What 2015 450 to buy CRF, RMZ, YZ, KX?

DW324
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DW324
Edited Date/Time 4/22/2015 6:50am
I am looking for honest feedback for what brand to go with. I am a Vet rider that is not setting the world on fire but I will ride mid pack in B class during open practice on a good day. I ride twice a week and and race at my local track once a month. Current bike is a 2012 CRF 450 and want to upgrade to something newer. I called my suspension shop and they said they are all good and to stick with the Honda since that is what I am used to as far a the cockpit area goes. Cornering/Handling is probably my biggest factor in the purchase. At the end of the day I am not riding the bike on the ragged edge so straightaway speed and power is not a big concern to me. Any positive or negative feed back is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!!
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ChrisB10
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ChrisB10 4/20/2015 10:18am
4/20/2015 10:18am
Id go with the YZ all day.Super reliable, great suspension and very fast. Unless you can afford the KTM factory edition aka the 2016 SX-F 450.
ChrisB10
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ChrisB10 4/20/2015 10:18am
4/20/2015 10:18am
220lbs for the SX-F factory edition.......
brimx153
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brimx153 4/20/2015 10:37am
4/20/2015 10:37am
ChrisB10 wrote:
220lbs for the SX-F factory edition.......
unless he buys a full factory one it wont be 220lbs
r.sal923
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r.sal923 4/20/2015 10:53am
4/20/2015 10:53am
As a vet rider I would go with a yz250f , and spend some money on a pipe and some other small mods. The 450 is hard to hang onto the older I get

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526
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526 4/20/2015 10:57am
4/20/2015 10:57am
Go with the Cheapest !!!!! IMO A bike isn't going to make you faster or slower at this point in your life, I am at the same point in my life so I go with what keeps my wallet the fattest.
GeorgiePorgie 4/20/2015 10:58am
4/20/2015 10:58am Edited Date/Time 4/20/2015 10:58am
DW324 wrote:
I am looking for honest feedback for what brand to go with. I am a Vet rider that is not setting the world on fire but...
I am looking for honest feedback for what brand to go with. I am a Vet rider that is not setting the world on fire but I will ride mid pack in B class during open practice on a good day. I ride twice a week and and race at my local track once a month. Current bike is a 2012 CRF 450 and want to upgrade to something newer. I called my suspension shop and they said they are all good and to stick with the Honda since that is what I am used to as far a the cockpit area goes. Cornering/Handling is probably my biggest factor in the purchase. At the end of the day I am not riding the bike on the ragged edge so straightaway speed and power is not a big concern to me. Any positive or negative feed back is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!!
I'd go for the cheapest out the door. And if the yamahas a close second cheapest out the door. Go blue baby.


They're all awesome machines these days.
scott_nz 4/20/2015 11:15am
4/20/2015 11:15am
try to get a ride on them all, and see what you like the best,
1stSSPZ
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1stSSPZ 4/20/2015 11:47am
4/20/2015 11:47am
In the same boat with you Bro, almost same exact circumstances. Guess what? I have been riding my old 2-smoker more and more lately and leaving my 450 in the garage...the fun factor is just tremendous and I am not wore out after 2 laps.I would pick up a new YZ250!
mxer613
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mxer613 4/20/2015 11:51am
4/20/2015 11:51am
Go with this, I got it yesterday and I'm 41 and slowing down, selling my 13 kx450



