CRF 450? 2009 vs 2012

cody331
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cody331
Edited Date/Time 7/22/2014 10:06am
In 2008 I sold my bike and quit riding. I still followed the sport regularly, but didn't go to any races. After spending the weekend in Millville at the pro and amateur races I've got the bug again! I've been searching Craigslist to see what's out there and these two years have caught my eye.. I was just wondering if I could get some of your opinions on the two. I know 09 was the first year they were EFI, did anybody have any issues with it? The 09 is $3000 and the 12 is $4600, the price isn't really an issue, but my line of thinking is go for the 09 and use the left over money to do a rebuild so I know I won't run into any issues with the motor and maybe put a new exhaust on it. Both bikes are stock. The 2012 claims the suspension is stock, so I'm thinking he took his modified suspension off. Does anybody have any input? Also, any other bike suggestions are welcome as well!
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bsharkey
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bsharkey 7/21/2014 7:58pm
7/21/2014 7:58pm
the 12 is wqy better. they changed the throttle body size in 11 and they changed the rear link a few times between those years. you can buy one of those splitstream tank filters too and to top it of why buy a 5+ year old bike. I loved my 12. great bike
Xeno
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Xeno 7/21/2014 9:38pm
7/21/2014 9:38pm
The 09 also has a gear position sensor which complicates the countershaft area. It can have fuel pump and decomp issues. The decomp issue was handled with a recall / part update.

Go with the 2012.
Darryl916
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Darryl916 7/22/2014 10:02am
7/22/2014 10:02am
I have a 12 and have ridden a 09. The 12 chassis is way better. A lot of little things were refined over those couple years. The last bike in a design run is always much more refined.
MxKing809
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MxKing809 7/22/2014 10:06am
7/22/2014 10:06am Edited Date/Time 7/22/2014 10:06am
Yeah, I agree with the guys above. The '09 needed a lot of tweaking. Most importantly the fuel system leaks down into the crank and causes catastrophic failure. Just get a '10+ that has updated linkage and other nice remedies.

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