2013 kx450 vs yz450

fatchickandahoopty
Edited Date/Time 12/23/2013 12:49pm
Hey guys I'm looking at buying a new 2013 450. I am heavily sided towards the kx but I can get a considerably better deal on the yz - $5899.99 for yz vs $7599.99 for kx. I've seen issues with the kx forks but haven't really heard much bout the yz. What bike would you guys choose? Thanks for any input.
|
Outsider
Profile picture for user Outsider
Posts
10634
Joined
1/29/2009
Location
Huntington Beach, CA US
Outsider 11/20/2013 4:21pm
11/20/2013 4:21pm Edited Date/Time 11/20/2013 4:57pm
Kawi is proven, yami not so much

Edit: oops, thinking of the '14 yam
Chris_Vollmer 11/20/2013 4:23pm
11/20/2013 4:23pm
I like kawis but I would get the yz and drop a good suspension and tripple clamps on that bad boy.
JM485
Profile picture for user JM485
Posts
5409
Joined
10/1/2013
Location
Davis, CA US
JM485 11/20/2013 4:24pm
11/20/2013 4:24pm
I ride a 2011 YZ which is essentially the same as the 2013 correct? I don't really have any complaints aside form the lack of front end traction, but I have not compared it to any other 450s so I really can't say for sure if it is a problem with that particular bike or if 450s just tend to push the front end compared to the two strokes I usually ride. I honestly really like it and I don't think you will be disappointed if you go with the YZ, especially given the price difference. I feel like the suspension is good and the motor is quick, and aside from the front end traction issue, I have nothing to complain about. I don't think you could go wrong either way, so get whatever you think will work best for you.
slipdog
Profile picture for user slipdog
Posts
10044
Joined
7/25/2009
Location
Nor Cal, CA US
slipdog 11/20/2013 4:32pm
11/20/2013 4:32pm
You can't give a used '10-'13 YZ450 away.

Something to think about...

The Shop

See All »
user760a
Profile picture for user user760a
Posts
1140
Joined
9/15/2008
Location
Shelby, NC US
user760a 11/20/2013 4:46pm
11/20/2013 4:46pm
I am a kawi believer. Nothing tops the KX450F- it is such a solid bike. But I am a cheapskate too and $5800 for a new yamaha sounds very nice. I have ridden the 13 yamaha a little here and there and found it to be fast as hell, a little weird, wide in the shroud area, etc but something I could get used to if I had to.
Grizz
Profile picture for user Grizz
Posts
3110
Joined
7/2/2012
Location
Los Angeles, CA US
Grizz 11/20/2013 4:51pm
11/20/2013 4:51pm
Holy shit. $7599 for a '13? I wouldn't pay more than $6k. I wouldn't get the Yamaha because, as slipdog said, the re-sale is terrible. Find a Suzuki, Honda, or Kawi for around $6k. $6500 if you absolutely cant find anything cheaper. $7599 for a '14 Kawi would be decent, however it is exactly the same as the '13. Only difference would be re-sale.
mx510
Profile picture for user mx510
Posts
1974
Joined
2/26/2011
Location
Gig Harbor, WA US
Fantasy
1707th
mx510 11/20/2013 6:20pm
11/20/2013 6:20pm
slipdog wrote:
You can't give a used '10-'13 YZ450 away.

Something to think about...
Not true, I sold mine in September a 2011 model for 4000$. The average joe that is looking for a used bike doesnt pay attention to what James did on the thing, and for that matter people with pre concieved notions about the bike before they even throw a leg over one.
Team Ideal
Profile picture for user Team Ideal
Posts
1142
Joined
9/22/2008
Location
Ste. Marie, IL US
Team Ideal 11/20/2013 7:10pm
11/20/2013 7:10pm Edited Date/Time 11/20/2013 7:17pm
slipdog wrote:
You can't give a used '10-'13 YZ450 away.

