Cyclenews 450F shootout

kiwifan
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kiwifan
Edited Date/Time 12/11/2014 9:05pm
Yamaha 1st
Kawasaki 2nd
Honda 3rd
KTM 4th
Suzuki 5th
Husky 6th

The KTM guys are not going to be happy...

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mxrose3
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mxrose3 12/9/2014 7:54pm
12/9/2014 7:54pm
kiwifan wrote:
Yamaha 1st
Kawasaki 2nd
Honda 3rd
KTM 4th
Suzuki 5th
Husky 6th

The KTM guys are not going to be happy...

They really liked the YZ suspension. I was surprised that they ranked the yz above the kx. I thought the Honda would take it, but I guess it still doesn't have enough motor for fast guys.
nytsmaC
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nytsmaC 12/9/2014 8:38pm
12/9/2014 8:38pm
What's up with the Husky weighing 6lbs more than the KTM?
mxrose3
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mxrose3 12/9/2014 9:20pm
12/9/2014 9:20pm
nytsmaC wrote:
What's up with the Husky weighing 6lbs more than the KTM?
you got me... I thought that plastic subframe would make it weigh less!

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lostboy819 12/9/2014 11:14pm
12/9/2014 11:14pm
Well considering its cycle news I wouldn't put too much stock in their shoot out.Blush
kiwifan
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kiwifan 12/9/2014 11:34pm
12/9/2014 11:34pm
kiwifan wrote:
Yamaha 1st
Kawasaki 2nd
Honda 3rd
KTM 4th
Suzuki 5th
Husky 6th

The KTM guys are not going to be happy...

mxrose3 wrote:
They really liked the YZ suspension. I was surprised that they ranked the yz above the kx. I thought the Honda would take it, but I...
They really liked the YZ suspension. I was surprised that they ranked the yz above the kx. I thought the Honda would take it, but I guess it still doesn't have enough motor for fast guys.
No doubt about it the YZF has sweet front suspension... but I thought the Kawasaki and Honda rear suspension was better than the YZF
kiwifan
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kiwifan 12/9/2014 11:34pm
12/9/2014 11:34pm
lostboy819 wrote:
Well considering its cycle news I wouldn't put too much stock in their shoot out.Blush
Yeah I guess they know nothing about bikes......
Crush
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Crush 12/9/2014 11:52pm
12/9/2014 11:52pm
kiwifan wrote:
Yamaha 1st
Kawasaki 2nd
Honda 3rd
KTM 4th
Suzuki 5th
Husky 6th

The KTM guys are not going to be happy...

mxrose3 wrote:
They really liked the YZ suspension. I was surprised that they ranked the yz above the kx. I thought the Honda would take it, but I...
They really liked the YZ suspension. I was surprised that they ranked the yz above the kx. I thought the Honda would take it, but I guess it still doesn't have enough motor for fast guys.
kiwifan wrote:
No doubt about it the YZF has sweet front suspension... but I thought the Kawasaki and Honda rear suspension was better than the YZF
SSS has basically won best in class every year, every model it's adorned since 06... Crazy to me no one has copied it verbatim.

zehn
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zehn 12/10/2014 12:44am
12/10/2014 12:44am
mxrose3 wrote:
They really liked the YZ suspension. I was surprised that they ranked the yz above the kx. I thought the Honda would take it, but I...
They really liked the YZ suspension. I was surprised that they ranked the yz above the kx. I thought the Honda would take it, but I guess it still doesn't have enough motor for fast guys.
kiwifan wrote:
No doubt about it the YZF has sweet front suspension... but I thought the Kawasaki and Honda rear suspension was better than the YZF
Crush wrote:
SSS has basically won best in class every year, every model it's adorned since 06... Crazy to me no one has copied it verbatim.

I thought Yammy's were running PSF since the 2013 model year?
swedishfishmx 12/10/2014 1:34am
12/10/2014 1:34am
nytsmaC wrote:
What's up with the Husky weighing 6lbs more than the KTM?
mxrose3 wrote:
you got me... I thought that plastic subframe would make it weigh less!
According to every other magazine, my TC250 is 2lbs lighter than the 250SX. I would assume the 450 is no different?

deltamotocross 12/10/2014 2:54am
12/10/2014 2:54am
Yeah I thought the Honda would take it too.
Oh well, guess ya just add a pipe and remap, maybe a Cam, to bring the power up to the top levels.
But while you're at it, ya can buy a titanium bolt kit and carbon fiber everything to drop the weight of the others to that of the Honda.
So I guess it's really just pick you're poison.
pete24
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pete24 12/10/2014 3:43am
12/10/2014 3:43am
well, at least im consistant, i just bought a new Husky, and it got last in the shootout, did i mention the three years i spent on Cannondales?
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SwapperMX 12/10/2014 3:47am
12/10/2014 3:47am
zehn wrote:
I thought Yammy's were running PSF since the 2013 model year?
Nope, you've confused Yamaha with either Kawasaki or Honda. Yam have stuck with what they know and it has worked. Damn good boingers thats for sure !!
Harry Backmon 12/10/2014 5:07am
12/10/2014 5:07am
That's great for the Yamaha. They needed a win. I think MXA is going to give it to them this year too.

