What broke: Technical Editor Todd Canavan managed to introduce the Predator's front end to a couple of trees along the rugged Rausch course (at speed each time). The first time, the bumper/frame cracked, and we had to weld it back into shape. The second time, we had to weld Canavan back into shape ... Other than the "Todd Tax," there were no major breakdowns on this unit. The Maxxis radials gave us the smallest number of headaches during our test, and the Douglas wheels showed only one dent.
Polaris Predator 500
Retail price: $6199; Troy Lee Edition (as tested), $6499
Engine
Type: Four-stroke DOHC
Displacement: 499cc
Cooling: Liquid-cooled
Carburetion: Mikuni BSR 42mm
Lubrication: Dry sump
Starting: Electric
Drivetrain
Drive system: Chain, 2x4
Transmission: 5-speed manual (with reverse)
Suspension (Type/Travel)
Front: Dual A-arms/10.0 in.
Rear: Swingarm/11.0 in.
Tires
Front: 21x7-10; rear: 20x11-9
Brakes
Front: Dual hydraulic discs; rear: hydraulic disc
Dimensions
Wheelbase: 50.5 in.
Claimed dry weight: 415 lb
Ground clearance: 4.5 in.
Length/width/height: 71.5/47.5/45.0 in.
Seat height: 32.0 in.
Fuel capacity: 3.25 gal.
Electrical
Taillight: Yes
Headlight: Two single-beam, 27-watt low quartz halogen
Instrumentation: Neutral/reverse, high-temperature indicators
Colors: Red/black; Troy Lee orange/black
#1 Honda TRX450R
Heading into its second year of production, the Honda TRX450R has had its fair share of moments in the sun. Factory rider Tim Farr and crew won the brutal Baja 1000 in 2003 with the machine, and Farr went on to capture the Pace Indoor stadium series aboard his 450R. At the final round of 2004 GNC MX competition, Joe Byrd nabbed the 450R its first National win. Most riders in our test felt the Honda offers the best blend of power and handling of all the machines. Somewhat surprisingly, every pro rider gracing our panel made the Honda his or her top choice (all the more wild considering most of them actually compete aboard a YFZ). The 2005 Honda 450R is now the proud recipient of a target on its back until next year's shootout.
While there were no changes for '05, the very nature of this test took away the performance edge of the Yamaha and brought out the trail-friendly features of the Honda. Relaxed ergonomics, a broad powerband, a big 3.2-gallon gas tank and a light thumb-throttle spring made for easy going; while a stout motor and neutral handling rounded out the package. The frequent oil changes mandated by the 450R are a bit of a drag, however. Honda's race mechanic Steve Litz did one before the test (after our photo sessions) and one at the break, and we can safely assume that it was ready for another when the day was done. Not having an electric starter is still a liability, but with an electric-start 450 dirt bike (the CRF450X) out now, will Honda keep up with the Joneses next year?
+Superb ergonomics+Tractable powerhouse engine-Doesn't always kick easily-Gearing a little tall for casual woods riding=Does all well
Honda TRX450R
Retail price: $6499
Engine
Type: Single-cylinder four-stroke
Displacement: 450cc
Cooling: Liquid-cooled
Carburetion: Keihin 42mm
Lubrication: Twin sump
Starting: Kickstarter
Drivetrain
Drive system: Chain, 2x4
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Suspension (Type/Travel)Front: Dual A-arms/8.4 in.Rear: Swingarm/9.0 in.
TiresFront: 22x7-10; rear: 20x10-9
BrakesFront: Dual hydraulic discs; rear: disc
DimensionsWheelbase: 49.2 in.Claimed dry weight: 350 lbGround clearance: 4.2 in.Length/width/height: 72.6/46.3/43.6 in.Seat height: 32.6 in.Fuel capacity: 3.2 gal.
ElectricalTaillight: YesHeadlight: Dual 30-watt high/low beamInstrumentation: NAColors: Black, red
What's changed from last year: You can now get it in black, and that's about it.