Advice, 2009 RMZ450 vs 2012 kx450f

Had a 2012 kx450 and really liked it and currently own a 2014 yz450 that I love. Honestly, out of the three, the Yamaha to me is the easy choice with the KX being second. The 14 yz motor is amazing and the suspension is second to none along with being the most reliable motor out there

All those bikes seem over priced.

I have a mint 2015 rmz450, and I kept it because the best offer I got was 3000!

Keep searching and look for something low hours and not messed around with. They are out there

I do know that the 2012 KX450F had one of the strongest KX motors ever built. It had quite a bit more grunt than even my 16' KX450F , but was pretty volatile. The 16' Kawi was a lot lighter , more nimble with a more user friendly bike compared to the 2012. It was also the best 450 I had ever ridden.

The RMZ and KX do seem overpriced to me as well but that's just what the prices are in my area (idaho). the YZ isn't too bad but wonder if he would take less if I show up with cash, as he is not too far so the drive isn't bad. I've always wanted a KX but people are asking too much around here so I was just gonna buy the RMZ since it is the cheapest and definitely would not have to buy anything for the bike, as far as upgrades since it has some decent mods to it.
By the way, would mostly be doing trail riding and some riding on open land and maybe go to the track about once a month at most

That what I like about KX. Have heard their motors are great and strong.
Have heard some bad things about YZF but not so much from 14 and up.
And haven't really heard much about RMZ

The kx450f has a super strong engine. In my opinion they were hard to set up to get to turn well.
I personally Like the rmz better. They run well with a pipe and remap. Stock map was horrible. They turn good too.
Idk much about the Yamaha. If your riding mx I'd say rmz. High speed desert open area riding I'd go with a kawi or the Yamaha.

No comparison there. Yamaha hands down.

Id choose between the kx and yz.

Find a bike with 20 hrs or less doesnt sound like the rmz or kx are low hours

Try not to buy a four stroke that has been rebuilt........especially if you don't know the mechanic....if it has anything more than a scuff on the frame rails I move on with 4 strokes. Tits on the stock tires are a bonus....

I think I'm going to pass on the RMZ since it's. About to be a 10 year old race bike. And I do want something newer since I will have this bike for a while. Going to checkout the YZF today hopefully

I'd go with the Yamaha first, with the Kawi next in line.

By the way, I just sold my 2014 KX450f with around 60 hours on it for $3700.00 because the local market was flooded with financially competitive Kawi's. I'm sure you can find better deals that what you're currently seeing on your local Craigslist.

David_Solis wrote:

I think I'm going to pass on the RMZ since it's. About to be a 10 year old race bike. And I do want something newer since I will have this bike for a while. Going to checkout the YZF today hopefully

Buy a new leftover rmz ,$5k. 2017 450. Use the $3200 downpayment. Finance ,2k, brand new bike. No brainer

mxb2 wrote:

Buy a new leftover rmz ,$5k. 2017 450. Use the $3200 downpayment. Finance ,2k, brand new bike. No brainer

Good advice. The only way I'd purchase a used 4t would be if it was hardly used from new with no more than 5 hrs..
Unfortunately the majority for sale have been abused & it could be a potential time bomb especially if proper maintenance wasn't performed. It's a risk buying a used 4t & it can cost more $ in the long run if it goes.

Lot of fear about purchasing used 4 stroke dirt bikes, much of it is justified, and we do hear the horror stories amplified each time they are told ....BUT there are many excellent values out there posted by riders that have been diligent with their servicing and added quality parts and have 20 - 50 easy hours on them and are selling only because they need/want the next best thing....these are the real values in used 4 strokes.

I have many good riding buddies, and they have many also, f I needed a bike for this spring we'd come up with a screaming deal on a quality, newer 450 that would suit me for as long as I wanted to ride it.

Don't be afraid to spread the word that you're looking, the bike will find you.

I only buy use bikes that still have the original chain and sprokets and original tires. Bikes like this are usually good as new, barely ridden. Look for tool marks on the nuts and bolts. Stay away from bikes that have been worked on. They are out there like this.

Taotech wrote:

I only buy use bikes that still have the original chain and sprokets and original tires. Bikes like this are usually good as new, barely ridden. Look for tool marks on the nuts and bolts. Stay away from bikes that have been worked on. They are out there like this.

Completely agreed. They are out there its the way to go and what i suggested also. Original chain sprockets, seat, plastics, minimal wear on case covers and as you said look for tool marks on bolts like cylinder nuts, swingarm bolt, seat bolts, etc

Passed on all bikes and I am now looking at a 2013 rmz450 with lower hours than the other bikes. If he still has the bike by the 19th, I am looking at $3500 for it and thats about the best deal around here if I can grab it so I will see

David_Solis wrote:

Passed on all bikes and I am now looking at a 2013 rmz450 with lower hours than the other bikes. If he still has the bike by the 19th, I am looking at $3500 for it and thats about the best deal around here if I can grab it so I will see

For a 2013, offer him 2500 and don't go past 3000

David_Solis wrote:

Passed on all bikes and I am now looking at a 2013 rmz450 with lower hours than the other bikes. If he still has the bike by the 19th, I am looking at $3500 for it and thats about the best deal around here if I can grab it so I will see

Bruce372 wrote:

For a 2013, offer him 2500 and don't go past 3000

This^^^^

Everyone around my area is asking $4k+ for bike 2012, 2011, and some 2010 that I have seen. Idk what these people are thinking
But did happen to find a 12 kx450 that I can get for $3500. Looks in good shape, new chain new, sprocket, new plastics, suspension done, and valves checked and fmf slip on but the bolt on pieces has to be welded.
And both the kx and rmz were asking 4200 for their bikes