2008 450 ATV Sport Shootout

Honda TRX450R

Honda TRX450R
As I mentioned earlier, Honda was one of the first manufacturers on the scene bringing a strong contender to the 450 market. It has clinched numerous titles, including a Baja 1000 win while being piloted by Tim Farr at its debut race in November 2003. Today, the strong Honda has seen only minor changes since its 2004 release, and it continues to find a place on just about every podium on the racing circuit. The TRX450R is a favorite among racers for its reputable ergonomics, powerplant and overall potential with help from the aftermarket.

Rider comfort and positioning scored high marks with our test riders as did the well-placed controls. These user-friendly characteristics of the red rocket are nicely suited to the needs of most riders and should play a significant role when choosing an ATV. Although our testers unanimously agree that the Honda is quite comfortable and nimble, the suspension unfortunately proves to be the weakest link. The overly stiff shocks are unforgiving and make for a harsh ride when traversing rough terrain. An excessive ride height is another result of the rigid suspension, and produces an eerie feeling of instability when maneuvering at speed. This is very noticeable during hard cornering and becomes ever more evident as track or trail conditions worsen.

Producing and putting the power to the ground is one of many areas where the Honda truly shows its colors. With an effortless push of the throttle, the TRX is highly capable of launching from the starting gate with great fury. Unlike some of the competitors' machines, the power spools fast and continues to pull hard throughout the entire rpm range. This fast-revving characteristic aids in building speed over a short distance to easily clear jumps or get the edge when exiting a sharp turn.

I've heard it's said that to stay at the front of the pack you have to be on the gas or on the brake. When entering a turn, the longer you can stay on the gas before hitting the brake, the better, and this timing is reflected by the brake system's stopping power. Fortunately for the Honda the brakes perform well to bring the rocket to a quick stop. The front is where a majority of the stopping power is generated, and these happen to be the strong point of the TRX's system.