2017 kx450f or 17 250sx

Sipes #412
Profile picture for user Sipes #412
Posts
164
Joined
4/23/2009
Location
Tacoma, WA US
Sipes #412
Edited Date/Time 2/8/2017 12:16pm
I'm going to be in the market for a new bike in a couple months. I've narrowed it down to a 17 kx450f or a 17 250sx 2 stroke. I'm just wondering if anybody has had major problems with the 16/17 kx450's. I've never owned a kawi and I want to give it a shot so any advice on them would be appreciated.
|
Braap19
Profile picture for user Braap19
Posts
257
Joined
8/8/2016
Location
Swansboro, NC US
Braap19 2/5/2017 10:01am
2/5/2017 10:01am
I really like the kx 450. Veryyy smooth
WW444
Profile picture for user WW444
Posts
492
Joined
10/2/2016
Location
Decatur, AL US
WW444 2/5/2017 10:52am
2/5/2017 10:52am
I'm currently on a 16' Kawi 450 and I absolutely love it. All of my Kawasaki's have been very reliable
eastcoastmx54 2/5/2017 11:42am
2/5/2017 11:42am
I had a 17 kx450f. I really liked the bike other then the air fork, I hated it. I also put a full pro circuit exhaust on and it made the power super smooth and broad but fast. But then I traded it for a 17 crf450 and I liked everything about the crf better by far but that's just me. If you decide to get the kx, just do a spring conversion.
Sipes #412
Profile picture for user Sipes #412
Posts
164
Joined
4/23/2009
Location
Tacoma, WA US
Sipes #412 2/5/2017 12:28pm
2/5/2017 12:28pm
eastcoastmx54 wrote:
I had a 17 kx450f. I really liked the bike other then the air fork, I hated it. I also put a full pro circuit exhaust...
I had a 17 kx450f. I really liked the bike other then the air fork, I hated it. I also put a full pro circuit exhaust on and it made the power super smooth and broad but fast. But then I traded it for a 17 crf450 and I liked everything about the crf better by far but that's just me. If you decide to get the kx, just do a spring conversion.
That's what I planned on doing is a spring conversion.

The Shop

See All »
Braap19
Profile picture for user Braap19
Posts
257
Joined
8/8/2016
Location
Swansboro, NC US
Braap19 2/5/2017 12:37pm
2/5/2017 12:37pm
eastcoastmx54 wrote:
I had a 17 kx450f. I really liked the bike other then the air fork, I hated it. I also put a full pro circuit exhaust...
I had a 17 kx450f. I really liked the bike other then the air fork, I hated it. I also put a full pro circuit exhaust on and it made the power super smooth and broad but fast. But then I traded it for a 17 crf450 and I liked everything about the crf better by far but that's just me. If you decide to get the kx, just do a spring conversion.
Sipes #412 wrote:
That's what I planned on doing is a spring conversion.
Dont waste your money. Unless you are qualifying for A3, you will like air forks.
Steadman
Profile picture for user Steadman
Posts
680
Joined
11/23/2014
Location
CA
Steadman 2/5/2017 1:10pm
2/5/2017 1:10pm
eastcoastmx54 wrote:
I had a 17 kx450f. I really liked the bike other then the air fork, I hated it. I also put a full pro circuit exhaust...
I had a 17 kx450f. I really liked the bike other then the air fork, I hated it. I also put a full pro circuit exhaust on and it made the power super smooth and broad but fast. But then I traded it for a 17 crf450 and I liked everything about the crf better by far but that's just me. If you decide to get the kx, just do a spring conversion.
Sipes #412 wrote:
That's what I planned on doing is a spring conversion.
Give the air forks a chance. I know a few riders on current KX's who think they are great.
Sipes #412
Profile picture for user Sipes #412
Posts
164
Joined
4/23/2009
Location
Tacoma, WA US
Sipes #412 2/5/2017 2:42pm
2/5/2017 2:42pm Edited Date/Time 2/5/2017 2:57pm
eastcoastmx54 wrote:
I had a 17 kx450f. I really liked the bike other then the air fork, I hated it. I also put a full pro circuit exhaust...
I had a 17 kx450f. I really liked the bike other then the air fork, I hated it. I also put a full pro circuit exhaust on and it made the power super smooth and broad but fast. But then I traded it for a 17 crf450 and I liked everything about the crf better by far but that's just me. If you decide to get the kx, just do a spring conversion.
Sipes #412 wrote:
That's what I planned on doing is a spring conversion.
Steadman wrote:
Give the air forks a chance. I know a few riders on current KX's who think they are great.
I will till I have to rebuild them. But I'm still on the fence between the kx and 250sx. I wasn't even thinking about the new ktm until I rode one. It was a super fun bike and I really enjoyed riding it. Probably the most fun I have had on a bike in a while.
imoto34
Profile picture for user imoto34
Posts
3781
Joined
1/28/2010
Location
TN US
Fantasy
3174th
imoto34 2/5/2017 3:26pm
2/5/2017 3:26pm
Both are awesome bikes. What are you currently riding and have you gotten the chance to ride either of the bikes?

