Suzuki or KTM Opinions

my username
Edited Date/Time 1/8/2014 12:03pm
Hello all,
I have been riding and racing a 2013 rm-z450 since August of 2012. I am due for a new one. The KTMs have caught my eye simply due to the fact of my son racing the smaller bikes. Long story short, I can get a 13 450sxf for the same price as a left over 13 RMZ 450. Similar deal on the 14. KTM is within $600 of 2014 RMZ.

Advice and criticism appreciated.
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mxb2
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mxb2 1/2/2014 11:33am
1/2/2014 11:33am
i have a 13 rmz, rode my buddies ktm 2013 450sxf,rmz is better bike, resale and parts quality probably better on ktm.depends if you ride stock bikes and how long you plan on keeping it. i bet the 2015 rmz s will be all new.
Paw Paw 271
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Paw Paw 271 1/2/2014 12:01pm
1/2/2014 12:01pm
KTM has a lot better quality parts and a longer like that the Suzuki.
rocketsocks26 1/2/2014 12:21pm
1/2/2014 12:21pm
power wise u cant go wrong with any 450, reliability wise Suzuki isn't even in the same ball park as ktm..ktm is electric start, which is priceless, has the best brakes you ll ever ride on a mx bike and the motor is incredible user friendly. ktms only fault really is its suspension, but any bike u buy more than likely people get revalves anyway. the rmz will be tuff on resale because its pretty much an unchanged bike for the past 4/5 yrs.
mxb2
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mxb2 1/2/2014 12:39pm
1/2/2014 12:39pm
rocketsocks26 wrote:
power wise u cant go wrong with any 450, reliability wise Suzuki isn't even in the same ball park as ktm..ktm is electric start, which is...
power wise u cant go wrong with any 450, reliability wise Suzuki isn't even in the same ball park as ktm..ktm is electric start, which is priceless, has the best brakes you ll ever ride on a mx bike and the motor is incredible user friendly. ktms only fault really is its suspension, but any bike u buy more than likely people get revalves anyway. the rmz will be tuff on resale because its pretty much an unchanged bike for the past 4/5 yrs.
x2, imo both great bikes. the rmz is best turning bike out there, but the ktm has some really good qualities. always cheaper to make a bike faster, not . handle better. cant go wrong either bike.

The Shop

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rocketsocks26 1/2/2014 2:07pm
1/2/2014 2:07pm
I agree with u bill,ktm doesnt turn as well as the rmz, but its not far behind it. Handeling wise the ktm handles better, rmz gets real twitchy at high speeds because of its great turning traits. Its all rider preference, whats nice about the ktm u got hydrolic clutch, and alotta high end features stock.and their build like sherman tanks! There knocking on yamis door in that department
gpnewhouse 1/2/2014 2:41pm
1/2/2014 2:41pm
I rode a 2010 rmz 250 and loved the way that rode but the 2013 sxf 250 that I bought was no where near as good to ride, you couldn't go half as fast through turns on the KTM as what you could on the rmz. I love the KTM two strokes but I will never buy another KTM four stroke again, on the other hand I'd buy an rmz tomorrow.
mxb2
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mxb2 1/2/2014 3:10pm
1/2/2014 3:10pm
rocketsocks26 wrote:
I agree with u bill,ktm doesnt turn as well as the rmz, but its not far behind it. Handeling wise the ktm handles better, rmz gets...
I agree with u bill,ktm doesnt turn as well as the rmz, but its not far behind it. Handeling wise the ktm handles better, rmz gets real twitchy at high speeds because of its great turning traits. Its all rider preference, whats nice about the ktm u got hydrolic clutch, and alotta high end features stock.and their build like sherman tanks! There knocking on yamis door in that department
billy,, my grandpa was bill. rip gramps.
coastie44
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coastie44 1/2/2014 8:56pm
1/2/2014 8:56pm
If you already have an RMZ and spare parts for it, stick with the left over RMZ. I had a '13 KTM 450SXF and it was nice, trick, and sexy. But I sold it after 8 months on it and bought a '13 KXF450. I really like the Kawi too (once I fixed the PSF forks). I've also ridden the 13 Honda and the zook. I think all the bikes can be dialed in. Just depends on how much money and time you have to deal with it. If you just want to ride, then stick with what you already have. If you want to play, buy the orange (red, green, or blue) bike!

