CRF450 vs KXF450? 2019

Grovesy98
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Grovesy98
Edited Date/Time 9/14/2020 8:01pm
Hi, I'm in the market for a 2019 450. I raced a 2018 KXF450 for a year and did really well. Loved the bike although it did feel a little bulky, didn't corner too great but not bad, and I hated the air forks. I had a Ktech spring conversion done but it still wasn't great. I'm looking for something with similar power, electric start, good precise cornering, and supple suspension. I'm 6ft4 and 170lb.

I like the look of the CRF and also the 19 KXF which is different to my 18.

Does anyone have experience of either or both that they can share to help me make my decision?

Thanks
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LKHill
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LKHill 9/13/2020 9:06am
9/13/2020 9:06am Edited Date/Time 9/13/2020 9:07am
If you buy the honda you better be in good shape. The power will wear you out. The ergo's of the kawi will be better @ 6'4".
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eastcoastmx54 9/13/2020 9:37am
9/13/2020 9:37am
Grovesy98 wrote:
Hi, I'm in the market for a 2019 450. I raced a 2018 KXF450 for a year and did really well. Loved the bike although it...
Hi, I'm in the market for a 2019 450. I raced a 2018 KXF450 for a year and did really well. Loved the bike although it did feel a little bulky, didn't corner too great but not bad, and I hated the air forks. I had a Ktech spring conversion done but it still wasn't great. I'm looking for something with similar power, electric start, good precise cornering, and supple suspension. I'm 6ft4 and 170lb.

I like the look of the CRF and also the 19 KXF which is different to my 18.

Does anyone have experience of either or both that they can share to help me make my decision?

Thanks
I had a 17 kx450, a 19 kx450, and a 20 yz450 and now I currently own a 20 crf450 and 20 ktm 450.
All motocross bikes and I’m 6’2” 220lbs
Comparing my 17 and 19 kx450, the 19 is a incredibly good bike all around. Turns better then the 17, good linear power, the fork is a million times better, it still feels like a typical kx but a little more nimble.
I felt extremely cramped on the yz450 and I honestly couldn’t gel with the ergo’s on that bike and it sucked on hard pack corners. So I sold it after 11 hours.

The Honda is a little cramped too, stiffer feeling and busy bike. It’s not real stable. It does however turn great and has A very strong engine. I really only ride my Crf on tighter slower speeds tracks.

The ktm is a really good bike for taller people.
It’s a amazing bike all around and the air fork works great for taller or bigger people. It turns good, It’s crazy light, very stable, and a very open cockpit but without feeling big.

Just from what I experienced with all these bikes, and Im a die hard Honda guy growing up on Honda’s, I’d hands down get the kx450 way before the Honda.
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dura max
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dura max 9/13/2020 9:47am
9/13/2020 9:47am
Grovesy98 wrote:
Hi, I'm in the market for a 2019 450. I raced a 2018 KXF450 for a year and did really well. Loved the bike although it...
Hi, I'm in the market for a 2019 450. I raced a 2018 KXF450 for a year and did really well. Loved the bike although it did feel a little bulky, didn't corner too great but not bad, and I hated the air forks. I had a Ktech spring conversion done but it still wasn't great. I'm looking for something with similar power, electric start, good precise cornering, and supple suspension. I'm 6ft4 and 170lb.

I like the look of the CRF and also the 19 KXF which is different to my 18.

Does anyone have experience of either or both that they can share to help me make my decision?

Thanks
eastcoastmx54 wrote:
I had a 17 kx450, a 19 kx450, and a 20 yz450 and now I currently own a 20 crf450 and 20 ktm 450. All motocross...
I had a 17 kx450, a 19 kx450, and a 20 yz450 and now I currently own a 20 crf450 and 20 ktm 450.
All motocross bikes and I’m 6’2” 220lbs
Comparing my 17 and 19 kx450, the 19 is a incredibly good bike all around. Turns better then the 17, good linear power, the fork is a million times better, it still feels like a typical kx but a little more nimble.
I felt extremely cramped on the yz450 and I honestly couldn’t gel with the ergo’s on that bike and it sucked on hard pack corners. So I sold it after 11 hours.

The Honda is a little cramped too, stiffer feeling and busy bike. It’s not real stable. It does however turn great and has A very strong engine. I really only ride my Crf on tighter slower speeds tracks.

The ktm is a really good bike for taller people.
It’s a amazing bike all around and the air fork works great for taller or bigger people. It turns good, It’s crazy light, very stable, and a very open cockpit but without feeling big.

