New 2014 RMZ 450 vs New 2019 KX450 ?

mxer807
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mxer807 12/23/2018 10:11am
12/23/2018 10:11am
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.
mx_phreek wrote:
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...
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.
I was thinking same thing ...
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Turbojez
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Turbojez 12/23/2018 11:32am
12/23/2018 11:32am Edited Date/Time 12/23/2018 11:32am
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.
Turbojez
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Turbojez 12/23/2018 11:36am
12/23/2018 11:36am
yz133rider wrote:
Ehhhh when u have 50+k invested in tuning and upgrading Thats not much of a point anymore
It's not like all the other guys were running stock bikes...
drt410
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drt410 12/23/2018 11:37am
12/23/2018 11:37am Edited Date/Time 12/23/2018 12:09pm
Turbojez wrote:
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.
The zook with A-kit suspension, high comp piston, pipe, map, would muuuuurder the kawi. If that is cheaper do that. That would be better than any oem bike out. Look better too. Youd have a beast on ur hands for the price of a 19 husky.
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Looby321
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Looby321 12/23/2018 12:04pm
12/23/2018 12:04pm
mx_phreek wrote:
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...
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.
Ya that’s my bad, I thought the ‘19 Zuk was also all new.
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JohnnyD13
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JohnnyD13 12/23/2018 12:23pm
12/23/2018 12:23pm
I think before posting that your bike has 250 hrs as an example of reliability that you should also include your type of riding and skill level. I’m sure if my dad had a 450 he would never have to do anything to it.
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zuk338
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zuk338 12/24/2018 8:26am
12/24/2018 8:26am
JohnnyD13 wrote:
I think before posting that your bike has 250 hrs as an example of reliability that you should also include your type of riding and skill...
I think before posting that your bike has 250 hrs as an example of reliability that you should also include your type of riding and skill level. I’m sure if my dad had a 450 he would never have to do anything to it.
Mx and expert practicer. Rev limiter around the entire track..



jokes aside I do ride mx 2-3 times a week in the warmer months at a decently paced B level. I can hang with the top till my arms go numb. I am not easy on my bikes by any means, I’m 6’2” 230 but the key was strict maintenance. Worth the $$ for a couple extra oil changes when they probably weren’t needed, always do a new filter before every ride day.
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mxb2
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mxb2 12/24/2018 8:31am
12/24/2018 8:31am
JohnnyD13 wrote:
I think before posting that your bike has 250 hrs as an example of reliability that you should also include your type of riding and skill...
I think before posting that your bike has 250 hrs as an example of reliability that you should also include your type of riding and skill level. I’m sure if my dad had a 450 he would never have to do anything to it.
zuk338 wrote:
Mx and expert practicer. Rev limiter around the entire track.. jokes aside I do ride mx 2-3 times a week in the warmer months at a...
Mx and expert practicer. Rev limiter around the entire track..



jokes aside I do ride mx 2-3 times a week in the warmer months at a decently paced B level. I can hang with the top till my arms go numb. I am not easy on my bikes by any means, I’m 6’2” 230 but the key was strict maintenance. Worth the $$ for a couple extra oil changes when they probably weren’t needed, always do a new filter before every ride day.
Fwiw my 13 rmz 450 , set up is better than a stock 18 rmz 450. Mapped,pipe,moto tassanari air boot,2 stroke cage.geared 13-51 renegade fuel
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mxb2
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mxb2 12/24/2018 8:33am
12/24/2018 8:33am

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mxb2
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mxb2 12/24/2018 8:34am
12/24/2018 8:34am
Fresh coatings coated lugs, suspension serviced. Set up for 225 mx rider
zuk338
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zuk338 12/24/2018 11:14am
12/24/2018 11:14am
mxb2 wrote:
Fwiw my 13 rmz 450 , set up is better than a stock 18 rmz 450. Mapped,pipe,moto tassanari air boot,2 stroke cage.geared 13-51 renegade fuel
Did you notice a big difference with the Moto tassanari intake? I have one sitting on the bench at home I should try lol
mxb2
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mxb2 12/24/2018 12:12pm
12/24/2018 12:12pm
mxb2 wrote:
Fwiw my 13 rmz 450 , set up is better than a stock 18 rmz 450. Mapped,pipe,moto tassanari air boot,2 stroke cage.geared 13-51 renegade fuel
zuk338 wrote:
Did you notice a big difference with the Moto tassanari intake? I have one sitting on the bench at home I should try lol
Hard to say, i did all add ons at once. While bike was apart. Bikes way better than stock now.
mattyhamz2 12/24/2018 12:15pm
12/24/2018 12:15pm
mxb2 wrote:
Fwiw my 13 rmz 450 , set up is better than a stock 18 rmz 450. Mapped,pipe,moto tassanari air boot,2 stroke cage.geared 13-51 renegade fuel
zuk338 wrote:
Did you notice a big difference with the Moto tassanari intake? I have one sitting on the bench at home I should try lol
My dad's buddy put one on his 13 and said it made a big difference. Said he wouldn't buy another RMZ without getting another intake.
Lightning78
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Lightning78 12/24/2018 1:37pm
12/24/2018 1:37pm
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.
Well don't forget the KX450 has A-kit suspension already but i head ml512 bottomed it out so i dont know how legit Kawasaki's claim of that their new Showa forks are truely "A-Kit" worthy....? I keed I keed. The new Showa forks on the KX450 are about as good as it gets for Showa Suspension .....

And to the dude ralking about the RMZ450 being in last place in the shootouts, bro you need to do your homework before generalizing a bike because of shootouts 5 years AFTER that 2014 was made because back in 2014, the RMZ450 was on top of its game and actually winning shootouts or getting 2nd to mayyyyybe 3rd place.