I will say the KTM blows the doors off the Kawi (and probably RMZ) in terms of fit/finish and resale value.
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Markee 1/3/2014 7:47am
1/3/2014 7:47am
I got a 13 KTM 450 forsale, 11 hours on it. Come get it. marc@kilbydeuce.com if your are interested. Selling because I went back to 2 stroke 13 250sx.

The bike is great, picked it over the kawi. Brakes are insane, estart, hydro clutch etc.. Its really a boring bike when it comes from a mechanic, you look at it and other than pegs and trinket parts, not much is neaded. Its ready to race like they say, just get the suspension suited for you.
my username 1/6/2014 7:43am
1/6/2014 7:43am
Well I picked up the KTM. Rode it over the weekend and was pleased. Suspension is a little qerky but I have sent it out already for a revalve. I have ordered a 13/50 gearing set up to help third gear out. Overall the bike is great. Definitely not a bike to have if you like to spend money to hop up and accessorize. The bike is pretty well loaded with trick items. I dont even know if I will put a pipe on it.
rocketsocks26 1/6/2014 9:01am
1/6/2014 9:01am
Put a slip on it n u r set! The bike rips just like that! Who did u send suspension to?
mxb2
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mxb2 1/6/2014 9:06am
1/6/2014 9:06am
my username wrote:
Well I picked up the KTM. Rode it over the weekend and was pleased. Suspension is a little qerky but I have sent it out already...
Well I picked up the KTM. Rode it over the weekend and was pleased. Suspension is a little qerky but I have sent it out already for a revalve. I have ordered a 13/50 gearing set up to help third gear out. Overall the bike is great. Definitely not a bike to have if you like to spend money to hop up and accessorize. The bike is pretty well loaded with trick items. I dont even know if I will put a pipe on it.
get a remap, full fmf 4.1, good fuel, suspension set up, ,good to go. congrats on the new whip.
my username 1/6/2014 9:41am
1/6/2014 9:41am
I sent the suspension to JM Racing in texas. He does all of my bikes.

Mxb2; who remaps these bikes or how do you do it? I was told by dealer that it has three maps loaded already i need to purchase a switch.
i typically run U4 for fuel.
rocketsocks26 1/6/2014 11:51am
1/6/2014 11:51am
Only your dealer can remap it. Its comes really lean off the bottom. I use the u4.4 just in that fuel alone you ll c nice gains. I have a full yosh n a full fmf on my 2 bikes, the yosh is by far better imo. Even considering I get a really nice discount on fmf.im waiting on getting a vortex ignition,its expensive but alotta tunability. I have ohlins fork n shock on mine.
rocketsocks26 1/6/2014 11:54am
1/6/2014 11:54am
Actually send it to chip at munn. He actually has his own maps, which are better than the ones ktm offers. N he can tune it to your fuel n exhaust.
sendin71
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sendin71 1/6/2014 11:55am
1/6/2014 11:55am
wouldn't buy a ktm for 50 cents. Absolutely junk. The dumbest things break on them. 65's and 85's are the only decent ktms out there.
mxb2
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mxb2 1/6/2014 12:28pm
1/6/2014 12:28pm
rocketsocks26 wrote:
Actually send it to chip at munn. He actually has his own maps, which are better than the ones ktm offers. N he can tune it...
Actually send it to chip at munn. He actually has his own maps, which are better than the ones ktm offers. N he can tune it to your fuel n exhaust.
x2, good info
my username 1/6/2014 12:40pm
1/6/2014 12:40pm
rocketsocks26 wrote:
Only your dealer can remap it. Its comes really lean off the bottom. I use the u4.4 just in that fuel alone you ll c nice...
Only your dealer can remap it. Its comes really lean off the bottom. I use the u4.4 just in that fuel alone you ll c nice gains. I have a full yosh n a full fmf on my 2 bikes, the yosh is by far better imo. Even considering I get a really nice discount on fmf.im waiting on getting a vortex ignition,its expensive but alotta tunability. I have ohlins fork n shock on mine.
I have a vortex ecu from tokyo mods on my rm. Huge difference. On that bike I would buy ecu before pipe.