Sipes #412
Profile picture for user Sipes #412
Posts
164
Joined
4/23/2009
Location
Tacoma, WA US
Sipes #412 2/5/2017 3:51pm
2/5/2017 3:51pm
imoto34 wrote:
Both are awesome bikes. What are you currently riding and have you gotten the chance to ride either of the bikes?

I currently ride a 13 rmz450 I haven't had a chance to ride a kawi so I want to try them out. I just know I had a lot of fun on the 250sx and it felt like a 4stroke but without the engine braking. If I get the 250sx then I will keep the rmz probably so I can have both 4 and 2 stroke.
Sipes #412
Profile picture for user Sipes #412
Posts
164
Joined
4/23/2009
Location
Tacoma, WA US
Sipes #412 2/5/2017 8:35pm
2/5/2017 8:35pm
eastcoastmx54 wrote:
I had a 17 kx450f. I really liked the bike other then the air fork, I hated it. I also put a full pro circuit exhaust...
I had a 17 kx450f. I really liked the bike other then the air fork, I hated it. I also put a full pro circuit exhaust on and it made the power super smooth and broad but fast. But then I traded it for a 17 crf450 and I liked everything about the crf better by far but that's just me. If you decide to get the kx, just do a spring conversion.
If I could get the new crf for the same as the kawi then I would do it. 17 kawis are going for 7,000 otd in my area
Sipes #412
Profile picture for user Sipes #412
Posts
164
Joined
4/23/2009
Location
Tacoma, WA US
Sipes #412 2/5/2017 9:02pm
2/5/2017 9:02pm
eastcoastmx54 wrote:
I had a 17 kx450f. I really liked the bike other then the air fork, I hated it. I also put a full pro circuit exhaust...
I had a 17 kx450f. I really liked the bike other then the air fork, I hated it. I also put a full pro circuit exhaust on and it made the power super smooth and broad but fast. But then I traded it for a 17 crf450 and I liked everything about the crf better by far but that's just me. If you decide to get the kx, just do a spring conversion.
Sipes #412 wrote:
That's what I planned on doing is a spring conversion.
If I could get the new crf for the same as the kawi then I would do it. 17 kawis are going for 7,000 otd in my area
Sipes #412
Profile picture for user Sipes #412
Posts
164
Joined
4/23/2009
Location
Tacoma, WA US
Sipes #412 2/5/2017 9:07pm
2/5/2017 9:07pm
eastcoastmx54 wrote:
I had a 17 kx450f. I really liked the bike other then the air fork, I hated it. I also put a full pro circuit exhaust...
I had a 17 kx450f. I really liked the bike other then the air fork, I hated it. I also put a full pro circuit exhaust on and it made the power super smooth and broad but fast. But then I traded it for a 17 crf450 and I liked everything about the crf better by far but that's just me. If you decide to get the kx, just do a spring conversion.
If I could get the new crf for the same as the kawi then I would do it. 17 kawis are going for 7,000 otd in my area
Sipes #412
Profile picture for user Sipes #412
Posts
164
Joined
4/23/2009
Location
Tacoma, WA US
Sipes #412 2/5/2017 9:14pm
2/5/2017 9:14pm
eastcoastmx54 wrote:
I had a 17 kx450f. I really liked the bike other then the air fork, I hated it. I also put a full pro circuit exhaust...
I had a 17 kx450f. I really liked the bike other then the air fork, I hated it. I also put a full pro circuit exhaust on and it made the power super smooth and broad but fast. But then I traded it for a 17 crf450 and I liked everything about the crf better by far but that's just me. If you decide to get the kx, just do a spring conversion.
Sipes #412 wrote:
That's what I planned on doing is a spring conversion.
I would get the new crf if it were going for 7,000 out the door.
Sargent Rock
Profile picture for user Sargent Rock
Posts
302
Joined
4/6/2012
Location
Liberty Lake, WA US
Sargent Rock 2/5/2017 11:31pm
2/5/2017 11:31pm
Showa TAC fork s-u-c-k-s. It has a weird "feel" that you just can't get right, Off road or desert riding no problem.

