everything I read says its damn stiff. The tires are one of the first things in my opinion, gotta havem.

[Stoopidbot1]

There are companies that revalve the shocks and make the stock shocks just as good as aftermarket for a fraction of the price.

[robdcol]

good to know, sounds like the way to go, got the name of any good companies for that one that you can send me? also how much of a fraction just curious on the difference??

[Stoopidbot1]

good to know, sounds like the way to go, got the name of any good companies for that one that you can send me? also how much of a fraction just curious on the difference??

One of the best I know of is G T Thunder - Technology on the move!!!!!!!! They also sell a rear linkage that makes the rear stocker a million times better. I'm not sure what the cost is but you can get them done for about half the price of some top of the line Elkas.

[robdcol]

right on I will have to look into that, thanks

[wheeler0801]

My husband rides an 08 TRX450ER...we've done TONS of mods to it...new shocks, stabilizer, rims, tires, fasst bars, exhaust, nerfs/bumpers/skids all around...and we added a kick start to it. He races the AA Pro class in our local series and has had a few issues...it tends to overheat during muddy races, he has to ducttape the bumper and air boxes pretty good. But, many quads have to do this. He got the kicker kit because we've had to replace the starter clutch quite a few times..mind you we've had this less than 3 years...and you can still use both electric and kicker!

If you're going to get the TRX, ask questions. See if any mods have been done to it... If you're serious about getting one, I would suggest revalving the stock shocks like Bot said...GT Thunder does them or Rocket Rons does a great job too...we're sending our shocks there next (We got them straight from Elka to start). New tires, and a new exhaust will make a world of difference. If you're serious about getting into racing...save some money and buy a stabilizer, you'll thank your wallet later for that. I don't know how many times I've hit a tree and shoulda gotten hurt pretty bad this season and didn't cause I spent the extra money on a good stablizer (Precision Pro)...

There's a lot of things you can do to the TRX...it's just how much you're willing to spend...you might find Ebay to be your new best friend

Hope this helps!

[robdcol]

Thanks, for the info I will have to look up steering stabilizers heard of them for sport bikes and wheelers but never really looked into them. I am hoping to find a TRX or YFZ most likly TRX as they seem to have the best price and there is more of them, but I am hoping to find one that may already have some basics done such as tires, new exhaust, nerf's stuff like that. I have been browsing while over here in Afghan just to get an idea and have come across quit a few with those items, then I can focus more on suspension and other items. Again thanks for the info!

[Stoopidbot1]

Exhaust, nerfs, and tires are the most common upgrades. Just be patient and you will find what you want...Be safe and thanks for what you're doing in Afghan.

[wheeler0801]

when r u scheduled to be home??

[robdcol]

somewhere around 3-5 weeks from now, I can't really say exactly when, were not suppose to broadcast that info, but I can't wait also going to get my twin boys a little 50cc either suzuki or polaris they seem to be the way to go on the small ones. I may wait till xmas, not to spoil them to much and make it there presents.

Edited September 4, 2009 by robdcol

[robdcol]

I was browsing a local dealers site and found 08 ds 450x's on sale for $4200, what do we think about that??

and compared to a polaris outlaw 450 for $4000.

I like what the ds comes with saves a few bucks

[Stoopidbot1]

The X model is good but I don't like Can Am, so I would go with the Polaris.

[robdcol]

I read that can am doesn't have the best track record. I just really like all that it comes with,

[Stoopidbot1]

The guys that I race with that run them, 2 of them have yet to finish a race but the third is leading the points. So 2 out of 3 suck! LMAO

[DirtDemon]

The polaris has a KTM motor which is a huge plus in my book. IMO the KTM's are the best bikes out there, they are definately the fastest. I just had the opportunity to ride a 505sx yesterday, and it was awesome, tons of power and it handled better than anything I have ever ridden. So I am sure you won't be dissapointed with the polaris, at least not when it comes to the motor.

[wheeler0801]

i race with someone that has a ds450..an 08. they've broke down once in the 2 seasons we've raced together. and it was a stupid mistake--a fuse blew and it wasn't the right fuse that was supposed to be in it. The Polaris' that I'm with break down alot...they're always sittin on the side of the track..

[robdcol]

lol honda, yamaha it is, don't need issues from either one of those, just found a new 08 YFZ for $4500, leftover, hopefully some of these deals are still around when I return.

[DirtDemon]

The YFZ is a great machine, and that is a great price. I am sure you will find a good deal when you get home.

[robdcol]

I have been looking at used TRX's, and YFZ's for $3000-4500, hopefully its around in a few weeks, I will be contacting them to see if it is still available once this holiday weekend is up.

[Stoopidbot1]

There are plenty of them for sale right now. The further to the east coast you go the more tricked out quads you will find. Quad MX is HUGE over there. Make sure you sit on the 2 models before you get your heart set. They are both completely different ergonomics.

[DirtDemon]

I second that, the TRX and YFZ are very different ergonomically. The Honda has you sitting more upright with the bars up higher, while the YFZ has you leaning over the bars. One will most likely feel much more natural for you. They are both good all around machines, so I would go with which one feels most comfortable to you.

Edited September 7, 2009 by DirtDemon