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Hi Guys,

Was offered a really good deal on an 07 CRF450R, owever I would prefer a 450X as this is better setup for the bush...

Was hoping to get some opinions: Apart from the gearing and obvious lack of lights, speedo etc, what are the main differences between the X and the R?

Also, would these differences make it a poor bike to take on the trails?

I'm also looking at the KTM450EXC and WR450F, and additional thoughts as to why these would be any better or worse than the CRF450?

Cheers,

Adam.

Hi Adam,

As well as gearing I would expect different cams to change the power delivery too.  These should be interchangeable, i.e. put the X into the R or vice versa.

The R has a 19" rear which can increase the chance of a pinch flat, taking big hits on rocks, or rim damage.

Does the R have a button?  Another thing to think about.

Between makes there are differences, but most of us are not really good enough riders to work them out.  The R would still be a good bike to take trail riding, but if you don't go hard all the time then the X make be more suitable to you.

Cheers,

Mat.

If you want a performance trail bike I would be looking at the KTM or WR.

If you want a race bike then the Honda.  As far as I'm aware the Honda's eat there valves and need a head rebuild somwhere between 500-1000km's.

I thought valve issues were only on early 250x, not 450R?  Would be worth checking.

Lots of people run YZ/SX/CRF-R's in the bush with a rec reg kit.  They should be lighter than WR/EXC/CRF-X but suit some people's riding style.  The fuel tank size may be less on a crosser so might limit your range. Suspension set up is also going to differ but that usually needs setting up for yourself no matter what bike you get.

Hi Guys,

Thanks for the advice... Does anyone else know of any valve issues for the CRF's?

Also I was looking for a reliable bike, and if it needs a rebuild after 1000KM then it doesn't sound like the bike for me.

Cheers,

Adam.

Adam most amtra members are riding WR's or EXC's a fairly good indication of reliability and performance.
CRF X's are rare and forget CRF R's their gearbox ratios and power deliverly are all wrong for trailriding.

I have a crf450x 07 its very quick bike i have checked my  Valve clearance never had a problem !
with all new bikes these day br it BLUE, RED ,ORANGE  that have shims and are high reving YOU MUST CHECK THE V/V CLEARANCE MORE AND ITS NOT HARD TO DO. KEEP YOUR AIR FILER VERY CLEAN AND CHANGE THE ENGINE OIL EVERY TWO RIDES
As for which bike get the X  not the R  ::) HOPE THIS HELPS

MITCH

I own a CRF450R & now it won't start. I'm thinking because it was on it's last shim. Been to New World Honda & they recommended that I should go with stainless steel vavles to increase longevity. Does this sound right. ???

Sounds spot on, very common problem.

Take a look at the latest issue of Transmoto (#3) as they do a comparison of X and R.

The 250X does seem to go through inlet valves in about 20-30 hours (can give a better figure in 20-30 hours of riding). The 450X does not seem to have the same valve issue but carries the rep of the 250X with it. If you look at MX maintenance they think 20 hours on valves is good so expect something like that on the 250R and the 450R.

If you are trailriding or just club/mates MX the stainless valves will last longer but may take some edge of the engine (heavier valve train) but most people say they cannot notice it.

Everyone who rides the CRFX, either 250 or 450 likes the way they go, and those who don't bag them. Their race team results over the last few years have shown they are a competitive bike with the right rider. I am about to find out what they are really like. I know the WR-F and have found that to be a great bike to ride and own.

Maybe if I just sell both I can get the Husaberg.

I own the current CRF 450 X and love it, out of the R or the X go the X another thing that has not been brought up is the X has more flywheel weight less stalling at slow speed than the R and the big plus the X has that Button to get you going again when stuck on a narly hill  ;D

Cheers Mick.

This was a huge review on the 2005 X model when it was first released giving you all the differences to the R model down to the gears being thicker!!!!!!!!

http://www.mcnews.com.au/testing/honda/2005_crf450x/page1.htm