#MX 450 shootout #SHOCKER!!

Still2StrokenIt
#Shocker every magazine has different results. Zero consistency throughout the industry what is up with that?
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Stuntman949
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Stuntman949 12/22/2016 8:14am
12/22/2016 8:14am
Its a good thing. Pick a color any color. Different strokes for different folks.
ML512
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ML512 12/22/2016 8:22am
12/22/2016 8:22am Edited Date/Time 12/22/2016 9:32am
Still2StrokenIt wrote:
#Shocker every magazine has different results. Zero consistency throughout the industry what is up with that?
Different test riders equals different results. We do Shootouts to give our viewers all of our test rider's individual thoughts, which may help a reader identify with a test rider and find aspects of a bike they may like or dislike if they really are considering a different bike that year. As for consistency, there's usually some. The last few years, the YZ250F pretty much ran away with the shootouts, while this year the YZ got three wins and the KTM got three wins (Cyclenews, MXA, DirtBike, Dirt Rider, Vital, Transworld). And over the past few years, the 450 Shootout has been very close between Yamaha, KTM, and Kawasaki. This year, we picked Husqvarna and I know one magazine has done the same. KTM has taken two wins that I'm aware of...
Still2StrokenIt 12/22/2016 8:24am
12/22/2016 8:24am
I would say when it comes to bike set up Dirtrider is spot on for to my riding style and size. There set up on my 2017 TC is perfect. When it comes to MX testing I trust MXA and this site vita.
Transworld does have pretty pictures but it's basically a Honda rag and RacerX is just a little too Self serving. racer won't even pick a winner.

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ML512
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ML512 12/22/2016 8:27am
12/22/2016 8:27am
Still2StrokenIt wrote:
I would say when it comes to bike set up Dirtrider is spot on for to my riding style and size. There set up on my...
I would say when it comes to bike set up Dirtrider is spot on for to my riding style and size. There set up on my 2017 TC is perfect. When it comes to MX testing I trust MXA and this site vita.
Transworld does have pretty pictures but it's basically a Honda rag and RacerX is just a little too Self serving. racer won't even pick a winner.
Racer X doesn't actually do Shootouts anymore. And Transworld didn't pick Honda this year...
Starcrossed
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Starcrossed 12/22/2016 8:31am
12/22/2016 8:31am Edited Date/Time 12/22/2016 8:33am
Many of the reviewers have commented that all of the bikes have their strengths, and there really isn't a bad one in the bunch. Frequently it comes down to personal preference, and minor modifications allow different styles of riders to get the feel they're looking for from most of the bikes in the class. One of the biggest factors in selecting a model should be the convenience and support offered by the local dealer network. I've been happy with KTM, and wouldn't switch based on test results alone.
Edit: started typing before ML's posts.
hellion
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hellion 12/22/2016 8:52am
12/22/2016 8:52am
Every 450 shootout I've read has Husky/KTM first and second, Honda third, Yamaha fourth, Kaw fifth and Suz last.
NeedMoto
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NeedMoto 12/22/2016 8:53am
12/22/2016 8:53am
I for one, enjoy all the different input from a broad field of test riders. Look for nuances, and incremental consistencies. It just gives me a few things to look out for, but then still make my own decision Wink
c0ncEpT
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c0ncEpT 12/22/2016 9:24am
12/22/2016 9:24am
Maybe because there isn't one "Best bike" for everyone?
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TriRacer27 12/22/2016 9:25am
12/22/2016 9:25am
The real shocker would have been if anyone picked the Suzuki first.

What this has shown, once again, is that the bikes are so close in terms of stock performance that it comes down to other factors in deciding which is best for you. That's why I like what Racer X is doing and focusing instead on how to fix a few things on each bike.