Just from what I experienced with all these bikes, and Im a die hard Honda guy growing up on Honda’s, I’d hands down get the kx450 way before the Honda.
I am close to getting a new 450. Currently ride an '08 CRF and I am 6'4" and 210 lbs. So of all those bikes, which is your favorite and why? BTW, a big thing for me is I hate heavy engine braking. Which one has the least? .

Thank you in advance!
eastcoastmx54 9/13/2020 10:37am
9/13/2020 10:37am
Grovesy98 wrote:
Hi, I'm in the market for a 2019 450. I raced a 2018 KXF450 for a year and did really well. Loved the bike although it...
Hi, I'm in the market for a 2019 450. I raced a 2018 KXF450 for a year and did really well. Loved the bike although it did feel a little bulky, didn't corner too great but not bad, and I hated the air forks. I had a Ktech spring conversion done but it still wasn't great. I'm looking for something with similar power, electric start, good precise cornering, and supple suspension. I'm 6ft4 and 170lb.

I like the look of the CRF and also the 19 KXF which is different to my 18.

Does anyone have experience of either or both that they can share to help me make my decision?

Thanks
eastcoastmx54 wrote:
I had a 17 kx450, a 19 kx450, and a 20 yz450 and now I currently own a 20 crf450 and 20 ktm 450. All motocross...
I had a 17 kx450, a 19 kx450, and a 20 yz450 and now I currently own a 20 crf450 and 20 ktm 450.
All motocross bikes and I’m 6’2” 220lbs
Comparing my 17 and 19 kx450, the 19 is a incredibly good bike all around. Turns better then the 17, good linear power, the fork is a million times better, it still feels like a typical kx but a little more nimble.
I felt extremely cramped on the yz450 and I honestly couldn’t gel with the ergo’s on that bike and it sucked on hard pack corners. So I sold it after 11 hours.

The Honda is a little cramped too, stiffer feeling and busy bike. It’s not real stable. It does however turn great and has A very strong engine. I really only ride my Crf on tighter slower speeds tracks.

The ktm is a really good bike for taller people.
It’s a amazing bike all around and the air fork works great for taller or bigger people. It turns good, It’s crazy light, very stable, and a very open cockpit but without feeling big.

Just from what I experienced with all these bikes, and Im a die hard Honda guy growing up on Honda’s, I’d hands down get the kx450 way before the Honda.
dura max wrote:
I am close to getting a new 450. Currently ride an '08 CRF and I am 6'4" and 210 lbs. So of all those bikes, which...
I am close to getting a new 450. Currently ride an '08 CRF and I am 6'4" and 210 lbs. So of all those bikes, which is your favorite and why? BTW, a big thing for me is I hate heavy engine braking. Which one has the least? .

Thank you in advance!
To be honest I think the ktm is better all around, ergo’s, power, handling, brakes, clutch, and so on.
It’s really light and very easy to ride and handle. Especially when I push hard it stays very easy to control when I’m almost getting out of control. My new crf450 is a lot to handle. The ktm doesn’t have a lot of engine breaking either or the Honda. The yz450 definitely had more engine braking but not bad. Any of the new 450’s have way less engine breaking then a 08 Crf. Which I had 3 08 crf450’s and loved them but can’t compare to a new 450.
Only downfall to the ktm is the air fork but the work great for me. Seems like people over 200lbs, the air fork works great. I just get tired of checking the air.

Also something else to mention is that me at 220lbs, I’m way over weight for any stock suspension so I also have to get it at least resprung. On the ktm I just went up a spring rate on the shock and forks you just adjust the air and it’s the best stock suspension I’ve ever had without a revalve.
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Grovesy98
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Grovesy98 9/13/2020 11:27am
9/13/2020 11:27am
Cheers guys, I don't really want a KTM as I've just sold a 350 that I couldn't get on with.

I had a 2014 CRF450 that I loved, I don't know how they compare with the newer ones?

I'm swaying towards the KXF after having a good time on the 18, but I really do love the look of the Hondas
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centralcalmx 9/13/2020 2:42pm
9/13/2020 2:42pm Edited Date/Time 9/13/2020 2:43pm
I went from 12 Kawi to 14 Suzuki to 16 Kawi to 17 Honda and now 19 Kawi.
I really liked the Honda but it always felt a bit small and I really just never felt comfortable on it and I tried Triple Clamps, bars, Bar clamps etc.
6’4 235
Sat on the 19 Kawi in a shop and I was sold.
Thinner than my 16
I run the bars in the front position turned around.
I had Ride clamps on it but took them off.
Now just have Xtrig bar clamps and am very comfortable.