Something to think about...
mx510 wrote:
Not true, I sold mine in September a 2011 model for 4000$. The average joe that is looking for a used bike doesnt pay attention to...
Not true, I sold mine in September a 2011 model for 4000$. The average joe that is looking for a used bike doesnt pay attention to what James did on the thing, and for that matter people with pre concieved notions about the bike before they even throw a leg over one.
I'd slip you a couple $100 if you can get $4000 out of our 2012, it's on here in the bazaar section if anyone's interested. But yea I'm gonna end up taking a beating on it. Another reason we will be on red in 2014

And as for the orginal question, if you're going to keep it a while the Yamaha is a very solid bike and way more reliable ride IMO
121ANM
Profile picture for user 121ANM
Posts
202
Joined
3/21/2013
Location
IL US
121ANM 11/20/2013 7:21pm
11/20/2013 7:21pm
Team Ideal wrote:
I'd slip you a couple $100 if you can get $4000 out of our 2012, it's on here in the bazaar section if anyone's interested. But...
I'd slip you a couple $100 if you can get $4000 out of our 2012, it's on here in the bazaar section if anyone's interested. But yea I'm gonna end up taking a beating on it. Another reason we will be on red in 2014

And as for the orginal question, if you're going to keep it a while the Yamaha is a very solid bike and way more reliable ride IMO
Where are you located?
Grizz
Profile picture for user Grizz
Posts
3110
Joined
7/2/2012
Location
Los Angeles, CA US
Grizz 11/20/2013 7:42pm
11/20/2013 7:42pm
slipdog wrote:
You can't give a used '10-'13 YZ450 away.

Something to think about...
mx510 wrote:
Not true, I sold mine in September a 2011 model for 4000$. The average joe that is looking for a used bike doesnt pay attention to...
Not true, I sold mine in September a 2011 model for 4000$. The average joe that is looking for a used bike doesnt pay attention to what James did on the thing, and for that matter people with pre concieved notions about the bike before they even throw a leg over one.
The average Joe doesn't have to know who James Stewart is to see that it looks drastically different than the other bikes. You'd have better luck selling it to someone that is into motocross than the average Joe. Especially if he is a redneck Wink
Grizz
Profile picture for user Grizz
Posts
3110
Joined
7/2/2012
Location
Los Angeles, CA US
Grizz 11/20/2013 7:44pm
11/20/2013 7:44pm
My point being, you can buy any 450 and you'll be happy with it. So you might as well consider factors like selling it when you want a new one Wink
Trent179
Profile picture for user Trent179
Posts
1227
Joined
4/3/2010
Location
Princeton, IN US
Trent179 11/20/2013 8:09pm
11/20/2013 8:09pm
I bought a 13 KXf450 about 3 months ago. Got it for $6400 plus tax. Absolutely love the bike. First 450 I've ever had so I was a little worried. I can't find anything it doesn't do well though. Try to Jew with them a little, but definitely go green IMO... You should also get some cool free stuff from Kawasaki directly with a new bike purchase. I got a big ass kawi pop up tent, a fancey kawi bike stand, and a kawi bike mat. This is by far the baddest bike I've ever owned.
rocketsocks26 11/20/2013 8:27pm
11/20/2013 8:27pm
Theres no way id pay $7500 for a 13 kawi. Not this time of yr. Look ard u can get insane deals rt now
slipdog
Profile picture for user slipdog
Posts
10044
Joined
7/25/2009
Location
Nor Cal, CA US
slipdog 11/20/2013 8:52pm
11/20/2013 8:52pm
Trent179 wrote:
I bought a 13 KXf450 about 3 months ago. Got it for $6400 plus tax. Absolutely love the bike. First 450 I've ever had so I...
I bought a 13 KXf450 about 3 months ago. Got it for $6400 plus tax. Absolutely love the bike. First 450 I've ever had so I was a little worried. I can't find anything it doesn't do well though. Try to Jew with them a little, but definitely go green IMO... You should also get some cool free stuff from Kawasaki directly with a new bike purchase. I got a big ass kawi pop up tent, a fancey kawi bike stand, and a kawi bike mat. This is by far the baddest bike I've ever owned.
FYI Bro, some people will find your anti semitic remarks very offensive
slipdog
Profile picture for user slipdog
Posts
10044
Joined
7/25/2009
Location
Nor Cal, CA US
slipdog 11/20/2013 8:56pm
11/20/2013 8:56pm
slipdog wrote:
You can't give a used '10-'13 YZ450 away.

