Alright since everyone is motivated to give opinions I need one. I will start at the beginning. Twelve years ago I started riding I had KX125 for about 3 months then a 96 KTM for two years. Then I had the first three years of YZ 400F and a YZ426. Now for the past four years I have had each year of Hondas 450, I have been riding my 08 450 for about 5 months but it feels none motivating to me and weak. I have had thoughts of a KTM 505 maybe get the excitement up. I do not know what to do. I am a mid level intermediate rider but my biggest concern is how hard I have to ride the 450. I am 6’3” and 220. What do you guy’s think. Maybe its time to call it or maybe we just need some new tracks to ride.

I just recently met a guy that I am sure would be more than willing to provide and install a T-58 Gas Turbine powered engine into any dirtscoot you wish. I know he could provide you with the engine at the least. Then I would suppose your limited to only riding the Open classes???

One thing as I get older and do not race much I am getting on the lazy side, start and stop in 3rd gear.

Sounds like you need some corner speed!!!

YES!!!

I'm on a 08 too (red) and at my 200lbs it's seems pretty hot to me. Reminds me of my old CR500s. 08 forks didn't fit well at first but I had'em worked over by super mondo fork dude (EVO) and that fixed things up. Fer me the stock gearing is way to tall! 1st feels like second and second like 3-1/2rd. But then I got used to whimpy bikes (CRF250). 08 CRF450 cured me of that. I had to cam me 04 CRF450 to git rid of a high end flat spot (8-9k) but 08 comes fixed. Pulls hard and smooth from bottom to top. Parked 06 squitter bike (crf250), wasn't make'n enough ponies. One hour on an 08 was enough.

So I'm going for new gearing in 08 on 450:
[08 450, 13/51]
39 MPH in 1st Gear vs 43 MPH stock
48 MPH in 2nd Gear vs 52 MPH stock
57 MPH in 3rd Gear vs 62 MPH stock
68 MPH in 4th Gear vs 73 MPH stock
78 MPH in 5th Gear vs 85 MPH stock

Don't figure I'll ever hit 85 on a race track, at least not MPH, and have had good luck doing same gearing thing for Washougal on 04 in 06 and it werked just about every where else I've been, Track, Trail, Practice, so 51 in 08 for me.

$0.02

service honda CR500AF. If i had the cash flow I'd have a full stable of honda bigbore two strokes. CR167 CR305 CR500

Athena 490 kit. Just had a buddy put that in his RMZ450, err now 490 and he just loves it. He is about 225lbs and helps him in his corners were he can run a gear higher.

He has had zero troubles overheating he races a lot of GP's.

Thank all great ideas I purchased a SDG tall seat and that helped the feel I think I will gear it again I had a 13/50 but sounds like the 13/51 is better and others have told me that as well. Looks like we will be up at Horn on June 7th so maybe some of you will be there to take me to school.