2013 450.. which one to buy?

yzkrazy219
Profile picture for user yzkrazy219
Posts
165
Joined
2/20/2009
Location
Wirtz, VA, USA
yzkrazy219
Edited Date/Time 11/13/2012 7:04am
I really like the new Honda's. I loved my 2011 but im scared of the new air forks. How are the new Suzuki's? Never rode one to really know what they're like.
|
Highsider
Profile picture for user Highsider
Posts
7679
Joined
8/15/2006
Location
Way Toasty, IA, USA
Highsider 11/11/2012 6:04pm
11/11/2012 6:04pm
Yamaha rumor is a re-design called a 2013 1/2 model.
mondaa_512 11/11/2012 6:25pm
11/11/2012 6:25pm
i agree with your comment about the new air forks as you have to adjust them every ride, the new ktms look sweet though
CRF505
Profile picture for user CRF505
Posts
528
Joined
11/24/2011
Location
Clarkston, MI, USA
CRF505 11/11/2012 6:25pm
11/11/2012 6:25pm
I have an '09 Honda 450, so same chassis as yours. I'll be in the market for a new 450 next summer so I've been thinking about the same thing as you, probably going to be red or yellow. I love my '09, it's been bulletproof. I had an '07 Honda 450 before that. Loved that one and it was bulletproof as well. Anyway, I haven't road a 13 CRF yet but I rode my buddies 2013 RMZ 450. It seemed really light (even though it's not), handled pretty good for stock suspension, turned really well. The seat to footpeg to handlebar aspect seemed really similar to my current CRF so I felt comfortable really quickly (he had CRF bars on it though). Motor is definitely faster than my CRF (my bike is stock except FMF slip on). After riding it I've decided I like it a lot, but still can't decide which one. Hope to ride a '13 CRF before making a decision. I'm weary of the air forks too. Seem like they could be a hassle.
yzkrazy219
Profile picture for user yzkrazy219
Posts
165
Joined
2/20/2009
Location
Wirtz, VA, USA
yzkrazy219 11/11/2012 6:34pm
11/11/2012 6:34pm
I just think checking the air pressure in the forks before every moto would get old really quick.

The Shop

See All »
CRF505
Profile picture for user CRF505
Posts
528
Joined
11/24/2011
Location
Clarkston, MI, USA
CRF505 11/11/2012 6:44pm
11/11/2012 6:44pm
yzkrazy219 wrote:
I just think checking the air pressure in the forks before every moto would get old really quick.
I agree.
nytsmaC
Profile picture for user nytsmaC
Posts
5946
Joined
8/10/2009
Location
Frig Off, CA
nytsmaC 11/11/2012 7:42pm
11/11/2012 7:42pm
I bought Nuetech Tubliss setups for one of my bikes and it was same deal, check/add air every ride. I hated them.

However, if they netted a 2 pound weight savings and performed better than the alternative, I would have been less disappointed with them. They didn't really save any weight and hence had to performance advantage.
Falcon
Profile picture for user Falcon
Posts
12553
Joined
11/16/2011
Location
Menifee, CA, USA
Falcon 11/11/2012 7:54pm
11/11/2012 7:54pm
I thought those tubeless systems were supposed to reduce more than a pound per wheel 18 ounces or something.... not the case?
Bhayz105
Profile picture for user Bhayz105
Posts
15
Joined
11/25/2011
Location
Germantown, MD, USA
Bhayz105 11/11/2012 8:11pm
11/11/2012 8:11pm
I really enjoy my '13 CRF. I was skeptical of the lack of horsepower the motor produces but after riding a 250f for so long, the power is great. Easy to control out of corners which allows for better corner speed through the entire turn, it turns very well, and has a very neutral ride. The suspension took some getting used to and playing with clickers, and air pressure. Just check it before you ride just like you check your tire pressure takes all of 2 minutes.