What I liked in that issue was the 2015 KTM 450 Factory Edition. KTM is really on the ball. They are going to get their suspension straight soon and nothing will touch them. I have to admire them - they really go after it. They might just sell me one in the future.
Matt Fisher 12/10/2014 11:04am
12/10/2014 11:04am
Crush wrote:
SSS has basically won best in class every year, every model it's adorned since 06... Crazy to me no one has copied it verbatim.

From what I understand the last generation of Showa forks were darn mirror images of the SSS. Between valving and the differences in frame rigidity, the Blue Brothers have had better feeling suspension. There are guys on ThumperTalk that have bolted up SSS stuff to their CRF's only to discover that it didn't feel like a Yamaha (shocking, I know).
peelout
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peelout 12/10/2014 11:27am
12/10/2014 11:27am
kiwifan wrote:
Yamaha 1st
Kawasaki 2nd
Honda 3rd
KTM 4th
Suzuki 5th
Husky 6th

The KTM guys are not going to be happy...

most of the "KTM guys" are buying and riding offroad, like myself. a moto shootout isn't going to do dick for where my money is spent.

now if i were still into motocross only, i probably wouldn't be a "KTM guy" and would still be riding Honda.

it is getting annoying with every Tom Dick and Harry talking shit about KTM guys though.
kiwifan
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kiwifan 12/10/2014 2:10pm
12/10/2014 2:10pm
kiwifan wrote:
Yamaha 1st
Kawasaki 2nd
Honda 3rd
KTM 4th
Suzuki 5th
Husky 6th

The KTM guys are not going to be happy...

peelout wrote:
most of the "KTM guys" are buying and riding offroad, like myself. a moto shootout isn't going to do dick for where my money is spent...
most of the "KTM guys" are buying and riding offroad, like myself. a moto shootout isn't going to do dick for where my money is spent.

now if i were still into motocross only, i probably wouldn't be a "KTM guy" and would still be riding Honda.

it is getting annoying with every Tom Dick and Harry talking shit about KTM guys though.
ok, shall I say "KTM motocross guys" ....does that sound better? :-)
TommyLee93
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TommyLee93 12/10/2014 2:14pm
12/10/2014 2:14pm
Has anyone ever made a purchase based on a shootout?

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bigboar
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bigboar 12/10/2014 2:19pm
12/10/2014 2:19pm Edited Date/Time 12/10/2014 3:36pm
What is up with this starting threads about "Ktm guys"? I guess if somebody feels the need to put all their stock in what magazine test riders think, everyone who owns any bike besides the one that wins the so called "shootout" should be upset with their purchase.. I don'teven own a ktm and actually own a Yzf but the effort they are putting into the sport is awesome and I wouldn't hesitate to own one as my next ride. As a matter of fact, if I had the cash I would already have my money down on one of the new 250FE bikes..
lostboy819 12/10/2014 2:20pm
12/10/2014 2:20pm Edited Date/Time 12/10/2014 2:21pm
TommyLee93 wrote:
Has anyone ever made a purchase based on a shootout?
I know several guys in the 1980s who would only buy the MXA 125 shootout winner.But it was also a bigger deal back then,I don't think anyone makes a bad MX bike anymore.
zehn
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zehn 12/10/2014 2:21pm
12/10/2014 2:21pm
kiwifan wrote:
Yamaha 1st
Kawasaki 2nd
Honda 3rd
KTM 4th
Suzuki 5th
Husky 6th

The KTM guys are not going to be happy...

peelout wrote:
most of the "KTM guys" are buying and riding offroad, like myself. a moto shootout isn't going to do dick for where my money is spent...
most of the "KTM guys" are buying and riding offroad, like myself. a moto shootout isn't going to do dick for where my money is spent.

now if i were still into motocross only, i probably wouldn't be a "KTM guy" and would still be riding Honda.

it is getting annoying with every Tom Dick and Harry talking shit about KTM guys though.
Peel, you almost never come across as butthurt, but you sure as hell are right now.
Deal Brothers Trailers 12/10/2014 2:52pm
12/10/2014 2:52pm
KTM's owns the woods.
Its just a matter of time before they own the tracks as well.
Being a die hard KTM fanatic, I like it that we are the target of those less comfortable with their brand of choice.
deltamotocross 12/10/2014 2:59pm
12/10/2014 2:59pm
TommyLee93 wrote:
Has anyone ever made a purchase based on a shootout?
Yes, bought my 2000 yz 250 based on mxa's shootout.
Also bought my 89 cr 250 based on mxa's shootout.
Both excellent bikes..
peelout
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peelout 12/10/2014 2:59pm
12/10/2014 2:59pm
kiwifan wrote:
Yamaha 1st
Kawasaki 2nd
Honda 3rd
KTM 4th
Suzuki 5th
Husky 6th

