Calling all 2013 TE449 owners - Would you buy it again?

Did lowering it affect the handling of the bike?

I'm 6'6" and hardly need to lower my bike, but I did anyway. This made my MY12 TE511 handle much better and the front end wobble disappeared completely. I have been thinking about making a lowering link for the 449/511 that will lower the bikes without lowering the rear shocks.

Handles very well.

Lowered it past the 4mm or whatever they changed in the '12 model?

Yes, 5mm past that.

Gidday JeffV, I'm about 5'10, and at first found the seat height rather daunting. I thought I may have to lower the suspension to fit me initially, But once on the machine everything irons out. I have to watch where I "touch down" sometimes, but I am finding that less of a concern the more I ride.It doesn't take long to suss out the bike,and to enjoy. I love it ...if you haven't one already, get one, I reckon you'll enjoy it as much as I do. Cheers.

MY12 - I mounted a 120/80-18 on the rear which I believe lowered the seat by 16mm. I also raised the forks in the clamps. This height is reasonably comfortable for my 5'9.5" 195# frame. I would buy a lowering link if one was available and then go back to a higher sidewall on the rear.

As far as buying one again, at age 50, I love the bike, but realistically, I could be happy with a tricked out DRZ. My son has a 2001, plated E model, the bike runs strong, and I think he maybe changed the oil once since he bought it new in 2002.

Make it. It was the "fix" on my 09 CRF 450.

I don't see how any bike can breathe thru a stock catted muffler. I tried mine and it was pitiful. The decatting and race map II made a world of difference on mine. I too will get the reflash soon and prolly go to a FMF slip on.
I'm lovin' mine!! I'm going to Colorado in August, I hope it handles the difference in Georgia and Colorado altitudes "automatically", I'll let y'all know.

Mine is stock, not powered up, and runs great. It has as much power as I want and gets 50+ MPG. If you want it to run like a motocross racer then yes you need to mod it. I do understand that some people like to play with there bikes by making them run better. That is a good thing but it is not necessary for the bike to be what it was built for. A light weight dirt bike that is street legal .

Wholeheartedly agree; I would add: the oil puking issue seems to be of great concern and should never require an aftermarket modification to bring it up to manufacturers specifications. Go ahead let me have it now that I have spoken the truth here

I got one of the 'good ones', never puked oil or dirty'd up the filter.
However, the $40 update was not available in 2011, 12 and only just now became available. Before this many of us had to buy a tuner just to make it run, some of us were lucky and didn't have the stalling issues. Looking around it appears most of those folks are sea level riders to a few thousand feet. I live next to the Sierras and that is my local spot, the bike simply would not perform up there. I bought mine with the promise of tanks being available soon, still hasn't materialized and Id be surprised at how many are actually made now the model has been sent to the boneyard.
They are super bikes, very easy to ride and FUN. I've been fortunate enough to almost double all those qualities with a new toy
For the right price they cant be beat.

Although my is a TXC449, I put a Sicass kit and plated it for dual sporting.
I love the bike ( power up mod II and akrapovic can ).
I'm 56 , been riding street my whole life and woods recently the last 3 years.
Thinking of making it a SuMo . got mine for $5600
Dealer here are selling 13's TE449/511 for $5999+ taxes

And yes I would buy another one or three or 4, heheheh

Interesting. I live in the valley but most of my riding is in the Sierras. When I was having the real bad flame out issues I was getting frustrated as hell. Right after
I installed the FMF I went up to our cabin where it's approx 5000 to 6800 range and the bike ran absolutely flawlessly. Not a single flame out the entire time.
When I returned home to the valley it was back to the flame out issues. This was prior to getting the JD or PCV.
In a nut shell. I'm approaching 3000 mi on my 2011 TE511 and love this bike for what I use it for which is woods trail riding and dirt roads. Having the plate is
what makes it perfect because I can legally ride the mountain highways or some FS roads that don't allow dirt bikes.

I was one who was happy with the stock bike with an FMF on it. I have only done a few mods, did not have to do them,
But each one was an improvement. I ride mine in the woods, tight stuff some and the map made the slow 1st gear
Riding much more pleasant. As soon as I figured out to only put a quart in it I have had no issues.
I certainly would still love the bike stock, but love it even more with a few tweaks...

I pad $6,600 OTD for my 2013 TE449 (brand new) and Yes I would...

Hi! Thanks for the info. In what state are you located?