2017 ktm450 reliability question?

bj.wrobleski
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bj.wrobleski
I am looking into buying a slightly used 2017 Ktm 450. My question is what are the issues i should look for prior to purchase. I’m talking machine specific issues. I have owned 10+ mx bikes over the years so I know all the common isssus in general.

How many hours are people putting new top ends in ktm450s, the one I am looking at currently has 40hrs vet ridden.

Thanks for the help.
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cody41
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cody41 11/12/2017 6:49am
11/12/2017 6:49am
50hrs and the bike starts falling apart. Unreliable machines
1
Motofinne
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Motofinne 11/12/2017 6:58am
11/12/2017 6:58am Edited Date/Time 11/12/2017 7:11am
I have 50h on my 2017 and all i've done is changing oil, filters and servicing the suspension and it runs like a new bike.

I did check the valves at 30h and they were perfect.

I'm aiming to change the piston at 60h but i'm sure i could do at least 80h on it. It's a great bike!
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shaunbruce827 11/12/2017 7:01am
11/12/2017 7:01am Edited Date/Time 11/12/2017 7:02am
I have a 2016 Husky FC250, bought it with 65 hours, rode it till 92, took apart the top end, valves were still in spec from new, and ring gap on the piston was the exact same as the new OEM kit I purchased. If my high revving 250f can last that long, I am sure the 450 would last just as long if not longer.. enjoy your new ride Cool
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BobPA
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BobPA 11/12/2017 7:01am
11/12/2017 7:01am Edited Date/Time 11/12/2017 7:03am
30 hours or so here. I've done nothing but the basics with zero issues. The engines are very good. A vet ridden bike can realistically go 150 hours without being touched. I do not plan on touching mine till, at least, the 75 hour mark. My bike still feels tight and new.

The Shop

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bj.wrobleski
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bj.wrobleski 11/12/2017 7:08am
11/12/2017 7:08am
Thanks for the replies. I recently finished anesthesia school so I bought a 2009 rmz450 with 5 hours on it a few weeks ago and had proaction suspension go through the suspension. It is a great machine but after riding mx a few times over the last few weeks I have the itch back and really want a bike that’s not 242#!!! I think the Ktm will fit my style and It’s the lightest bike!
BobPA
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BobPA 11/12/2017 7:10am
11/12/2017 7:10am
bj.wrobleski wrote:
Thanks for the replies. I recently finished anesthesia school so I bought a 2009 rmz450 with 5 hours on it a few weeks ago and had...
Thanks for the replies. I recently finished anesthesia school so I bought a 2009 rmz450 with 5 hours on it a few weeks ago and had proaction suspension go through the suspension. It is a great machine but after riding mx a few times over the last few weeks I have the itch back and really want a bike that’s not 242#!!! I think the Ktm will fit my style and It’s the lightest bike!
I'm not sure how much you are getting the used bike for. But if you look around for a left over you can get one reasonable. Something like $7500 OTD
mxb2
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mxb2 11/12/2017 7:13am
11/12/2017 7:13am
bj.wrobleski wrote:
I am looking into buying a slightly used 2017 Ktm 450. My question is what are the issues i should look for prior to purchase. I’m...
I am looking into buying a slightly used 2017 Ktm 450. My question is what are the issues i should look for prior to purchase. I’m talking machine specific issues. I have owned 10+ mx bikes over the years so I know all the common isssus in general.

How many hours are people putting new top ends in ktm450s, the one I am looking at currently has 40hrs vet ridden.

Thanks for the help.
What's your budget,. I might have one for sale soon. 16.5 Fe 450. Mint , super low hrs. Ohio location.
Moto520
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Moto520 11/12/2017 7:20am
11/12/2017 7:20am
They are very reliable. I became a beliver areound 120 hours on my last 2016 ktm450sxf. Minor issues only. I was licky enough to get a one of the last 2017’s for a great price and couldnt be happier.

Great bike.
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Monk
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Monk 11/12/2017 7:55am
11/12/2017 7:55am
Most all my KTM I've pushed major hours with no issues. My current 350xcf is 260+hrs on a stock motor with 0.0 issues... I have upgraded some parts such as the battery, stator, clutch for more specific use but overall the bike has been bulletproof...
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MyersAvionics 11/12/2017 8:19am
11/12/2017 8:19am
I have a 2017 KTM 450XC-F. I checked the valves @ 30 hours and they were fine. The bike is great. All I've done is change the oil and filter and cleaned up the air filter. The bike is ridden fairly hard in A & AA off road.

For the winter tear down (@45hrs) all I'm doing is checking the valves and piston and sending the suspension off to get tuned. Great bike, you won't be disappointed if you get one.
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dcg141
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dcg141 11/12/2017 10:33am
11/12/2017 10:33am Edited Date/Time 11/12/2017 10:33am
Work on them every day and I've seen 450's reach the 200 hour mark before they needed rings.
kevin204
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kevin204 11/12/2017 10:42am
11/12/2017 10:42am
dcg141 wrote:
Work on them every day and I've seen 450's reach the 200 hour mark before they needed rings.
Yup. Tons of users on Thumpertalk getting 200+ out of top ends on KTM four strokes.
bj.wrobleski
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bj.wrobleski 11/12/2017 12:02pm
11/12/2017 12:02pm
Thanks guys! You are making me more comfortable buying a used bike!
kevin204
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kevin204 11/12/2017 1:58pm
11/12/2017 1:58pm
dcg141 wrote:
Work on them every day and I've seen 450's reach the 200 hour mark before they needed rings.
kevin204 wrote:
Yup. Tons of users on Thumpertalk getting 200+ out of top ends on KTM four strokes.
Meant to add that I wouldn't suggest trying to go 200+ on a top end, but it's more common than you would think.
aees
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aees 11/12/2017 2:21pm
11/12/2017 2:21pm
110h on my 2017 sxf 450 now. went 90 on my 16 and sold it, that guy has 145h now on it. no problems if you do proper maintenance. wire harness requires silikon in all ends of casing, or water and dirt will eat them up from inside. fuel filter inside tank should be changed every 30-40h and you save a fuel pump.

piston and rings at 50h and you are good to go.