MX forget it.
Vanilla
Profile picture for user Vanilla
Posts
175
Joined
5/16/2012
Location
NL
Vanilla 2/6/2017 1:19am
2/6/2017 1:19am
Sargent Rock wrote:
Showa TAC fork s-u-c-k-s. It has a weird "feel" that you just can't get right, Off road or desert riding no problem.

MX forget it.
I dont't agree. After a revalve and some time testing i have the forks how i like them. I like them better as the SFF forks in the 250F.
If you are gonna go with the 2 stroke i think it would be wise to keep the RMZ. Love me a 2 stroke but some tracks i just want to be lazy and ride the 4 stroke.
Indy mxer
Profile picture for user Indy mxer
Posts
1633
Joined
6/15/2010
Location
Linton, IN US
Indy mxer 2/6/2017 3:29am
2/6/2017 3:29am
Sargent Rock wrote:
Showa TAC fork s-u-c-k-s. It has a weird "feel" that you just can't get right, Off road or desert riding no problem.

MX forget it.
Vanilla wrote:
I dont't agree. After a revalve and some time testing i have the forks how i like them. I like them better as the SFF forks...
I dont't agree. After a revalve and some time testing i have the forks how i like them. I like them better as the SFF forks in the 250F.
If you are gonna go with the 2 stroke i think it would be wise to keep the RMZ. Love me a 2 stroke but some tracks i just want to be lazy and ride the 4 stroke.
I agree. I have a 16 Kawi 450. Sent the suspension off to Factory Connection and it's all good now.
Love the bike. After riding Kawi 250's for years, this is my first 450.
With the new ergo's and lighter weight it feels like a 250.
ricko
Profile picture for user ricko
Posts
708
Joined
9/6/2011
Location
bfe, PA US
ricko 2/6/2017 3:32am
2/6/2017 3:32am Edited Date/Time 2/6/2017 3:33am
i love my 16 450, i also wouldn't waste the money on a spring conversion. I have showa a kit spring on my one bike and then sff tac on my 450 that's all setup for me from pr2 and i can hardly tell a difference between the 2 to ever pay to switch to springs. if you want a spring/air combo check out pr2's latest offerings, it's similar to what some teams are running now.
navalseabee
Profile picture for user navalseabee
Posts
1086
Joined
5/5/2011
Location
Virginia Beach, VA US
navalseabee 2/6/2017 4:24am
2/6/2017 4:24am
Sipes #412 wrote:
I will till I have to rebuild them. But I'm still on the fence between the kx and 250sx. I wasn't even thinking about the new...
I will till I have to rebuild them. But I'm still on the fence between the kx and 250sx. I wasn't even thinking about the new ktm until I rode one. It was a super fun bike and I really enjoyed riding it. Probably the most fun I have had on a bike in a while.
The last sentence you wrote answers the question doesn't it?