Next year it will be 22 Kawi for me most likely.



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Permeance_Flux 9/13/2020 2:58pm
9/13/2020 2:58pm
centralcalmx wrote:
I went from 12 Kawi to 14 Suzuki to 16 Kawi to 17 Honda and now 19 Kawi. I really liked the Honda but it always...
I went from 12 Kawi to 14 Suzuki to 16 Kawi to 17 Honda and now 19 Kawi.
I really liked the Honda but it always felt a bit small and I really just never felt comfortable on it and I tried Triple Clamps, bars, Bar clamps etc.
6’4 235
Sat on the 19 Kawi in a shop and I was sold.
Thinner than my 16
I run the bars in the front position turned around.
I had Ride clamps on it but took them off.
Now just have Xtrig bar clamps and am very comfortable.

Next year it will be 22 Kawi for me most likely.



Green hubs 🤤
Are those made by Kite?
760motofroader 9/13/2020 4:10pm
9/13/2020 4:10pm
I went from riding a 2007 CRF450R too a 19 CRF450R day and night difference. I can ride my 19 harder and faster with more confidence. The motor is so good on the 19 Honda. It’s so smooth, that doesn’t feel fast but it is. The chassi is stiff, used the tech tips on the internet loosened the motor mounts and re-torqued them. Loosen the swing arm pivot bolt and re torque nut to 60 ft lbs world of difference. In stock trim the forks are really soft so I had it re sprung and revalved devol linkage +2 set at 105mm forks set at 3mm from the top. Set the suspension on a 19 CRF450R and go ride!
yamahaha131
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yamahaha131 9/13/2020 5:16pm
9/13/2020 5:16pm
Recently I rode a 19 crf450 nearly new, worst forks I’ve ever felt. Busy bike, wore me out quickly. Ergos were nice and power was ok. I’m 5’10 200lbs. I rode it back to back with a 13 rmz450 and as much as I’m anti Suzuki I Actually liked it better. Just my experience.

But seriously I couldn’t get over the forks.
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Chris99Flannery 9/13/2020 7:19pm
9/13/2020 7:19pm
Grovesy98 wrote:
Cheers guys, I don't really want a KTM as I've just sold a 350 that I couldn't get on with. I had a 2014 CRF450 that...
Cheers guys, I don't really want a KTM as I've just sold a 350 that I couldn't get on with.

I had a 2014 CRF450 that I loved, I don't know how they compare with the newer ones?

I'm swaying towards the KXF after having a good time on the 18, but I really do love the look of the Hondas
I liked my 15 crf450, didnt gel with my 18fc350, like my 19 Crf450, have a 21 450 on order. But those 19- kx450’s are awesome.
centralcalmx 9/14/2020 4:10am
9/14/2020 4:10am
centralcalmx wrote:
I went from 12 Kawi to 14 Suzuki to 16 Kawi to 17 Honda and now 19 Kawi. I really liked the Honda but it always...
I went from 12 Kawi to 14 Suzuki to 16 Kawi to 17 Honda and now 19 Kawi.
I really liked the Honda but it always felt a bit small and I really just never felt comfortable on it and I tried Triple Clamps, bars, Bar clamps etc.
6’4 235
Sat on the 19 Kawi in a shop and I was sold.
Thinner than my 16
I run the bars in the front position turned around.
I had Ride clamps on it but took them off.
Now just have Xtrig bar clamps and am very comfortable.

Next year it will be 22 Kawi for me most likely.



Permeance_Flux wrote:
Green hubs 🤤
Are those made by Kite?
Sorry just saw this.
Mx Champ they are out of Las Vegas.
MZ193
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MZ193 9/14/2020 4:17am
9/14/2020 4:17am
The 19 kxf turns way better than the 18.
It's a bullet proof bike. I'd go green
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quadzrulebro 9/14/2020 4:48am
9/14/2020 4:48am
It is no contest as far as I’m concerned. I’m 6’3” 215lbs. I went from a 2017 CRF450R to a 2019 KX450, and it has been a night and day difference for me. The adjustability of the ergos, the increased stability, and the more tractable power delivery have made me much more comfortable and faster on my KX. The Honda was a harder hitting engine for sure, but apparently that wasn’t what I needed to go faster. As for suspension, my Honda had the full on Factory Connection setup complete with linkage pull rods. On my Kaw, I put in heavier springs and 10ccs more fork oil in each fork, and it is the best suspended bike I’ve ever ridden. I love it when a track get rough and dry for my second moto because I know I’ll have an advantage over my competition.
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quadzrulebro 9/14/2020 5:49am
9/14/2020 5:49am
Grovesy98 wrote:
Hi, I'm in the market for a 2019 450. I raced a 2018 KXF450 for a year and did really well. Loved the bike although it...
Hi, I'm in the market for a 2019 450. I raced a 2018 KXF450 for a year and did really well. Loved the bike although it did feel a little bulky, didn't corner too great but not bad, and I hated the air forks. I had a Ktech spring conversion done but it still wasn't great. I'm looking for something with similar power, electric start, good precise cornering, and supple suspension. I'm 6ft4 and 170lb.

