Which 450 is best?

[bnau267]

Before you hammer me, I have 3 250r's, a current 250r xc build, enough parts to build another R, and a 400ex.  I also have a 12' grizzly 4x4.  My question goes out to the folks who know R's yet have experience with the new 450's.  Which 450 is best and why?  If I were to get the YZ450r I'd buy a new 14', trx450 would be a clean used 06 and up, or I could get a really clean LTR right now for $2,800.  The LTR makes me nervous being that it has gone the way of the R.  People seem to swear by the handling though...

Thoughts....

[pinned250r]

Of the ones i have rode,(the ones you have listed) i like the LTR best. Both power and handling is better than the others, IMO. Granted each bike i rode is LT, and all different set up, i just liked the feel of the LTR alot. As much as i'd like to say the trx next, i think i like the yfz more than the trx.

[sameltoe]

I have rode em all and like my trx the best. Ltr would be second. I also have 05 hubs an spindles on my 250r. And a 250r filter on my 450. So less inventory for spare parts.
chain an sprockets are the same brake pads rotors tie rod ends filters. its just a bonus to me to have spares that can go back an forth

[etccb]

I always thought a ltr would make a fun duner but have never ridden one.

[05450r]

It really depends on what YOU like in a quad and your size. Yfz450 if you like sitting on the bars and are used to dirt bike. Ltr if your a bigger guy and like buying transmissions. Trx if you like the way a 250r or 400ex feels. Im a medium/smaller guy so the trx fits me perfect. The yfz handles pretty good, and has a decent punch but I always hated how the seat and tank felt, so I sold it. My Ltr had a built ATP motor and Fox Floats. It was a horse and handled great but felt to big in size for me. Im on atleast my 4th 450r if that says anything..lol..

[fast350r]

yfz 450 all the way ,,,, stock for stock the yfz has the hardest punch when it comes to power, great tranny, the 5 valve set up is the most reliable i think . i have owed 2 trx450r's there great all around, get the head ported and it will wake up, it also has a better head design than the yfz better makes better over all peak hp when modified than the yfz but not torque . I've owed 1 ltr , like stated above it has a shit tranny, and the stock valves suck i ended up dropping a valve , replaces all 4 new and 40 hours later happened again, EFI is nice tho. just my 0.02 cents

[bnau267]

So it sounds like my 250r with LTR suspension and a YZF engine would be the cats meow....LOL

[F-Red]

Honda all the way! Smooth as silk! Suzuki next, Yamaha, if you like buying extra parts! :chuncky:

[DnB_Racing]

any of the modern 450's can be made to be very fast or powerful depending on your modifications..

as mentioned its all in what you are used to and what feel you like..if you asked 10 people which was better and why you would get 10 different answers...
 if you going to buy one I would recommend taking for a test run first and see if it fits your riding style, and remember that some easy bolt on's can completely change the way it runs, so look for ergonomics and comfort (not bars and grips) but seat height and width and be sure your comfortable in the saddle, and buy what feels right to you

[christph]

The 2014 Yamaha's are sweet looking--just saw one at the dealer the other day.  I'm starting to scheme on how to get one.  I have an LTR and a KTM 505 SX.  I'd encourage you to add the KTM to your list as it has an awesome motor out of the box, unfortunately they are not shipping them to the US anymore but you do see used ones now and then.  Of the two I'd say the LTR has the best overall handling.  The KTM corners like it is on rails--it holds the inside line better than the LTR--but the LTR responds to butt steer and weight shifting better.  The KTM has the best engine although the LTR can be made very good with a Yosh exhaust, a cherry bomb (or PIM 2), and a Hotcam exhaust cam (keep the stock intake cam).  Regarding the LTR transmission (mentioned above), the 06-07 are fine; it is the 08 and up that had problems with 3rd gear.  Cernics, I believe, offers a stronger replacement.  I think the TRX can be made into a great machine with a lot of money but in stock form they are the furthest from "race ready."  The machine has only received BNG since 06.  I like it that Yamaha is still in the game and making improvements every few years.

[bnau267]

I'm open to the KTM and KFX as well.  Lower number of bikes out there so I kinda figured they'd be either beat to death or overpriced.

[Flyin_250r]

Laeger yz 450 hybrid is the answer! Lol

[Tbus93]

Rode both the trx 450 and the ltr, the ltr had a lot more power IMO but felt a lot heavier to ride when jumping

[hontrx265r]

If you don't want to build a hybrid. I think the trx is the smartest choice value and parts availability wise. The new yfzr looks like a great machine and I like yamahas but its the only newer sport quad so price will be higher for everything you want. The ltr is a great machine all around I have one and really like the way they handle even with the weight, parts are cheap but stuff is starting to disappear quickly, and I don't think they will hold it down for 30 yrs like the 250r. Can't comment on the others but I would like to try a ktm sx just to see for myself.

[Burns363R]

Nobody mentioned the DS 450. Lightest bike out there and out handles anything but maybe the LTR.