Torn between KTM and KX 450

Hcallz5
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Hcallz5 8/24/2021 8:48pm
8/24/2021 8:48pm
See if they have a new 350 you'll probably be faster on it than either 450.
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PNWRider
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PNWRider 8/24/2021 9:45pm
8/24/2021 9:45pm
Haven’t ridden the current-gen KX (my last one was an 18), but after riding the KTM I can’t see going back. Better bike in every regard to me. I know the 19-up KX got a lot better though, so hard to say without riding one.

I will say that I chased a feel ever since switching to aluminum frames in 97 that I could never get. Always thought it was suspension related. After getting the KTM and instantly finding it again, I’m convinced it’s the frame. I had Ohlins front and rear and my KX handled like a truck compared to the KTM.
MX558
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MX558 8/24/2021 9:51pm
8/24/2021 9:51pm
With only being 300 apart it's a tough call but I could buy both and I chose the kx twice now . The KTMs suspension is shit compared to anything else . The kx needs a fork revalve and that's it if the springs are in the ballpark the
KTM will need thousands . I've had my 19 kx for almost 3 years and it's been nothing but dead ass reliable.
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MX558
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MX558 8/24/2021 9:58pm
8/24/2021 9:58pm
skeef wrote:
KTM is pretty nice to work on too. I like working on my KTM much more than I did my jap bikes.
Oh hell no ! I hated working on those junks . The wiring looks like a 12 yr old did and who even has a 13 mm wrench anymore
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Sandusky26
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Sandusky26 8/25/2021 2:31am
8/25/2021 2:31am
stone881 wrote:
You might want to watch this video before you decide. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xBgX-l98wg
You might want to watch this video before you decide.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xBgX-l98wg
I watched the video and I think if the track wasn’t so dry and loose they would have liked the 450 more.
burn1986
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burn1986 8/25/2021 12:01pm
8/25/2021 12:01pm
It’s a tough one. The KX seems fat and heavy, while the KTM has an ugly front fender.
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Mr. Afterbar
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Mr. Afterbar 8/25/2021 2:28pm
8/25/2021 2:28pm
burn1986 wrote:
It’s a tough one. The KX seems fat and heavy, while the KTM has an ugly front fender.
The KX is very skinny and the lightest Japanese bike.
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Braaaphole
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Braaaphole 8/25/2021 2:49pm
8/25/2021 2:49pm
I went this morning and picked up the KTM. I also added the connectivity unit and the split clamps. I'll probably ride it with the stock clamps first unless I have some free time to change them before the weekend.
I'm anxious to get on the track with it and start getting things sorted on the bike.
I appreciate all the feedback. Ultimately the deciding factor for me was the familiarity of the KTM platform and the poor resale on the KX.
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ATXMX
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ATXMX 8/25/2021 7:25pm
8/25/2021 7:25pm
JohnnyD13 wrote:
I’m hoping you go with the KTM and let us know how you like it. I’ve have the 2020 kx450 and it’s the best bike I’ve...
I’m hoping you go with the KTM and let us know how you like it. I’ve have the 2020 kx450 and it’s the best bike I’ve ever ridden. I can push super hard and it stays safe, which is number 1 for a working 35 plus rider. But I want a change and have been thinking about the KTM. Really only because of the weight difference
what is the weight difference between the 2?
ATXMX
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ATXMX 8/25/2021 7:31pm
8/25/2021 7:31pm
Braaaphole wrote:
I went this morning and picked up the KTM. I also added the connectivity unit and the split clamps. I'll probably ride it with the stock...
I went this morning and picked up the KTM. I also added the connectivity unit and the split clamps. I'll probably ride it with the stock clamps first unless I have some free time to change them before the weekend.
I'm anxious to get on the track with it and start getting things sorted on the bike.
I appreciate all the feedback. Ultimately the deciding factor for me was the familiarity of the KTM platform and the poor resale on the KX.
congrats....enjoy your new bike and stay safe
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Preston412
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Preston412 8/26/2021 6:31am
8/26/2021 6:31am Edited Date/Time 8/26/2021 6:36am
JohnnyD13 wrote:
I’m hoping you go with the KTM and let us know how you like it. I’ve have the 2020 kx450 and it’s the best bike I’ve...
I’m hoping you go with the KTM and let us know how you like it. I’ve have the 2020 kx450 and it’s the best bike I’ve ever ridden. I can push super hard and it stays safe, which is number 1 for a working 35 plus rider. But I want a change and have been thinking about the KTM. Really only because of the weight difference
ATXMX wrote:
what is the weight difference between the 2?
11 lbs between the 2022 models. KTM 450 221.6 and KX 450 232.7. The weight difference is the reason I got a KTM instead of going back to a KX 450.
Almost completely removing the engine braking, makes the KTM feel even lighter.
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soggy
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soggy 8/26/2021 12:24pm
8/26/2021 12:24pm
I can’t really think of two more diametrically opposed bikes.

Ktm is light, quick, fast revving and quick turning, but it pretty neutral handling, can be rear or front steered.

Kx is long, stable, smooth controlled power and more rear bias on steering
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Brent
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Brent 8/26/2021 12:50pm
8/26/2021 12:50pm
go for the Kawi.

