Quote: Originally Posted by
Nitrousman
I thought it was a great price. I'll ask the dealer about the clutch update. I can't decide between this and something like the Outlander or Renegade 500. I won't be doing any track racing and I know with the solid rear axle it won't ride as good as the Outy or Ren but those are a little over $5k each. How much of a beating will I take trail riding this DS 450 all day?
I bought my 08 DS450 last year for $3299 so you are getting a better deal. And, I had to pay to ship it to me.
I bought it as a cheap way for me to ride with my wife and her Brute Force 650i. The DS450 has been great on the trails so far. Its light weight helps. The solid axel does give you a flatter turn with less body roll than the independant suspensions. I don't feel beat up after a day on the trails. However, not having reverse means you have to do some pulling and lifting of the ATV when you drive yourself into a bind. Also, a day or so later my knees can be sore. I think I stand up more on the DS450 than I did when riding my wife's Brute Force. The DS450 doesn't have the fender (like most 450's) protection so you wear a lot more mud than you would on some other ATV's. The brute force can power thru mud while keeping the rider clean. For the DS450, I find that speed is life when it comes to deep mud.
The DS450 is geared a little tall for creeping along trails. I dropped a tooth on the front sprocket.
The independent rear sport ATV's excell in some situations (clearance?) on the trail. The solid axel ATV's excell in other situations (cornering?). I think you would be happy with the performance and money saved with the DS450.
Do research on recalls and updates. Be sure to get them done before you buy it. I had everything done before they shipped my DS450 to me.
New member looking to buy with questions
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