First ride out of 2013 with 2012 YFZ 450

[RNL79]

Well got out last weekend in Northern Michigan for the first trail ride of the year. Some of the trails had some ice sill which proved interesting. It was about 34 degrees with a stiff wind and snow showers but in all was still fun. This was also my first ride with my HMF Competition slip on exhaust. The exhaust performed great and really helped with not having to shift so much on the 450. The HMF made the gears longer and gave me a nice boost in low end torque which was great for the tight trails. Next up I'd like to improve the comfort of my quad as it now has all the power I need. I'm thinking of ordering Precision anti vibe and shock clamps.

 

[low slung]

That exhaust sounds like a mod that really improves power(not that the YFZ450carb needs it,it gives my raptor fits :exc: ).My precision clamp is really starting to break in now.First few miles it doesn,t feel like anything is happening until you get some air or ride in some nasty humps then you notice the difference.Make sure to get the adapter plate for your YFZ,had to get mine for the raptor(+$25.00bucks)..

 

[7 skulls]

Excellent! Now you need some pics to go with this thread. How loud compared to stock is the HMF. Did the bottom end gain come at the expense of power anywhere else.

 

[RNL79]

Lol, I don't know how to post pics on this forum.

 

[RNL79]

Excellent! Now you need some pics to go with this thread. How loud compared to stock is the HMF. Did the bottom end gain come at the expense of power anywhere else.

Nope, fees like gains through the entire power band. Its louder, but with the adjustable inserts you can choose your sound level. I run the stage 2 insert and it sounds throaty.

 

[RNL79]

YFZ and 400ex.

 

[RNL79]

Not the best pics.

 

[7 skulls]

Nice bike. 400ex not too bad either. I got some video of a ride on Saturday, mounted the gopro on the rear bumper. The sound of a yfz at full rip is addictive, especially when not muffled by the helmet.

 

[RNL79]

Thanks skulls...................post tha vid up!!!! I got to get a go pro.

 

[low slung]

Love the white color(only black in Canada).How does the 400ex compare to the YFZ?(had a chance 4 years ago to get a brand new TRX400X for $2000 less than list,my passion for Honda is just as strong as my yami blood)

 

[RNL79]

Love the white color(only black in Canada).How does the 400ex compare to the YFZ?(had a chance 4 years ago to get a brand new TRX400X for $2000 less than list,my passion for Honda is just as strong as my yami blood)

In a straight line it doesn't. The 400ex doesn't rev or lay down the power the 450 does. On the trails however it is a different story. The 400 is always right on the heels of my 450 and handles just as good despite being a touch heavier. The 400ex has that right off idle old school 4 stroke "snap" that makes it so great for trail riding. He can let the clutch out and he's rolling already, where as I am feathering my clutch and throttle to get moving trying not to stall. I absolutely love the look of the new Honda 400x's, I think they are the best looking sport quad out there right now. When I bought my 450 it was down to the 400X, Raptor 700 and the YFZ. In the end I figured I would be craving a bit more power if I went with the 400 so I got my YFZ. The Honda 400 imo is the best trail quad ever made, and it really shines on the 50 inch width trails that zig and zag here in Michigan. For me, the 400 probably would have been a better choice in quads all things considered but hindsight is 20/20. I love my YFZ, but my next quad will probably be a 400X. Simple, reliable, and fun.............just gas and go.

 

[low slung]

I remember when the 400ex came out 15years ago.It got all the same suspension geometry as the legendary TRX250 quad.One test had it against the original 250R,the R still beat it in a drag race(but the EX was the better all-around quad for trail riding)

 

[7 skulls]

Thanks skulls...................post tha vid up!!!! I got to get a go pro.

Love to but no where to post it. Needless to say, get a gopro. Mounted to the front bumper looking back or on the rear grab bar looking back, the sound of that 450 ripping is incredible.

 

[RNL79]

Thanks skulls...................post tha vid up!!!! I got to get a go pro.

Love to but no where to post it. Needless to say, get a gopro. Mounted to the front bumper looking back or on the rear grab bar looking back, the sound of that 450 ripping is incredible.

You need to open a Youtube account! I plan on getting a GoPro very soon.