Honda really impressed me with the Rancher. They went and added almost everything (No Diff lock, although I’m not sure its really a must have for a mid sized quad). I hope they do the same with the TRX450. It is sorely in the need for an update.
If I were shopping new the the TRX450 would be one of the lowest on my list.
Ranked right now I think i’d put the big 7 in this order.
DS450X-XC/MX or KTM 450XC/MX
DS450X or YFZ450R
DS450 or LTR450
YFZ450 or KFX450 or TRX450 or Outlaw 450MX
The top 3 groups would be distinguished by price. Buying new I’d try to get as close to the top as I could afford. That leaves the bottom row off my list completely.
Keep in mind however, the older I get, the more I think the Raptor 700 has enough suspension for anything I want to throw at it. Which mean’s I would probably choose it over any of the 450’s.