Rewindcaz
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Rewindcaz 4/20/2015 11:53am
4/20/2015 11:53am
Have a ridden a '14 YZ450F several times (basically same as '15) and it's unbelievable. The suspension, power, the whole package is just really good.
SweetDaddy
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SweetDaddy 4/20/2015 12:21pm
4/20/2015 12:21pm
All of the 2015 450 shootouts agree that the Suzuki corners the best and so I bought one.
mx836
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mx836 4/20/2015 12:48pm
4/20/2015 12:48pm
Suzuki corners the best and Kawi is the most stable. The others are somewhere in between.
kiwifan
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kiwifan 4/20/2015 1:03pm
4/20/2015 1:03pm
scott_nz wrote:
try to get a ride on them all, and see what you like the best,
Well said and great advice, that is exactly what I did, what some say here is the best bike is what is best for them not neccessary you, I dont pay much attention to magazine shootouts either, just a passing interest for me....also look at your local dealer support
DW324
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DW324 4/20/2015 1:09pm
4/20/2015 1:09pm
Thanks for the input. I am 38 and go 180 lbs. Can't get the ktm as the local dealer only has one and a friend of mine bought it. As far as the other bikes go the money is not the issue for choosing one. They are all very close in price. $7300-7500 otd. Whatever I do end up with will get suspension work, slip on as well a gear change more than likely. That's what I did to my current 450. I am torn between the Honda and the Suzuki but see a lot if green bikes these days at the track and was just curious what everyone's thoughts are. Everyone talks about the rmz and the turning but I am sure a well set up crf or anything else would be just as good? Thanks again for the input. Its greatly appreciated.
kiwifan
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kiwifan 4/20/2015 1:14pm
4/20/2015 1:14pm
DW324 wrote:
Thanks for the input. I am 38 and go 180 lbs. Can't get the ktm as the local dealer only has one and a friend of...
Thanks for the input. I am 38 and go 180 lbs. Can't get the ktm as the local dealer only has one and a friend of mine bought it. As far as the other bikes go the money is not the issue for choosing one. They are all very close in price. $7300-7500 otd. Whatever I do end up with will get suspension work, slip on as well a gear change more than likely. That's what I did to my current 450. I am torn between the Honda and the Suzuki but see a lot if green bikes these days at the track and was just curious what everyone's thoughts are. Everyone talks about the rmz and the turning but I am sure a well set up crf or anything else would be just as good? Thanks again for the input. Its greatly appreciated.
I was close to getting the RMZ as well, I just suited the bike I got better...everyone focuses on the Honda HP but in fact it is a very good handling bike, very good suspension, great ergnomics, etc....and lets face it even though the Honda is down on power (standard), that HP is still plenty for most people
547
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547 4/20/2015 1:24pm
4/20/2015 1:24pm
If you like the CRF stick with it, easiest bike to be comfortable on, especially if you are under 6'. I've had a 12,13,14 and now a 15, the 15 is a lot faster than the 14, just get the suspension done ASAP , and swap out the cheap stock wheels with DID STX's.
DW324
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DW324 4/20/2015 1:25pm
4/20/2015 1:25pm
Yes I agree.... Even the lowest hp bike is more than enough for me!!!
JB 19
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JB 19 4/20/2015 1:58pm
4/20/2015 1:58pm
If turning is important and power isn't it sounds like the Honda is for you. I've rode a14.5 KTM and liked it, but you said you can't buy a KTM. The Honda chassis is amazing on the new generation. Big upgrade from a 2012.

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BobPA
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BobPA 4/20/2015 2:10pm
4/20/2015 2:10pm
Sounds like a Honda is what you need. Yamaha's are awkward and turn like a boat anchor, did I mention they are hideous?
mmcmx
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mmcmx 4/20/2015 2:15pm
4/20/2015 2:15pm
Green, red or yellow. You wont be disapointed with any of them. I'm very happy with my '14 KXF btw.
JB 19
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JB 19 4/20/2015 2:43pm
4/20/2015 2:43pm
The KTM has a really REALLY good engine. On the standard map setting its is really fast and super easy to ride. The aggressive map can be a bit too gnar on rough rutted tracks.

I was shocked at how nimble the Honda is compared to my 09. I'm ready for a new bike, but torn on getting a leftover Honda for like 6900 otd or wait for the 16 KTM and pay like 10,000 otd.

I bet the new KTM is really good. I'd like to hear what people think about the Honda vs the 15FE KTM chassis.


SLO1667
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SLO1667 4/20/2015 2:48pm
4/20/2015 2:48pm
DW324 wrote:
I am looking for honest feedback for what brand to go with. I am a Vet rider that is not setting the world on fire but...
I am looking for honest feedback for what brand to go with. I am a Vet rider that is not setting the world on fire but I will ride mid pack in B class during open practice on a good day. I ride twice a week and and race at my local track once a month. Current bike is a 2012 CRF 450 and want to upgrade to something newer. I called my suspension shop and they said they are all good and to stick with the Honda since that is what I am used to as far a the cockpit area goes. Cornering/Handling is probably my biggest factor in the purchase. At the end of the day I am not riding the bike on the ragged edge so straightaway speed and power is not a big concern to me. Any positive or negative feed back is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!!
The Honda and RMZ are gonna feel the closest to what you are used to so these two should really be your only considerations. Secondly, if turning is what you value, the RMZ is the better of the two. With Suzuki deals now, you can probably do pretty well going the yellow route
kiwifan
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kiwifan 4/20/2015 4:53pm
4/20/2015 4:53pm
JB 19 wrote:
The KTM has a really REALLY good engine. On the standard map setting its is really fast and super easy to ride. The aggressive map can...
The KTM has a really REALLY good engine. On the standard map setting its is really fast and super easy to ride. The aggressive map can be a bit too gnar on rough rutted tracks.

