anyone have problems with an 03 crf450?

[Faxon]

Hi, im about to buy an 03 crf450 and i wanted to know if there problems that people had with them. i know that 06 crf450's have gearing problems and i wanted know if 03's had any problems. thanks

[Lead Head]

About the only thing really is the intake valves were an issue on the early bikes. Not a terribly expensive fix if you do the work yourself.

[DB 450r]

This mite help. Yes valves, like many of these race bikes wore pretty fast. There is also the issue witht the air box leaking, where the boot and box meet.

http://books.google.com/books?id=svlVU9fZdmMC&pg=PA16&lpg=PA16&dq=crf+timing+chain+tensioner+holder&source=bl&ots=KVVuBcb_3K&sig=Jr8WEKHa0GtdkXepOFf1hoh7cfg&hl=en&ei=KlsvTY-wKIHh4gawjaC-Cw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CDQQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q&f=false

[MrHankey]

I have one ,bought new in 02....and still own it. I know of 2 others I race with, that have an 02 & 03 .

The valves go out at about the same amount of hours. Other than that .....none of the 3 have had the cranks replaced ....or any other major repairs.

Mine has around 120 hours or so....1st valve job at 70-80.....next at 110.....after that I went with Ron Hamp and his ferrea valves....no problems since...of course the other 2 were OEM.

I also went through a set of clutch plates....but basket is still good.

Nice solid bike......In hindsite , I should have sold it after about 12 months....Once the 05's came out the re-sale value dropped quite a bit.....with after market parts / and stuff , I just couldn't ever stomach the money I was going to lose......so that is why I still have it.

I am on a 2 stroke now, 450 is just for fun riding.

good luck on your buy.

[motoxracer476]

Under good maintnence it is a good bike

The auto cam chain tentioner on them stock is not good

clutch baskets were out (not abnormal)

Valves wear out (faster when air filter not cleaned properly/ or when bike is overheated)

If you dont do proper maintnence more severe things will happen...