Posts
1809
Joined
3/25/2014
Location
Eastern Panhandle, WV, USA
Edited Date/Time
4/30/2017 5:20pm
I'm in the market for a new dirt scooter. I'm 32, don't really race anymore, but if I did I'd be in the +30 B group just to give an idea of my skill level. Currently I'm on a 13 YZ250 smoker that I really love and it's not going anywhere.
Now, with that out of the way, would the 2016 KX450 be a good choice? I was considering getting a YZ250F, but I'm thinking maybe I want a 450 instead. I'd really prefer to stick with a Japanese manufacturer. The Yamaha and Suzuki 450s don't interest me, and I'd rather not get a first year Honda that seems to have some teething issues and will cost more upfront. The deals on leftover Kawasaki bikes is what's drawing me in.
So come on Vital, should I get a Kawi? Anything I need to know about with this thing that might not be well known? Any potential issues?
Now, with that out of the way, would the 2016 KX450 be a good choice? I was considering getting a YZ250F, but I'm thinking maybe I want a 450 instead. I'd really prefer to stick with a Japanese manufacturer. The Yamaha and Suzuki 450s don't interest me, and I'd rather not get a first year Honda that seems to have some teething issues and will cost more upfront. The deals on leftover Kawasaki bikes is what's drawing me in.
So come on Vital, should I get a Kawi? Anything I need to know about with this thing that might not be well known? Any potential issues?
I'm sending my stuff out to FC this week finally, so hopefully they can improve that.
I don't notice anything really different about air forks and don't mind checking pressure, so I stayed with air.
And I only ever got decel pop a few times when I really rev it out at the end of the straight and brake hard. Doesn't bother me so I don't plan on remapping.
http://www.vitalmx.com/forums/Moto-Related,20/2016-KX450-Anybody-got-on…
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I want to do the reverse of you. I have a kx450 and now want a yz250 big time.
This is my first modern fourstroke ever and i have been riding since the mid eighties. I love the 2016 KX450, power is awesome, handles better than my 06 KX250... you wont be disappointed!
So to answer your question, yes it's a really good bike. Basically same as a '16. Feels more chuggy( probably not a real word ) than my sons '17 Honda. Ergos on the KX fit me better.
Doesn't pop either
I have a 16
If you can ride the two stroke well you might not like the 450. I think the big 4 strokes are a tick more dangerous when ridden fast on rough tracks.
Set your clickers and be done with it. All the while, with fuller pockets.
I'm tall (6'4") and the ergos fit me very well - I'm running lower pegs with bars pushed forward. I like the stock Renthal's that come on there, and have kept them. The bike is more comfortable than my old Yz and Honda for sure. Powerwise, it's a 450, so you'll be fine. I actually went back to stock gearing (was +1 tooth in the back for a while) and it's smoother.
I do miss my Yz's suspension though, just felt more plush and predictable through the stroke. On my Kx, I run the intermediate suggestion of 174/14.5/203 in the TAC, and run close to stock with my clickers, going in 1-2 clicks on rebound. I'll get around to a revalue eventually.
No real complaints, the fork is fine (I've never had any issues), but just takes an extra minute or two of setup. So far, I've got about ~40 hours in and it starts on 1st kick.
Pit Row
I agree.
Love mine. This was my first 450 after riding Kawi 250f's for years
I'm 5'6" and 155. So I sent my suspension off to FC as soon as I bought it.
I'm very happy with the settings they gave me for the air forks. FC does great work.
The bike is narrow and light. Feels like a 250.
Kawi exhausts are annoyingly loud. I put on an FMF slip-on to shave a couple more pounds and quiet it down.
Overall I'm very happy with the bike.
It turns out that the 16s are gone from a nearby dealer, but I can get a 17 for $6800 out the door at Ridersville Cycle in WV. Thats what I paid for my YZ a couple years back. Plus it sounds like the 17 ironed out a few minor wrinkles.
Also should add that part of my reason for looking at the Kawi is I'm 6'1" and 180 pounds. And it looks like it's the most friendly bike for people over 6' tall.
What will probably happen is I'll do nothing.
Considering a 450 just to do something different and the Kawi interests me.
I now have a 16 with revalved suspension, a rekluse clutch, FMF pipe, spare wheels, and some other bits for way less than a 17.
I've had leftover Kawi's and KTM's in the past and loved them all, so grab it. Although 6800 sounds cheap for a 17 this early in the year.
Kawi's are great. Bullet proof motors, just that TAC fork that I found hard to dial in.
I know a guy that ran KYB inserts in his WP forks on a 15 ktm, and loved them.
The air fork does have a different feel (on my CRF anyway) to a spring fork, but I can't say that I dislike or prefer it to a spring. It is also nice to be able to add or remove a little pressure depending on the track.
I'm also 33, 6ft, 190lbs and a 30+ B so pretty close to you size/weight and ability wise
Post a reply to: Should I buy a left over KX450? The answer is yes!