XR400 vs CRF450X

[laramie LC4]

Originally Posted by Bigdog54

.... slow power is often times faster in the long run.

i would say "smooth" power is the key to speed, and longevity. both for the bike and yourself and the XR400 has it in spades. there are very few places i get left behind, and that's here in the wide-open dez. if i'm in the tight, you had better watch out.

i was given my xr400 from a ridding buddy who was moving and did not want to mess with it. it had not run for years and he didn't want to deal with moving it. i spent a little cash, got it running, then recently did a total rebuild. new piston (11:1), new rod, bored to 416, new kibble white valves, guides, and springs, and lightly ported and polished the head. it is even better now than it was before and i did almost all the work my self. i had the crank done by a pro, but the rest was in my garage. the whole thing cost me under $1000 and i'm sorry, you just cant beat that.

laramie

[robl110]

I ended up with an 05 crf450x since I am 6' 5". So far I like it. Spent more than I expected making it street legal but its been a fun project.

[eakins]

i had an xr400. loved it.
if it had an electric starter, i'd still own it today.

[eakins]

so you know, black type is hard for most all of adv user to read.

Originally Posted by Bigdog54

Hello everyone. I am looking to get your input on a decision I've been trying to make.

Quick history. Stopped racing MX due to back surgeries. Sold my 07 CRF450R and purchased a 2011 BMW 1200GS. Great bike but a tad heavy on dual sport rides and tight stuff is just plain painful. I'm looking to get a bike for running Dual Sports 2 or 3 times a year and playing in the woods here in Florida. Must be tagged.

The devil in me wants the CRF450X for the power and performance and updated components. I am cautioned by the higher maintenance (over the XR) and additional subsystems (liquid cooled or air cooled). I know the bike is more than what I need for trails, fire raods, and tight trail riding, but like I said the devil side dont care. I am looking at a used 2006 model that is already plated.

The sensabile side of me wants the XR because it is bullet proof and should never die, unless I neglect it. I have not riden a XR400 so I'm scared it will be to "doggish" and that the handling will be sluggish. I owned an 87 XR600 when I was young but I know they should not compare in the power department. I like that it's air cooled and that the engine isn't "pushed" close to the limit. I'd rather it have Electric Start but thats not a deal breaker. I am looking at a plated 2001 to 2004.

Other option is a DRZ400, but I've already owned one of these and were'nt overly impressed.

I'm short so I plan to have what ever I get slightly lowered and revalved so I'm not on my tippy toes all the time. I'm in Florida so I'm having to look out of state for a used Tagged bike. Gotta admit that scares me also.

So, based on this what is everyones option on a direction?

1. CRF450X
2. XR400

Comments are appreciated, Thanks

[n16ht5]

XR400. they can go anywhere a CRF can go and go longer

[crazyjeeper]

I am also currently deciding between those two and I lately have been leaning towards the CRF. Mostly because I have been pretty much unable to find a decent XR400 that doesn't look like it was thrown off a cliff several times a day. Finding a mint CRF on the other hand has been much easier.

The current Honda Dakar racers are based on the CRF so it can't be all bad, can it?

[X1Glider]

2005 450X owner here. HAd an XL600

Gotta say the XR will make a much more comfortable DS. You can put on lots of miles trouble free, be in comfort to just loaf along and take stuff with you if you like camping. I put on a bit over 20,000 miles on my XL600. Sure it's heavier, has less suspension travel and lacks e-start but the power delivery is butter smooth and simply enjoyable. You can go anywhere a 450X can, only slower.

The 450X is a fine woods bike. Got it for the e-start after I had an incident on the XL that could have left me isolated for days. DS'd it but truthfully, it screams too much to do any road work other than connecting trails. Not much subframe for carrying anything along. Top end is too fragile for road work. But I have to admit I have 400 hours on the stock top end and it still looks great. Others haven't had my luck but that's because I'm not a race quality rider. I'm an explorer. So the 450X is actually too much for my skill. It has a touchy throttle even with a modded G2 cam profile for more cable wrap. But the supension can't be beat.

Woods bashing only..hands down 450X. DS...XR400 or 600/650. I used the XL600R as not just a DS but a woods bike for years. It can climb, slog through mud pits, slide over logs. It just takes a bit more muscle.

[belthorpe]

Mate, I know where you are coming from, lifes tuff. Had the same problem my self and all the blokes before me have sumed it all up perfect. I pulled the top off the 450x today and the fun factor has worn off now $$$$. Looking at the 400 in the corner ( I am lucky mine is electric start oem )and thinking Ive got the shits with 450 I might play with the old girl for a while as I will go every where the othe guy's go, not as fast, look as cool,jump as high or big roost but the main thing. Still having fun. There all good, like life, you can't have everything. GOOD LUCK

go the honda

[jon_l]

Originally Posted by Bultaco206

I raced an XR400 in the woods for several years. Once rolling, the weight disappears and they can find traction anywhere. A little front-heavy for sand. And they fly like a sack of feed. But throw even a small amount of maintenance at it and it will run forever. I always thought the bike was one that didn't do any one thing outstanding, but did a lot of different things well.

It's the one bike I regret selling the most of any I've ever had.

'07 DL650, '06 DR650, '06 KLX351, '06 KX250, '05 Beta Rev3 250, '83 XR350R, '74 Bultaco Alpina

Sorry OP, off topic.

I just have to comment on the bikes in your sig line Bultaco206.

In the early 70s I owned a clapped-out Bultaco Matador (a 69 model maybe?), then later an 84 XR350R, and since then an 06 DL650 and an 06 DR650.

[n16ht5]

Oh, and a better selection would be XR400 VS Yamaha WR450F. the CRFX is a poor DS choice IMO because of the valve parties and split oil cases. The WR450F is the most reliable 450 along wiht the KTM RFS.

And my friends XR400 weighs about the same as my DS'd WR450F.

[belthorpe]

Yes n16ht5, credit to yamaha the wrf,s are reliable.

[MEROST]

I had a 450X and I loved riding it. If you wan't a top-notch performer and don't plan on riding on the street/highway much and have a lot of time to do maintenance, get a 450X. My only complaint about my 450X was it's not a great dual sport bike - it's not designed to be putzing around on the street. 15 hour service intervals keeps you busy if you ride a lot.

I recently got a 2013 CRF250L. I didn't have high expectations, but must say I'm really surprised. I reminds me a lot of the 450X. It doesn't have the suspension of a 450X, but with 8,000 mile service intervals you can ride and ride and ride without having to worry. It's also a great bike for short people. I'm 6-0 and the 450X fit me well, but the 250L is a lot shorter and easier to handle, especially on steep, rocky mountain firebreaks. the 250L also have great power for what it is.

Give a 250L a look.

[n16ht5]

by service interval do you mean oil change? I can't imagine doing 8k mi on the same oil, no matter what bike..