I like the look of the CRF and also the 19 KXF which is different to my 18.

Does anyone have experience of either or both that they can share to help me make my decision?

Thanks
eastcoastmx54 wrote:
I had a 17 kx450, a 19 kx450, and a 20 yz450 and now I currently own a 20 crf450 and 20 ktm 450. All motocross...
I had a 17 kx450, a 19 kx450, and a 20 yz450 and now I currently own a 20 crf450 and 20 ktm 450.
All motocross bikes and I’m 6’2” 220lbs
Comparing my 17 and 19 kx450, the 19 is a incredibly good bike all around. Turns better then the 17, good linear power, the fork is a million times better, it still feels like a typical kx but a little more nimble.
I felt extremely cramped on the yz450 and I honestly couldn’t gel with the ergo’s on that bike and it sucked on hard pack corners. So I sold it after 11 hours.

The Honda is a little cramped too, stiffer feeling and busy bike. It’s not real stable. It does however turn great and has A very strong engine. I really only ride my Crf on tighter slower speeds tracks.

The ktm is a really good bike for taller people.
It’s a amazing bike all around and the air fork works great for taller or bigger people. It turns good, It’s crazy light, very stable, and a very open cockpit but without feeling big.

Just from what I experienced with all these bikes, and Im a die hard Honda guy growing up on Honda’s, I’d hands down get the kx450 way before the Honda.
I’m going to respectfully disagree with you on that. I’m 6’3”, and 2 weeks ago, I traded a friend my 2019 KX for his 2020 KTM 450 for a moto, and I thought the KTM felt much smaller and more cramped than my KX. He had spring conversion forks and a big money shock, so I really can’t comment on the feel of the stock suspension components. I also missed the low end grunt of the KX for exiting corners. I found myself having to shift down to second for corners I was doing in third on my Kaw.
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27thmx
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27thmx 9/14/2020 7:01am
9/14/2020 7:01am
Kawi is the better bike. Add some oil to the forks and get the right springs for your weight if needed. I’ve got about 80 hard hours on mine zero issues just normal maintenance. The forks look like factory forks on the inside. It’s unreal. The bike never ceases to amaze me. We ride a lot of whooped out trail and it handles amazingly. I stop and look back and say did I just really ride right through that? Lol
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Moto520
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Moto520 9/14/2020 8:33am
9/14/2020 8:33am
Damn....the Kawi was one of the best kept secrets in 2019 when it first came out. I saw very few of them at the tracks. Now....they are finally getting the attention that the bike deserves.

I own a 2020 YZ450 and 2020 KX450.....the Kawi is the better race bike. The Yamaha is made better.....not even a question.
2
Spudnut
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Spudnut 9/14/2020 8:41am
9/14/2020 8:41am
Moto520 wrote:
Damn....the Kawi was one of the best kept secrets in 2019 when it first came out. I saw very few of them at the tracks. Now....they...
Damn....the Kawi was one of the best kept secrets in 2019 when it first came out. I saw very few of them at the tracks. Now....they are finally getting the attention that the bike deserves.

I own a 2020 YZ450 and 2020 KX450.....the Kawi is the better race bike. The Yamaha is made better.....not even a question.
That’s exactly the feeling I get between Yamaha and kawi.

The kx’s seem to concentrate on pure performance and not so much longevity on the components. It was my favorite bike to ride ever when it didn’t need some random part replaced but was frustrating as hell To work on and the amount of work it took compared to my other bikes.

