My cousin/friend/riding buddy has a trx he has had a total of 2 problems with it. He keeps having chains break and the started gear went out, and supposedly the whole kicker set up is a btch to find since it is wanted so much?????????????
thanks.
If your friend is struggling with chain problems, chances are the sprockets are either worn-out, or the chain is being overtightened when a new one is re-intsalled.
Another possibility is a blown bearing in your buddy's rear axle bearing carrier. TRX 450r's use a roundhouse-style rear carrier/swingarm, and they are known for axle bearing failures. Especially on the early models. If a bearing has gone out, the axle will no longer run true. It is impossible to properly-tension a chain when this happens, and its very easy to either sling off or break a chain upon landing a jump or hitting a bump.
The fix for this problem is a new billet bearing carrier kit. You can get them on ebay for $ 100.00 shipped. This billet setup comes with all the needed bearing and seals and is easy to install IF you can get the rear axle nut loose. They can be a PITA but will usually surrender with enough heat and leverage.
I had to change the rear carrier in my TRX when I bought it, and by the time I got the old one off, it had been completely destroyed. Glad I bought the billet assembly. Its not worth trying to change individual bearings, since the carrier housing is usually eaten up by the time you tear it apart to fix it.
As for the kick starter issue, you can buy a kicker kit for the 2006 + models, but it is not cheap. I think its a little over $ 600.00. Your friend would be better off getting a new starter gear off ebay to fix his bike. The kicker retrofit kits are mainly sold to racers who don't need electric start.
There is a company out there which sells electric start retrofit kits for the 2004 and 2005 TRX 450r's. Look up GOKI starters. They aren't cheap, but if you get tired of kicking one over, it might be just what you need.
A word of caution: If you get a kick-start 450r, be sure to kick it firmly. They, like most Honda's, kick forward and will pop back if you're lazy on the down stroke. I've still got a kickstart lever-shaped bruise on the bottom of my right foot from last fall's ride. You have been warned. lol
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