Pit Row

See All »
Sipes #412
Profile picture for user Sipes #412
Posts
164
Joined
4/23/2009
Location
Tacoma, WA US
Sipes #412 2/6/2017 8:40am
2/6/2017 8:40am
I'm definitely going to give the air forks a try to see if I like them
bdavis435
Profile picture for user bdavis435
Posts
58
Joined
8/11/2016
Location
North East, MD US
bdavis435 2/6/2017 9:31am
2/6/2017 9:31am Edited Date/Time 2/6/2017 9:31am
I have a 16 KX450F. I struggled with the air forks bottoming. After a re-valve and some tuning I've got them figured out and they work really well. The front end traction on the 16-17 Kawis are phenomenal, very confidence inspiring. I'm at 30 hours (ridden MX B class) and so far the only issue I've had is a broken fork guard, they crack easy from roost. I'm extremely happy with the bike.
Sipes #412
Profile picture for user Sipes #412
Posts
164
Joined
4/23/2009
Location
Tacoma, WA US
Sipes #412 2/6/2017 12:07pm
2/6/2017 12:07pm
bdavis435 wrote:
I have a 16 KX450F. I struggled with the air forks bottoming. After a re-valve and some tuning I've got them figured out and they work...
I have a 16 KX450F. I struggled with the air forks bottoming. After a re-valve and some tuning I've got them figured out and they work really well. The front end traction on the 16-17 Kawis are phenomenal, very confidence inspiring. I'm at 30 hours (ridden MX B class) and so far the only issue I've had is a broken fork guard, they crack easy from roost. I'm extremely happy with the bike.
I'm going to try the air forks but I'm still going spring eventually.
MXD
Profile picture for user MXD
Posts
2650
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
MA US
MXD 2/6/2017 12:19pm
2/6/2017 12:19pm
I had a 16 Kawi and now have a 17. I spent half of last season on FC revalved air forks and half on KYB spring forks. The spring forks were an upgrade but the air forks still work very well. Anyway, to answer your original question, it's an awesome bike. I came off a 2011 RMZ450 and it turns every bit as good as the Zook but is an order of magnitude more stable. No more high speed square edge shock voodoo. If you have a Suzuki, you know exactly what I'm talking about. The motor is similar in that it is very smooth. You'll be happy with it if you go that route.
Sipes #412
Profile picture for user Sipes #412
Posts
164
Joined
4/23/2009
Location
Tacoma, WA US
Sipes #412 2/6/2017 12:27pm
2/6/2017 12:27pm
MXD wrote:
I had a 16 Kawi and now have a 17. I spent half of last season on FC revalved air forks and half on KYB spring...
I had a 16 Kawi and now have a 17. I spent half of last season on FC revalved air forks and half on KYB spring forks. The spring forks were an upgrade but the air forks still work very well. Anyway, to answer your original question, it's an awesome bike. I came off a 2011 RMZ450 and it turns every bit as good as the Zook but is an order of magnitude more stable. No more high speed square edge shock voodoo. If you have a Suzuki, you know exactly what I'm talking about. The motor is similar in that it is very smooth. You'll be happy with it if you go that route.
Is it noticeably lighter too? That's one of my other concerns my buddy has a 2012 crf450r and I like how light it is.
MXD
Profile picture for user MXD
Posts
2650
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
MA US
MXD 2/6/2017 12:49pm
2/6/2017 12:49pm Edited Date/Time 2/6/2017 12:51pm
MXD wrote:
I had a 16 Kawi and now have a 17. I spent half of last season on FC revalved air forks and half on KYB spring...
I had a 16 Kawi and now have a 17. I spent half of last season on FC revalved air forks and half on KYB spring forks. The spring forks were an upgrade but the air forks still work very well. Anyway, to answer your original question, it's an awesome bike. I came off a 2011 RMZ450 and it turns every bit as good as the Zook but is an order of magnitude more stable. No more high speed square edge shock voodoo. If you have a Suzuki, you know exactly what I'm talking about. The motor is similar in that it is very smooth. You'll be happy with it if you go that route.
Sipes #412 wrote:
Is it noticeably lighter too? That's one of my other concerns my buddy has a 2012 crf450r and I like how light it is.
Absolutely. My Suzuki weighed 253.5 pounds with a Ti exhaust, rad braces, skid plate, Twin Wall bars, MX3s tires, MSR tubes and fuel. My 16 Kawi with a Ti exhaust, fuel and everything else showroom stock weighed 236.5. It's more narrow and noticeably lighter not just on the track but lifting it on the stand.

