Wow!!,  Monday, 26 June 2006 All I can say is what an improvement. Honda hits it on the head with the 2006. They addressed some of the issues, and worked out the kinks. Out of the box, this is probably one of the most powerful 450\'s on the market. I absolutely love the power delivery, performance, and feel. The suspension for the first few rides is very stiff and takes some break-in time. We have also noticed that steering, although improved from earlier years, the forks still need to be raised a little to get it dialed. On the down side the front tire and chain are junk, and some of Honda\'s wrenching/torqing techniques are less than desired. Going over all bolts, steering stem nut, and spokes are a must. I have had numerous riders that ride the competition throw a leg over and find themselves amazed at the performance...

 Awesome Helmet...,  Monday, 26 June 2006 While this helmet comes pricey, the look, feel, and design is well worth it. This helmet is very comfortable and easy on the head. It fits like a glove and offers a much wider viewing area as compared to other helmets. This helmet also comes with its own carry case along with an extra visor. While some crashes have chipped the painting on my helmet, I still find this my helmet of choice. Everything comes out very easily for washing, and the venting definitely keeps my heat cool even in this AZ heat. I also like running the Scott XI goggles which has a much wider spread from top to bottom which doesnt fit well with most helmets and tends to push down on the nose restricting your breathing. With the TLD SE helmet, I have no problems.

 Great Boots!!,  Monday, 26 June 2006 If the price doesnt scare you away at first look, then you have made it past the hard part. While these boots do come pricey, the look, fit, feel are awesome. The boots have little to no break-in time, and are so comfortable out of the box, you would think you were wearing a tennis shoe. The flexability in the toe area does come with some wearing, as some notice that the brake and shift lever need some adjusting. The only durability aspect that I am slightly upset with is the sole. While the sole offers great grip, it comes at a price. They are very soft, and wear very easy. After 5mo of use, I am already sending my boots in for re-soling. I have about 45 hours on the bike, and I got the boots at the same time as I put the hour meter on, so consider them used for about 45 hours give or take.

 Maybe I got a Pair from a Bad Batch!!,  Monday, 26 June 2006 As much as the rave was about these boots, I decided to purchase a pair based on the the rave. I wore these boots for about 5 rides before they started falling apart. Buckles were breaking, strape bolts were falling out, and my whole exp with them went out the window. On my last ride with them, I broke my foot from the flex and stiffness in the toe. If you have wide feet, and possibly pinky toes problems, these boots dont conform well, and take longer to break in. My overall exp with them was very poor, while others might still rave about them, I chose to look at other boots for my feet.

 Pretty Damn good Tire...,  Monday, 26 June 2006 After trying a few front tires, stock, 756, and the Maxxis IT. I was pretty dead set on the Maxxis IT as my prefered choice. I heard some rumor about the SI being a more prefered choice up front, and thought I would give it a try. For the past year I have been sold on running the SI up front. The hookup seems to be the most versitile even thought it is a soft terrain tire. The wear is a little greater than the IT, but the overall performance is definitely wll worth the slightly added wear. I havent yet found a better all around tire to use that wears well, and hooks up in just about anything.