What year CRF450 should I get?

[kx450fshanekm]

im buying a CRF450R in the next few weeks, Ive found a few 04 models for around 2200. Also a few 06 ans 07 models for 2700 or so. A few 09s for 3000-3200. Im not sure which one I should get. Is there any major difference. Im looking for the most power, and biggest. Im 6'4 and 190lbs. Should I go ahead and spend the extra $$ and get the newer model or or the older ones better?? Thanks

[02sedona]

Might as well buy the newest bike that you can afford. Save a bit of money for suspension and gearing changes.

[dtha70]

08, hands down THE BEST 450 ever made

[Rocksalt]

08, hands down THE BEST 450 ever made

What makes the 08 the best? From what I have read the suspension has issues. I do like the steering stabilizer and for MX the timing change in gears probably helps. I would think throttle control could negate the gear change.

Motor is the same as 02-08 with the exception of the rev box, cams and head change in 07 in terms of power variance.

Do you mean this just from a "out of the box get on the track" bike best?

[Bawlz]

10 and up

[corndog]

Given your size, an '04 would would be the best fit. If power is more important, go with an '08.

http://motocrossactionmag.com/Main/News/REAL-TESTS-2010-MXA-RACE-TEST-OF-THE-HONDA-CRF450-3263.aspx

[tonto256]

07' and 08' had the best engines with the most power. If you want a big and powerfull bike get an 11' KX450F. I rode my friend's and it had a lot more power than my 11'CRF450. I still like my Honda way better (came of an 09' KX450F), but that Kawi has serious power!

[MXandSXracer21]

Personally, I would go with an 05-08 model CRF450.

Seems like the prices you are finding are a little high... I bought my 05 CRF450 for about $2k almost 2 years ago. You should be able to pick up an 05-06 for between $2000 and $2500.

[kx450fshanekm]

Ive found an 08 for 300, a few 04-05 for around 2300 or so, Im thinking about just spending the extra cash to get a newer one. Id really like the F/I model, i found a few over 3K. Just want something Im not going to get bored with so fast. I bought a KX450f, 06, 4 spd last year and after 3 months was tired of it, No power compared to my buddies 03 crf450r. Ive heard 05 was the best as well, not sure why?

[Flyin-A]

'06-'08.

I have an '07.

[JJRace]

06-08

you will be redoing the suspension on any of the bikes to suit your taste, so I would not worry about that

[420Racing]

07 here and love it.

[The Captain]

The latest model you can afford.

[jasonpearee]

Just spend the dough and get a "2012" There's nothing like a freshhhhhhh new tight bike!!!?

[Jon-D]

i have rode the 06, 07, 08, and the 09. i much prefer the 06-08 bikes although the 09 felt pretty light while jumping and when you first enter the turns. the 06-08 just seems to be a better overall package. the 06 i currently have been riding has a 480 or 490 BB kit in it and i really like the power delivery (smooth and strong). the 08 i rode seemed more stable in the corners probably due to the stabilizer.

[rhinoracin]

I am purchasing a 450 as soon as I sell my KTM, but Im still doing research to decide which brand and year to go with. Been thinking about the CRF either '08 or '09. I would only get the 09 if the new frame and suspension are really worth it.

-Does the 09 (w/ suspension setup) handle alot better than the 2008?

-Does the 2010 "auto decompression" cam fit in the '09, and will it make it easier to start?

-Are there any other upgrades that the 2010-12 models have that can be done to the 09 to make it better?