05' crf450 worth buying?

[Highmarker]

Found a 05 crf450 for sale I am really looking at. $1,500 which is an awesome deal. Here is the problem... The chain came apart and broke the case. It has been jb welded or epoxy patched and the owner said he has rode it this way for two years. Would it be something to be scared of or worth the gamble for the great price? How were the 05's otherwise? Been out of bikes for quite a while and last one was a 2 stroke so these 450's are all new to me. Just wanting to start out cheap to see if I really get into it. What would you do? Buy or pass?

 

[treemagnet03]

All I can say is that JB weld does work. My dad's boat had enough water left in the engine one winter that the block cracked. Considering how expensive replacement parts were, we just threw on some JB weld figuring if all else fails we have to buy the parts....but now that was about 8 years ago. Same block. So, while I can't speak to this bike, I know it worked for the boat....

 

[Wheel House Motorsports]

for $1500 thats hard to say no to!! honestly,e if you take care of that bike i bet you will be able to have a lot of fun on it for many years!

 

[PJ-Hunter]

If the ugliness bothers you, look for a replacement case on ebay. Lots of CRF parts on there for cheap.

I'd buy it

 

[Chubbydog]

I'm not positive, but I seem to remember that the 05 Honda's had valve problems. For that price, it's hard to pass up though.

 

[Highmarker]

Been reading a lot about valve issues too, but replacing with stainless looks fairly cheap...couple hundred tops. Whole new built head can be found for just over 300. Seems like these things take WAY more maintenance than I was ever used to on the 2 stroke!

 

[throttlejocky316]

If I remember correctly didn't the 450 pistons have to be replaced pretty regularly? I thought that there was something about short piston height.

Honestly though, you could probably part the bike out for more than $1500 if you didn't like it.

 

[hatchers]

ive had several 450s, the 05 race 450 was the worst and loves to munch a head/valves/springs, most will end up paying $1000 for this rebuild

those who think any used 450 racer is worth more then $0.00 are folks who dont ride hard, thats the only way i see it

im on a 2012 KTM 300 2 stroke now and happy as a clam.....450 racer four strokes suck!!

 

[Mjunkie]

I bought new an '05 CRF 450, and have absolutely loved the bike (still have it). As far as replacing valves, yes I have, but not any more than the '06 I ride with or the '07 in our group. I think the key is keeping the air filter clean, and changing the oil and filter on a regular basis. They don't hold a lot of oil, so that's why I change it often. For a little extra insurance, you can run a little bit of leaded race fuel also to cushion the valves but it's not a big deal. Mine has been a GREAT bike! I rebuild the top end once a year or so, but also ride a lot at the dunes where the motor really gets worked.