The KTM guys are not going to be happy...

peelout wrote:
most of the "KTM guys" are buying and riding offroad, like myself. a moto shootout isn't going to do dick for where my money is spent...
most of the "KTM guys" are buying and riding offroad, like myself. a moto shootout isn't going to do dick for where my money is spent.

now if i were still into motocross only, i probably wouldn't be a "KTM guy" and would still be riding Honda.

it is getting annoying with every Tom Dick and Harry talking shit about KTM guys though.
zehn wrote:
Peel, you almost never come across as butthurt, but you sure as hell are right now.
you're right, at the end of the day no skin off my back.

thanks for the gut-check bro
Indy mxer
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Indy mxer 12/10/2014 3:21pm
12/10/2014 3:21pm
TommyLee93 wrote:
Has anyone ever made a purchase based on a shootout?
deltamotocross wrote:
Yes, bought my 2000 yz 250 based on mxa's shootout.
Also bought my 89 cr 250 based on mxa's shootout.
Both excellent bikes..
First off let me say I think all the bikes are really, really good. It's more like splitting hairs. The average rider can go fast on any of them.
But over the years I've noticed that the bikes I bought performed pretty much like the shootouts said they would.

Especially MXA.

I use the shootouts for what they're meant to be, a guide. They just point out the strengths and weaknesses.
Then they pick a winner, in their opinion.
The good thing is most every flaw a bike may have can be fixed. Albeit some more expensive than others.
.
My advice to anyone who's buying a new bike, pick a brand you like, find a good dealer and go enjoy the ride.

Indy mxer
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Indy mxer 12/10/2014 3:27pm
12/10/2014 3:27pm
Harry Backmon wrote:
That's great for the Yamaha. They needed a win. I think MXA is going to give it to them this year too. What I liked in...
That's great for the Yamaha. They needed a win. I think MXA is going to give it to them this year too.

What I liked in that issue was the 2015 KTM 450 Factory Edition. KTM is really on the ball. They are going to get their suspension straight soon and nothing will touch them. I have to admire them - they really go after it. They might just sell me one in the future.
You are correct sir.
That KTM FE is badass.

They really do put a lot of effort into making their bikes better.
My brother is a Suzuki/Kawasaki dealer, so I've ridden green for many years. But if he sold KTM I would own one.
yak651
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yak651 12/10/2014 3:32pm
12/10/2014 3:32pm
In the '90s I always ran Suzuki's even though they always came last in the "shoot outs". I didn't have any problems with them and was competitive on them, actually glad they did bad so I was able to get the bike cheaper!!
kiwifan
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kiwifan 12/11/2014 1:51pm
12/11/2014 1:51pm
Harry Backmon wrote:
That's great for the Yamaha. They needed a win. I think MXA is going to give it to them this year too. What I liked in...
That's great for the Yamaha. They needed a win. I think MXA is going to give it to them this year too.

What I liked in that issue was the 2015 KTM 450 Factory Edition. KTM is really on the ball. They are going to get their suspension straight soon and nothing will touch them. I have to admire them - they really go after it. They might just sell me one in the future.
Indy mxer wrote:
You are correct sir. That KTM FE is badass. They really do put a lot of effort into making their bikes better. My brother is a...
You are correct sir.
That KTM FE is badass.

They really do put a lot of effort into making their bikes better.
My brother is a Suzuki/Kawasaki dealer, so I've ridden green for many years. But if he sold KTM I would own one.
I think if all the manufacturer did a limited edition (which is basically a 2016 model) then it would be bad ass....KTM certainly steal the march here but then again few could probably afford the FE

In fact I think in the UK Honda does a limited edition CRF450 which is pretty damn good apparently
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YamaLink 12/11/2014 8:13pm
12/11/2014 8:13pm
pete24 wrote:
well, at least im consistant, i just bought a new Husky, and it got last in the shootout, did i mention the three years i spent...
well, at least im consistant, i just bought a new Husky, and it got last in the shootout, did i mention the three years i spent on Cannondales?
Now that is hilarious!!!
Crush
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Crush 12/11/2014 8:42pm
12/11/2014 8:42pm
Crush wrote:
SSS has basically won best in class every year, every model it's adorned since 06... Crazy to me no one has copied it verbatim.

Matt Fisher wrote:
From what I understand the last generation of Showa forks were darn mirror images of the SSS. Between valving and the differences in frame rigidity, the...
From what I understand the last generation of Showa forks were darn mirror images of the SSS. Between valving and the differences in frame rigidity, the Blue Brothers have had better feeling suspension. There are guys on ThumperTalk that have bolted up SSS stuff to their CRF's only to discover that it didn't feel like a Yamaha (shocking, I know).
Just as many have done it with KTMs and felt amazing....

I'd say Chassis weight bias is probably more prevalent that flex in this case, which is basically what Reedy said about the same air fork from the honda to the kawi, he didn't like the honda's front end loaded weight bias with air fork but did on the kawi...

Having said that, seems Trey and Eli have gone back to KYB oil forks and are happier...

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