KTM sucks.
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burn1986
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burn1986 8/26/2021 7:08pm
8/26/2021 7:08pm Edited Date/Time 8/26/2021 7:09pm
If only the KTM looked as good as Kawi and the Kawi was light and nimble as the KTM.
Ronnie_Gardner 8/26/2021 7:28pm
8/26/2021 7:28pm
Rode ktm 450 until trying a 19 kx 450, my 17 ktm was for sale before i left the track, lol. Kx is better in every way except brakes are a little more touchy, kx is twice as nimble, way slimmer, actually feels 10 lbs lighter than ktm, have owned a 19, 20, 21 kx with better reliable than ktm, my ktm had kyb forks because I dont like the feel of air forks, rode buddies newer ktm and its no comparison
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Ronnie_Gardner 8/26/2021 7:35pm
8/26/2021 7:35pm
soggy wrote:
I can’t really think of two more diametrically opposed bikes. Ktm is light, quick, fast revving and quick turning, but it pretty neutral handling, can be...
I can’t really think of two more diametrically opposed bikes.

Ktm is light, quick, fast revving and quick turning, but it pretty neutral handling, can be rear or front steered.

Kx is long, stable, smooth controlled power and more rear bias on steering
Wrong, Kawasaki has been front steer since 16, ktm power is more controlled, kx turns faster, obviously you’ve never rode 19 and up kx
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JamesReed
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JamesReed 8/26/2021 8:09pm
8/26/2021 8:09pm
Not trying to talk smack, but last time I worked on a friend's KX( 2008 ish). All the bolts and fasteners seemed super low quality. I noticed a few that he was starting to round-off, and the bike was less than a year old. Has Kawi stepped it since then?
hititpind
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hititpind 8/26/2021 8:11pm
8/26/2021 8:11pm Edited Date/Time 8/26/2021 8:12pm
Ronnie_Gardner wrote:
Wrong, Kawasaki has been front steer since 16, ktm power is more controlled, kx turns faster, obviously you’ve never rode 19 and up kx
Wrong. 19-22 kawis are rear steering. I have one and it’s well known they are rear.
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Bruce372
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Bruce372 8/26/2021 8:34pm
8/26/2021 8:34pm
Get the one with a manufacturer name starting with K
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Rider 5280
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Rider 5280 8/26/2021 9:58pm
8/26/2021 9:58pm
Bruce372 wrote:
Get the one with a manufacturer name starting with K
That was pretty good!
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gt80rider
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gt80rider 8/27/2021 11:54am
8/27/2021 11:54am
Kx all day long.... ktm is alpine marketing with kraco customer service.... ktm has absolutely infuriating customer service....
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captmoto
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captmoto 8/27/2021 12:22pm
8/27/2021 12:22pm
A buddy of mine with a 20 KX rode a 22 blue pig yesterday and now wants one. Go figure.
soggy
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soggy 8/28/2021 6:14am
8/28/2021 6:14am
gt80rider wrote:
Kx all day long.... ktm is alpine marketing with kraco customer service.... ktm has absolutely infuriating customer service....
Try calling Kawi 😂
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resetjet
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resetjet 8/28/2021 7:05am
8/28/2021 7:05am
Almost every rider leans toward more power is faster. But unless you are an A rider or high ranking B its actually a hinderance. Watch that video and just listen to the motor and how tyler is using the power on both bikes.
centralcalmx 8/29/2021 2:51pm
8/29/2021 2:51pm
Braaaphole wrote:
I've got quotes from 2 dealers on each bike. Price difference is only 300, so the money doesn't matter at this point. Bike is for a...
I've got quotes from 2 dealers on each bike. Price difference is only 300, so the money doesn't matter at this point.
Bike is for a vet rider, 40+ and i intend on racing Loretta's next year on it.
I'm familiar with the KTM, been on their bikes since 2017. I find the Kawi intriguing.
The KX really felt good sitting on it. There's a couple thing's I'd have to change right away like levers and pegs.
On the KTM the only thing I'd be in a rush to change is converting the forks to spring. I know they have improved the forks, I have a 2020 125 for my kid and they are a lot better than previous years, but i still prefer spring. That's not an issue on the KX and a big money saver.

Thoughts? I'm going to get 1 of the 2 tomorrow.
I am in the same boat also.
Had the 12,16, 19 Kawi.
Toss in a 14 Suzuki and a 17 Honda.

Just sold my 19 Kawi to the same rider that got the other two.
I am 6’4 and the Kawis always seem to fit me better.
Does anyone have input being that highly on the 22 KTM.
Thinking about maybe the 22 1/2 FE.
Thanks for any input
chasetwo79
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chasetwo79 8/29/2021 2:54pm
8/29/2021 2:54pm
quadzrulebro wrote:
How tall are you? As a tall rider, I feel cramped on the KTM. If you’re short, that might not be a bad thing.
Braaaphole wrote:
6ft, I honestly feel fine on the KTM.
I’m 6 foot and ride an FC450. It feels find other than changing handlebars.
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jbonemalone
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jbonemalone 8/30/2021 10:58am
8/30/2021 10:58am
I came off Ktm and went to a kx.
Seriously comparing a worn out used 2008 kx to anything from 21 or 22? Faster we quality between the two, Kawasaki wins.
You really need to see what the local market is on used bikes if your worrying about resale.
Locally Ktm isn’t very good on resale because there is no dealer presence.

The kx is light and nimble, great power and don’t get me started on the suspension quality vs the Ktm.
The Ktm has more power but you wouldn’t know it.
It really came down to overall fee on the bike.
The new Kx450x felt more at home even after I rode my Ktm that was two years old.
I loved my Ktm and won a lot on it. But the kx just feels more balanced. dare I say kind of Honda like.
It just fits me.
Buy whatever makes you feel good when you see it.
Any new bike is going to be amazing and you’ll be happy with either.
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