2009 crf450r

the 4 spring stock clutch is a joke, unless they have had the ECM reflashed they run like turds, and they handle awkward unless you use a PC link in the back. 09-10 450r were not great bikes without a bunch of mods.

And the recall.

Do you want a fuel injected bike?
If not- as far as the red bikes go, 2005-2008 are "solid" bikes depending on the previous owner/maintenance, etc.
The '06 or '08 being the prob the best bet...

As far as the yellow bikes go, I know they handle well and the rear fenders are funny looking.

Honestly just avoid it unless its crazy cheap (Under 2k)

The 05-08 or 13-15 are vastly superior.

Things I hated about mine: clutch, its seriously just junk. Frame Geometry just felt goofy, I had stock everything, injector can leak, recall, transmission issue on 5/6 gear on some, ECU must be flashed etc. Im sure some people didn't have any of these issues but I thought the bike was confused and its shocking Honda released it to begin with, especially because the 08 is highly regarded as one of the best 450's produced.

Im not a Suzuki fan at all but the RMZ is a better bike than the 09 Honda 450. Most of the 2016 parts will swap over to the RMZ I believe.

I just sold my 09 crf450, I couldn't stand that bike. I preferred my clapped out 02 cr250 to that bike hands down. Clutch had to be replaced, handled poorly even after a lot of money put into the suspension. I've ridden a 13 rmz with factory connection suspenders and it was hands down the bike is choose between the two

The 2013-2016 CRF450R is a much better bike if you can afford it. The 09 isn't horrible if you get a linkage, new springs, re-map the ign, use the newer style fuel pump (2010+ I think), smaller throttle body or insert, higher compression piston, 6 spring clutch, then it is a decent bike, high speed stability still not too good. No reliably issues on the one I owned.

I didn't mind my 11 when I had it

Owned an 09 back in 2011 that had MDK suspension done with a stock linkage that handled good & turned much better in comparison to 05-08's CRF450r's owned. Another thing to consider is the RMZ & older CRF's will be a much heavier bike in comparison if that matters to you..

Had a 12 and it was far far superior to the 08. Have to run a lot of sag to get the bike to feel levelled out but it turns like nothing else. The power delivery is very gentle and smooth compared to the 08 that thing would pull your shoulders out. As said the clutch is absolute junk, put a 6 Spring in it and never look back.

With the linkage and stiffer fork springs, I absolutely loved my 2010. You can remedy the clutch fade by over filling the clutch side on oil a bit to keep it cooler.

Agree. The 09-10 owned is a superior bike vs. the 08 after a remap, 6 spring clutch & getting the chassis balanced with suspension work.
FC has done the R&D on the 09-12's & have an excellent set up with an internal shock mod.. Getting the chassis balanced is the key to the 09-12 models. After the shock mod the bike feels as stable & planted as the 05,06 & 08 models owned.

Agree with what has been mentioned already; the '12 is the best of the 2009-2012 series. By that point Honda had figured out the handling (longer suspension link as standard), but the bike can be improved with a few mods. I did this on mine:
- BRP make offset clamps to put the front end back to the 2008 geometry. It fixed the issues I had of the front wheel tucking under itself
- Toss the standard clutch. The 4 spring oem unit needs constant adjustment and is complete junk. 6 spring hinson or rekluse and never look back
- Remap the ECU to fix the flame out issue. I fitted a dynoject power commander. Huge difference to power and overall running

If you want to spend a little, the CRF is a superb bike once the flaws are fixed. Standard it isn't so great. If you don't want to invest the extra coin, just buy the RMZ and be happy.

Bought a 09 new. Rode it stock for 80hrs. Never had a problem with the bike.

I had an 09,10 and a 12
I preferred the 12 over the 09,10 I always had a feeling the 50mm throttle body was an issue with it and that is what made me enjoy the 12 much better. I had the Factory Connection linkage on the 09, but the 10 I didn't and they are virtually the same bike. The 12 I put 20mm Ride engineering clamps on with FCR suspension and I haven't had a better handling bike since. It would out do my 13 RMZ450 which I had FCR suspension and FCR linkage on.

Both are great bikes so if they are both 09 go with the CRF if the RMZ is an 11-12 I say go that route.

Honestly dude, I have no idea why so many people are against the 09'

The 09' is the best bike I have ever owned, to the point that I have had it rebuilt twice and refuse to get rid of it.

If you can grab yourself one for a good deal, do it. Get the suspension set up for you and you will be happy as can be.

My 09 Honda had the lowering link, correct springs, pipe and remap. It was a trouble free bike and I liked it, but my 14 RMZ is way better. No comparison. Better engine and chassis.

I went from a 2014 rmz450 to a 2011 CRF450R and couldn't be happier! I love the light weight handling of the CRF and the better suspension. I also like that Honda OEM part are quite a bit cheaper than Suzuki OEM parts. However bike preference is totally subjective. Everyone has characteristics that they like and dislike.