New 2014 RMZ 450 vs New 2019 KX450 ?

Moto520
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Moto520 12/18/2018 8:58am
12/18/2018 8:58am
Moto520 wrote:
I had that Suzuki and i loved it. The motor is absolutely bulletproof. 60 hours in and nothing wore out. I now have the 2019 Kawi...
I had that Suzuki and i loved it. The motor is absolutely bulletproof. 60 hours in and nothing wore out. I now have the 2019 Kawi and that’s a great bike too. I’d go with the Suzuki because it’s just one of those bikes......fix the forks and enjoy. The motor is mild but plenty powerful.
Sluggo77 wrote:
Thanks. ..."it's just one of those bikes." Yeah this is what I have a feeling about with this bike. One of those meaning, really easy ride...
Thanks.
..."it's just one of those bikes." Yeah this is what I have a feeling about with this bike. One of those meaning, really easy ride, which for me translates to fast and fun. It doesn't hurt that RC put a lot of input into this bike. He would know how to make a bike work well.
The Kawi sounds great too, and all that new bling, food for thought too.
I think they went with the air forks shortly after 2014....the ones with the air forks IMO are blah unless you can learn to like the air forks.
malachi177
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malachi177 12/18/2018 9:02am
12/18/2018 9:02am
H4L wrote:
If your're leaning towards the RM I'd suggest looking at an 18 left over model instead. For a little more $ it will have the latest...
If your're leaning towards the RM I'd suggest looking at an 18 left over model instead. For a little more $ it will have the latest upgrades without the air forks. That being said the 19 Kawi sounds like a good bike from the showroom floor.
2014 RMZ didn’t have air forks.
Tarz483
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Tarz483 12/18/2018 9:07am
12/18/2018 9:07am Edited Date/Time 12/18/2018 9:15am
When you Can literally buy 2 of The RMZ for the price of 1 and Both new.
Other brand that starts getting pretty hard to justify to me
Unless money is just not much of a concern at all.
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Turbojez
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Turbojez 12/18/2018 9:09am
12/18/2018 9:09am
You could buy the RMZ, put A-kit suspension on it and still have plenty of gas money in the bank. It's a win-win.
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RCMXracing
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RCMXracing 12/18/2018 9:56am
12/18/2018 9:56am Edited Date/Time 12/18/2018 9:56am
Fighting not to comment on this. Can’t. Stop. Typing. Arrrgggh.
GET THE NEW BIKE (KX)! Reasons too many to list. Ugh, feel better now.
Orrrrr...by an ‘11 or ‘12 RMZ nice shape for 3K and get back into riding.
2
H4L
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H4L 12/18/2018 10:32am
12/18/2018 10:32am
H4L wrote:
If your're leaning towards the RM I'd suggest looking at an 18 left over model instead. For a little more $ it will have the latest...
If your're leaning towards the RM I'd suggest looking at an 18 left over model instead. For a little more $ it will have the latest upgrades without the air forks. That being said the 19 Kawi sounds like a good bike from the showroom floor.
malachi177 wrote:
2014 RMZ didn’t have air forks.
My bad.. I was off by a yr.. Didn't recall if the air forks came on the 14 or 15 models. The 14 forks didn't come with very good specs from the showroom floor from what I remember & would need some work.
The 18 comes with the production A-kit Showas & would be an upgrade comparing apples to apples..
kiwifan
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kiwifan 12/18/2018 1:05pm
12/18/2018 1:05pm
I would lean towards the RMZ at your age and level (no offence intended), yes the suspension needs some work but I think the lesser hard hitting power would suit you. Then again it could depend on dealer support in your area as well.
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Subotai
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Subotai 12/18/2018 4:36pm
12/18/2018 4:36pm
RCMXracing wrote:
Fighting not to comment on this. Can’t. Stop. Typing. Arrrgggh. GET THE NEW BIKE (KX)! Reasons too many to list. Ugh, feel better now. Orrrrr...by an...
Fighting not to comment on this. Can’t. Stop. Typing. Arrrgggh.
GET THE NEW BIKE (KX)! Reasons too many to list. Ugh, feel better now.
