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

kiwifan
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kiwifan 4/20/2015 7:02pm
4/20/2015 7:02pm
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 :-)
TeamGreen wrote:
And every one of those has some pretty significant changes coming; hence, my response.

Yes KXF in 2016 and the rest in 2017....or are major YZF changes due in 2016?
Jrewing
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Jrewing 4/20/2015 7:38pm
4/20/2015 7:38pm
When do the 16 details release to media?

I'm thinking ktm350- but dollars to spend on suspension
15 Tm450- pricy but love them
Crf450 cheaper
kiwifan
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kiwifan 4/20/2015 8:38pm
4/20/2015 8:38pm
Jrewing wrote:
When do the 16 details release to media?

I'm thinking ktm350- but dollars to spend on suspension
15 Tm450- pricy but love them
Crf450 cheaper
I doubt we will see real details about the 2016 bikes for 2-3 months....dont expect much from Honda (subtle changes probably) or Suzuki (BNG's probably) though, not sure about Yamaha
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mmcmx 4/21/2015 1:47am
4/21/2015 1:47am
I don't understand the fuss about new models, usually they suck until the second year at least ('13 CRF) In 2016 I'd buy red just for this.

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DW324
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DW324 4/21/2015 5:09am
4/21/2015 5:09am
Thank you for the information and input. Leaning towards the CRF. Gonna make up my mind by the and of the week. I have a rmz and a kx lined up for a quick test ride at the track this weekend and that should be my deciding factor more than likely.
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JB 19 4/21/2015 5:29am
4/21/2015 5:29am
TeamGreen wrote:
I run WP factory services & I love it.
Good to hear.
Moto520
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Moto520 4/21/2015 7:56am
4/21/2015 7:56am
I would get the 2015 Honda CRF450 and buy some 2013 CRF250 fork off of Ebay. The bike is great but the forks will drive you nuts....or make the bike drive into your nuts
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Moto520 4/21/2015 8:00am
4/21/2015 8:00am
In regards to the power......it definitely needs some help. You will have to work a little harder to get over the power robbing uphill jumps etc. You can and have to carry more speed to make the bike work well. On the Kawi/ Suzi/ Yamaha....you can rely more on the power coming on for the jumps. Hard to explain but it makes sense
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kaboom645 4/21/2015 11:29am
4/21/2015 11:29am
I have a 2015 kx450 for sale. I've rode it 3 times (maybe 5hrs total on the bike). Took a promotion at my work in January and I don't have time to ride anymore. I'd like to get $7500 out of it. If you are interested you can email me at flkrawler@aol.com

kiwifan
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kiwifan 4/21/2015 12:48pm
4/21/2015 12:48pm
Moto520 wrote:
In regards to the power......it definitely needs some help. You will have to work a little harder to get over the power robbing uphill jumps etc...
In regards to the power......it definitely needs some help. You will have to work a little harder to get over the power robbing uphill jumps etc. You can and have to carry more speed to make the bike work well. On the Kawi/ Suzi/ Yamaha....you can rely more on the power coming on for the jumps. Hard to explain but it makes sense
the Suzuki has less power than the CRF dude :-)
kiwifan
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kiwifan 4/21/2015 12:49pm
4/21/2015 12:49pm Edited Date/Time 4/21/2015 12:50pm
Moto520 wrote:
I would get the 2015 Honda CRF450 and buy some 2013 CRF250 fork off of Ebay. The bike is great but the forks will drive you...
I would get the 2015 Honda CRF450 and buy some 2013 CRF250 fork off of Ebay. The bike is great but the forks will drive you nuts....or make the bike drive into your nuts
they are tricky to setup but better than the Kawasaki air forks thats for sure....depending on his riding level they might well be perfectly fine, lots of advice out there now as to how to setuo air forks properly
Moto520
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Moto520 4/21/2015 1:24pm
4/21/2015 1:24pm
Moto520 wrote:
In regards to the power......it definitely needs some help. You will have to work a little harder to get over the power robbing uphill jumps etc...
In regards to the power......it definitely needs some help. You will have to work a little harder to get over the power robbing uphill jumps etc. You can and have to carry more speed to make the bike work well. On the Kawi/ Suzi/ Yamaha....you can rely more on the power coming on for the jumps. Hard to explain but it makes sense
kiwifan wrote:
the Suzuki has less power than the CRF dude :-)