In 2014 the RMZ450 platform was up against a CRF450 that was slow and handled poorly, the YZ450 was all new and on its 2nd generation for the backwards intake and it was slightly better than the much un-loved previous 2010-2013 gen bike, the KX450 that year was on the tail end of its design that was still very similar to the original 2006 bike but it had a LOT of motor and a chassis that loved going straight and it also had those horrendous Showa TAC forks that kawasaki finally got rid of last year. So as you can see the RMZ450 during this era was actually much better bike then it's competition and still highly regarded as a very good bike.

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xxxFRIOxxx
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xxxFRIOxxx 12/24/2018 2:12pm
12/24/2018 2:12pm
Sluggo77 wrote:
Hey everyone, a new old guy here, used to be "Karma" on here for 2-3 years. Place got kinda annoying but I guess just have to...
Hey everyone, a new old guy here, used to be "Karma" on here for 2-3 years. Place got kinda annoying but I guess just have to ignore the BS and enjoy the other aspects of Vital,
Anyhoo, I have decided to return to the sport this spring, on a 450. I love everything I see and hear about the new KX, but I also know of a 14 RMZ that is brand new, and way way cheaper. My question is, how much difference would there be between the 2? My thinking is that if I spend some $ to improve the Suzuki's forks, plus a bit of bling, I would be perfectly happy with the zuke? My rational is the the RM turns and handles great, has a pretty good motor, and the ergos are great too. Is there anything else besides the forks, and lack of E-start
that are of any note that would make the KX a way better choice?
I will be riding Vet over 50 class and used to be a fast local pro.
thanks
ps This will be my first 4 stroke.
Honestly man, I am 41 getting ready to be 42, I did a ton of research on all the new bikes and came dow to YZ or CR. And the winner is 2019 YZ450F. I picked one up from a small town in Oregon and I couldn't be happier. Electric start, SSS Suspension, and the Mobile tuner is awesome (very easy to use for us old guys). A few key things to note, I was expecting the ergo's to feel long and cornering to be a bit cumbersome because of the weight. I couldn't have been more wrong, took it out last weekend for the first ride and my only complaint is gearing, which is easily fixable. I chose this bike because it was 3rd in every shoot out and basically Vital, and Ping had me very curious. I honestly would add Yamaha to your mix, this years (19) is amazing.

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xxxFRIOxxx
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xxxFRIOxxx 12/24/2018 2:15pm
12/24/2018 2:15pm
Sluggo77 wrote:
Hey everyone, a new old guy here, used to be "Karma" on here for 2-3 years. Place got kinda annoying but I guess just have to...
Hey everyone, a new old guy here, used to be "Karma" on here for 2-3 years. Place got kinda annoying but I guess just have to ignore the BS and enjoy the other aspects of Vital,
Anyhoo, I have decided to return to the sport this spring, on a 450. I love everything I see and hear about the new KX, but I also know of a 14 RMZ that is brand new, and way way cheaper. My question is, how much difference would there be between the 2? My thinking is that if I spend some $ to improve the Suzuki's forks, plus a bit of bling, I would be perfectly happy with the zuke? My rational is the the RM turns and handles great, has a pretty good motor, and the ergos are great too. Is there anything else besides the forks, and lack of E-start
that are of any note that would make the KX a way better choice?
I will be riding Vet over 50 class and used to be a fast local pro.
thanks
ps This will be my first 4 stroke.
xxxFRIOxxx wrote:
Honestly man, I am 41 getting ready to be 42, I did a ton of research on all the new bikes and came dow to YZ...
Honestly man, I am 41 getting ready to be 42, I did a ton of research on all the new bikes and came dow to YZ or CR. And the winner is 2019 YZ450F. I picked one up from a small town in Oregon and I couldn't be happier. Electric start, SSS Suspension, and the Mobile tuner is awesome (very easy to use for us old guys). A few key things to note, I was expecting the ergo's to feel long and cornering to be a bit cumbersome because of the weight. I couldn't have been more wrong, took it out last weekend for the first ride and my only complaint is gearing, which is easily fixable. I chose this bike because it was 3rd in every shoot out and basically Vital, and Ping had me very curious. I honestly would add Yamaha to your mix, this years (19) is amazing.


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MX558
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MX558 12/25/2018 3:01am
12/25/2018 3:01am
kb228 wrote:
Id be willing to bet that kawi will handle better than the zook out of the box. Its got hydro clutch, akit forks, better motor, estart...
Id be willing to bet that kawi will handle better than the zook out of the box. Its got hydro clutch, akit forks, better motor, estart. Well worth the money imo if you can swing it
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.
I agree 100 % and I'm as cheap as they come . I bought the kaw and love it
Sluggo77
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Sluggo77 12/25/2018 9:26am
12/25/2018 9:26am
Thanks for all the input guys! Lots of votes for a modified Zuk I see. I've changed my mind a few times already, but have decided to get a 19' Kawi. The reason being it is simply a superior bike in most every way and is pretty much good to go straight out of the box. I have to admit one of the draws of Suzuki was that they look really cool, I like yellow race bikes! Than I compared buying a 19' Zuk to the Kaw, it was no contest. If Suzuki made a lighter bike with A-kit like suspension, a great quick revving motor, hydro clutch, e-start, thin ergo's, etc etc, than yeah...but they didn't, Kawasaki did. With all that I am sure I will get used to owning a green bike, or buy some yellow plastic for it.

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JohnnyD13
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JohnnyD13 12/25/2018 10:23am
12/25/2018 10:23am
I do not like the look of green, but when you ride it you will forget the color. I’m excited for you! Can you give us an update after you take her out?
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