What should I get? KTM 450 vs CRF 450?

tcallahan707
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tcallahan707 1/28/2017 8:11am
1/28/2017 8:11am
I've put about 8 hours on both and I prefer the Honda. Both are great, just depends on what you fancy. Brakes and e start are nice but so are spring forks. I also saved about 800 bucks on the Honda, which means I can throw on a braided brake line, get my suspension done, and throw on an exhaust system.
Loose
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Loose 1/28/2017 8:51am
1/28/2017 8:51am
BABSTER#976 wrote:
My avatar is a 15 KTM 450, that I didn't like so much. But the 17 looks so nimble
Compared to what I raced in the 90's I'd say a 15 KTM could be considered nimble.....
Moens_Andy 1/28/2017 8:56am
1/28/2017 8:56am
BABSTER#976 wrote:
The 250 is a 2 stroke Laughing I am interested in the 350. Is it smaller than the 450??
I know, hence the reason why i said the 350 would possibly be a better fit riding higher up in the rpm is what you are used to
PFitzG38
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PFitzG38 1/28/2017 9:20am
1/28/2017 9:20am
I've been agonizing over that question for days, I finally have the coin to update my steed. I've waited this long for the Honda and I've always been a Honda guy, but there is no denying the KTM/Hus, escpecially when I start adding up the cost of all the detritus I'll need to buy before I can take the Honda out in public. The KTM already comes with everything! which is a good thing cause I don't even really know whats trick to put on a KTM (Neken Clamps, a pipe and just ride it - what fun is that?!?) What kind of bars do you put on a Katoom?? would Henry/Reed Protapers look wierd or is there some euro-trash hop up cos. with funny sounding names I need to learn about? I get dealer cost on OEM honda parts and I hate orange and can do a valve job o a CRF blindfolded. I think I'm either going to have the trickest white KTM around or the fastest Husky or possibly the most expensive Honda. I just need to go ride them back to back and go get some white plastic probably. Tough choice. My biggest choice used to be should I try and get one more race out this piston - not gonna miss that feeling but I AM looking forward to the feeling of a tight new bike whatever color it ends up being. why can't the Honda be just a little lighter? Can you still meet the nicest people on a KTM? At least then I could get back on the TLD bandwagon 100% and some trick TLD KTM jacket (just shoot me)

-Very Conflicted

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HenryA
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HenryA 1/28/2017 9:24am
1/28/2017 9:24am
KTM, race ready bro.
Muezh
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Muezh 1/28/2017 9:28am
1/28/2017 9:28am
Richard Hard wrote:
KTM,electric start,hydraulic clutch,awsome brakes pretty simple descion really.
Ive been a Honda guy forever but the above reasons, and others, are what convinced me to switch. Glad I did. great bike.

The ease of air filter changes, as miniscule as that might be, is still yet another reason. so simple and time saving.
PFitzG38
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PFitzG38 1/28/2017 9:40am
1/28/2017 9:40am
adamdf wrote:
I've got the 2017 KTM 450 SXF. Haven't ridden the Honda but I absolutely love the power of the KTM, extremely useable and tons of it...
I've got the 2017 KTM 450 SXF. Haven't ridden the Honda but I absolutely love the power of the KTM, extremely useable and tons of it too. But more importantly the KTM feels nimble and handles amazingly well, from cornering to stability. The electric start of course is great, and the brakes need no further attention (unlike my Kawis). It's just a very well thought out package.

Having said that, I'm sure you can't go wrong with the Honda either.
Thats all I've really heard about the KTM.

I've always listened to Jody and then you read stuff like "If you thinking about buying a new 450 this year and a KTM isn't
at the top of your list, your an idiot"

It makes me think a little harder about a Euro bike. It's just that I've always thought of a KTM as a single sided shock farm implement. I think I need to get over that.
kiwifan
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kiwifan 1/28/2017 10:51am
1/28/2017 10:51am
adamdf wrote:
I've got the 2017 KTM 450 SXF. Haven't ridden the Honda but I absolutely love the power of the KTM, extremely useable and tons of it...
I've got the 2017 KTM 450 SXF. Haven't ridden the Honda but I absolutely love the power of the KTM, extremely useable and tons of it too. But more importantly the KTM feels nimble and handles amazingly well, from cornering to stability. The electric start of course is great, and the brakes need no further attention (unlike my Kawis). It's just a very well thought out package.

Having said that, I'm sure you can't go wrong with the Honda either.
PFitzG38 wrote:
Thats all I've really heard about the KTM. I've always listened to Jody and then you read stuff like "If you thinking about buying a new...
Thats all I've really heard about the KTM.

