Posts
1283
Joined
11/7/2006
Location
Shreveport, LA, USA
Edited Date/Time
6/25/2013 5:23pm
MXA says the 09-12 CRF 450 is a dog and wasnt as good of a bike as the 08. They say the 13 is a better bike than 09-12 but Chad doesnt seem to be a fan. Is the 08 the best Honda 450? I just want honest opinions from people who have ridden all three generations? My last Honda was an 04 and I thought it was a great bike.
Yes the '08 is awesome. I'd say the chassis and power is better suited to the faster-than-intermediate crowd who weigh over 175 lbs. That engine has a lot of power, and it hits good. I actually installed a 450X head (smaller intake valves) on the '08 and it made the motor very smooth.
I have a '10 that I've been riding for a while. It has all the suggested mods. The best way to describe it is 'neutral'. It's so balanced and so easy to ride that it can actually get boring- it just does everything right. I think an A rider would want it to have more 'personality', if you will.
The '13 seems similar to the modified '10-'12, but perhaps with more potential with the chassis. The one I rode had some chassis mods, and it handled amazing- the front end would go where you want it to and the bike cornered better than my '10. The engine on the '13 is very similar to the '12, but has a slightly higher compression piston.
Hope that helps.
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From all accounts the 13 is the best of the lot, it gets lambasted about its twin pipes but it can fly. Yes you might have to spend more getitng it to run faster but lets face it only pros need a faster or better suspended bike and they are going to do that to their bike no matter what brand it is.
The '13 is a different animal. The balance is better stock, but the power is still painfully mellow. Handling feels roughly the same as my updated '09, so it's a better starting point stock. The air forks make zero difference to me. But for me personally, it will cost less to buy a used older model and retrofit it than to buy a brand new bike. All my bikes have been absolutely bullet proof, my '09 has over 200 hours and is still totally solid.
Here are a few must haves worth every penny: Yoshimura full exhaust--instantly wakes the bike up, if you want stronger upper mid to top throw a hot cam stage 2 cam at it, rear suspension link from pro-circuit or other reputable company, 1 tooth larger rear sprocket.
Oh, did I mention its 10 lbs lighter than my KX450? They weight savings is noticeable every time I ride.....
Carry on.
My advice for you mister is:
Test them both before you decide where you should put your money.
The motor is flat up top due to it being the quietest 450Mx bike in the big 5, but this can be addressed somewhat with a remap, and for sure with a pipe. I have a stock pipe mod and map that lets out all the horses the pipe and stock mapping stifle.
Bottom line is, you don't need to buy a pipe for this beast.
Anyway I've rode an 08 and a 12 and would have to say I like the 12 in the corners more, but would prefer the 08 everywhere else. The 08 definitely feels more comfortable in the air.
I guess if I was looking for a Honda 450 I wouldn't be too picky on the year because if you enjoy riding you will enjoy the bike no matter what the year. Just look for one that is a good deal and buy it.
Pit Row
2009 Curb Weight*: 234.8 pounds
my 13' is better stock than my fully modded 09'
if you have the $ go with the 13'
Other then suspension that was setup 30lbs to heavy for me on both bikes, I liked the '12 better. I'm a little guy, 5'9" and 150-155 in my gear. The older bike hit a little too hard for my liking and took some serious throttle control in order to keep the front end down. Both seemed to turn very well but the 05 felt heavier and kept me from charging into corners as hard.
everyone i've talked to with a '12 or '13 loves them.
But, yes, that was a good bike for you.
Funny, but, you look like you ride the current Zooks just like you rode that bike...?
The '09-12s are quirky. Stock, they are slower than the old ones, the cure for this is $$$. The suspension components are good, but out of balance. The bike needs a lot of sag and stiff fork springs. The appeal of this generation is that it is the lightest 450 ever made and is relatively reliable.
The '13 made some small power gains with its higher comp piston and new mapping, then Honda threw that down the shitter by bolting on second muffler that adds about 7 pounds of tonnage to the bike. The chassis balance is better. The air forks have an odd progressive feel, and if the unreliable seals fail, your day (and more) of riding is done.
Source: this Honda rider/lover, who is beginning to feel like a battered wife.
Anyway, I feel that all the big 5 have such good bikes having done 450s for so many years that if you buy newer than '10, pick a color/the one your local dealer has.
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