Orrrrr...by an ‘11 or ‘12 RMZ nice shape for 3K and get back into riding.
I have a built '12 for sale if the OP wants it. Smile
1
Sluggo77
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Sluggo77 12/18/2018 4:55pm
12/18/2018 4:55pm
Curious thing, just watching a you-tube vid about a modified 19 RMZ 450, and Josh Grant was testing. One thing he was raving about the Suzuki was how weight has never been and issue, and he preferred a stable ride over something lighter.
Maybe being a bit heavier is a good thing?
4
mattyhamz2 12/18/2018 4:59pm
12/18/2018 4:59pm
Sluggo77 wrote:
Curious thing, just watching a you-tube vid about a modified 19 RMZ 450, and Josh Grant was testing. One thing he was raving about the Suzuki...
Curious thing, just watching a you-tube vid about a modified 19 RMZ 450, and Josh Grant was testing. One thing he was raving about the Suzuki was how weight has never been and issue, and he preferred a stable ride over something lighter.
Maybe being a bit heavier is a good thing?
Honestly, my dad has had a 13, 15 and now has two 17 rmz's. They feel heavy when lifting onto the stand and feels planted when riding, but in the air I haven't noticed the weight. And they turn amazing!
2
Gotland Edon
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Gotland Edon 12/20/2018 7:14pm
12/20/2018 7:14pm
Suzuki gets a lot of shit, but all it needs is a HC piston a good exhaust and a fork revalve and it is as good as the others, even better in some areas.
But none of that will matter if you are a hipster liberal vegan whose vagina hurts when kicksarting a dirtbike.
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Gotland Edon
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Gotland Edon 12/20/2018 7:23pm
12/20/2018 7:23pm
yz133rider wrote:
For 6k less in his case he can make the rmz exactly how he wants. Vortex, full exhaust, suspension, bars, levers, pegs and still be less...
For 6k less in his case he can make the rmz exactly how he wants. Vortex, full exhaust, suspension, bars, levers, pegs and still be less than the kx.
JB 19 wrote:
And then the RMZ will still only be worth 3500$.....With all of the extra stuff. It's a terrible investment to buy old bikes and build them...
And then the RMZ will still only be worth 3500$.....With all of the extra stuff. It's a terrible investment to buy old bikes and build them up with thousands of dollars worth of parts.
yz133rider wrote:
Except you can sell that all seperately easily and for good money...
I don't see how a dirt bike is considered an investment by some people. LOL
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Gotland Edon
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Gotland Edon 12/20/2018 7:34pm
12/20/2018 7:34pm
SteveMurray51 wrote:
I went from a 15 Rmz to a 19 kawi. I’m 9mph faster through the rollers and my lap times dropped 2.5 seconds.
And your hospital bill will increase 90%.


Just kidding...
JohnnyD13
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JohnnyD13 12/20/2018 10:01pm
12/20/2018 10:01pm
RCMXracing wrote:
Fighting not to comment on this. Can’t. Stop. Typing. Arrrgggh. GET THE NEW BIKE (KX)! Reasons too many to list. Ugh, feel better now. Orrrrr...by an...
Fighting not to comment on this. Can’t. Stop. Typing. Arrrgggh.
GET THE NEW BIKE (KX)! Reasons too many to list. Ugh, feel better now.
Orrrrr...by an ‘11 or ‘12 RMZ nice shape for 3K and get back into riding.
Subotai wrote:
I have a built '12 for sale if the OP wants it. Smile
Because you are buying a KX450? I think that answers the original question
Subotai
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Subotai 12/20/2018 10:48pm
12/20/2018 10:48pm
RCMXracing wrote:
Fighting not to comment on this. Can’t. Stop. Typing. Arrrgggh. GET THE NEW BIKE (KX)! Reasons too many to list. Ugh, feel better now. Orrrrr...by an...
Fighting not to comment on this. Can’t. Stop. Typing. Arrrgggh.
GET THE NEW BIKE (KX)! Reasons too many to list. Ugh, feel better now.
Orrrrr...by an ‘11 or ‘12 RMZ nice shape for 3K and get back into riding.