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mxb2
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mxb2 1/6/2014 12:48pm
1/6/2014 12:48pm
rocketsocks26 wrote:
Only your dealer can remap it. Its comes really lean off the bottom. I use the u4.4 just in that fuel alone you ll c nice...
Only your dealer can remap it. Its comes really lean off the bottom. I use the u4.4 just in that fuel alone you ll c nice gains. I have a full yosh n a full fmf on my 2 bikes, the yosh is by far better imo. Even considering I get a really nice discount on fmf.im waiting on getting a vortex ignition,its expensive but alotta tunability. I have ohlins fork n shock on mine.
my username wrote:
I have a vortex ecu from tokyo mods on my rm. Huge difference. On that bike I would buy ecu before pipe.
x2, an igniton and good fuel is a better mod than a full pipe, but if you have the $$, the whole package is a great set up,
TrailDigger 1/6/2014 3:16pm
1/6/2014 3:16pm
sendin71 wrote:
wouldn't buy a ktm for 50 cents. Absolutely junk. The dumbest things break on them. 65's and 85's are the only decent ktms out there.
That's not nice.
I don't ride KTMs, but they're still good bikes. I would love to own one of their two strokes, and their fours are race proven to be as good, if not better than others.
It's all a matter of preference I believe, but you can't just say they're bad. Their 150sx's are super cool, but unfortunately I'm too poor to buy one. If I could, I definitely would in a heartbeat.
Can't wait for the 2015 RMZ450 though. That'll be sweet, hopefully.
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Cola22 1/6/2014 3:23pm
1/6/2014 3:23pm
I feel in order for you to be able to judge you have to ride both bikes, everyone is different and we all like different thinks. Take for example I rode a cr250f, kx250f, and a yz250f. Between the both i felt that my kawi was the best, others can argue and say that honda is better. Its all rider opinion.
TrailDigger 1/6/2014 5:30pm
1/6/2014 5:30pm
True, true.
It is all a matter of opinion and what you feel when you ride a bike.
I just think, in my opinion, most bikes of a class are equal. Doesn't matter if it's bad stock or not, you can always fix it.
rocketsocks26 1/6/2014 5:57pm
1/6/2014 5:57pm
ive ridden all of the 13 450s. everyone of them are excellent bikes. the mags are really biased imo, n they promote who ever is giving them stuff for free. the kawi is the most retardedly fast bike I ever ridden. its alittle to much. what I like so much about the ktm is it is build really , really well, the brakes are unbelievable, anyone who comes from a jap bike its like instant whoa! the motor is vet perfect!, and the button, the button is amazing! the yami was actually really nice, n the 14 yzf is totally sic! the rmz was nice everywhere, except my 2 hang ups r #1 reliability, #2 brakes, they r horrible coming from ktm, the Honda is more comparable to the 350sxf Suzuki has the best deals with the yosh packages n finacing at 0percent. ask mxb2 I was really on the fence with buying one
TrailDigger 1/6/2014 6:52pm
1/6/2014 6:52pm
May I ask what problems you've had with reliability for the Zooks? I have a '12 450 and it's been great so far with no problems. I've heard the same from others who ride them, ThumperTalk, and the mags seems to love them. The one thing I do have to complain about is the brakes, but you get used to them. I'm sure there's little fixes for them, but they aren't too bad.
mxb2
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mxb2 1/6/2014 7:42pm
1/6/2014 7:42pm
rocketsocks26 wrote:
ive ridden all of the 13 450s. everyone of them are excellent bikes. the mags are really biased imo, n they promote who ever is giving...
ive ridden all of the 13 450s. everyone of them are excellent bikes. the mags are really biased imo, n they promote who ever is giving them stuff for free. the kawi is the most retardedly fast bike I ever ridden. its alittle to much. what I like so much about the ktm is it is build really , really well, the brakes are unbelievable, anyone who comes from a jap bike its like instant whoa! the motor is vet perfect!, and the button, the button is amazing! the yami was actually really nice, n the 14 yzf is totally sic! the rmz was nice everywhere, except my 2 hang ups r #1 reliability, #2 brakes, they r horrible coming from ktm, the Honda is more comparable to the 350sxf Suzuki has the best deals with the yosh packages n finacing at 0percent. ask mxb2 I was really on the fence with buying one
x,,2 rocketsocks is right, the brake fix on rmz, braking battfly kit with fresh fluid , and galfer braided line., i have rmz s, no problems but i am anal about bike care. sll bikes break, if u dont take care of them.
coastie44
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coastie44 1/6/2014 9:42pm
1/6/2014 9:42pm
rocketsocks26 wrote:
Only your dealer can remap it. Its comes really lean off the bottom. I use the u4.4 just in that fuel alone you ll c nice...
Only your dealer can remap it. Its comes really lean off the bottom. I use the u4.4 just in that fuel alone you ll c nice gains. I have a full yosh n a full fmf on my 2 bikes, the yosh is by far better imo. Even considering I get a really nice discount on fmf.im waiting on getting a vortex ignition,its expensive but alotta tunability. I have ohlins fork n shock on mine.
Anyone can map it if they have the KTM Efi mapping tool and software. I purchased a used KTM user setting tool from craigslist for $250-$300 and did my own mapping.

