2008 CRF450R still competitive?

Joko
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Joko
Edited Date/Time 2/14/2014 9:26pm
Hi, I am about ready to buy a 2008 CRF450 tomorrow, how close is it to the current 450's?
I think it's power is still on par, but not sure if it'll keep up with the KX450F or KTM 450sx ?
Handling should be about the same with fresh suspension?
Thanks, Joe
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mark_swart
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mark_swart 12/17/2013 6:52pm
12/17/2013 6:52pm
I'm pretty sure it makes more power than the '14 Honda. 08 was a stellar year, MXA always points out that if the 08 were in their 2009 450 shootout, it would have won.

The only real disadvantage is that is still has a carb, but that's far from a dealbreaker. In my opinion, not having to deal with air forks actually sounds like a bonus.

For what it's worth, I'm buying an 06 tonight and I run +30 and +40 intermediate.
smx94
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smx94 12/29/2013 6:49am
12/29/2013 6:49am
definitely a good buy faster than newer stuff,no fuel injectors to clog ,a clutch that lasts , loadsa cheap used parts available,and loads of cash left for a heavier rear spring and re valve front and rear,if you ride hard pack a lot a flywheel weight really helps too. did you get it ?
Joko
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Joko 12/29/2013 10:00am
12/29/2013 10:00am
smx94 wrote:
definitely a good buy faster than newer stuff,no fuel injectors to clog ,a clutch that lasts , loadsa cheap used parts available,and loads of cash left...
definitely a good buy faster than newer stuff,no fuel injectors to clog ,a clutch that lasts , loadsa cheap used parts available,and loads of cash left for a heavier rear spring and re valve front and rear,if you ride hard pack a lot a flywheel weight really helps too. did you get it ?
Yes, I did buy it. It's in great shape, has a Big Gun exhaust. Otherwise all stock. I plan to pull the top end and replace the piston with a JE 13.5:1 piston, check valves if worn may send out to RHC for head work and stage 3 cam, but if good will just reassemble and keep stock cam.
I bought 2007 crf450 triple clamp set and will use to replace the stock clamps and steering damper. I'm not sure which company I'll use to revalve the suspension, but thinking of using the longer link and associated revalve from RG3 or FC or Enzo. After that, I'll be ready when winter ends!
smx94
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smx94 1/2/2014 5:19am
1/2/2014 5:19am
i had a 04 ,06 and 07 crf and rode my buddies 08 a few times ,his had the flywheel weight and on a local hard pack in the summer was the easiest to ride fast,i couldnt tell the differance between the 07 and the 08 steering.since then i have been on the 2012 and was very dissappointed,the only bikes i think can compete with the old carbed crfs are the kxf 450 and ktm sxf450.the biggest improvement on mine was the revalve and heavier rear spring.

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mxb2
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mxb2 1/2/2014 11:39am
1/2/2014 11:39am
power is close on all 450 s, efi is snappier, but the ergonomics are way better on the newer bikes.. the 08 is a great bike but my 12 kawy 450 and 13 rmz 450 are better bikes, and i have a 12 crf 450, mapped, pipe and air filter kit. bette bike also, strong engine and lighter.
mxb2
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mxb2 1/2/2014 12:33pm
1/2/2014 12:33pm
and i did own a 07 crf 450 w full yosh, great bike but imo the newer bikea are better., any bike taken care of for the average rider is good enough.
mark_swart
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mark_swart 1/3/2014 5:14pm
1/3/2014 5:14pm
OP - you really might want to ride it a few times before you go overboard with the mods. Sinking the money into suspension would probably be a better investment.
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mxb2
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mxb2 1/4/2014 7:02am
1/4/2014 7:02am
mark_swart wrote:
OP - you really might want to ride it a few times before you go overboard with the mods. Sinking the money into suspension would probably...
OP - you really might want to ride it a few times before you go overboard with the mods. Sinking the money into suspension would probably be a better investment.
x2
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markit
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markit 1/17/2014 10:20am
1/17/2014 10:20am
Was the honda ever competive?Shocked jk
Tazao
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Tazao 2/14/2014 9:26pm
2/14/2014 9:26pm
Did you pick up the '08? if so, what do you think?

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