From the saddle of the bike....the RMZ definitely has more power than the CRF. I have both (2014 RMZ and 2015 CRG) with stock engines (both FMF exhaust and full HInson clutch) and the RMZ definitely has more pull. You really feel it on a loamy track with a shorter run up to a large step up.
Moto520
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Moto520 4/21/2015 1:29pm
4/21/2015 1:29pm
Kiwifan...I agree about the air forks. I do think, however, that the 2014 forks were better. I sent the CRF's to Factory Connection and, for the first time in my life, have decided to scrap the forks altogether. They are fine on hard pack but when the track gets all whooped out (like a Red Bud type track) they just plain suck. It pains me to say this because I love Honda's. But....easy enough fix for about $1200.

I'm not to sure about the shock either at this point. Again....relatively inexpensive to get the showa shock off of a 2013-2015 CRF250R.

I would like my Honda with decent suspension and i'm good to go. The power doesn't bother me but it is an issue for certain situations.
kiwifan
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kiwifan 4/21/2015 1:41pm
4/21/2015 1:41pm
Moto520 wrote:
Kiwifan...I agree about the air forks. I do think, however, that the 2014 forks were better. I sent the CRF's to Factory Connection and, for the...
Kiwifan...I agree about the air forks. I do think, however, that the 2014 forks were better. I sent the CRF's to Factory Connection and, for the first time in my life, have decided to scrap the forks altogether. They are fine on hard pack but when the track gets all whooped out (like a Red Bud type track) they just plain suck. It pains me to say this because I love Honda's. But....easy enough fix for about $1200.

I'm not to sure about the shock either at this point. Again....relatively inexpensive to get the showa shock off of a 2013-2015 CRF250R.

I would like my Honda with decent suspension and i'm good to go. The power doesn't bother me but it is an issue for certain situations.
yes fair call....my forks are done by FC too and the shock, quite happy with them at this point. The 250 forks are very good, apparently.

I recommend Yoshi cams, I have one in mine and its much better.
Moto520
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Moto520 4/21/2015 1:45pm
4/21/2015 1:45pm
I've heard that about the cams.....nice power increase.
nytsmaC
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nytsmaC 4/22/2015 12:27am
4/22/2015 12:27am
I haven't ridden any of the new 450's, the newest was an 11 TM.

I've read a lot about how the 15 CRF has some seriously flawed suspension components though. Has anyone gotten the PSF2 forks to actually work well? Seems everyone are binning them and replacing with PSF1, TAC or spring forks.

And what's up with the shock? Race tech sells a very expensive kit to address it's issues, apparently the rebound adjuster does nothing at all in stock form?

Based only off of what I've read, I'd proceed with caution on the Honda if you're not prepared to spend a lot of dough on suspension upgrades.

The 14 had the PSF1 forks, the shock worked properly, it made less power in stock form but apparently the head design was better than the 15 for modding. Maybe you can find a great deal on a leftover if you look around?
kiwifan
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kiwifan 4/22/2015 12:39am
4/22/2015 12:39am Edited Date/Time 4/22/2015 12:47am
nytsmaC wrote:
I haven't ridden any of the new 450's, the newest was an 11 TM. I've read a lot about how the 15 CRF has some seriously...
I haven't ridden any of the new 450's, the newest was an 11 TM.

I've read a lot about how the 15 CRF has some seriously flawed suspension components though. Has anyone gotten the PSF2 forks to actually work well? Seems everyone are binning them and replacing with PSF1, TAC or spring forks.

And what's up with the shock? Race tech sells a very expensive kit to address it's issues, apparently the rebound adjuster does nothing at all in stock form?

Based only off of what I've read, I'd proceed with caution on the Honda if you're not prepared to spend a lot of dough on suspension upgrades.

