[Dirt_Soldier09]

I've been wanting to get a 450r now 4 a while and now I just might have the $ to get one. I've heard alot about radiator bracing and kibble white valves. is it worth it? and if i do get the 450 how soon should it be done?

[Asmith]

Radiator bracing before the first ride.

Kibblewhites should be ordered when you start the shim down process.

[Dirt_Soldier09]

Shim down process? whats that?

[Asmith]

Shim down process? whats that?

When your valves start to give up the ghost you reshim them into spec. When you start that process, order the new valves and replace them before you get to the smallest shim.

[Dirt_Soldier09]

okay but I don't know really how to do that. How hard is it?

[Asmith]

http://crfsonly.com/howto/crf250x/crf-v ... stment.php

It's easy. To check valves about 30 minutes with beer break. To shim, about an hour with two beer breaks.

[Dirt_Soldier09]

nicely said. lol

I just want to say if it wernt for you and a couple others on the site I don't know where I'd be.

[Monkeywrench]

I just got one last Friday, and love it.
It's a 2006, which I feel like I almost stole, but an auction is an auction I guess, right?

I echo Agent's suggestion with recommending radiator braces. I have them on order now. It's a good idea with any water-cooled machine, especially one with expensive radiators. I put them on the 250X and was very glad I did. They have saved the rad's from damage more than once. Track riding is risky for you, yes. But also your bike -- I have had to spill a couple of times now to avoid hitting someone else who went down, and it would have been very frustrating to bend up a radiator in the process.

The other thing I'm noticing is the stock chain seems to be made of pasta. Very flimsy and seems to enjoy stretching every ride! Doesn't look like it'll last long at all. I've asked Ken if I can throw a narrow DID-VT chain on it without causing any clearance issues -- very good chain I put on the X just a couple months back.

The 450R has a lot of power. I see you're coming off a 230, so it would probably seem more like a cross between a crotch-rocket and the space shuttle, with a really, really good suspension (compared to both your 230 and my 250X). But I am enjoying it tons. The bike also feels amazingly lightweight compared to a 250X, and I know the 230 is even heavier than a 250X... so it would seem amazingly light to you. For me, I hadn't realized how tiring it actually was to motocross a 250X until doing a bunch of laps on the 450R and not feeling half as winded. It really is a great machine.
Good luck in your search.
-matt

[nedirtbikr]

I came from a 230 to the 450R also (2006.) Basically, the best advice I can give you is to take it real easy on the the throttle at first.

The first time I cracked the throttle on the 450, I nearly threw myself off. I was so used to the 230 and its relatively mellow throttle response...kinda like stroking a sweet little house cat and at the end of the stroke, yanking on his tail a little bit. The 450 throttle is more like grabbing the balls of an African lion just before he's about to dig in to a freshly killed meal. Imagine his reaction!! Well, that's your 450R!

From a "bike protection" standpoint, radiator guards (or braces) are a must. I went with the Flatland radiator guards ($80/pair.) They have saved my checkbook on many occasions. Probably, just about the best buy I've ever made for the bike. Other relatively inexpensive things I recommend (assuming this stuff has not already been done to the bike you buy):

- JD Jetting Kit (a must!)
- After Market Air filter system (I use the TwinAir Powerflow product...love it!)
- Hammerhead case saver (get rid of the stockt front sprocket plastic protector...all it does is gather crap.)
- Rear Tugger. The 450R has no frame under the rear fender. The tugger makes it easy to pull the back around and lift.
- DID 520VT chain and SunStar steel sprockets (13T for front, Z-Sprocket 48T for the rear...stock gearing.) These have been GREAT products. If you get new sprockets, make sure you use lock washers, nylock nuts, and either red or blue loctite on the back sprocket.)

Be sure to set your Sag. Also, depending on your size/weight, get the bike sprung for "you." I replaced my fork and shock with springs for my weight/riding and it has made all the difference in the world.

I wouldn't get too uptight about the valves. Do your homework on the bike you're considering buying. Don't be afraid or embarrassed to ask the owner a $hitload of questions. Hell, if you're looking at buying anything newer than an '05, you're probably looking at, at least, $3700 or so (that's a lot of money.) you deserve the right to grill the guy.

- Ask, specifically, about the valves and the type of oil used in both sides of the case
- Ask him to remove the seat (takes two bolts and 20 seconds) so you can look at the air filter. Take a look at not only the air filter, but also the general condition (dirt-wise) of the airbox
- Take a medium size screwdriver and lightly run it across the spokes to see if you get a good "song" out of the rims. If you run into spokes that just "clunk" instead of "ting," that might be a sign the guy is not as up on the maintenance as he may seem. Doesn't mean the bike is crap or anything, just a little something to look at.

I bought my '06 new. I have had one valve adjustment at about the first 10 hours of use. Since then, they have stayed put. I check them every other oil change (about 10 hours or so.) Rock solid! I think they made tons of improvements since those first valves. The '06 is a rock solid bike...no problems.

Looking forward to pictures of your new 450....when you find it!

[Dirt_Soldier09]

Cthis is what I mean on the Raptor forum im part of i dont get help and advise like this. I think its a Honda thing. and neditrbikr I know what you mean the first time I took the raptor out it was jus done rainging really good and I kinda got carried away with the throttle in a turn and went around in circles.

[nedirtbikr]

http://www.crfsonly.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=15867

[Dirt_Soldier09]

I'm selling my raptor for 4500 jus so i can get out of the payment and the $$ I owe.

[Dirt_Soldier09]

Anybody want to buy a really nice Raptor 660 SE??