Something to think about...
mx510 wrote:
Not true, I sold mine in September a 2011 model for 4000$. The average joe that is looking for a used bike doesnt pay attention to...
Not true, I sold mine in September a 2011 model for 4000$. The average joe that is looking for a used bike doesnt pay attention to what James did on the thing, and for that matter people with pre concieved notions about the bike before they even throw a leg over one.
I based that off knowing quite a few people having a hard time even getting low ball offers for theirs. I guess the same could be said for any used bike in today's market though.
fatchickandahoopty 11/20/2013 9:03pm
11/20/2013 9:03pm
Trent179 wrote:
I bought a 13 KXf450 about 3 months ago. Got it for $6400 plus tax. Absolutely love the bike. First 450 I've ever had so I...
I bought a 13 KXf450 about 3 months ago. Got it for $6400 plus tax. Absolutely love the bike. First 450 I've ever had so I was a little worried. I can't find anything it doesn't do well though. Try to Jew with them a little, but definitely go green IMO... You should also get some cool free stuff from Kawasaki directly with a new bike purchase. I got a big ass kawi pop up tent, a fancey kawi bike stand, and a kawi bike mat. This is by far the baddest bike I've ever owned.
Thanks guys, well of course I'm not gonna pay 7599 for the kx but I was just stating their asking price. Where did you get you bike from Trent179?
look out below 11/20/2013 9:21pm
11/20/2013 9:21pm
I have a '10 yz and a '12 kx in the garage now. The only difference between the '12 and '13 kx is the plastic and air forks. So let me be the first to say, the kx turns a little better and I suck equally on both of them. So go with the cheap one. Sad

Pit Row

See All »
aggiemoto99
Profile picture for user aggiemoto99
Posts
304
Joined
11/12/2006
Location
San Antonio, TX US
aggiemoto99 11/20/2013 9:32pm
11/20/2013 9:32pm
I own a kawi - very solid bike, if you are a pretty fast rider and aren't a feather weight the stock air forks are garbage.

I ride a few yz's of my buddies quite often - and I always come away almost wishing I had bought one instead.

Despite the fact the kawi ALWAYS gets great mag reviews on the motor - IMHO the yamaha engine is better (yes the 13 - the 14 engine is incredible) - it has awesome part throttle low end - and requires very little clutching in a tall gear in turns. Many magazines have called this too abrupt - I personally think they should learn to twist the throttle less...as IMHO its a great trait.

The 13 yz is definitely not as planted in the front - but it's not as bad as I think its been made out to be.

The yz is VERY reliable - the kx is good - but not as good in this department.
Sadly resale on a kawi sucks just as bad as the yz - the market is flooded with them (kawis)

I think the strongest suit to the kx - is it doesn't do anything great - but it doesn't do anything horribly. It's a very predictable chassis - and the ergo's are pretty good. The 12 on up kx's improved hugely in the bolts and fasteners department - very nice stuff.

You really can't go wrong IMHO.
TNL830
Profile picture for user TNL830
Posts
74
Joined
8/24/2013
Location
Galt, CA US
TNL830 11/20/2013 10:03pm
11/20/2013 10:03pm
I had a 2012 YZ450 that I absolutely hated, I got it because I got it for 5899.00. I dump so much time and money into the bike and no matter what I did I couldn't get comfortable on it. I traded it in for 3300.00 (after about 5-6k in upgrades) for a 2014 CRF450r and am extremely happy. The Yamaha is a solid bike and people either love it or hate it, I hated it.
mx510
Profile picture for user mx510
Posts
1974
Joined
2/26/2011
Location
Gig Harbor, WA US
Fantasy
1707th
mx510 11/20/2013 10:20pm
11/20/2013 10:20pm
slipdog wrote:
I based that off knowing quite a few people having a hard time even getting low ball offers for theirs. I guess the same could be...
I based that off knowing quite a few people having a hard time even getting low ball offers for theirs. I guess the same could be said for any used bike in today's market though.
From what I am seeing up here in the NW there are couple used 450s that appear to be almost brand new and they are asking around 6k for them. Who knows maybe I just got lucky when I put mine up for sale. Right now though I am in the market for a new bike or slightly used one and NOTHING is moving regardless of color. Could just be the time of year though.
Jimfunn
Profile picture for user Jimfunn
Posts
438
Joined
4/17/2013
Location
GB
Jimfunn 11/21/2013 5:37am
11/21/2013 5:37am
Chris_Vollmer wrote:
I like kawis but I would get the yz and drop a good suspension and tripple clamps on that bad boy.
The reason I would have a yam over a KXF is mainly for their suspension. The Yamahas are by far the best production stuff you can get.
I've also not been impressed with Kawasaki wear-rate! Find they wear parts out much quicker than Yam / Honda and are not as well built.

