My 2019 KTM has 276 hours and the engine has never been opened. Bike runs great, however, I know it’s just a matter of time until it needs at least a top end. Wednesday I bought a 2024 Husky FC 450 that I had no intention of buying. My dealer, Pandora’s, sends a nice weekly newsletter. I received the newsletter on Tuesday and they listed 2024 closeout pricing on Austrian bikes. I couldn’t believe they were selling new FC 450’s for $7,495. Out the door price was $8,520. This includes $650 freight and $200 assembly/prep. I’m having my son “buy” as an out of state resident to avoid sales tax of about $800. I don’t title my MX bikes to avoid sales tax. How is a guy expected to pass up a deal like this?!?! I’m soon to turn 64 so this might be the last bike I buy after nearly 53 years of riding. Not a bad way to ride off into the sunset. Hopefully it won’t be my last bike but time will tell. I will say I refuse to live my life by the lunar calendar. I live and do “stuff” based upon what my body tells me, not the calendar or “people” who say hang up the boots, you’re too old. Check out the pricing being offered in Chattanooga.
Sounds like you don’t need any convincing!
Yeah, I do what I can, not what people tell me I can’t or shouldn’t! Damn thing was $1,200 less than a FC 250!
Only bummer is that it ain't a 350 hehe only kidding. Enjoy the new bike, looks really good in those colors!
Be a great swan song bike. Enjoy
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I've bought 2 new bikes out of state and have gotten tax bill abt 6 months later. TN resident, bought in MS
Even with easy 250 hours on a motor your cylinder will need to be replaced. I went 100 on my CR450. I ride hard moto Laps only. Being the mechanic that I am and being extremely detail oriented. I replaced the valves seals shims timing chain guides and tensioner. Moto is extremely risky I’ll be dammed if I have a bad injury as a result of a mechanical failure especially one because I went cheap and skipped out on. I have a hard time accepting your bike lasted that long on a top end ? I believe you but that’s an insane amount of revolutions regardless of if it was easy vet riding. Did you have the valves adjusted during that time ?? Im extremely curious
Awesome looking bike and great deal!
Have you owned an Austrian bike? I’ve had a 2010, 2013, 2015, 2017 and the 2019. All have been sold/replaced with over 200 hours and I’ve never had to open the engine on any of them. I’m old and slow, however, my son is a mid level A rider. He’s on his third Austrian 450 and we’ve never opened any of his engines. This is actual data. Over 1,600 hours of actual riding without opening an engine. Facts are facts. The durability/quality of components is the main reason we buy Austrian. I’m not looking to turn this into a pissing contest, I’m just providing actual data.
FWIW, prior to 2010 I rode Honda 450’s. My son rode Honda 450’s with his last one being a 2013. We had to put top ends in them every 40 hours like clockwork.
Also, we’ve never had to adjust the valves a single time in the more than 1,600 hours we rode them. I remember Robert Reynard telling me he worked on several Austrian bikes brought to him to go through the engines at 150 hours. He said the customers wasted their money. He said the top ends looked and spec’d out close to the tolerances of the showroom floor. He couldn’t believe they showed minimal wear and didn’t need anything.
Yes but it was a 250sx two stroke. It went a lot longer on parts than my CRS. That’s great data especially if your son is fast. My dad raced 100 years ago and could go forever on parts. But if you’re fast and heavy like me then I change parts just because I’m not willing to risk it. Could my 450 go longer ? Probably. I believe the Austrian bikes are durable. But now with their move to China. Im Highly suspicious of their durability any longer. If they aren’t sacrificing any components and not sourcing anything from China then they will remain durable. I’m an Audi mechanic. If I get any part from China it goes in the trash and not on a car. If a customer provides parts and they are from China. I refuse to install them. I’m not doing warranty work for a part that fits but is pure trash. That’s my data. I appreciate your feedback
Congrats! I like your mindset! I'm 62 and just getting started. I plan on racing at least another couple of decades. Hopefully we both have a few more bikes in us before hanging up the boots!
I have a buddy with over 300 hours on his 2019 FX350, never opened up engine. The bike has been abused in the desert the whole time.
I rode with a kid last weekend, local B rider. 210 hours on his '21 SX-F250 with no engine work, and he revs his bike a lot.
The bikes last longer than some think. I had over 100 hard hours on my '21 KX450 with no motor work or issues, A rider that beat the shit out of it in the desert and on moto tracks.
Congrats on the bike OP! Keep twisting the grip no matter your age.
I am 5 years behind you, my hat is tipped to you Sir.
Enjoy
Congrats on the new ride, and bonus points for not saying you spoke with your wallet. Well done.
Damn good price and best bike made enjoy the ride!
That’s a gorgeous ride, and the only thing better will be your smile riding it
Yeah, I’m excited. Ordered side panel and front number plate graphics from Liquid Skinz Graphics. I called them this morning and they designed, cut and shipped same day. Amazingly fast service for custom graphics. Hell, they were in the mail 6 hours after my initial contact.
Pit Row
Just because you didn't open it doesn't mean it didn't need to be opened. You haven't got a clue my man.
Nice one man, hope it treats you as well as the KTM 👍
A compression test, a bore scope, keeping an eye on your old oil, etc can give you some info without getting into an engine.
If it sounds fine, rides fine and checks out with the above, it's fair enough if someone wants to keep it rolling.
I'm a sucker for preventative / scheduled maintenance, but often it is unnecessary.
They're great! I had that shop do all of my work, the owner posts on here. Great group of people.
Enjoy! I finally got to ride my 23.5 rockstar last weekend. Everything seems top notch quality. Air fork is good but not quite comfort of kyb's. I also notice vibration through the pegs. Only 2 things Id note.
That’s awesome man, congrats! I’m on my first Austrian bike. Praying to the moto gods to give me the same reliability you’ve had.
Fresh Rotella every 10 hours and the 8 Austrian 450’s we’ve had since 2010 run forever. I’ve always wanted to run until work was needed to see just how many hours they’ll run. I was going to do that with my current 2019 but then the $7,500 deal came along…
Lots of heavy hour Austrian scooters out there without the motors opened up. The OP is correct, those bikes go a lot of hours without anything needed.
My 2010 Honda has over 100 hours unopened.
Congrats on the bike! T6 rotella or?
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