Hey, looking for advice on what bike to get. Currently I’m on a ktm 250 2 stroke but want to switch to a 4 stroke. I’ve only been track riding for a year and a half and don’t race (but would like to do a c race by the end of the year). Looking for a bike I can ride on practice track days and ride the open trails behind my house.
Was going to go with a 250f but I’m 6’3 260 pounds and think that might not be enough bike. I want a bike that will be the mellowest/easiest to ride while I continue to work on learning the fundamentals. Only time I’ll really need the 450 power is the couple times a year I ride southwick to remind myself how much I suck in the sand. I’ve read online the kx and Rmz have manageable power but wanted your feedback. And no, I don’t want a ktm 350. I’m still pissed at ktm for selling me the most unreliable street bike ever made.
24-25 KX450 is probably the most manageable 450 ever made out of the box.
Neither is a bad choice for what you want, do you like kicking and free pipe/graphics, or pushing a button and admiring a Brembo front brake and an app?
If I go with the Kawi it will probably be a 23. There’s some really good deals on them around me. I have no problem with the kickstart if I go Suzuki. I care more about how rideable the bike is and reliability.
Both bikes have an app.
I haven’t ridden an RM in probably a decade, but I sure love my 2024 KX450. I did very well in contingency with it last year, too.
I came from the 2019 KX, and the current chassis corners much better.
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Haven’t ridden the newer Kawi’s, but I love the RMZ. Very easy to ride and I have no problem picking up where I left off when I’m off the bike for months. The RMZ’s are pretty damn reliable.
I’m too fat, I’ll wear out the battery.
I hear this about the Beta. No personal experience.
New gen KX450's are pretty mellow. I've been really interested in an RM-Z lately. I work at a big dealer in socal and hear a lot of good feedback from customers on them. Although I've been spoiled with the magic button for the last couple years on my KX
I built a fun trail / moto bike for my brother this year. BETA 390 Race Edition. This is a great all around off road bike.
Gosh darn that Beta 390 is purty!!!
...for me, the smooth power of the KTM 450 motor is by far the easiest to ride for motocross, the power is there if you want it. The bike is just friendly.
Second gear is also longer than every other 450 Ive ridden.
A buddy had one and insisted I try it out - power was automotive smooth.
I ride a 125, but when I rode a 2024 Yz450 I really liked the way it handled. It's quite different than previous models. The power is controllable, and it corners excellent.
Now, the Yz250 2T scared the crap out of me. I know I'd get used to it, but the 450 was much more rideable.
I think I liked his 390 over my 430, power wise. But I really loved my bike.
Good power, good brakes, pretty easy to work on. KYB suspension.
Oh that one's nice too!!!
Agree 100%. When I first rode my KTM I actually thought it felt slow, until I realized that I was going as fast or faster than my previous bike, just without my arms being yanked out of their sockets. Incredible engine.
You won't wear out the battery, but you will need to buy heavier aftermarket springs, the heaviest Stark offers is for 200-225lbs riders!
Pit Row
New triumph 450 sounds like it is pretty user friendly. Would love to hear some real world reviews on it.
Beta 450 is very smooth. Felt slow compared to my yz450 but lap times said otherwise
Beta 450RX, they are giving the 2024s away.
24-25 KX450 hands down
2018+ RMZ
2019+ KX
Rode a new Husky FE450 and it was the easiest riding 450 I’ve ever been on. Wasn’t stall happy, not a lot of engine braking. Could put your wife on it
I'd say that the latest Kawasaki is hard to beat in that area. And if you want to stand out the Beta RX 450 seems to be a good opiton too.
At your described skill level a 250F would be more than enough, even at 260lbs. I would even say you will likely be faster on a 250F compared to a 450. ANYONE racing local C class level is not going to be held back by the power of a 250F.
Definitely the ‘24 or ‘25 KX 450 if you’re looking for mellow. The ‘23 is not mellow. Also, the Kawasaki foot peg brackets can be moved down and back as well as the 4 way bar mounting positions. It has the best ergonomic options for a bigger guy.
How much of a difference is there between the 23 and 24?
CRF450r. Easy to ride and own with exceptional Reliability.
The 24-25 KX450 is what I would advise you to get. I am a Suzuki die hard and love the RMZ, but for the same price you can get a bike with electric start, a hydraulic clutch and some more advanced features. Stock bike is smooth and predictable.I have built them from there to a full mod engine with Vortex ECU and full exhaust. We are seeing sold HP gains with some mods if you want a fire breather. The chassis is probably the best all around in the industry right now. Works great for moto, SX, and trails.
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