Ron_Shuler
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Ron_Shuler 11/12/2017 4:11pm
11/12/2017 4:11pm
I've had 3 KTM 450 SXF's and only changed oil and air filters and every thing else on the bike has been reliable also, as long as the guy your buying it from took good care of it and changed the oil and kept a clean air filter on it you should be fine.

Also just this past week end a few of my fellow KTM owners were commenting on how none of us have ever had to put a clutch in any of out KTM's even after a 100hrs

I used to ride those Green bike's and those thing Nickle & Dimmed me to death from fork guards radiator louvers, chain guides, sliders, clutches every 30 to 40hrs, Pistons and in my option they aren't even that fast.
Cygrace74
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Cygrace74 11/12/2017 4:18pm
11/12/2017 4:18pm
Ron_Shuler wrote:
I've had 3 KTM 450 SXF's and only changed oil and air filters and every thing else on the bike has been reliable also, as long...
I've had 3 KTM 450 SXF's and only changed oil and air filters and every thing else on the bike has been reliable also, as long as the guy your buying it from took good care of it and changed the oil and kept a clean air filter on it you should be fine.

Also just this past week end a few of my fellow KTM owners were commenting on how none of us have ever had to put a clutch in any of out KTM's even after a 100hrs

I used to ride those Green bike's and those thing Nickle & Dimmed me to death from fork guards radiator louvers, chain guides, sliders, clutches every 30 to 40hrs, Pistons and in my option they aren't even that fast.
90 Hours on My Kawi with stock louvers, fork guards, clutch, and only changed guide and slider once 15 hours ago.

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adamdf
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adamdf 11/12/2017 4:49pm
11/12/2017 4:49pm
bj.wrobleski wrote:
I am looking into buying a slightly used 2017 Ktm 450. My question is what are the issues i should look for prior to purchase. I’m...
I am looking into buying a slightly used 2017 Ktm 450. My question is what are the issues i should look for prior to purchase. I’m talking machine specific issues. I have owned 10+ mx bikes over the years so I know all the common isssus in general.

How many hours are people putting new top ends in ktm450s, the one I am looking at currently has 40hrs vet ridden.

Thanks for the help.
I have a 17 450SXF and love it, its the best 450 i've ever owned. But guess what? It grenaded at 2 hours before it was even properly broken in. However the dealer and KTM took care of it and guess what? I LOVE IT still and its still the best 450 i've owned. My point is, all the bikes are great and all the bikes can have potential issues, i've owned all the major moto brands (except Husky), I owned a 2008 450SXF also and had zero issues., just had a little bad luck with the 17 but KTM took care of it and I'm happy.

I'd say go for it! No 450 has made me this happy. Before this bike, I always felt that the 450s were too much for the tighter MX tracks I ride on, not this time! This 17 is light as hell, corners amazingly well, jumps well, suspension works great out the box...oh..and the motor is just about perfect (some guys add 1 tooth to the rear to help pull 3rd better but i've kept my gearing stock for now).

Thats my input.. let us know how it goes.
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hyler199
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hyler199 11/12/2017 9:23pm
11/12/2017 9:23pm
ya my buddys 13 350xcw got about 250 hours on it before full rebuild.

my 13 250sx 2 stroke has about 200 hours on it with no work done to it, not even the top end lol..... im going to send it out over this winter though. I havent even bled the clutch once lol im a novice b enduro/xc rider.

just keep an eye on things, change filters and everything regularly and try to stay off the limiter as much as possible.



my only issues were front brake issues (after buying new banjo bolts, lines and everything to get a better feel.... the very last thing we tried, and the easiest, was backbleeding with a syringe and within 30 seconds it was a better feel than hours of bleeding that we did)

i just had to repair the countershaft as it was leaking.

everything else ive had to fix/replace has been from me bouncing off of trees
hyler199
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hyler199 11/12/2017 9:24pm
11/12/2017 9:24pm
However, every brand has some unexpected failures sometimes. Ive heard a few KTMs bust pretty early, but Ive also heard some newer Yamahas havin problems too
JB479
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JB479 11/12/2017 11:51pm
11/12/2017 11:51pm
Ive done 118hours on my 17. Only snapped a rear spoke otherwise its been perfect. Top end was rebuilt at 100 and everything looked fine. I upgrade bikes yearly and put roughly 130 hours on a bike. This is my first ktm and its been the most reliable bike.
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RonJon516
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RonJon516 11/13/2017 7:06am
11/13/2017 7:06am
17 KTM450 with 95hrs, been flawless so far. Had suspension serviced 1 time, other than that, oil and air filters. Starting to backfire on deceleration (at 90hrs) because of common exhaust leak . Will fix soon.
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