Issues with '03 CRF450R?

[mikystyle]

Looking to pick up a new 4stroker and Im looking at an '03 crf450r this week. Wondering if there is anything specific with that bike I should look for, anything that year was known for? Thanks.

 

[IndyMX]

Looking to pick up a new 4stroker and Im looking at an '03 crf450r this week. Wondering if there is anything specific with that bike I should look for, anything that year was known for? Thanks.

The stock cam chain tensioner & water pump impeller on them is garbage.

Replace the tensioner with a post 2004 model & the impeller with a post 2006 model. (or drill a 1/8th inch hole 3/8th's of an inch from the outside edge of the impeller)

I haven't heard of any other issues.

 

[sharky243]

Just keep an eye on the valve clearances. The only issue I have heard but have never actually seen, is bad counter balancer bearings.

 

[whenfoxforks-ruled]

Would Indy buy another used, no history known, older 450?

 

[IndyMX]

Now I would.. ;) But I'd do a much better inspection of the balancer shaft, bearings & drive gear.

I had a hell of a time finding the problem with mine, but since then, not a single problem.

 

[whenfoxforks-ruled]

Total amount to freshen up your motor Indy? Grant it, I do know Indy a little, and I do have an idea what it takes to freshen a used thumper also. If you go in looking at the worst case scenario, subtract that amount from blue book(or the going rate in your area)that is what the bike is worth.

 

[IndyMX]

Total amount to freshen up your motor Indy? Grant it, I do know Indy a little, and I do have an idea what it takes to freshen a used thumper also. If you go in looking at the worst case scenario, subtract that amount from blue book(or the going rate in your area)that is what the bike is worth.

Not counting a couple of do overs due to a misdiagnosis, about $600 total.

Which I don't feel is really unreasonable.

 

[sharky243]

$600 ? you're getting away cheap !!!

 

[IndyMX]

$600 ? you're getting away cheap !!!

I didn't do the valves. Add another 600+ to the tab for that. When I do it.

 

[whenfoxforks-ruled]

When Ryans bottom end went on the 250f, it was around 500 in parts. No catastrophic damage though, he says he knew it was going? It has taken 20 years to learn that though!

 

[IndyMX]

When Ryans bottom end went on the 250f, it was around 500 in parts. No catastrophic damage though, he says he knew it was going? It has taken 20 years to learn that though!

You have to get good at listening to your bike.

You need to hear the slightest changes in it. Only then can you
catch a bearing that's losing it's plating.

I consider my brother very lucky for catching his before the bearing completely detonated.