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old vs new Husqvarna 450 SMR?

3K views 9 replies 6 participants last post by  SteadyEddie 
#1 ·
Hey everyone,

I'm thinking about getting an older (2004) husqvarna 450 SMR, but can't seem to find much info on the old vs. the new ones? Can someone shed some light here - are there any reliability, part availability issues?

I've been on two wheels for a while and I understand the need for maintenance and upkeep, just wondering about the model year differences. Thanks in advance!
 
#2 ·
I love my '04. Bastard plastics, as they differ from 05-07. And bastard Mikuni carb on the '04. Get it dialed in and it's golden. These were the carbed years. '08 to current are EFI. Great bikes, all of them.

My '04 is a sweet bike, and have no reason to upgrade to something newer.
 
#3 ·
Cool, thanks for the information. Seems pretty straight forward - any thought/input on part interchangeability? Obviously the motors are different but it would be nice to have a range of years to choose from if there was a need for repair.
 
#5 · (Edited)
Actually there are several internal engine that are different. Valves, trans shaft, clutch basket, starter gear,Counter ballancer, outer case. I'm only talking between the 04 and say 06. Now let's say you needed a new clutch basket on the 04. And you bought a 06. You would also need the starter gear as the teeth are not same. Husqvarna updated the 04 in 05 some. And in 06 updated it even more. But it's a good motor and nothing to shy away from.
Oh yeah the exhaust is different too. But will flip flop between the 04 and 05-07. Not sure why they even changed it. :headscrat
 
#7 ·
You can run a side by side with this site - One of the biggest for me i the Forks - The '04 has 45mm and I THINK after '07 they came with the now standard 50mm forks - I just got rid of my '04 and it still fired up and ripped hard the day I sold it and the new owner is still ripping it - The motor is solid and pulls hard and will run with any 450 out there from a stock vs stock comparison

http://www.motorbikes.be/en/Husqvarna_SM_450_R_2004.aspx
 
#10 ·
Not bad at all - I ran a stock (albeit shortened and hollowed) exhaust on mine too - Wonder if I was close to the 51? - had the Carb tuned to the shorty as well

Sidebar, I am still in search of some #s to see what my '09 RR is putting out - Cannot find them anywhere
 
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