I also found the KXF to be a little big and cumbersome and despite expecting the Yam to be the same / worse, was VERY impressed. The only issue I had with the Yam was the width of the rad shrouds in the knees, i'm 5'9 and all my friends who are 6foot + didn't really have an issue.

I would personally pick the Yamaha at those prices.
LocDawg
Profile picture for user LocDawg
Posts
140
Joined
11/15/2013
Location
San Antonio, TX US
LocDawg 11/21/2013 6:49am
11/21/2013 6:49am
Its no secret that alot of people dont like the YZ, and its not just the pros..local folks are saying its garbage too.

ive never ridden one but from what ive read/heard, the YZF is a good bike if you're a bigger guy.

If youre not a bigger guy, maybe the kawi is the way to go...
user760a
Profile picture for user user760a
Posts
1140
Joined
9/15/2008
Location
Shelby, NC US
user760a 11/21/2013 7:25am
11/21/2013 7:25am
it is pretty much the other way around. The YZ feels cramped after getting off of my Kawasaki. I am 6'2. Yamaha has some nice bikes but has insisted on running the lowest bars they could possibly find for almost ten years now. It is not as horribly cramped as a Honda but close
rocketsocks26 11/21/2013 8:02am
11/21/2013 8:02am
its funny, everyone does bag on the yam, I road yamis my whole life up till 2010,went to kawis for a lil, and been on ktms since. I road a brand new 13 yz450 over the summer and I thought it was alsome! I ve ridden every 13 450, I think they are all really good! but imo, the ktm , yam, hon, are the most reliable. the kawi n Suzuki fall apart very quickly.
Highsider
Profile picture for user Highsider
Posts
7680
Joined
8/15/2006
Location
Way Toasty, IA US
Highsider 11/21/2013 9:10am
11/21/2013 9:10am
Chris_Vollmer wrote:
I like kawis but I would get the yz and drop a good suspension and tripple clamps on that bad boy.
I would love to hear what your complaint is on YZ suspension.
rocketsocks26 11/21/2013 9:35am
11/21/2013 9:35am
highsider, he probably means a revalve. I laugh though when people say that yami suspension isn't good.when set up right that stuff is incredible! I have ktms and I will straight up tell you, wp suspension is horrible! it can be set up right though, and half the problem is with wp stuff you really have to understand suspension, cause that stuff is pretty difficult to get right.if ktm came with kyb sss suspension, it would be the best bike ever made! that's why I bought full ohlins for mine. the bike is absolutely incredible.
Panic_Rev
Profile picture for user Panic_Rev
Posts
688
Joined
7/13/2012
Location
Fayetteville, AR US
Panic_Rev 11/21/2013 2:14pm
11/21/2013 2:14pm
slipdog wrote:
You can't give a used '10-'13 YZ450 away.

Something to think about...
You can give one to me if you know of anyone having issues.
look out below 11/21/2013 2:35pm
11/21/2013 2:35pm
Chris_Vollmer wrote:
I like kawis but I would get the yz and drop a good suspension and tripple clamps on that bad boy.
Highsider wrote:
I would love to hear what your complaint is on YZ suspension.
The only problem I had with my YZ suspension is I'm 145 lbs!!

Post a reply to: 2013 kx450 vs yz450