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Location
Cedar Park, TX
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Agent717
9/20/2019 1:49pm
9/20/2019 1:49pm
Edited Date/Time
8/20/2020 4:15am
Time for a freshie. I've watched and read every shootout/review/intro etc. and I'm struggling super hard to choose between the KX and the YZ. Here's what I see as the pros and cons for me. What would you buy?
6'1", 185lb, Vet Novice
KX450 Pros:
-Bike fits my size well
-Highly adjustable ergos
-Good usable power
-$2.5K savings on leftover (compared to new YZ)
-Hydro clutch is a nice touch
-No new KX450 for at least 2 years so no worry about pressure to replace
KX450 Cons:
-Forks need some tweaking
-Muffler is hideous - add $ for new exhaust
-No easy on-the-fly map switch or tuner
-Quality/Durability a little less than Yamaha
-Poor resale
YZ450 Pros:
-Sooo much hype
-Top notch Quality/Durability
-Suspension is best in class
-Power is super good
-Tuner app is sweet
-Probably don't have to spend much on extras
YZ450 Cons:
-$2.5K more than Kawi leftover
-Rode a '19 and felt strange - knees were above seat making it hard to grip- has this changed for '20? I'm only 6'1"...
-Ergos overall are slightly less desirable than the Kawi
-Expect a full model update before Kawi - like having newest models (FOMO what can I say)
6'1", 185lb, Vet Novice
KX450 Pros:
-Bike fits my size well
-Highly adjustable ergos
-Good usable power
-$2.5K savings on leftover (compared to new YZ)
-Hydro clutch is a nice touch
-No new KX450 for at least 2 years so no worry about pressure to replace
KX450 Cons:
-Forks need some tweaking
-Muffler is hideous - add $ for new exhaust
-No easy on-the-fly map switch or tuner
-Quality/Durability a little less than Yamaha
-Poor resale
YZ450 Pros:
-Sooo much hype
-Top notch Quality/Durability
-Suspension is best in class
-Power is super good
-Tuner app is sweet
-Probably don't have to spend much on extras
YZ450 Cons:
-$2.5K more than Kawi leftover
-Rode a '19 and felt strange - knees were above seat making it hard to grip- has this changed for '20? I'm only 6'1"...
-Ergos overall are slightly less desirable than the Kawi
-Expect a full model update before Kawi - like having newest models (FOMO what can I say)
Poll
https://www.kawasaki.com/accessories/item/kx-fi-calibration-kit-handheld/999990527
Making an informed decision without riding it yourself is a bit of a leap of faith, but you truly can't go wrong. From what I read, you're leaning toward the Kawie. Load it up and break it in this weekend.
The Shop
Chain slider and roller wears quickly (no big deal)
Engine hanger stripped with a proper torque wrench
Throttle tube has to immediately be replaced if you want different grips
The clutch......i went to a rekluse setup pretty quickly
Subframe bracket that holds the muffler broke off
Handlebar holders twist with a strong breeze
Play develops quickly in the footpegs because the footpeg brackets are aluminum
Not enough oil in the forks from the factory (fuckers)
Engine is very noisy and sounds a little clunky
Air filter setup is clunky
That’s just off the top of my head. I’ve got 30 hours on mine and after adjustment and dealing with that crap the bike is obviously a great race bike. I love riding it and it’s awesome and easy to ride quickly.
The yamaha.....for the first time in the history of bikes that i’ve purchased.....only required grips.
I get it. It sucks to hear that our babies are ugly but it’s just a dirt bike so it’s ok.
The KX isnt 2500 less if you have to spend $xxxx amount of money on exhaust and suspension work. With that logic you might as well look at RM's.
Del Amo in socal had these lined up, with one grey yamaha 2020/450 on the other side of the store.
I wish i could ride both these bikes...
I have a 17’ crf450 and plan on keeping it. But is the juice worth the squeeze ? Does yamaha demo bikes ? I know ktm is having a demo day of there bikes and wp components at Cahuilla 10/11/19.
See you at the track !
Pit Row
KX450 Pros:
-Bike will fit you well at 6'1" and the ergos are MUCH better.
-Easy to add some oil, possibly .52 springs, and you'll be close for suspension. Revalve and additional tuning can make it even better.
-Great motor with easy to understand couplers.
-Hydraulic clutch works well and losing the judder-spring is an easy upgrade.
-Best aluminum frame available: compliant, plush, well-balanced.
-No major changes before 2022 models (most likely).
-Parts are now readily available (OE and aftermarket).
-Price!
KX450 Cons:
-Tougher resale.
-Better sell before 80 hours or thereabouts; doesn't hold up as well as other 450 offerings.
-No fix for the bazooka exhaust (cosmetic issue only).
YZ450F Pros:
-Better build quality, though the trans takes a bit longer to 'break-in'.
-Great engine package as well and more tunable if you like to mess with settings.
-Can't beat the suspension off the showroom floor. At 200lbs., I have to dial in everything anyways so this isn't much of a concern, and once tuned basically all the spring offerings (minus BFRC) work excellent.
-Should remain the same till 2022 as well.
-Can go 100+ hours without issue.
YZ450F Cons:
-Handling is the most difficult fix for all the fast 450's, and this is a unique platform which can compound the problem.
-Shrouds are rubbish: too wide and uncomfortable.
-I wear ear plugs, but without them the YZF has a noticeable intake noise...
-Felt great riding at 80% or less, but pushing on this bike was the most difficult for me; it can feel so good in places, and then so unnerving when it goes away (often unanticipated). Wouldn't like to race this bike.
-Feels heavy when mistakes are made, not nearly as 'nimble' as the KX450 in transitions or when the back steps out.
Since you rode a 19', you have a good idea how the Yamaha (still) feels. Here's hoping this adds to your info about each one, and for transparency, I'm one of the Kawi votes...
The power was a little more tame and suspension was almost perfect. I’m 160lbs 35 B/C rider.
You can’t go wrong but the $2500 less is the kicker for me. Get your suspension set up, exhaust system, maybe grips and bars if needed. You’ll be more dialed in and still be saving money.
It's strange how the Yamaha is a large, wide feeling bike but the seat to pegs distance is so short. I'd hate that.
The newer yz's seems to have alot more problems with engine failures,gerbox failures, starter clutches and cracked frames just Google it 😂
both are great on the track. i would go with the yzf just for the build quality I run a small perfomance bike shop here in alberta 403mx
https://www.instagram.com/403mx
When comparing the two brands. In my neck of the woods there are far more yamahas sold and ridden locally blue has a big presence here. Yet in my shop i have alot more of kxfs 250-450s in for engine failures than blue. I see very very few issues with yamaha 4 strokes.
just not a fan of kawi build quality. There are some big names out there who ride for kawi I know constantly bitch about how often they blow up and break green bikes... never speak of it on social media just around a bonfire etc.
i did get to ride a 19 kxf and i must say it is the best bike they have ever made.
I also remember some people on here having engine issues with the 19s
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