I got to spend some time with my son on some single track and forest service roads, riding up in Washington state last month, and the bike is a lot better all around power wise. I am happy with it as my tight stuff bike, and because it's now street legal, it's the bike I will take with me on the back of my travel van.
Jim, the latest is an old friend gave me ($100) his 2002 CRF450R. It sat outside after his house burned down, so it's got some dry rot issues. But, I thought it would be an inexpensive way to try out a 450. Do you still own a 2002 450r? If so, what do you recommend I do as I'm tearing it apart, cleaning and maintaining it, in the way of changes/improvements? I will be trailing not racing this, probably out in the desert/wide open spaces more than in the tight stuff. I hope you had a good summer, ours is finally cooling down so riding weather is just around the corner here in So Nevada! Take care. dc.