The Yamahas just seem like all around good bikes do everything well and have a reputation for being billet proof for a reason

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Grovesy98
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Grovesy98 9/14/2020 9:31am
9/14/2020 9:31am
Cheers for all the information guys. After viewing both bikes today at my dealer I decided to pull the trigger on this 2020 KXF450 with around 20hrs use. Can't wait to try it out on Sunday Grinning
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Moto520
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Moto520 9/14/2020 12:15pm
9/14/2020 12:15pm
Spudnut wrote:
That’s exactly the feeling I get between Yamaha and kawi. The kx’s seem to concentrate on pure performance and not so much longevity on the components...
That’s exactly the feeling I get between Yamaha and kawi.

The kx’s seem to concentrate on pure performance and not so much longevity on the components. It was my favorite bike to ride ever when it didn’t need some random part replaced but was frustrating as hell To work on and the amount of work it took compared to my other bikes.

The Yamahas just seem like all around good bikes do everything well and have a reputation for being billet proof for a reason
Also....if you decide to own it for several years it starts to show it's age. Although it has held up really well for the most part. I'm at 80 hours on my 2019
eastcoastmx54 9/14/2020 12:24pm
9/14/2020 12:24pm
Grovesy98 wrote:
Hi, I'm in the market for a 2019 450. I raced a 2018 KXF450 for a year and did really well. Loved the bike although it...
Hi, I'm in the market for a 2019 450. I raced a 2018 KXF450 for a year and did really well. Loved the bike although it did feel a little bulky, didn't corner too great but not bad, and I hated the air forks. I had a Ktech spring conversion done but it still wasn't great. I'm looking for something with similar power, electric start, good precise cornering, and supple suspension. I'm 6ft4 and 170lb.

I like the look of the CRF and also the 19 KXF which is different to my 18.

Does anyone have experience of either or both that they can share to help me make my decision?

Thanks
eastcoastmx54 wrote:
I had a 17 kx450, a 19 kx450, and a 20 yz450 and now I currently own a 20 crf450 and 20 ktm 450. All motocross...
I had a 17 kx450, a 19 kx450, and a 20 yz450 and now I currently own a 20 crf450 and 20 ktm 450.
All motocross bikes and I’m 6’2” 220lbs
Comparing my 17 and 19 kx450, the 19 is a incredibly good bike all around. Turns better then the 17, good linear power, the fork is a million times better, it still feels like a typical kx but a little more nimble.
I felt extremely cramped on the yz450 and I honestly couldn’t gel with the ergo’s on that bike and it sucked on hard pack corners. So I sold it after 11 hours.

The Honda is a little cramped too, stiffer feeling and busy bike. It’s not real stable. It does however turn great and has A very strong engine. I really only ride my Crf on tighter slower speeds tracks.

The ktm is a really good bike for taller people.
It’s a amazing bike all around and the air fork works great for taller or bigger people. It turns good, It’s crazy light, very stable, and a very open cockpit but without feeling big.

Just from what I experienced with all these bikes, and Im a die hard Honda guy growing up on Honda’s, I’d hands down get the kx450 way before the Honda.
quadzrulebro wrote:
I’m going to respectfully disagree with you on that. I’m 6’3”, and 2 weeks ago, I traded a friend my 2019 KX for his 2020 KTM...
I’m going to respectfully disagree with you on that. I’m 6’3”, and 2 weeks ago, I traded a friend my 2019 KX for his 2020 KTM 450 for a moto, and I thought the KTM felt much smaller and more cramped than my KX. He had spring conversion forks and a big money shock, so I really can’t comment on the feel of the stock suspension components. I also missed the low end grunt of the KX for exiting corners. I found myself having to shift down to second for corners I was doing in third on my Kaw.
Yeah, I wasn’t saying the ktm is more open feeling then the kx, I was more less saying the yz450 was very cramped and the crf was a little cramped too compared to a ktm cockpit. For bikes that fit taller guys in order would be kx, ktm, rm/Crf, and then the yz450. The yz would definitely benefit for shorter guys
FGR01
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FGR01 9/14/2020 8:01pm
9/14/2020 8:01pm
eastcoastmx54 wrote:
Yeah, I wasn’t saying the ktm is more open feeling then the kx, I was more less saying the yz450 was very cramped and the crf...
Yeah, I wasn’t saying the ktm is more open feeling then the kx, I was more less saying the yz450 was very cramped and the crf was a little cramped too compared to a ktm cockpit. For bikes that fit taller guys in order would be kx, ktm, rm/Crf, and then the yz450. The yz would definitely benefit for shorter guys
Trust me. I am 5'7". The YZF is horrible for short people. The rider compartment might seem "small" to bigger guys but the seat height and width is detrimental to anyone with an inseam less than 32" or so.

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