So I just bought an 08ER! Its my first sport quad. I found a steal on a red 08ER that had been reposessed. It still looks brand new, if it has 20 hours on it I would be shocked. Haven't been on any trails yet, but so far I love it! I've had an 03 Rincon with gear reduction, 30s, lift, intake/exhaust, the whole works, and an 05 Brute 750 with the same stuff, so modification is not new to me. Being in college and maintaining/building a new mud bike was out of the question, so, here I am.

Now, the modification MUST begin =)

My question is, what would you guys suggest I start with? I was thinking I should start with the HRC kit and some body protection (bumper, grab bar, nerfs, heel guards). Any input is appreciated!

Also, about the HRC kit, I would also like to get a K&N (or some kind of filter, suggestions?) and some type of full exhaust (again, suggestions?). So would I do better to order these parts with a jet kit and cam, or just get the HRC initially and intake/exhaust later?

Thanks in advance!

just buy the hrc kit and get a slip on hmf exhuast and you will have have a good full exhuast and cam and jet kit for pretty cheap

I would not put a K&N on it, stick with a good foam filter. On the stock filter take out the metal screen inner cage and take off either all of the screen or just the outer layer. You have to leave some frame work in there to keep the filter from collapsing.

The HRX kit with slip on will make that motor run very well.

nerf bars- defianetely. grab bar- yes if u are going to ride wheelies. bumper- yes if u suck at steering and live near trees. pipe.jetting. openlid.airfilter.and maybe a cam or new piston. jmo

I'm having some trouble finding the HRC kit online. A legit HRC kit consists of a cam, jets, needle, head pipe, and sub harness, right? I keep finding these "power up kits" on ebay and various other places that seem to be short on parts. Where do I find a REAL HRC kit?

Also, are most of you guys running the stock filter? I know my buddy runs UNI foam filters on all his race bikes. Suggestions on this please??

Thanks again for any help!

you can buy the HRC kit direct from Honda... they will usually install it for not that a little more if interested.

I would say protection and suspension because your only as fast as your suspension no matter how much motor work you have...I have the k&n no probs love it run an outterwear on it.The hrc kit is nice with the hmf slip on same thing I run...But I would do nerfs skids and suspension first then do the hrc kit..

I think it depends on how you ride...Get the nerfs first IMO..then if you play race in a straight line and ride pretty flat terrain I would add the exhaust and an HRC kit. If you want it t handle, the R needs to be wider. You can do this effectively for around 600 bucks perhaps less if you find good used parts on this board.

Are you trying to ride mostly trails or track or what... all these guys say wider, but if i did that in my terrain, i would snap something easy. I need strength and need to fit places..

First thing i did because my R had a White Brothers Full exhaust, was all around PRO Armor Skids, and PRM bump and grab. I am looking to jet my baby but thats next

i would recommend ESR race exhaust $293.92 brand new from KB

Thanks! Here's a direct link to anyone who may be interested : ESR Race Exhaust


nerf bars, skids, stabilizer, exhaust and a HC STG 2 would be a great way to start the modifying the honda trx450r without spending too much money.

I have a full exhaust from white brothers and it was on there when i bought the quad. I just had my friend tune it up and he said no jetting was needed because the plug was golden brown and that it was running perfect. Do you think it was already jetted or what???