Weekend Warrior: The 2005 Honda TRX450R Is A Great Used ATV

Chaparral Motorsports
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June 21, 2012
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Last Updated: September 2, 2020

Many weekend warriors don't have thousands of dollars to spend on a new bike - or maybe they do but can't justify the cost with how little they get out to ride. Thus, used ATVs are a very popular choice for many who are looking to purchase a new bike. While every rider is looking for something a bit different, the top three desirable qualities in an ATV are probably cheap, reliable and plenty of power.

2005 Honda TRX450R is a great used ATV
2005 Honda TRX450R is a great used ATV

One used ATV that I have to recommend is the 2005 Honda TRX450R. Honda is a very popular brand and as this is their main 450cc ATV you see plenty of these on the track. At the time it was released, the TRX450R was the top of the line sport ATV on the market. In 2005, the TRX450R tore up the competition and was the Pro Quad, ATVA GNC MX, and Baja champions. While bikes made in recent years may have a slight edge on it, it's still got enough power to get the job done.

One aspect of the bike that some more recent ATV riders may not be accustomed to is that it's kick start. Many new ATVs come with electric start, so it'll be something to get used to. Obviously, you'll want to start up the TRX450R several times when testing it out to make sure the engine has no problem roaring to life. Also, keep in mind that it doesn't come with the fancy electronic fuel injection found on most newer ATVs - you'll be dealing with a carburetor.

That being said, there's a lot to love about this model. One reason we're even talking about the 2005 TRX450R today is its reliability. Now this can obviously vary depending on how well the previous owner treated the ATV, but Honda has earned a reputation as a reliable manufacturer over the years, and it's well-deserved. These things seem to last forever and can take all the punishment of off-roading on either trails or track.

A big aspect of this is the availability of aftermarket ATV parts and accessories for the bike. You'll be able to trick out your TRX450R with just about anything you want, as it's one of the more popular models around and there's plenty of support for the bike from other companies. And if the model does end up having a problem, replacement parts will not be tough to find at all. I know everyone would rather think about flying around the track rather than the practicality of it, but it's an important consideration when buying used ATVs.

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