2018 Yamaha YZ 450 or 2018 Husqvarna FC 450

Murphy0507
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Murphy0507
Edited Date/Time 3/14/2018 9:40am
A luxury problem I know but I can't decide between the two. Moto only 48 yr old 170lbs intermediate vet rider . Already had a 17 350 so not interested . $500 dollar difference between the two Yamaha being the cheaper buy.
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TeamGreen
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TeamGreen 3/5/2018 1:58pm
3/5/2018 1:58pm
'18 FC450 Rockstar Edition?
Murphy0507
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Murphy0507 3/5/2018 2:06pm
3/5/2018 2:06pm Edited Date/Time 3/5/2018 2:27pm
The Rockstar Edition is a beauty but a little out of my price range .
Motofinne
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Motofinne 3/5/2018 2:09pm
3/5/2018 2:09pm Edited Date/Time 3/5/2018 2:23pm
Do you have to buy a bike now?

The 2019 KTMs and Husqvarnas will be available within 3-4 months.
Murphy0507
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Murphy0507 3/5/2018 2:14pm
3/5/2018 2:14pm
My buddy told me the same thing but I am bikeless right now . Really want to try the Yamaha but the turning thing scares me a little. Oh well see what happens.

The Shop

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TeamGreen
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TeamGreen 3/5/2018 2:16pm
3/5/2018 2:16pm
Murphy0507 wrote:
The Rockstar Edition is a beauty but a little out of my price range .
Pssssst...over here....

(The '19 FC will be available real soon)
kiwifan
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kiwifan 3/5/2018 2:18pm
3/5/2018 2:18pm
Husky hands down
kkawboy14
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kkawboy14 3/5/2018 2:20pm
3/5/2018 2:20pm
Steal a kx or rm and save $1500
Murphy0507
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Murphy0507 3/5/2018 2:25pm
3/5/2018 2:25pm Edited Date/Time 3/5/2018 2:27pm
There are really good prices on Kawasaki 450s right now so definitely an option .
TheVetGuy 3/5/2018 3:01pm
3/5/2018 3:01pm
Better suspension on Yamaha. More durable.

Better handling, more lighter, better brakes on Husqvarna.







RNagy052
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RNagy052 3/5/2018 3:07pm
3/5/2018 3:07pm
I bought an 18 YZ450F two weeks ago and really like it. Last 3 bikes were 09 YZ250F, 12 YZ250F and 15 YZ250F. I feel more comfortable taking a tight corner rutted or not on this bike than my any of my YZ250F’s. It also doesn’t drift wide going into flat wide or sweeping corners like a 17 I test rode. Being able to change the engine mapping via your phone is great. I have a map in there now that I really like and I can always change it if I want to really quick. 5’8” 180lbs. Set the sag, raised the Forks 5mm in the clamps and adjusted the clickers and that was it suspension wise. Glad I got it.
usmc151
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usmc151 3/5/2018 3:10pm
3/5/2018 3:10pm Edited Date/Time 3/5/2018 3:11pm
190% the Husky. Why? Build quality...It will take $$$ to get that yamaha close to the fit and finish of the Husky. Hands down handling and suspension is the best Ive had on any stock bike and Ive owned them all. Resale.....I just sold my 17 FC450 Bone Stock besides a rockstar kit and clutch cover for 8700. I only paid 9200 for the bike OTD brand new. Ive sold every used FE and my Husky for what new Jap bikes sells for. Personal preference Ive never gotten along with the vague front end of the yam's. They look sharp but Ill pass.


PS the weight alone is a huge deal Smile
MX915
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MX915 3/5/2018 3:43pm
3/5/2018 3:43pm
Both good choices. Youre probably going to want to sit on them before you choose. They'll feel very different, Yamaha being a taller, larger bike.
yz133rider
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yz133rider 3/5/2018 3:45pm
3/5/2018 3:45pm
usmc151 wrote:
190% the Husky. Why? Build quality...It will take $$$ to get that yamaha close to the fit and finish of the Husky. Hands down handling and...
190% the Husky. Why? Build quality...It will take $$$ to get that yamaha close to the fit and finish of the Husky. Hands down handling and suspension is the best Ive had on any stock bike and Ive owned them all. Resale.....I just sold my 17 FC450 Bone Stock besides a rockstar kit and clutch cover for 8700. I only paid 9200 for the bike OTD brand new. Ive sold every used FE and my Husky for what new Jap bikes sells for. Personal preference Ive never gotten along with the vague front end of the yam's. They look sharp but Ill pass.