I always found it funny in years past that you would read a shootout and they would sing praises about a bike. Then a month later you would read a test on some suspension upgrade for the bike that won the shootout and all of a sudden they're talking about how the forks had a harsh spot in the middle and it wouldn't settle. And I'm thinking, why wasn't any of this mentioned in the shootout? All of a sudden the bike goes from perfect to "in desperate need of $1000 worth of suspension work". I'm glad we see at least less and less of this now.
TheoreticalMotocrosser 12/22/2016 9:34am
12/22/2016 9:34am
Why do people still read bike shootouts like they make a huge difference? Breaking news: they are all amazing. They are all way better than you or I can ride them. So stop taking these shootouts as gospel and just buy whatever one you like the best.
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CarlinoJoeVideo 12/22/2016 9:50am
12/22/2016 9:50am
I think it's more of a relief than a shocker. Knowing that you can get 4 groups of riders on different tracks with different results means the bikes are so close. I think in this day and age it comes to personal preference. These shootouts are an average of 5 riders on a given 3 days of testing.

On the Pulp show Ping made a great point, find the dealer that will support you the most locally and go with that brand.
Wildeye511
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Wildeye511 12/22/2016 10:30am
12/22/2016 10:30am
I think that it is a good thing. Means bikes are pretty much on the same level and its up to the rider to decide what fits him or her best. The tough part then is figuring out which one is right for you.
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Robgvx 12/22/2016 10:35am
12/22/2016 10:35am
TheoreticalMotocrosser wrote:
Why do people still read bike shootouts like they make a huge difference? Breaking news: they are all amazing. They are all way better than you...
Why do people still read bike shootouts like they make a huge difference? Breaking news: they are all amazing. They are all way better than you or I can ride them. So stop taking these shootouts as gospel and just buy whatever one you like the best.
But not good enough that every muppet feels the need to drop hundreds on new suspension valving...
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Phillip_Lamb 12/22/2016 10:55am
12/22/2016 10:55am
all shootouts are subjective to who is riding them. It usually comes down to what each rider feels the best on. with that being said, in my personal experience i have had oppourtunites to ride a varying degree of bikes (about ten years ago)

I rode and raced a 06 yz250f 06/07 kx250f 06 crf250r and rmz250 05/07.

From everything i have read MXA's individual reports line up well with what i felt. I dont listen to shootouts, as ranking brings out bias, and the 'best' out of box bike may not be what a rider likes. (if i bought a new 250f I would buy an RMZ, cuz corners)

Vital I feel does a good job on test, but as far as magazines, i feel most wax a little too poetic and maybe hype up small changes too much, "YOU CAN REALLY FEEL THAN TINY BUMP IN HP, IM NOW HUCKING 200FT TRIPLES!"
Spankey
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Spankey 12/22/2016 11:11am
12/22/2016 11:11am
TheoreticalMotocrosser wrote:
Why do people still read bike shootouts like they make a huge difference? Breaking news: they are all amazing. They are all way better than you...
Why do people still read bike shootouts like they make a huge difference? Breaking news: they are all amazing. They are all way better than you or I can ride them. So stop taking these shootouts as gospel and just buy whatever one you like the best.
That is, I'm afraid, the nature of things. Some people refuse to ride with nothing but Dunlop tires because they think they are sooo good that they can't be competitive with nothing else! whatever!!!
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kiwifan 12/22/2016 11:41am
12/22/2016 11:41am
yes, goes to show how close they are...seriously the average joe rider could pick one of them and you will go no slower than on the others
kiwifan
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kiwifan 12/22/2016 11:57am
12/22/2016 11:57am
hellion wrote:
Every 450 shootout I've read has Husky/KTM first and second, Honda third, Yamaha fourth, Kaw fifth and Suz last.
And MXA will be no different, no way any bike other than KTM/husky will get first...the KTM/Huskys are just that little bit better (oh and MXA love their KTMs/Huskys Smile )

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kaptkaos
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kaptkaos 12/22/2016 12:02pm
12/22/2016 12:02pm
Until next year when Big Red gets a button stock....
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Vet57 12/22/2016 12:38pm
12/22/2016 12:38pm
I'll buy a new RMZ450 for 6K otd and go just as fast as any color...and leave 3K in my pocket.
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kiwifan 12/22/2016 1:00pm
12/22/2016 1:00pm
kaptkaos wrote:
Until next year when Big Red gets a button stock....
yes it probably will, but a sad day if a button is all that stands between first and 3rd...but I dont think thats the case at all

