2024 Honda 450 Works vs KTM 450 Factory Edition

FGR01

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Fantasy

917th

FGR01 1/1/2024 10:48am

1/1/2024 10:48am

mikelawlor wrote:

I’ve had both. You get more bang for your buck with the Honda. The Honda has the coatings, and a 18mm shock shaft. Ported head. The...

I’ve had both. You get more bang for your buck with the Honda. The Honda has the coatings, and a 18mm shock shaft. Ported head. The ktm has a hole shot device. The rest is the same graphics, slip on, seat cover.

All KTM/Hus/GG have an 18mm shock shaft. Even the base models. Have for years.

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TeamGreen

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TeamGreen 1/1/2024 10:57am

1/1/2024 10:57am

TeamGreen wrote:

Rode this Honda at Pala for Kurt’s Day… Sure, it’s got a few goodies; but, it’s well within the realm of the typical MX racer’s bike...

Rode this Honda at Pala for Kurt’s Day…

Sure, it’s got a few goodies; but, it’s well within the realm of the typical MX racer’s bike…

And while I’m pretty sure that I’m “going green” for Mx in 2024…

This Honda was EPIC! I had STUPID FUN on the Caselli off road loop…which was sorta BRUTAL suspension-wise on the Preston Campbell MX set-up CRF-R that’s pictured…but, that bike on the MX tracks and even on the trails…WAS AMAZING. About the Honda…
Once they are set-up? Well, I completely understand why The Brothers Lawrence had such a great year.

I’m jus’ experiencin’…

Happy New Year

flipper1 wrote:

Bike looks sweet! When you say "all set up" how far do you feel like you have to go with these to get that comfortable feeling...

Bike looks sweet!

When you say "all set up" how far do you feel like you have to go with these to get that comfortable feeling?

Most of what I'm hearing from the comments and video reviews of the 24 Honda's is that out of the box they can be unpredictable. But after getting them dialed they are amazing.

When it comes to KTM or Gas Gas, I feel like I'm hearing less setup dependent issues out of the box?

For me, you have to get the Honda to NOT feel like a stink bug under hard breaking/fork needs to stay up in the stroke better than they do stock. That’s NOT just a fork set-up issue. The rear ride height, spring rate & comp/rebound settings all come into play and I’m usually on a Honda (when I ride one at the track) that’s got different linkage (PC in this case). The bike I pictured was pretty damn “firm” & was set-up for faster riders that charge all the evil bumps and chopped up ruts. I worked REALLY well when I attacked the track HARD & fast.

Everything about that set up was “fast means smooth” and it didn’t even think about tucking.

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707motoman

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Petaluma, CA, USA

707motoman 1/1/2024 2:37pm

1/1/2024 2:37pm

Ob917 wrote:

I think you kind of have to take shootouts with a grain of salt. But when was the last time a Honda 450 did very well...

I think you kind of have to take shootouts with a grain of salt. But when was the last time a Honda 450 did very well in a shootout? Why don’t guys like Chris Keefer buy Hondas to ride? I don’t wanna speak for Chris Kiefer because I like it when he chimes in but I don’t think the Honda is even close to the top of his favorites list and he rides a lot of different bikes. I don’t see where that works Edition Honda actually performs much better than the stock bike, it sure does look sick though

flipper1 wrote:

Ya I just watched all the shoutouts and the Honda wasn’t well ranked. Makes sense, I think it’s the best looking bike to me. Hard to...

Ya I just watched all the shoutouts and the Honda wasn’t well ranked. Makes sense, I think it’s the best looking bike to me. Hard to beat that factory Honda look.

I prefer the KTM and have both. Honda is good until the track gets rough with square edge chop, then it beats the crap outta you. Went through a couple revalves on the Honda and though improved it still isn’t great. Ktm is better than the Honda in that condition but still not as good as a Kawi or Yamaha.

Motor wise, Honda has a great, fast motor and can be a handful if you have any arm pump issues. Ktm makes good useable power.

Both bikes are proven and built well.

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PNWMXer

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Washington, WA, USA

PNWMXer 1/1/2024 5:28pm

1/1/2024 5:28pm

Can’t speak to the newer KTMs as mine is a 21.5 (older frame), but I can speak to the Honda…I rode one just long enough to say unequivocally that it brought back memories of my 97 CR250…and that ain’t good.

Id either be on the KTM, or as others said, the Kawi. I really don’t think that you can beat the $$$/value of either the regular or SR models right now.

As to the Honda WE having head porting like the KX/SR…You better review MXAs findings on that BS before you lay your cash down. Unless that’s changed with the newest models, KX/SR has a legitimately ported head. CR/WE gets a swipe with a sanding drum and a second helping of marketing cow-fritters.