PS the weight alone is a huge deal Smile
Yep isnt that crazy. Sold a used fc350 for 6500 more than what dealers can get for a rmz or kx it seemed like new lol
sparker245
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sparker245 3/5/2018 3:59pm
3/5/2018 3:59pm
Don't worry about the turning on the '18 YZ450F. It turns great. So much better than the 10-17. The major difference to me is that the Yamaha is just plain bigger, heavier and bulkier than the KTM/Husky. Not a big deal on some tracks, but noticeable on others. If I was racing competitively on a consistent basis, think I'd go for the KTM/Husky. Just track riding with buddies and an occasional race, I'd go with the '18 Yamaha...which is what I did. Don't regret it one bit.
Tuna
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Tuna 3/5/2018 4:21pm
3/5/2018 4:21pm
usmc151 wrote:
190% the Husky. Why? Build quality...It will take $$$ to get that yamaha close to the fit and finish of the Husky. Hands down handling and...
190% the Husky. Why? Build quality...It will take $$$ to get that yamaha close to the fit and finish of the Husky. Hands down handling and suspension is the best Ive had on any stock bike and Ive owned them all. Resale.....I just sold my 17 FC450 Bone Stock besides a rockstar kit and clutch cover for 8700. I only paid 9200 for the bike OTD brand new. Ive sold every used FE and my Husky for what new Jap bikes sells for. Personal preference Ive never gotten along with the vague front end of the yam's. They look sharp but Ill pass.


PS the weight alone is a huge deal Smile
I almost spit out my beer. Comparing KTM build quality to Japanese QC? All that light weight comes at a cost.
mxer613
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mxer613 3/5/2018 6:02pm
3/5/2018 6:02pm
Just sold my 16 factory edition 450 and got this fresh one for $7999 otd, so far tearing it down, the hardware seems just as good or better than Ktm. The cockpit feels better to me also. Both good bikes, I was set on getting a new FE , but $2500 is $2500

TeamGreen
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TeamGreen 3/5/2018 6:05pm
3/5/2018 6:05pm
Might wanna remove that Knich decal before ya jinx it...

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mxer613
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mxer613 3/5/2018 6:07pm
3/5/2018 6:07pm
TeamGreen wrote:
Might wanna remove that Knich decal before ya jinx it...
For sure, just put it on there cause I hate wasting a good sticker, lol
Pirate421
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Pirate421 3/5/2018 6:21pm
3/5/2018 6:21pm Edited Date/Time 3/5/2018 6:23pm
I have not ridden a new yzf but have been riding Ktm and husky for the last 5 years. I am not a brand loyalist so I’ll give my take. I just sold a 17 350 and will not compare engines here but chassis wise the ktms and husky’s are very nice as is the suspension I think suspension wise it would come down to if you prefer spring or air. I give the suspension nod to Yamaha as I feel the spring suspension is more consistent but it also weighs more.

Durability wise I will give the nod to the husky. I know Yamaha is “legendary” for durability but the 18 is a new bike so it’s so far unproven and bound for a few tweaks for 19. The 450 from my experience with friends who have them and just being on forums a lot, I haven’t seen a lot of negative with the Austrian 450 engine. Seems pretty bulletproof.

A positive for the Yamaha is that it’s all new so you’ll have the newest gen for a few years, whereas a new husky is coming out in a few weeks so you’ll have the “old gen” bike if that matters to you. Also I think the blue Yamaha is the better looking bike and has a more solid overall feel of the ones I’ve seen in person.

A few other things. Fit and finish on the Ktm and huskys I’ve had has been good and they are easy to work on. I’m not a huge fan of the frame paint they used on my husky as it was flaking and scratching off after two hours. Also the plastic looked beat really quick 2-3 hrs and had melting side panels. there’s my .02 and the points I would weigh in your position good luck
BAD10
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BAD10 3/5/2018 6:26pm
3/5/2018 6:26pm
mxer613 wrote:
Just sold my 16 factory edition 450 and got this fresh one for $7999 otd, so far tearing it down, the hardware seems just as good...
Just sold my 16 factory edition 450 and got this fresh one for $7999 otd, so far tearing it down, the hardware seems just as good or better than Ktm. The cockpit feels better to me also. Both good bikes, I was set on getting a new FE , but $2500 is $2500

$7999 OTD...is that correct? Wow. I was told $9100 OTD was a good deal here in San Diego.But there's no sales tax in Oregon right?
mxer613
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mxer613 3/5/2018 6:35pm
3/5/2018 6:35pm
mxer613 wrote:
Just sold my 16 factory edition 450 and got this fresh one for $7999 otd, so far tearing it down, the hardware seems just as good...
Just sold my 16 factory edition 450 and got this fresh one for $7999 otd, so far tearing it down, the hardware seems just as good or better than Ktm. The cockpit feels better to me also. Both good bikes, I was set on getting a new FE , but $2500 is $2500

