Honda has been building high-performance quads for over two decades now. From 1986 through 1989, Honda built the best high-performance quad on the market: the FourTrax 250R two-stroke. It was truly in a class of its own. All of the 250R's amazing traits have been integrated into Honda's new '07 TRX450R. Since the 450's inception two years ago, it's won the Baja 1000 those two years as well as countless GNCC MX racing titles.
Colors for '07 include Honda red, white with silver accents, and black with red flames. The new race-inspired headlight is located below the front cowl and really sets the '07 model apart from last year's model. There's also an LED tail/brakelight, which sheds weight but adds an extra ounce of safety when on the trail.
With the press of a button, the 450cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder four-stroke comes to life. You'll never go back to a kick-start quad after you've been spoiled by the magic E-button. Shift through the gears, and the revs build all the way to a redline of 9,850 rpm. The TRX's motor is based on the award-winning, two-wheeled CRF450R/X engines. The free-revving, Unicam four-valve motor puts down the torque from low to high rpms. The engine design meets California Air Resource Board (CARB) off-road emission standards and comes with a super-quiet, free-flowing muffler.
The CRF-style clutch and brake levers are light and precise. The five-speed transmission has ratios that are designed for racing applications and trail use. Actually, with the copious amounts of torque that this motor churns out, you can pretty much keep it in Third gear all day long. Use the compression braking as you enter a corner and then wick up the throttle through the entire curve, roosting the poor sap who's riding behind you.
In the bumps, the TRX450R feels as light as a feather. With a dry weight of 363 pounds (electric start), it's one of the lightest sport ATVs in its class. The front suspension has 8.4 inches of travel. The independent front double wishbone with Showa reservoir shocks has adjustable spring preload, rebound, and compression damping which soak up the rough sections. The Pro-Link rear suspension with Showa piggyback shocks has an impressive 9.3 inches of travel, along with preload, rebound, and compression-damping adjustments. Once you dial in the suspension settings to your weight, it's time to see what this thing will do.
The center of gravity is low, with a seat height of only 32.4 inches, which makes the TRX feel very neutral in the air and on the track. The engine cases are protected by a high-impact plastic skidplate. The extra 4-plus inches of ground clearance can come in really handy when riding up rock-strewn riverbeds. The TRX450R has a large-capacity, 3.2-gallon fuel tank. The ergonomics of the tank enable you to move around the cockpit with ease.
This quad comes with a transferable, six-month limited warranty (extended coverage is available with a Honda Protection Plan). Check out the owner's manual and you'll find a plethora of HRC Racing parts, which will help fill your trophy case even quicker. After you swing a leg over this quad, you'll be a Honda Red Rider for life!