Subotai wrote:
I have a built '12 for sale if the OP wants it. Smile
JohnnyD13 wrote:
Because you are buying a KX450? I think that answers the original question
Huh? No where did I say I was buying a KX. I only ride my 2 strokes, that's why it's for sale.

Sold btw.
Cancerman
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Cancerman 12/20/2018 11:30pm
12/20/2018 11:30pm
If you ride your bike even remotely fast, you have to spend money setting it up for you to make it safe. Suspension setup is like buying safety gear. So no matter what, you will have to set it up. The two bikes are very different. Read everything you can about both. The 2018 RMZ would be a good bike if you can find a leftover cheap enough. The KX has pretty good reviews, but they are popular, so they won't be cheap. A 5-6 K bike gives you a lot of room to play with, over a 9-11 K bike. You can pay as you go as well so you're not doing it all at once. To me, I like to work on my stuff, so doing set up and mods are fun. Spending 10-12K on a dirt bike to go thrash, just does not feel right. Plus, as soon as you roll it out the door, you have lost 25-30% value. I might even look for a super low hour 2018 RMZ450, I've seen them with like 20 hours on them for 5K, with some mods.
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jeffro503
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jeffro503 12/21/2018 12:59am
12/21/2018 12:59am
$5100.00 seems kinda steep for a '14? The shop I was at last week had 18's for I think $5899.00 ?

I'm not into the 450's at all any more , but I think the RMZ is heavily under rated. They are great bikes. Doesn't matter if they are slightly under powered , because us Vet riders aren't going to use all of it anyways. In fact not to many people can. New RMZ , slap on a used set of A-kit and have a dream bike.
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dadofagun
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dadofagun 12/21/2018 1:05am
12/21/2018 1:05am
jeffro503 wrote:
$5100.00 seems kinda steep for a '14? The shop I was at last week had 18's for I think $5899.00 ? I'm not into the 450's...
$5100.00 seems kinda steep for a '14? The shop I was at last week had 18's for I think $5899.00 ?

I'm not into the 450's at all any more , but I think the RMZ is heavily under rated. They are great bikes. Doesn't matter if they are slightly under powered , because us Vet riders aren't going to use all of it anyways. In fact not to many people can. New RMZ , slap on a used set of A-kit and have a dream bike.
One of the smartest responses I’ve ever read on here.... well said Sir, well said.
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yz133rider
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yz133rider 12/21/2018 1:45am
12/21/2018 1:45am
jeffro503 wrote:
$5100.00 seems kinda steep for a '14? The shop I was at last week had 18's for I think $5899.00 ? I'm not into the 450's...
$5100.00 seems kinda steep for a '14? The shop I was at last week had 18's for I think $5899.00 ?

I'm not into the 450's at all any more , but I think the RMZ is heavily under rated. They are great bikes. Doesn't matter if they are slightly under powered , because us Vet riders aren't going to use all of it anyways. In fact not to many people can. New RMZ , slap on a used set of A-kit and have a dream bike.
Thats what im doing minus the a-kit. The stock stuffs been working great for me
The "underpowered" engines perfect for me as a 450 is a lot of bike as it is.

Spending money and time making it fit me better and just spin some laps and focus on body positioning and cornering and being smooth. Damn i wanna ride lol.
Markee
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Markee 12/22/2018 6:02am
12/22/2018 6:02am
jeffro503 wrote:
$5100.00 seems kinda steep for a '14? The shop I was at last week had 18's for I think $5899.00 ? I'm not into the 450's...
$5100.00 seems kinda steep for a '14? The shop I was at last week had 18's for I think $5899.00 ?

I'm not into the 450's at all any more , but I think the RMZ is heavily under rated. They are great bikes. Doesn't matter if they are slightly under powered , because us Vet riders aren't going to use all of it anyways. In fact not to many people can. New RMZ , slap on a used set of A-kit and have a dream bike.
Raced a few Vet money races last month. Every type of 450 on the line. I'm talking every damn moto top 3 to the first turn were all 18-19 RMZs..