For comparison, according to the specs I just saw online, your buddies bike weighs 240.0 with fuel.
Sipes #412
Profile picture for user Sipes #412
Posts
164
Joined
4/23/2009
Location
Tacoma, WA US
Sipes #412 2/6/2017 1:10pm
2/6/2017 1:10pm Edited Date/Time 2/6/2017 1:46pm
MXD wrote:
I had a 16 Kawi and now have a 17. I spent half of last season on FC revalved air forks and half on KYB spring...
I had a 16 Kawi and now have a 17. I spent half of last season on FC revalved air forks and half on KYB spring forks. The spring forks were an upgrade but the air forks still work very well. Anyway, to answer your original question, it's an awesome bike. I came off a 2011 RMZ450 and it turns every bit as good as the Zook but is an order of magnitude more stable. No more high speed square edge shock voodoo. If you have a Suzuki, you know exactly what I'm talking about. The motor is similar in that it is very smooth. You'll be happy with it if you go that route.
Sipes #412 wrote:
Is it noticeably lighter too? That's one of my other concerns my buddy has a 2012 crf450r and I like how light it is.
MXD wrote:
Absolutely. My Suzuki weighed 253.5 pounds with a Ti exhaust, rad braces, skid plate, Twin Wall bars, MX3s tires, MSR tubes and fuel. My 16 Kawi...
Absolutely. My Suzuki weighed 253.5 pounds with a Ti exhaust, rad braces, skid plate, Twin Wall bars, MX3s tires, MSR tubes and fuel. My 16 Kawi with a Ti exhaust, fuel and everything else showroom stock weighed 236.5. It's more narrow and noticeably lighter not just on the track but lifting it on the stand.

For comparison, according to the specs I just saw online, your buddies bike weighs 240.0 with fuel.
Good to know I'm definitely a fan of lighter bikes. That was one of the first things I noticed when I rode the 250sx was how light it was I know the kx won't be as light but 250 lbs is a lot compared to 236.
Sipes #412
Profile picture for user Sipes #412
Posts
164
Joined
4/23/2009
Location
Tacoma, WA US
Sipes #412 2/6/2017 5:45pm
2/6/2017 5:45pm
I herd kawasaki offers good rebates does anybody know about them?
Sipes #412
Profile picture for user Sipes #412
Posts
164
Joined
4/23/2009
Location
Tacoma, WA US
Sipes #412 2/8/2017 12:27pm
2/8/2017 12:27pm
Sipes #412 wrote:
I will till I have to rebuild them. But I'm still on the fence between the kx and 250sx. I wasn't even thinking about the new...
I will till I have to rebuild them. But I'm still on the fence between the kx and 250sx. I wasn't even thinking about the new ktm until I rode one. It was a super fun bike and I really enjoyed riding it. Probably the most fun I have had on a bike in a while.
navalseabee wrote:
The last sentence you wrote answers the question doesn't it?
You are right but I just want some opinions on the kawi and see if people tried both. I am leaning towards the 17 250sx or tc250 whatever I can find a better deal on.
paddyB745
Profile picture for user paddyB745
Posts
275
Joined
2/9/2011
Location
novato, CA US
paddyB745 2/8/2017 10:42pm
2/8/2017 10:42pm
I was on a 13 250sx for a few years until I sold it and bought the 16 Kawi 450. The Ktm was like you said, ALOT of fun to ride but when it came down to it the 450 is just much easier to ride fast which makes it fun. And as far as the fork goes on the kawi, I went spring after struggling with the air. It has potential and wasn't terrible but the spring is easier to set up and had better front end feel in my opinion.
GoggleFiend904 2/8/2017 10:47pm
2/8/2017 10:47pm
What type of riding do you do? I do mostly desert with GP/MX racing. I ride a 14 250sx and i definitely want a 450, but id never own a 450 without having a 2 stroke to ride. Keep your rmz and get a sx, you wont regret it. Ive heard the rmzs are great bikes. Nothing beats 2 stroke fun
Bearuno
Profile picture for user Bearuno
Posts
4139
Joined
6/28/2014
Location
AU
Bearuno 2/8/2017 11:44pm
2/8/2017 11:44pm Edited Date/Time 2/9/2017 3:48am
Sipes #412:,

"Probably the most fun I have had on a bike in a while."

Isn't that what it's all about?

You later stated you will probably keep the RMZ450, if you were to get the SX250.

There you go - 1 of each, and unless the RMZ is trashed, and, if it's well set up for you, it's not going to be a Dog, nor far off of the latest model 450s.

Then you have the chance to compare 2 very different styles of bikes, for some time. And. perhaps narrow down your future purchase directions, or keep playing with both types of Toy.

Post a reply to: 2017 kx450f or 17 250sx