I was shocked at how nimble the Honda is compared to my 09. I'm ready for a new bike, but torn on getting a leftover Honda for like 6900 otd or wait for the 16 KTM and pay like 10,000 otd.

I bet the new KTM is really good. I'd like to hear what people think about the Honda vs the 15FE KTM chassis.


I own a modded '15 Honda 450 and have ridden the new KTM 450FE...KTM has more power but no shock there, both handle very good slight edge to KTM (which is on par with the Zook), Honda suspension is better, both are very flickable and light in the air, etc. I found a lot more wheelspin with the KTM though, then again it wasnt setup perfectly for me...I tried new settings but could never get the right setup in the time I had with it.
TeamGreen
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TeamGreen 4/20/2015 4:55pm
4/20/2015 4:55pm
There's one bike you can buy, now, and your set for a coupl'a years:

2015 KTM 450SXF Factory Edition.

Period.
JB 19
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JB 19 4/20/2015 6:45pm
4/20/2015 6:45pm
TeamGreen wrote:
There's one bike you can buy, now, and your set for a coupl'a years:

2015 KTM 450SXF Factory Edition.

Period.
If you can find one.

.......also, do you have any experience with KTM Factory Services revalves that they do for like 275$ or are you better off spending the money on something like an Ohlins cartridge kit? Ohlins TTX
JB 19
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JB 19 4/20/2015 6:46pm
4/20/2015 6:46pm
JB 19 wrote:
The KTM has a really REALLY good engine. On the standard map setting its is really fast and super easy to ride. The aggressive map can...
The KTM has a really REALLY good engine. On the standard map setting its is really fast and super easy to ride. The aggressive map can be a bit too gnar on rough rutted tracks.

I was shocked at how nimble the Honda is compared to my 09. I'm ready for a new bike, but torn on getting a leftover Honda for like 6900 otd or wait for the 16 KTM and pay like 10,000 otd.

I bet the new KTM is really good. I'd like to hear what people think about the Honda vs the 15FE KTM chassis.


kiwifan wrote:
I own a modded '15 Honda 450 and have ridden the new KTM 450FE...KTM has more power but no shock there, both handle very good slight...
I own a modded '15 Honda 450 and have ridden the new KTM 450FE...KTM has more power but no shock there, both handle very good slight edge to KTM (which is on par with the Zook), Honda suspension is better, both are very flickable and light in the air, etc. I found a lot more wheelspin with the KTM though, then again it wasnt setup perfectly for me...I tried new settings but could never get the right setup in the time I had with it.
Thanks for the feedback.
nascarnate326
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nascarnate326 4/20/2015 6:48pm
4/20/2015 6:48pm
I would stick with the Honda. I just love the 2015 CRF 450.
kiwifan
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kiwifan 4/20/2015 6:51pm
4/20/2015 6:51pm
TeamGreen wrote:
There's one bike you can buy, now, and your set for a coupl'a years:

2015 KTM 450SXF Factory Edition.

Period.
The title says CRF, KX, YZ or RMZ :-)
TeamGreen
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TeamGreen 4/20/2015 6:56pm
4/20/2015 6:56pm
TeamGreen wrote:
There's one bike you can buy, now, and your set for a coupl'a years:

2015 KTM 450SXF Factory Edition.

Period.
JB 19 wrote:
If you can find one. .......also, do you have any experience with KTM Factory Services revalves that they do for like 275$ or are you better...
If you can find one.

.......also, do you have any experience with KTM Factory Services revalves that they do for like 275$ or are you better off spending the money on something like an Ohlins cartridge kit? Ohlins TTX
I run WP factory services & I love it.
TeamGreen
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TeamGreen 4/20/2015 6:58pm
4/20/2015 6:58pm
TeamGreen wrote:
There's one bike you can buy, now, and your set for a coupl'a years:

2015 KTM 450SXF Factory Edition.

Period.
kiwifan wrote:
The title says CRF, KX, YZ or RMZ :-)
And every one of those has some pretty significant changes coming; hence, my response.

Post a reply to: What 2015 450 to buy CRF, RMZ, YZ, KX?