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downard254
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downard254 12/22/2018 6:33am
12/22/2018 6:33am
I don’t really have a horse in this race, as I’m a tried and true 2stroker. But my experience from racing years ago, was that as far as power is concerned, a stocker with the throttle held to the stop at the end of a straight for 1-2 seconds longer will always beat a bike with more horsepower with the throttle closed. i.e. learn to hold the throttle on longer and improve your braking and cornering skills, that will be a better investment than pipes and pistons. Spend your money on suspension to help with the cornering and braking. In this respect, an older cheaper bike will be just as potent at the riding ability level of the majority of Vitards here. But if you absolutely have to have the latest and greatest out here, then by all means splurge for the new one.
1
Turbojez
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Turbojez 12/22/2018 6:45am
12/22/2018 6:45am
downard254 wrote:
I don’t really have a horse in this race, as I’m a tried and true 2stroker. But my experience from racing years ago, was that as...
I don’t really have a horse in this race, as I’m a tried and true 2stroker. But my experience from racing years ago, was that as far as power is concerned, a stocker with the throttle held to the stop at the end of a straight for 1-2 seconds longer will always beat a bike with more horsepower with the throttle closed. i.e. learn to hold the throttle on longer and improve your braking and cornering skills, that will be a better investment than pipes and pistons. Spend your money on suspension to help with the cornering and braking. In this respect, an older cheaper bike will be just as potent at the riding ability level of the majority of Vitards here. But if you absolutely have to have the latest and greatest out here, then by all means splurge for the new one.
Agreed. Roczen didn't mind being on an outdated bike when he took the 450 national title. I know it wasn't a stock bike, but if it was worse than anything else out there it would have held him back at the time.
yz133rider
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yz133rider 12/22/2018 6:58am
12/22/2018 6:58am
downard254 wrote:
I don’t really have a horse in this race, as I’m a tried and true 2stroker. But my experience from racing years ago, was that as...
I don’t really have a horse in this race, as I’m a tried and true 2stroker. But my experience from racing years ago, was that as far as power is concerned, a stocker with the throttle held to the stop at the end of a straight for 1-2 seconds longer will always beat a bike with more horsepower with the throttle closed. i.e. learn to hold the throttle on longer and improve your braking and cornering skills, that will be a better investment than pipes and pistons. Spend your money on suspension to help with the cornering and braking. In this respect, an older cheaper bike will be just as potent at the riding ability level of the majority of Vitards here. But if you absolutely have to have the latest and greatest out here, then by all means splurge for the new one.
Turbojez wrote:
Agreed. Roczen didn't mind being on an outdated bike when he took the 450 national title. I know it wasn't a stock bike, but if it...
Agreed. Roczen didn't mind being on an outdated bike when he took the 450 national title. I know it wasn't a stock bike, but if it was worse than anything else out there it would have held him back at the time.
Ehhhh when u have 50+k invested in tuning and upgrading Thats not much of a point anymore
mxer807
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mxer807 12/22/2018 8:02pm
12/22/2018 8:02pm
downard254 wrote:
I don’t really have a horse in this race, as I’m a tried and true 2stroker. But my experience from racing years ago, was that as...
I don’t really have a horse in this race, as I’m a tried and true 2stroker. But my experience from racing years ago, was that as far as power is concerned, a stocker with the throttle held to the stop at the end of a straight for 1-2 seconds longer will always beat a bike with more horsepower with the throttle closed. i.e. learn to hold the throttle on longer and improve your braking and cornering skills, that will be a better investment than pipes and pistons. Spend your money on suspension to help with the cornering and braking. In this respect, an older cheaper bike will be just as potent at the riding ability level of the majority of Vitards here. But if you absolutely have to have the latest and greatest out here, then by all means splurge for the new one.
Turbojez wrote:
Agreed. Roczen didn't mind being on an outdated bike when he took the 450 national title. I know it wasn't a stock bike, but if it...
Agreed. Roczen didn't mind being on an outdated bike when he took the 450 national title. I know it wasn't a stock bike, but if it was worse than anything else out there it would have held him back at the time.
yz133rider wrote:
Ehhhh when u have 50+k invested in tuning and upgrading Thats not much of a point anymore
Still a Suzuki.