My friend loved the improvements compared to the '12. Just my 2 cents
nytsmaC
Profile picture for user nytsmaC
Posts
5946
Joined
8/10/2009
Location
Frig Off, CA
nytsmaC 11/11/2012 8:47pm
11/11/2012 8:47pm
Falcon wrote:
I thought those tubeless systems were supposed to reduce more than a pound per wheel 18 ounces or something.... not the case?
No, not compared to a set of light tubes, they are a wash. Their claims are definitely exagerrated.
fader418
Profile picture for user fader418
Posts
2831
Joined
9/14/2009
Location
Lake Forest, CA, USA
fader418 11/11/2012 8:53pm
11/11/2012 8:53pm
Highsider wrote:
Yamaha rumor is a re-design called a 2013 1/2 model.
Same engine I heard...
SwapperMX
Profile picture for user SwapperMX
Posts
2153
Joined
6/16/2010
Location
AU
SwapperMX 11/11/2012 9:00pm
11/11/2012 9:00pm
A new YZ released early is an interesting rumour. Will be good to see that play out.

As for which new 450 to buy, for me, the new KTM looks to be the pick of the bunch. They are gonna sell plenty of those this year !!
dizzy8085
Profile picture for user dizzy8085
Posts
112
Joined
8/7/2012
Location
San Marcos, TX, USA
dizzy8085 11/11/2012 9:46pm
11/11/2012 9:46pm
If I was buying a 2013 450 tomorrow it would be orange.
yzmatt
Profile picture for user yzmatt
Posts
380
Joined
7/28/2009
Location
USA
yzmatt 11/11/2012 9:58pm
11/11/2012 9:58pm
dizzy8085 wrote:
If I was buying a 2013 450 tomorrow it would be orange.
I agree...
Friday
Profile picture for user Friday
Posts
2773
Joined
9/10/2007
Location
Playa Del Rey, CA, USA
Friday 11/11/2012 11:10pm
11/11/2012 11:10pm
I bought the 2013 KTM 450. So happy with it. I did have to go heavier on the springs which REALLY improved the bike. I love it! Smile
josh8811
Profile picture for user josh8811
Posts
504
Joined
11/13/2011
Location
Kaysville, UT, USA
josh8811 11/11/2012 11:24pm
11/11/2012 11:24pm
I have a 2013 450sx also
SwapperMX
Profile picture for user SwapperMX
Posts
2153
Joined
6/16/2010
Location
AU
SwapperMX 11/11/2012 11:47pm
11/11/2012 11:47pm
They pretty much are ready to race these days, unlike the offerings from the big 4. Great to see the love for the Big Orange.
Aaron_Hart
Profile picture for user Aaron_Hart
Posts
256
Joined
12/27/2010
Location
Henley Beach, SA, AU
Aaron_Hart 11/11/2012 11:58pm
11/11/2012 11:58pm
the suzuki air fork is amazing, im guessing the honda would be similar

Pit Row

See All »
oitcher
Profile picture for user oitcher
Posts
14
Joined
6/4/2012
Location
Murrieta, CA, USA
oitcher 11/12/2012 2:52am
11/12/2012 2:52am
yzkrazy219 wrote:
I really like the new Honda's. I loved my 2011 but im scared of the new air forks. How are the new Suzuki's? Never rode one...
I really like the new Honda's. I loved my 2011 but im scared of the new air forks. How are the new Suzuki's? Never rode one to really know what they're like.
New Honda 450 is awesome! Maybe not the new air fork, but all the 2013 bikes come with air forks. The 2013 Honda 450 is much improved over the 2012 Honda 450.
jtiger12
Profile picture for user jtiger12
Posts
1723
Joined
8/2/2006
Location
Forest H Ill, MD, USA
jtiger12 11/12/2012 4:09am
11/12/2012 4:09am Edited Date/Time 11/12/2012 4:10am
oitcher wrote:
New Honda 450 is awesome! Maybe not the new air fork, but all the 2013 bikes come with air forks. The 2013 Honda 450 is much...
New Honda 450 is awesome! Maybe not the new air fork, but all the 2013 bikes come with air forks. The 2013 Honda 450 is much improved over the 2012 Honda 450.
Wrong. Only the kxf and crf come with air forks. The definition being air replacing the primary spring in both legs. The suzuki is a showa air oil seperate fork. The ktm and yamaha are both conventional inverted forks.
Moto619
Profile picture for user Moto619
Posts
258
Joined
10/17/2010
Location
Wollongong NSW, AU
Moto619 11/12/2012 5:21am
11/12/2012 5:21am
So has anyone heard of the honda having the same problem as the kawi in regards to problems with the air fork loosing pressure if seals are blown? And also what does it mean when people say the air forks take some time to get used to? What do they do differently to spring forks? I rode a 13 KTM this past weekend it was good but didnt blow my hair back. great controls good power but still felt a little different than a jap bike.
MN338
Profile picture for user MN338
Posts
110
Joined
10/29/2012
Location
AU
MN338 11/12/2012 5:29am
11/12/2012 5:29am
With the quality in modern machines and how good the current crop of 450 MXers are, it basically comes down to picking a colour. Red, blue, green, yellow or orange. Suit yourself.
SwapperMX
Profile picture for user SwapperMX
Posts
2153
Joined
6/16/2010
Location
AU
SwapperMX 11/12/2012 5:36am
11/12/2012 5:36am
@Moto619, I know a bunch of guys riding the '13 KX450, and the feedback I have got from them is that they are super plush initially, and then have really good resistance to bottoming. Not sure what anyone could mean that they take a bit of getting used to?? Maybe getting used to setting the air pressure before riding?? Still work like a set of forks. If you are brave enough or dumb enough to venture to thumpertalk, there is a bunch of info and arguing on their regarding the air forks on both the Kawi's and Honda's. There are also a couple of photos on there which would make you not want to buy a bike with the new generation PSF forks.