BAD10 wrote:
$7999 OTD...is that correct? Wow. I was told $9100 OTD was a good deal here in San Diego.But there's no sales tax in Oregon right?
Correct, $7999 out the door, it was $7910 + $90 ship time to take out of crate and fill it with oil, no sales tax, and I scored on my cabelas points too?
kennyc
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kennyc 3/5/2018 6:56pm
3/5/2018 6:56pm
In central Texas - all of the 2018 Japanese bikes are $7800, while the KTM & Husky are $9500+

I'm on a '15 yz450f with FC suspension, and I rode the '18 yz450f at a demo day. It was slimmer, a little more snappy on the power, the brakes were great, but I think I might stay on my '15.
fullysicmate
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fullysicmate 3/5/2018 7:05pm
3/5/2018 7:05pm Edited Date/Time 3/5/2018 7:06pm
Another vote for Husky over Yammie.

As for resale I would have a look at the KTM.
Racerxx
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Racerxx 3/5/2018 7:35pm
3/5/2018 7:35pm
I rode a stock 2018 Husky this weekend great bike turns excellent, bars don't fit me well, power is OK but my 15 Yamaha has a better delivery (stock map) IMO. The front suspension was really good for a stock bike we were riding a track with lots of braking and acceleration bumps very stable the back end maybe could have used a click or two to slow down the rebound. I have my Yamaha dialed in so I like the suspension better and I don't have problems cornering, the Husky does corner better though. The side panels felt a little wide when you are hanging off the back of the bike. I haven't had a single mechanical problem with the Yamaha in 190 hours but I maintain my bike rebuilt the crank and top end twice already. It's hard for me to justify spending the extra money on the Husky with how good the Yamaha is. I'm going through an IRS audit or i would have bought a new Yamaha already.
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yak651 3/5/2018 7:54pm
3/5/2018 7:54pm
usmc151 wrote:
190% the Husky. Why? Build quality...It will take $$$ to get that yamaha close to the fit and finish of the Husky. Hands down handling and...
190% the Husky. Why? Build quality...It will take $$$ to get that yamaha close to the fit and finish of the Husky. Hands down handling and suspension is the best Ive had on any stock bike and Ive owned them all. Resale.....I just sold my 17 FC450 Bone Stock besides a rockstar kit and clutch cover for 8700. I only paid 9200 for the bike OTD brand new. Ive sold every used FE and my Husky for what new Jap bikes sells for. Personal preference Ive never gotten along with the vague front end of the yam's. They look sharp but Ill pass.


PS the weight alone is a huge deal Smile
Tuna wrote:
I almost spit out my beer. Comparing KTM build quality to Japanese QC? All that light weight comes at a cost.
I about spit out my beer about the selling a '17 FC450 for $8700!! I would get rid of it also if someone offered that!
BobPA
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BobPA 3/5/2018 8:05pm
3/5/2018 8:05pm
mxer613 wrote:
Just sold my 16 factory edition 450 and got this fresh one for $7999 otd, so far tearing it down, the hardware seems just as good...
Just sold my 16 factory edition 450 and got this fresh one for $7999 otd, so far tearing it down, the hardware seems just as good or better than Ktm. The cockpit feels better to me also. Both good bikes, I was set on getting a new FE , but $2500 is $2500

Tighten your chain
mxer613
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mxer613 3/5/2018 8:10pm
3/5/2018 8:10pm
mxer613 wrote:
Just sold my 16 factory edition 450 and got this fresh one for $7999 otd, so far tearing it down, the hardware seems just as good...
Just sold my 16 factory edition 450 and got this fresh one for $7999 otd, so far tearing it down, the hardware seems just as good or better than Ktm. The cockpit feels better to me also. Both good bikes, I was set on getting a new FE , but $2500 is $2500

BobPA wrote:
Tighten your chain
Waiting for my new zirconium super sprox I just won from Motosport
ob
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ob 3/5/2018 9:20pm
3/5/2018 9:20pm
Unless it comes down to the money, it's kind of a no brainier. Unless you are well over 6ft. The Yamaha is about the size of an aircraft carrier and turns like one to. Snappier power though.
swtwtwtw
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swtwtwtw 3/5/2018 10:07pm
3/5/2018 10:07pm
ob wrote:
Unless it comes down to the money, it's kind of a no brainier. Unless you are well over 6ft. The Yamaha is about the size of...
Unless it comes down to the money, it's kind of a no brainier. Unless you are well over 6ft. The Yamaha is about the size of an aircraft carrier and turns like one to. Snappier power though.
Funny, I bought the Yamaha fresh off a 2017 FC250. I did get to ride all the 18's before my purchase and sold my husky after I bought. I couldn't be happier. I race, 160lb 6 foot tall, no transition issues at all. Changed bars, started with keefer settings, found my base settings within 5 hrs of ride time.

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