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Only $10 for all 2026 SX, MX, and SMX series.
But, now thinking too about a change for crf450 or fc450. Have ridden the FC which is very supple, And steering/suspension is okay.
But Honda is Just honda. Build quality is top Notch. Doesn't look the most stellar, but if i have to trust a a long term bike, then Honda is nr. 1 pick. (Besides the clutch ,which u not often (ab)use often on a 450
Which one comes with an hr meter built into clamps stock? Which comes with brembo brakes? Hydro clutch? Tool less air filter and better sealing design? Frame guards? Odi grips instead of the hardest cheapest pieces of shit they can find? A chain that lasts instead of again the cheapest they can find? Lightest in the class. Best clutch and brakes in class by a big margin.
Im not a fan boy i have owned them all. But this talk of jap quality is such a joke. They outfit their bikes with the cheapest of the cheap. Chains last two rides. Grips are pieces of iron. Plastic throttle housings just endless the differences.
Im on an rmz now and its a solid bike but there are lesser parts on it undoubtedly to a husky. But at the price and for what i wanted it was still a worthy choice
Compared to a left over rmz yes the difference is larger but a 19 vs 19 crf to sxf the differece is very small...
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Really?
I can get a much larger discount on a Honda as well. I wasn’t able to get nearly as good of a deal on a KTM. I bought a ‘17 CRF450R for $8720.41. That was out the door price. That allowed me to make fairly significant upgrades. Even with these upgrades, the Honda is still heavier though.
Both are excellent bikes. I don’t think you will go wrong with either. I’m still not sold on air forks though. The WP’s are supposed to be as good as any to this point, but I still prefer traditional spring forks. This is probably a fair amount of the weight advantage the KTM has over the Honda.
KTM hubs are cast hubs that are machined (turned down) at the factory. Still a nice touch though and defintely easier to keep clean.
Also the husky i bought new came with a nice padded binder, with folders for the paperwork, manual and slots for the tools, and the fork pump.
The rmz i bought came with a cd too cheap to even give a proper manual, a bag full of the spoke wrench and ecu plugs. Too cheap for a binder or proper case for the plugs.
Like i said they cut corners absolutely everywhere they can from the manual on cd, to iron grips, to shit chains, etc etc so i don't really buy into this superior quality bs.
Engine character is a big deciding factor IMO. Honda is snappy and lively. This helps the Honda feel lighter than it is. KTM more smooth, tractor like and revs forever.
The turn in on the Honda is excellent, and very planted feel. The ‘19 KTM turned in much better than 16-18, but didn’t ride the 19 back to back with CRF or at the same track. My ‘16 KTM with AER has a vague feel by compare.
Forks? Meh, if you know what you’re doing the AER’s work very well and feel like pillows on small bumps, will save you on big hits, flat lands (they don’t bottom harshly), but the mid hits are more harsh than spring. CRF felt very busy up front, could have been set up.
Reliability: Honda’s have a good reputation, and really all the Japanese are pretty good now. My ‘16 KTM has 130 hrs of Moto. It’s been bullet proof. Quality components. Machined steel clutch basket, and Del West valves for example. The materials are of very high quality. Negs on engineering for Austria: They should have a drive side dual bearing rear hub like Honda. The wiring is thin gauge, and could be tidier (some advances on’19), but have not had a problem. The bar clamps are kinda weak.
If you like fun, excitement, and prob the best looking bike out there go with CRF. If you want the best racing machine with less excitement but no drama, go Austria.
What planet do some of you dudes live on??
Another one I like is that the KTM is way more expensive. People consider a few hundred bucks a lot of money when they are spending 9-10k already on the item?
They are both awesome bikes so I'd just go sit on em both and see what one gives you a bigger stiffy.
The "New" RMZ is still "Ridiculously Dependable". I'm just finishing up my "FULL Year with the 2018 RM-Z 450" and I'm... well...like I said, I'm "BLOWN AWAY" by this bike's extremely low 'operating cost'. It hasn't needed a valve adjust...and that's at 140 hours. I've -NEVER- had a motor this dependable...ESPECIALLY one that I've raced at Mammoth, Day In The Dirt (HOLESHOT!)...trail ridden in National Forests...etc.
I've been thru 3 clutches, a dozen sets of Pirellis/Metzelers & Bibs, 4 sets of chains/sprockets,5 air-filters, only God knows how many oil changes and too many gallons of T4 to count.
This bike has been a stellar scooter that I've put thru it's paces. I got THREE WOODEN BEARS on this thing. STOCK Engine...got my ass handed to me on the starts at Mammoth by some very trick bikes...but, that chassis and the torquey power let me get back thru the pack. Made a few changes like Suzuki's "white" plug for a leaner curve and added some good fuel, VOILA! Power! Thanks to the Yoshimura pipe. too...of-course!
So, as I read GSXR6's post, I reminded that "The Fastest or Coolest" bike isn't necessarily the best...in the long run.
I'm resurrecting this thread I started a couple months ago to give an update on my decision. I ended up selling my RMZ 250 within about 2 weeks of posting, so I was excited to hop on something new sooner than expected. I found this thread to be tremendously helpful, and one post in particular caught my attention. @carlinojoevideo asked if I considered a 350... something I had not at the time. Well, after reading mostly stellar reviews and finding a 2018 leftover that was quite a bit less than 450s, I took the plunge. I have about 10 hours on the bike, and I have to say it might be the best bike I've ever ridden. There's plenty of power for my riding style, it turns in great, and the routine maintenance couldn't be easier (oil changes/ air filter cleaning). So if there is anyone out there that wants to move up from a 250, definitely put it on your list of bikes to consider.
In remembrance of my RMZ
My 2018 350 fresh off the showroom floor
My 350 as of today. I've only done cosmetic/practical upgrades so far. I installed the Acerbis Back in Black plastics, a custom SKDA kit, a Guts gripper seat, and Acerbis frame guards for grip. I also originally purchased an Acerbis skid plate, but it was a nuisance to install/remove. Sent it back and opted for the KTM skid plate which is much easier. I really don't feel the need at this point to upgrade anything mechanically. The clutch is great, the brakes are incredible, and the power is plenty. I'd like the look for a pipe, but it's hard to justify spending that kind of money for pure aesthetics.
Cheers,
Austin
I mis the days when you chose a 125,250 or 500, & a brand! Lol
But I’m glad for the choice also!
Pit Row
I recently picked up a '19 450 SX-F and have added graphics, a map and I run T4. The map made the bike a rocket and the fuel helps, too.
Raced it at Glen Helen last Sunday and was very impressed with it. I hope you're just as stoked with your new 350.
Keep us up to date on your progress!
But it isn't the big 6
KTM has the best motor I've ever ridden and some of the most balanced handling characteristics for me.
But honestly, truthfully... if you can feel comfortable on either bike I'd flip a coin. Both seem to be very well built, extremely reliable and don't typically really have any negatives.
Post a reply to: 2019 CRF 450 or SX-F 450 (UPDATE)