6 replies to this topic

[Austin Wilson TT Newbie]

I have been looking to upgrade bikes for a long time.  I have been on an XR400R for years and am ready for much more.  I came across an 06 CRF450R with low hours in really great shape.  I am going to look at it (with a trailer and cash) this weekend.  Being unfamiliar with these big liquid-cooled, high performance bikes, what should I be looking for?  It starts right up.  Cosmetically is good and straight.  

The guy is asking $2000 OBO and I am going to offer him $1700 cash and hope to take it home if it runs well.  Any advice would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks!

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[hillis06crf450r TT Newbie]

I loved mine check all the suspension linkage, hubs chain sprockets. make sure the bike look clean and well taken care of if u can I would drain the oil and se of there are any metal shavings check trams oil and coolent level. If u do get it I have a full FMF titanium exhaust for it

[Austin Wilson TT Newbie]

hillis06crf450r, on 19 June 2013 - 01:37 PM, said:

I loved mine check all the suspension linkage, hubs chain sprockets. make sure the bike look clean and well taken care of if u can I would drain the oil and se of there are any metal shavings check trams oil and coolent level. If u do get it I have a full FMF titanium exhaust for it

If I do get if I will be looking for an exhaust system, k & n air filter, and jet kit.  Then it should be just fine for my needs!  I'll let you know!

[hillis06crf450r TT Newbie]

Cool deal man hope u get it

[adam8781 TT Silver Member]

Some weird answers here for what you "need"


YOu seem like you have a good understanding of bikes, Its the same as your xr400 in many ways, keep it clean, take it apart and grease all the bearings when you buy it and once every few months after that. keep the oil fresh ever few hours, I suggest rotella T triple protection 15w40, its works great in both sides and at 70$ for 5 gal pail at walmart you just cant beat it.  (its meets and exceeds oil specs required in your owners manual)

Get an hour meter on the bike, change oil every 5-10 hours. filter ever 10.
Clean air filter is paramount, Twin air has been my choice forever. the smallest amount of grit in the motor and you can kiss the valves goodbye.
quality sprockets and o/xring chain go a long way on a 450.


The intake valves are a problem on all crf450s, the more your on the rev limiter the faster they wear out. If it gets hard to start all of a sudden, your valve need tobe adjusted, once they start to move they just keep going. Adjust then 2-3 times max than have the head rebuilt.


Great bike, Dont need pipe or anything fancy, they are monsters in stock form.

Edited by adam8781, Today, 02:23 PM.

[macklikesbikes TT Bronze Member]

+1 on the valves. Id recommend checking them now just so you know how far they have moved until you check them again in 10-15 hours.

I prefer no-toil/honda oem>twin air>K&N. Get about three and keep em handy in zip-locks.

For under 2000 thats a killer price. I just paid 2900 for my 05' and it has 300 hours on it (but brand new top and bottom ends)

Have fun on the 450. First thing you'll notice is how much stiffer the suspension is and how much faster it romps!

Keep the XR400 its a awesome trail dig.

[HrcRacing27 TT Bronze Member]

On top of what others have suggested, I always look at the ignition/clutch covers for wear.  Low-hours to me means those aren't halfway (or more) worn off.  I would prefer to see a small amount of wear and some scuffing.  Also, check things like play in the footpegs, gear shifter and kickstarter.  Pop the seat off and see what the airfilter looks like, etc, etc.  It's easy to dress up a turd so buyer beware.  

Best of luck.

Edited by HrcRacing27, Today, 09:13 PM.