The 14 had the PSF1 forks, the shock worked properly, it made less power in stock form but apparently the head design was better than the 15 for modding. Maybe you can find a great deal on a leftover if you look around?
Really? I beg to differ and I HAVE ridden all the latest bikes...I own a '15 CRF450.... did you miss this read? http://dirtbiketest.com/bike-tests/2015-honda-crf-450/

The bike is now where as bad as you want to say it is.
kiwifan
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kiwifan 4/22/2015 12:42am
4/22/2015 12:42am Edited Date/Time 4/22/2015 12:42am
p.s. yes I had my suspension done on my 15 CRF, but that is because I am a expert rider, any bike I choose I always need to do the suspension for my riding style, weight, etc anyway...maybe apart from the Yammy

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nytsmaC
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nytsmaC 4/22/2015 1:39am
4/22/2015 1:39am Edited Date/Time 4/22/2015 1:39am
nytsmaC wrote:
I haven't ridden any of the new 450's, the newest was an 11 TM. I've read a lot about how the 15 CRF has some seriously...
I haven't ridden any of the new 450's, the newest was an 11 TM.

I've read a lot about how the 15 CRF has some seriously flawed suspension components though. Has anyone gotten the PSF2 forks to actually work well? Seems everyone are binning them and replacing with PSF1, TAC or spring forks.

And what's up with the shock? Race tech sells a very expensive kit to address it's issues, apparently the rebound adjuster does nothing at all in stock form?

Based only off of what I've read, I'd proceed with caution on the Honda if you're not prepared to spend a lot of dough on suspension upgrades.

The 14 had the PSF1 forks, the shock worked properly, it made less power in stock form but apparently the head design was better than the 15 for modding. Maybe you can find a great deal on a leftover if you look around?
kiwifan wrote:
Really? I beg to differ and I HAVE ridden all the latest bikes...I own a '15 CRF450.... did you miss this read? http://dirtbiketest.com/bike-tests/2015-honda-crf-450/ The bike is...
Really? I beg to differ and I HAVE ridden all the latest bikes...I own a '15 CRF450.... did you miss this read? http://dirtbiketest.com/bike-tests/2015-honda-crf-450/

The bike is now where as bad as you want to say it is.
I don't want to say the bike is bad, I have no ill will towards it. I've just seen some info from credible sources that would make me want to take into consideration and explore a bit before buying one blindly. Maybe they are unfounded but I'd want to look into it at least, if I were a prospective buyer.

If I weren't so tall I would consider the CRF as an option for a new 450, but I'd be prepared to swap suspension components based on what I've read, and I'd ditch the dual exhaust as my personal feeling is that it is a detrimental marketing gimmick.
kiwifan
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kiwifan 4/22/2015 2:16am
4/22/2015 2:16am Edited Date/Time 4/22/2015 2:17am
nytsmaC wrote:
I haven't ridden any of the new 450's, the newest was an 11 TM. I've read a lot about how the 15 CRF has some seriously...
I haven't ridden any of the new 450's, the newest was an 11 TM.

I've read a lot about how the 15 CRF has some seriously flawed suspension components though. Has anyone gotten the PSF2 forks to actually work well? Seems everyone are binning them and replacing with PSF1, TAC or spring forks.

And what's up with the shock? Race tech sells a very expensive kit to address it's issues, apparently the rebound adjuster does nothing at all in stock form?

Based only off of what I've read, I'd proceed with caution on the Honda if you're not prepared to spend a lot of dough on suspension upgrades.

The 14 had the PSF1 forks, the shock worked properly, it made less power in stock form but apparently the head design was better than the 15 for modding. Maybe you can find a great deal on a leftover if you look around?
kiwifan wrote:
Really? I beg to differ and I HAVE ridden all the latest bikes...I own a '15 CRF450.... did you miss this read? http://dirtbiketest.com/bike-tests/2015-honda-crf-450/ The bike is...
Really? I beg to differ and I HAVE ridden all the latest bikes...I own a '15 CRF450.... did you miss this read? http://dirtbiketest.com/bike-tests/2015-honda-crf-450/

The bike is now where as bad as you want to say it is.
nytsmaC wrote:
I don't want to say the bike is bad, I have no ill will towards it. I've just seen some info from credible sources that would...
I don't want to say the bike is bad, I have no ill will towards it. I've just seen some info from credible sources that would make me want to take into consideration and explore a bit before buying one blindly. Maybe they are unfounded but I'd want to look into it at least, if I were a prospective buyer.

