Upgrade to enjoy this feature!
Vital MX fantasy is free to play, but Premium users receive great benefits. Premium benefits include:
- View and download rider stats
- Pick trends
- Create a private league
- And more!
Only $10 for all 2026 SX, MX, and SMX series.
Engine - worlds better than the 2016, I did not have a 2017 KTM or Husky with us but its definitely got a ton of power (see chassis section), I could rail corners in 3rd without bogging down, she just hooks up and torques her way out usually with the front end getting pretty light. I prefer the aggressive map suits my riding style and level better, but on a slippery track the mellow map would be perfect. Wheelies very easy!!!
Suspension - forks were awesome, I have had better but those were the one that came from a suspension shop, they were pretty sensitive to the clicks, which is a good sign, all in all no complaints from me, and my buddy is happy he doesn't need to stress about air !!! Shock had no complaints.
Chassis - to me this the clincher, this chassis is so damn good, handles like a dream, feels much much lighter than the stated weight, hooks up like nothing, stable at speed, you can throw it around...man, shes a beauty this chassis. I saw riding impressions around how well she corners under power, and its true, pretty impressive.
Build quality - you know I always knew Hondas were good, I could be wrong but this model seems to be built exceptionally well and better than previous models, see one in the flesh and you will know what I mean.
Starting - I heard complaints about the bikes starting when hot, so I tested this out a few times, if you stab at the kickstarter hard (and sharp) then it doesnt seem to start as easy unless its a slow kinda push through the whole stroke (getting the piston at TDC is they key too)...so once we had that down pat it seemed fine
Clutch - seems to be better this year, I didnt race a 2016 so can only base that on the 2015 model that I raced, but it seemed pretty good. I prefer cable to hydraulic so I have no issues with it not being hydraulic
Cockpit layout/asthetics - its definitely a lot more roomier, I doubt anyone will now say Hondas are for smaller riders now, love the titanium tank, has to be seen to be believed, very cool. Red colour looks good.
Nitpicks:
- washing the bike requires you to plug the holes as this bike sucks in a lot of air so has a lot of big vents to the massive airbox, otherwise you get water on your filter (or worse if you have taken the filter out then water in the throttle body, its only takes 5 mins to tape over the vents so no biggie I guess
- black shrouds are ugly, I like them less in the flesh than in the pics...my buddy is going to get aftermarket red ones when available
- I wish this bike can with black or gold rims, would just set it off lol
- handlebars, I would change the bars immediately, I am surprised Honda has stuck with the 7/8's
Is this going to be your stable for 2017? I know I'll be getting one in the next couple of weeks. Just gotta find a dealer in Norcal, that doesn't want 10k plus. If anyone finds them better priced than that, spread the word.
The Shop
Luxon 4-Post Bar Mounts
$189.95 - $239.95
DeCal Works Huge Plastic Inventory of UFO and Polisport kits.
Yeah call around, that price seems excessive!
Side note: He's an A rider and use to ride Honda, currently on Yamaha.
As far as the starting, I feel like what you described is true for all 4strokes. A 2stroke I do a quick stab at the kicker and on 4strokes I make sure it catches and then do a slower full kick through the stroke to start it up.
yes true, but previous models you can get away with a '2 stroke like' stabbing kick especially in the heat of the moment after stalling or crashing, the dreaded panic kicking sets in, but if you do the proper technique it seemed fine
Picked mine up yesterday and had my first ride today. I think I'm in love with a motorcycle.
I currently ride a 2012 KX450 and I have to say that the '17 honda 450 is the only new bike that has my attention. Maybe I'll wait till '18 or '19 after they work the bugs out if there are any.
Maybe MBR could clear things up regarding to that?
Pit Row
Here are the MSRPs of the 450s in Finland:
KTM: 9680€
Husqvarna: 9780€
Honda: 9690€
Yamaha: 8890€
Suzuki: 8690€
Kawasaki: 8890€
Overall the bike handles pretty good out of the box. The chassis is finally balanced and that will make tuning much easier than in the past. Forks are initially good but can be harsh in rough conditions and overall consensus is on the soft side. We needed to dial in the fork rebound as it felt fast. Initial sag setting was way off on more than one bike, so set the sag right away and remember to set it cold.
Rebound clicker on the shock is impossible to get to with a screw driver. Showa was nice enough to make it a hex as well. So 10mm box in will work.
I was pretty impressed with the power and felt that I could corner anywhere in 3rd with out a problem.
http://www.ktm-parts.com/77311953000.html
I'm planning on moving there anyways when i complete my engineering studies here since Swedish is actually my native language
http://shoraipower.com/products?action=vehicle&type=175&make=298763&mod…
The Honda felt more powerful than the KTM. I think that the chassis has a lot to do with this. The frame gives you more feedback on the Honda. I could see this affect you late in a moto but time will tell.
There is some talk of the Honda having motor issues at the 5 hour mark on start up.
Post a reply to: 2017 Honda released today!