Kelz87
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Kelz87 12/22/2018 9:18pm
12/22/2018 9:18pm
I was going to say, split the difference and get an ‘18 RMZ450, but I see it was already suggested Grinning
yzcrkxrm
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yzcrkxrm 12/22/2018 9:19pm
12/22/2018 9:19pm
Sluggo77 wrote:
I would say Fun is pretty much the only focus at this stage. That being said, going as fast I am able to will still be...
I would say Fun is pretty much the only focus at this stage. That being said, going as fast I am able to will still be a part of the equation. My mantra going in, is: "Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast." Focus on proper technique and be smooth and efficient as possible. Whatever speed I get from that will be fine with me. I can afford the all new fancy one, but if it's not really worth it, why do it is what I am thinking about.
The RMZ is $5,100 K. and the KX, around 11K
When you say 11k for a KX, all I hear is you need to find a new dealer.
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zuk338
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zuk338 12/22/2018 9:58pm
12/22/2018 9:58pm
If you end up going with the rmz and are looking to upgrade the suspension, I have a full ohlins kit for sale ?? Shoot me a pm if interested.
Looby321
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Looby321 12/23/2018 5:54am
12/23/2018 5:54am
Yz133rider posted a link to where he got his ‘18 Zuk from on a different thread. I think it was 56 or 59 hundo. It’s not a bad bike, slap on some used A kit twigs. Then when it’s time to sell, you make your monies back on selling the forks for the same price. I’ve heard of the RMZ’s going well into the 250 hour mark with just valve adjustments and top end kits. I would probably go with the ‘18 Zuk over the ‘19 KX just bc you NEVER buy the first model year of a complete overhaul. I’ve done that with trucks, bikes, and sleds....lesson learned. Save some cash and get some good forks for it. Just my .02c though, I haven’t heard anything bad about the new KX except that subframe issue which I don’t even believe was a manufacturer issue.
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zuk338
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zuk338 12/23/2018 9:07am
12/23/2018 9:07am
Looby321 wrote:
Yz133rider posted a link to where he got his ‘18 Zuk from on a different thread. I think it was 56 or 59 hundo. It’s not...
Yz133rider posted a link to where he got his ‘18 Zuk from on a different thread. I think it was 56 or 59 hundo. It’s not a bad bike, slap on some used A kit twigs. Then when it’s time to sell, you make your monies back on selling the forks for the same price. I’ve heard of the RMZ’s going well into the 250 hour mark with just valve adjustments and top end kits. I would probably go with the ‘18 Zuk over the ‘19 KX just bc you NEVER buy the first model year of a complete overhaul. I’ve done that with trucks, bikes, and sleds....lesson learned. Save some cash and get some good forks for it. Just my .02c though, I haven’t heard anything bad about the new KX except that subframe issue which I don’t even believe was a manufacturer issue.
I had a 10’ rmz 450 with unknown hours prior to me owning the bike and I logged about 150 on it. Estimated around 300 hours or more on stock bottom end. Valves never went out of spec, cylinder never went out of spec, changed piston and cam chain twice for peace of mind. loved that bike so much I bought a 14. Oops. So much better now with the Ohlins kit, the bike makes me look good even when I don’t feel 100%.
1
mx_phreek 12/23/2018 9:48am
12/23/2018 9:48am
Looby321 wrote:
Yz133rider posted a link to where he got his ‘18 Zuk from on a different thread. I think it was 56 or 59 hundo. It’s not...
Yz133rider posted a link to where he got his ‘18 Zuk from on a different thread. I think it was 56 or 59 hundo. It’s not a bad bike, slap on some used A kit twigs. Then when it’s time to sell, you make your monies back on selling the forks for the same price. I’ve heard of the RMZ’s going well into the 250 hour mark with just valve adjustments and top end kits. I would probably go with the ‘18 Zuk over the ‘19 KX just bc you NEVER buy the first model year of a complete overhaul. I’ve done that with trucks, bikes, and sleds....lesson learned. Save some cash and get some good forks for it. Just my .02c though, I haven’t heard anything bad about the new KX except that subframe issue which I don’t even believe was a manufacturer issue.
Lol, you say don't the 19 Kawi, get the 18 suzuki cause you "Never" buy a first year model. But the bike you telling him to buy is a first year model lol.
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