I've always listened to Jody and then you read stuff like "If you thinking about buying a new 450 this year and a KTM isn't
at the top of your list, your an idiot"

It makes me think a little harder about a Euro bike. It's just that I've always thought of a KTM as a single sided shock farm implement. I think I need to get over that.
if you have always listened to Jody you will never ever get a Honda....so instead of debating it go and get your KTM, have fun and good luck on the track
86honda
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86honda 1/28/2017 12:36pm
1/28/2017 12:36pm
KTM had a mapping option and traction control.
byke
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byke 1/28/2017 12:46pm
1/28/2017 12:46pm
I always feel like if you don't know which bike to get, then it doesn't matter what you get. The question nullifies the answer.
tk2stroke
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tk2stroke 1/28/2017 1:54pm
1/28/2017 1:54pm
If you want red and you're willing to spend the money to buy enough aftermarket parts to try and equal what KTM offers our of the box, then go Red. If you value rewarding the company who offer the best product on the market, then get the KTM.

It's simply the truth from a very loyal former Honda owner.
Tom711
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Tom711 1/28/2017 2:40pm
1/28/2017 2:40pm
If you can, ride both and buy which ever you prefer and fits you best. I've had a couple of ktm's and never had a problem with them but I now own a 16 crf450 and it's honestly the best bike I've ever ridden, I don't see myself wanting anything other than another Honda when I do decide to change. The air forks on the 16 are absolute garbage so I replaced them with ohlins. With the 17 coming with spring forks you should be good to go.
NeedMoto
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NeedMoto 1/28/2017 2:52pm
1/28/2017 2:52pm
adamdf wrote:
I've got the 2017 KTM 450 SXF. Haven't ridden the Honda but I absolutely love the power of the KTM, extremely useable and tons of it...
I've got the 2017 KTM 450 SXF. Haven't ridden the Honda but I absolutely love the power of the KTM, extremely useable and tons of it too. But more importantly the KTM feels nimble and handles amazingly well, from cornering to stability. The electric start of course is great, and the brakes need no further attention (unlike my Kawis). It's just a very well thought out package.

Having said that, I'm sure you can't go wrong with the Honda either.
PFitzG38 wrote:
Thats all I've really heard about the KTM. I've always listened to Jody and then you read stuff like "If you thinking about buying a new...
Thats all I've really heard about the KTM.

I've always listened to Jody and then you read stuff like "If you thinking about buying a new 450 this year and a KTM isn't
at the top of your list, your an idiot"

It makes me think a little harder about a Euro bike. It's just that I've always thought of a KTM as a single sided shock farm implement. I think I need to get over that.
kiwifan wrote:
if you have always listened to Jody you will never ever get a Honda....so instead of debating it go and get your KTM, have fun and...
if you have always listened to Jody you will never ever get a Honda....so instead of debating it go and get your KTM, have fun and good luck on the track
Kiwi pretty much summed it up^^^ IMO... Jody is a biased, fanboy of KTM. I've spent time on both, opted for the Honda.

Either one will be great!
F.B
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F.B 1/28/2017 3:13pm
1/28/2017 3:13pm
What happens if you add one tooth to the rear on the KTM?
adamdf
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adamdf 1/28/2017 3:38pm
1/28/2017 3:38pm Edited Date/Time 1/28/2017 3:40pm
adamdf wrote:
I've got the 2017 KTM 450 SXF. Haven't ridden the Honda but I absolutely love the power of the KTM, extremely useable and tons of it...
I've got the 2017 KTM 450 SXF. Haven't ridden the Honda but I absolutely love the power of the KTM, extremely useable and tons of it too. But more importantly the KTM feels nimble and handles amazingly well, from cornering to stability. The electric start of course is great, and the brakes need no further attention (unlike my Kawis). It's just a very well thought out package.

Having said that, I'm sure you can't go wrong with the Honda either.
PFitzG38 wrote:
Thats all I've really heard about the KTM. I've always listened to Jody and then you read stuff like "If you thinking about buying a new...
Thats all I've really heard about the KTM.

I've always listened to Jody and then you read stuff like "If you thinking about buying a new 450 this year and a KTM isn't
at the top of your list, your an idiot"

It makes me think a little harder about a Euro bike. It's just that I've always thought of a KTM as a single sided shock farm implement. I think I need to get over that.
kiwifan wrote:
if you have always listened to Jody you will never ever get a Honda....so instead of debating it go and get your KTM, have fun and...
if you have always listened to Jody you will never ever get a Honda....so instead of debating it go and get your KTM, have fun and good luck on the track
I have to say I've now owned all the brands. The magazine reviews really shouldn't influence you much, sometimes they are just over rated. But what I can say is that everything you have read about the KTM this year is true. I also owned a 2008 KTM 450 SXF and wasn't super happy with it, the motor was excellent but the suspension wasn't where I wanted it to be. Fast forward to 2017 and the KTM truly does come with great suspension, and a motor that just rips and is extremely usable. The optional maps on the handlebar are a nice touch too. And again, it's just a really well thought out package overall. I'm happy with it and you can't go wrong. I will reiterate, what I love most about the bike is how well it handles and how easy it is to ride, for me that's the most important thing on a 450.

BUT AGAIN, I will say that the Honda (even though I haven't ridden one) will also be an excellent choice. Pick your colour and enjoy it! Be sure to let us know what you decide and how it goes.
rpoint116
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rpoint116 1/28/2017 4:46pm
1/28/2017 4:46pm
Ktm hands down.

Single exaust. Electric start. Premium components. Lighter.

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