After I mapped mine, added a 250SXF silencer (no baffle), and did the 13/50 gearing, I couldn't tell the difference between the motor on it or my KXF when I rode them back to back.
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Huckster 1/7/2014 4:27am
1/7/2014 4:27am
I have a 13 ktm 450 and an 11 RMZ 450 in my garage right now. Both bikes are torn down and being prepped for the upcoming season. IMHO, the "build quality" stereotype about the RMZ is just that, a stereotype. I have had zero problems with mine and I also had zero problems with the 08 that I had. I also don't see any discernible difference in the fit and finish of the two bikes. The RMZ is actually easier to work on. I just bought the KTM and haven't rode it yet so I can't give an opinion on that, but I can on the quality of the fasteners and design. The fact that you have to remove the entire sub frame to replace the side panels is ludicrous. The electric start is a thing of beauty but the wiring and all that comes with it is also a nightmare if you have to strip the bike down.

I will be selling one of them once I have the chance to ride them both back to back to see which I like better. Right now simply based off ease of working on them, I would say the Suzuki is much easier.
rocketsocks26 1/7/2014 5:03am
1/7/2014 5:03am
traildigger, Ive only ridden a 13 rmz 450 a few times, I was gna get one but, that was what I was worried about 'reliability'. I don't know how they hold up other than what I see. im extremely anal, like billy and never had a problem with any brand ive owned. I get new bikes each yr.but buying a Suzuki that's what worried me
rocketsocks26 1/7/2014 5:14am
1/7/2014 5:14am
any of the jap bikes without electric start will be easier to work on, but I wouldn't want to go back to a kick start after the button ever again . lol really spoils ya! huck your gna love the ktm.
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Huckster 1/7/2014 5:31am
1/7/2014 5:31am Edited Date/Time 1/7/2014 5:31am
rocketsocks26 wrote:
any of the jap bikes without electric start will be easier to work on, but I wouldn't want to go back to a kick start after...
any of the jap bikes without electric start will be easier to work on, but I wouldn't want to go back to a kick start after the button ever again . lol really spoils ya! huck your gna love the ktm.
I had a 350 with the magic button and thought the same thing. It is awesome to have but honestly after a few kicks on the RMZ, you kind of forget about it. My RMZ starts first or second kick 90% of the time. The wiring harness on the other hand is a big PITA and the engineer who thought it was a good idea to make the airbox/sidepanels one piece should have to give his degree back......with that said, I am really hoping that I like the KTM.....

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