What didn't you like about the Kato you rode?? And which bike was it ??
mx317
Profile picture for user mx317
Posts
5387
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
USA
mx317 11/12/2012 5:43am
11/12/2012 5:43am Edited Date/Time 11/12/2012 5:45am
yzkrazy219 wrote:
I just think checking the air pressure in the forks before every moto would get old really quick.
You don't have to check them between motos. I check mine (KX450F) at the beginning of the day and usually find the pressure the same as it was when I checked it the time before. They are the best working forks I have ever ridden on. I hope I'm not wrong, but I don't think Honda and Kawasaki would release something on their flagship models that hasn't been thoroughly tested.
Whip
Profile picture for user Whip
Posts
378
Joined
6/24/2012
Location
England, GB
Fantasy
1747th
Whip 11/12/2012 9:37am
11/12/2012 9:37am
It's really hard to decide this year.

If I were to go on looks, the CRF would win hands-down. The air forks and dull engine power really make me look towards the Zook and KTM.

The Zook is is heavier than the KTM but has arguably better suspension.

The KTM has electric start, amazing brakes and great power.

I think I'll get me a 13' 450SXF and invest in the suspension setup for this season.
yzkrazy219
Profile picture for user yzkrazy219
Posts
165
Joined
2/20/2009
Location
Wirtz, VA, USA
yzkrazy219 11/12/2012 9:53am
11/12/2012 9:53am
Has anyone rode a new suzuki? I just cant picture myself riding a ktm.
suzook241
Profile picture for user suzook241
Posts
468
Joined
3/25/2010
Location
USA
suzook241 11/12/2012 10:33am
11/12/2012 10:33am
yzkrazy219 wrote:
Has anyone rode a new suzuki? I just cant picture myself riding a ktm.
yes, very very good bike....
CRF505
Profile picture for user CRF505
Posts
528
Joined
11/24/2011
Location
Clarkston, MI, USA
CRF505 11/12/2012 10:46am
11/12/2012 10:46am
Yes, I have. The '13 Suzook reminded me of an '09-'12 Honda but with a better motor. Great bike. Feels very slim, nimble, and light (even though it's the heaviest of all the '13s).
Yamaharider1474 11/12/2012 11:11am
11/12/2012 11:11am
I've seen a ton of 13 CRF'S at the track and all seem to be nose low and the forks seem to blow thru the stroke quickly but most of that can be poor set up on a new bike. the Zooks look great and seem to be a big hit a the track as well rode a stock biek the other day and was super fast and turned well!
mjskier
Profile picture for user mjskier
Posts
1879
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
USA
mjskier 11/12/2012 12:14pm
11/12/2012 12:14pm
Buy whichever one matches your outfit...

Post a reply to: 2013 450.. which one to buy?