Newbie to CRF450

[bonerfourmotors]

Just wanted to say hello, to the Honda side. I have left the Blue side for Red. I sold my 03' yz250f today and bought an 05 crf450 just hours later.

I have read as many articles as I could on the 05, but want to know from the owners what I should be looking for in my riding days ahead and what to watch out for. I ride track 85% and trail the rest.

Any info and advice would be appreciated.

alan

[CraZ DrtRider17]

nice choice on leaving the blue side. your going to love the 450. they are amazing bikes, i jumped up to crf450's from a xr100 and have been in heaven ever since

[i heart ridin]

just remember, when on the 450, you might want a diaper the first time you open it up. other than that, youll love it!

[brraaaAA]

Welcome to red. Though Honda haters (aka brand whores) won't find their bias reciprocated here. I would be happy to buy from any other manufacturer that built a quality product, if it suited me better. I'll never be faithful to a bike manufacturer. Enjoy your 450!!

[coastieadler1]

Welcome

now go ride the piss out of it! then change the oil of course

[bonerfourmotors]

Thanks everyone. Unfortunatley, I bought the bike on my last day off, and have to wait 4 days to go riding . Until then I will stare, touch and stroke until my first riding session. And I will change the oil after my first break in period.

Alan

[941MXVET]

Change the air filter more then you think you should and you'll love your CR. Right now there is no bad bike to purchase I just really like the handling of the CR line, you should too!

[pokoj]

Welcome to the "Big Red Machine" You will Love the bike! Ive owned a 03 and 05 Crf 450 and they were both Awsome bikes. Do the maintence and youll have No problems. Troy 140

[RMXC51]

Change the oil, be VERY careful when doing air filter maintenance, try to keep the stupis smile off your face, and work your back and shoulders so your arms don't get ripped out of their sockets on long straights. Get a full gripper seat cover on that thing ASAP. Have fun!

[mowtown]

nice choice on leaving the blue side. your going to love the 450. they are amazing bikes, i jumped up to crf450's from a xr100 and have been in heaven ever since

That's a hell of a jump!

[idog63]

Hey guys, I'm probably getting a new 05 CRF 450R on Tuesday. From what I've read the upgrades to the 06 are minor enough that it makes sense to save some ca$h and get a deal on an 05, right?

I've been set to get an 06 YZ250F, but the dealers are being insane on how much they want for them. I've been reading on the YZ250F forum for a couple of months now about how rock solid yamaha valves are and how much trouble Honda valves are. I'm thinking that applies mostly to the CRF250F eh? Will I be ok with the 05 450F?

P.S. I'm not going to be racing, but practice riding at mx tracks on practice days, and play riding with my boys.

Thanks,

Ian

[RMXC51]

Read the other posts. Do your maintenance, and don't over-rev like a freaking idiot, and your valves should last a long time.

[bonerfourmotors]

Thanks for the info. I do have a couple of quick questions though:

1)I plan on running Maxima nonsynthetic 20w50 for tranny and oil, does this sound okay?

2)What are the "must have" body/frame protection?

thanks again for the info.

Alan

[Ocho Hill]

I too switched earlier this year and here is what I recommend.

-Don't be too easy on it during break-in

-check the spokes after each ride for at least 5 rides

-buy a plastic intake cover to use a garden hose on the inside of the airbox

-use the non-synthetic honda oil until brake-in is complete, then switch to a

dedicated transmission oil and a synthetic engine oil

-after a few rides disassemble the chassis and lube everything

-don't live on the rev limiter, that's a valve killer

-check and adjust the valves after break-in

-save money for tires, chains and oil

[Raceman]

Get a full gripper seat cover on that thing ASAP. Have fun!

i could not agree more.. and dont forget to replace that stock chain too.. it will be streched out when your dont with the break in!!!