Advice, 2009 RMZ450 vs 2012 kx450f

David_Solis
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Mountain Home A F B, ID US
3/31/2018 10:10pm
Need help or advice on picking a bike. My last bike was an 04crf250. So been off the bike a few years. 

My dilemma is a 2009 rmz450 or a 2012 kx450f or maybe even a 2014 yzf450. RMZ is from a dealership. Was owned and maintained by an apprentice who works there at the shop so I'm sure maintainence was kept up on it, however the guy is a racer so that bike has been through a lot however taken care of. Guy said the bike practically has a new engine and does have some mods, fmf full system, rekluse clutch and forks have been revalved for  I believe 180 or 200lb rider, I am 150. And other small stuff. I think price OTD I can get it for is $3K or $$3200. 

2012 kx450f. Don' know much about but seems bike has been taken care of decently. Has KYB suspension. No mods really. Just hand guards and pro taper handle bar. And that's really it. Guy said he is pretty firm on $3800 but I'm sure will take $3600

And then there is a 2014 YZF450 that I've had my eye on but don' really want a Yamaha unless someone can change my mind. Looks like it' in decent condition and guy is asking  $3700. 

Any pros or cons to these bikes or personal experience that you guys can share? 

Thanks in advance
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mattyhamz2
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3/31/2018 10:14pm
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
Bruce372
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3/31/2018 10:37pm
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
jeffro503
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St Helens, OR US
3/31/2018 10:49pm
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.
David_Solis
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3/31/2018 11:32pm Edited Date/Time 3/31/2018 11:37pm
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 Shop

4/1/2018 3:19am
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.
Premix
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4/1/2018 4:33am
No comparison there. Yamaha hands down.
kb228
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Mansfield, OH US
4/1/2018 4:50am
Id choose between the kx and yz.
yz133rider
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4/1/2018 5:04am
Find a bike with 20 hrs or less doesnt sound like the rmz or kx are low hours
vetmxr
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4/1/2018 8:15am Edited Date/Time 4/1/2018 8:16am
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....
David_Solis
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4/1/2018 8:35am
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
PJ205
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Fallbrook, CA US
4/1/2018 8:49am Edited Date/Time 4/1/2018 8:51am
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.
mxb2
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4/1/2018 9:02am
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...
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
H4L
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4/1/2018 10:09am
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.
Forty
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4/1/2018 10:22am
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.


Taotech
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Fuquay Varina, NC US
4/1/2018 12:52pm
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.
yz133rider
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4/1/2018 8:16pm
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...
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
David_Solis
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Mountain Home A F B, ID US
4/4/2018 8:19pm
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
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4/4/2018 10:07pm
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...
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
walent215
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Ridgecrest, CA US
4/5/2018 3:34am
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...
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^^^^
David_Solis
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Mountain Home A F B, ID US
4/5/2018 7:57pm
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

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