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Honestly, all the brands are good. The Honda has done really well in shootouts in the past 2 years (even did well in MXA!). From experience the Honda is awesome but can be finicky to setup track to track but once you have base settings for each type of track then that's less of an issue.

For what it’s worth, I went from a 23 350sxf with vortex, spring forks, clamps, linkage etc (vet mods) to a 25 crf450 with mapped ecu, exhaust, and revalve. The crf engine is damn near perfect imo and the bike is very comfortable and does everything well. I do miss the nimble feel of the 350, but that’s about it

With your background and stature, I'd go CRF450RWE if that's in the cards. 18mm shock shaft is definitely worth it in your case, and would be the only option that is " more nimble and playful than your yz". At 6' and 185 lb., I LOVE the Kawi's ergos (pegs in lowered position, 15mm taller seat foam), but think you'd be wanting more excitement out of the powerplant. It's not slow, just smooth (especially bottom to mid). If you didn't like the previous generation (2019 - 2023), you probably won't be too stoked on the 24+ either. SR would get...

If you liked your 21 YZ450 but just wanted it less bulky and a little more nimble and playful, you need a 2025 YZ450.. lol Especially since you said you want the bike that needs the least right out of the box. The engine shreds and the mapping app is great.

Honestly, your 350 seems to have left a bad taste for you…when…the truth is… You’re a big dude &… it’s a 350. It doesn’t really have much to do with our 450 conversation. I know, I know…it is kinda frustrating when you invest time and money in a project and it doesn’t turn out the way you’d hoped. C’est l’vie! 😎 As for Austrian 450s…The FE/RE 450s sure seem like a lot of bike for the money: the suspension seems like a Mega Bonus and a guy like you could start out a spring swap and likely be in a...

I don't feel the KX is like a 350 at all. If you look at the dyno #s it puts out it's peak torque at a lower RPM vs the other 450's. I used a flexible wood bit that is used to install cable to take the screen out of the muffler on the engine side and a normal wood bit to pull the one near the end cap and installed a map. It's not the fastest by any means but if you want more there's plenty info out there. Will say it feels a little heavier when leaning in...

I’ve been on KTMs for 21 years, 2 and 4 stroke, many new ones, some with MXTech Suspension, and currently a 300 with Ohlins. Rode a friends 26 Honda 450 end of last season and decided it was time for a change. New Honda was delivered last night and looking forward to a new feel.

I am 6 ft, 240lbs and 67years old. Everything happens quickly on the Honda. is the best way I can put it. It handles quick, is reactive and responsive. Front wheel feels closer to you. The KX fits bigger guys well, turns good and is stable. Knocking the screens out of the muffler helps power. Twin Air power flow or the Tusk quick draw filter system are much better than the stock setup in regards to sealing and cleaning. I have almost 40hrs on a 25 KX 450 that I bought this past October and have had no issues but...