Best 450 Sport Quad

[Dune Dude]

Hey gang,

What do you, the forum members of T.I., feel is the best 450 Sport Quad.  Own one, ridden one, or have an opinion cast your vote.

[DuneJunkie]

I own a Yfz 450...............

I think that the Yamaha is the best so far.............

I have been on the Suziki.............I didn't think it had the bottom end power like the yamaha.  Coming out of corners and such and romping on the throttle, it didn't seem to have that snap like the YFZ.

I haven't seen or heard anything on the Kawasaki except that it seems to have a lot of potential.

The Honda, well, I have do a lot of reading on them, but have no seat time on one.  According to many magazines, they have more power, and handle better............


speed, power, and overall top performance, well, I  am a yamaha guy..........end of story.

So, what about the rest of you?

[RTOYZ]

I'm a Suzuki guy, but would have to agree with Dune Junkie that at this point the YFZ450 is the hottest sport quad out of the box. I've heard alot of guys talk about if you do this to the LTR450, or this to the 450R honda, it will smoke the YFZ. Fair is fair, if you do anything to the LTR or 450R, it's fair to do the same to the YFZ to make it that much better.

[Dune Dude]

Wow!  Where are all of the Honda Maniacs?  Where are all of the Suzuki affectionates?
Are you just gonna let Yamaha take the easy win?

[duraraptor]

Yahama always wins!!!

[DuneJunkie]

well, this was easy!

[PDP Shane]

I've got an '05 honda 450 . I like the looks of the bike better than the yamahas and suzukis , but your right . If a person wants good performance out of the box , get a yamaha . If you like the looks of the hondas like me , then you'll need to put a few hundred dollars into it to make it fun to ride . I am a fairly good sized fella' , so it was either put some money into the bike to make it fun to ride or go on a diet . . . . . how much for the big bore kit ?

[Towman 1]

Yep,  Yamaha all the way.  I really believe that if you take all the 450's and put pro riders on them, they all would win.  They are all good bikes. It really depends on what name you like the best I think.

[LT-RDunerDude]

It also depends what you plan on doing with the 450.  I love to ride the dunes but I also race mx and out of the box I would have to say that the Suzuki's wide stance, EFI, and handling gives it the clear advantage.  Just my .02

[RTOYZ]

I do love the way the LTR likes to slide in the sand. It has to be the most stable quad I have ever ridden. Once you put taller tires on it, the gearing is great for the dunes.

[2fun]

My vote goes for the YFZ as well.

I did a lot of research before buying the Yami....

I have ridden the Hondas and the new Suzuki, but I think the YFZ still does a better job all the way around.

And this is coming from someone who was once a die hard Honda man.......  (250R's for years)

[Dune Dude]

DJ,
I'm wondering if you want to change your vote?  Since your motor problems...

[DuneJunkie]

been thinkin about it...........no, just kidding!

although, lookin in the garage today, I do miss seeing the yfz in there.........looks empty

[duraraptor]

Not a single vote for the Kawi?

[DuneJunkie]

my buddy just bought (ordered) one.........should be a while till it arrives, so, theres one vote.......

[2fun]

Not a single vote for the Kawi?

I would not vote on something I've never owned or had a chance to ride??

I AM however looking forward to trying one out when they do arrive!!

Like I say, don't tell me, SHOW me!! 

[RTOYZ]

I think alot of folks have shown that the yfz450 is pretty much top dog. I think the LTR is coming up fast though.

[2fun]

I think alot of folks have shown that the yfz450 is pretty much top dog. I think the LTR is coming up fast though.

I'm ALL about competition!!

[Dune Dude]

QUAD Magazine has a good article about the KFX 450, from the two team racers.

[DuneJunkie]

QUAD Magazine has a good article about the KFX 450, from the two team racers.

i read that...........sounds like a good machine!

[2fun]

QUAD Magazine has a good article about the KFX 450, from the two team racers.

So what'd they have to say about it??

[DuneJunkie]

you want us to do all your homework?

[2fun]

you want us to do all your homework?

I would appreciate it 

I've been doing homework (college) for the last 20 years.....

My brain hurts and I am a bit tired of homework now.....  LMAO

[Dune Dude]

NO votes for the Kawi 450?  I have seen a few out in the Dunes and the new owners seem pretty happy with them.

[oregontrail]

I've had the chance to ride all 4 and Yamaha got my top pick. The Yamaha seemed to do everything well; woods, dune and track, with a close Honda next, then Suzuki (too wide and low for trails, but electric type power), then the Kawi. I think the Kawi needs re-geared or a little more refining and I think it would put it closer to the Honda. I can't wait to get a Can-Am in and try it.

[Dune Dude]

oregontrail,

You still have 3 more models to test in the 450 class.  The Can-Am that you mention and the Polaris and KTM ATV's.  Next year in the ATVA, GNCC, Worcs and WPSA races will be real interesting with all of the major manufactures getting involved. 

DD

[oregontrail]

oregontrail,

You still have 3 more models to test in the 450 class.  The Can-Am that you mention and the Polaris and KTM ATV's.  Next year in the ATVA, GNCC, Worcs and WPSA races will be real interesting with all of the major manufactures getting involved. 

DD

I'm a fan of the KTM motor, they make a better woods bike than MX bike, so I'm guessing the quad will be the same. I didn't like the KTM/Polaris Outlaw with the indie read end, a straight axle will be better, but the motor was nice. I hope Polaris steps up in quality a little with their 450.

[Dune Dude]

I had to update the poll with so many new models hitting the market.  I think Can-Am and KTM are going to give the Japanese Manufacturers a run for the checker next year.