I wouldnt be surprised if the CRF comes with TC next year...ala KTM/Husky
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burn1986 12/22/2016 1:58pm
12/22/2016 1:58pm
ML512 wrote:
Racer X doesn't actually do Shootouts anymore. And Transworld didn't pick Honda this year...
Honda won't let them, lolCool jk
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gsxr6 12/22/2016 2:18pm
12/22/2016 2:18pm
I remember when ktms got dead last in every shootout. In mxa. For like 20 years. They are the most honest of the bike media, with a pretty consistent record.
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moto0852 12/22/2016 4:35pm
12/22/2016 4:35pm
You shouldnt read the shootouts it will just confuse you. Just ask Keefer...he will tell you what to think and what is best.
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smoothies862 12/22/2016 4:50pm
12/22/2016 4:50pm Edited Date/Time 12/22/2016 4:55pm
I would be more interested in a reliability shootout combined with performance. not so called long haul 20- 25 hr updates.lets go 50 hrs +. if bike A is great but is a parts eating machine,ill take bike B that is solid. I think its funny when someone mag or forum says "rock solid. 7 hrs on her".come on ML512,your in good enough shape. pound some laps!Silly
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TeamGreen 12/22/2016 5:14pm
12/22/2016 5:14pm Edited Date/Time 12/22/2016 5:15pm
My ratings had -NOTHING- to do with:

How the bike started (Kick v. Button).
What tires were on it (Yup! Even made the best of Dunlop v. Bridgestone).
How "cool" the bike is suppose to be...pullllease!
What ANYONE-ELSE thought.
Period.

Pretty sure I rated the Zook the highest, the Yamaha the Highest...and the KTM the lowest (amongst the group,of Vital testers) & I'm certain that I rated the KXF lower than anyone-else (and...look at my screen-name: W T F!?). Btw, the KTM is jus' to "Edgey"...but, FAST!

I rated the bikes for how accommodating they were for a guy like me. I tried to be as good of a representative as I could be for an older guy...that gets to ride Moto and needs a bike that enables him to do fast laps confidently. I rode as many or more laps than the 'kids' and I went back out at the end of the day on my "Top 3" to be damn sure of my observations and notes.

Adjsuted as necessary. Thorough. Fair. Period.
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GuyB 12/22/2016 5:16pm
12/22/2016 5:16pm Edited Date/Time 12/22/2016 5:16pm
smoothies862 wrote:
I would be more interested in a reliability shootout combined with performance. not so called long haul 20- 25 hr updates.lets go 50 hrs +. if...
I would be more interested in a reliability shootout combined with performance. not so called long haul 20- 25 hr updates.lets go 50 hrs +. if bike A is great but is a parts eating machine,ill take bike B that is solid. I think its funny when someone mag or forum says "rock solid. 7 hrs on her".come on ML512,your in good enough shape. pound some laps!Silly
Sort of like when people apologize for a "long read" that's barely two paragraphs. Smile
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JWACK 12/22/2016 7:25pm
12/22/2016 7:25pm
TheoreticalMotocrosser wrote:
Why do people still read bike shootouts like they make a huge difference? Breaking news: they are all amazing. They are all way better than you...
Why do people still read bike shootouts like they make a huge difference? Breaking news: they are all amazing. They are all way better than you or I can ride them. So stop taking these shootouts as gospel and just buy whatever one you like the best.
Robgvx wrote:
But not good enough that every muppet feels the need to drop hundreds on new suspension valving...
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Fraser
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Fraser 12/23/2016 3:15am
12/23/2016 3:15am
kaptkaos wrote:
Until next year when Big Red gets a button stock....
Its stock here (UK), I think most places apart from USA. The electric starters aren't landing until End of Jan though, so all the bikes that have gone out before that will have to go back to the dealers to have them fitted.
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Turbojez 12/23/2016 3:44am
12/23/2016 3:44am
The only trustworthy opinions about bikes come from Ronnie Mac, and this dude doesn't even ride 450's. Guess what that means? And he's right 9 times outta 10, everytime.

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