If I weren't so tall I would consider the CRF as an option for a new 450, but I'd be prepared to swap suspension components based on what I've read, and I'd ditch the dual exhaust as my personal feeling is that it is a detrimental marketing gimmick.
You certainly implied the bike is bad without even riding one.

I like the dual exhaust it looks cool, gimmick or not...and stock it is quieter than the others.
nytsmaC
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nytsmaC 4/22/2015 2:36am
4/22/2015 2:36am
How did I imply that the bike is bad when I clearly stated up front that I've never ridden one? Good grief. I merely pointed out that there are reports of suspension flaws. Sorry that I hurt your feelings chap.
kiwifan
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kiwifan 4/22/2015 2:56am
4/22/2015 2:56am Edited Date/Time 4/22/2015 2:58am
nytsmaC wrote:
How did I imply that the bike is bad when I clearly stated up front that I've never ridden one? Good grief. I merely pointed out...
How did I imply that the bike is bad when I clearly stated up front that I've never ridden one? Good grief. I merely pointed out that there are reports of suspension flaws. Sorry that I hurt your feelings chap.
you said "proceed with caution" towards buying the bike, what the hell do you think that would imply?

No bike has perfect suspension except perhaps the Yammy

You didnt hurt my feelings at all dude
nytsmaC
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nytsmaC 4/22/2015 4:05am
4/22/2015 4:05am Edited Date/Time 4/22/2015 4:08am
nytsmaC wrote:
How did I imply that the bike is bad when I clearly stated up front that I've never ridden one? Good grief. I merely pointed out...
How did I imply that the bike is bad when I clearly stated up front that I've never ridden one? Good grief. I merely pointed out that there are reports of suspension flaws. Sorry that I hurt your feelings chap.
kiwifan wrote:
you said "proceed with caution" towards buying the bike, what the hell do you think that would imply? No bike has perfect suspension except perhaps the...
you said "proceed with caution" towards buying the bike, what the hell do you think that would imply?

No bike has perfect suspension except perhaps the Yammy

You didnt hurt my feelings at all dude
I didn't say proceed with caution, I said I'd proceed with caution. Because that's what I'd do. If you interpret that as me saying that it's a bad bike, that's you putting words in my mouth.

The 15 suspension I'm sure is fine for some people. However I've heard enough negatives to be prepared for the contrary.

If I were set on getting a Honda, I would look for a 14. But that's just me, based off of the tidbits of info I have gathered.

Clear?
DW324
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DW324 4/22/2015 4:45am
4/22/2015 4:45am
Back on topic.... Like I said, I am not some pro super fast A class riders like you guys must be!!!!Lol.... The average guy like myself will never ride these bikes to their full potential so you are splitting hairs over nothing. Fact of the matter is, they are all good from the input I have received. Its just a matter of personal preference as to what each rider is looking for. If you want cornering and handling you go one way. If want speed and horsepower you can go a different way. Thanks for all the input, it's greatly appreciated!!!
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Moto520 4/22/2015 6:50am
4/22/2015 6:50am
It all depends on the type of track that you ride as well. The type of dirt and layout of the track that you will be racing on should be a good deciding factor. The "too much power for the regular guy" thing is valid but not applicable to all situations. If you are racing and your track has lots of elevation changes, deep/ loamy dirt, uphill jumps out of turns, long straights, then the power does become an issue for intermediate to expert riders. True....you can hold it on to and through the turn to make up for the lack of power at other parts of the track but in a race situation with only 5 laps where getting super tired is not a huge issue.....then the extra power of some of the bikes will add an advantage. On a tighter hardpack track....not so much an issue. For a beginning rider....not so much an issue.

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