Almost New Bike Time

If you get a 2015-2016 leftover rmz450, thats the same spec as the 2017 rmz, you will be able to buy all new gear and a set if spare wheels as well for less than the price of a new ktm alone.

The rmz is an enigma, it looks like the 2008 bike and many parts interchange, but it's a really good bike.

I have a 16 KX and I came off an 11 RMZ. My Suzuki was bulletproof and I really enjoyed it but my Kawasaki is everything my Suzuki was with some added stability and much lighter. I weighed both bikes with fuel before getting rid of my Zook and they were 236.5 (KX with a full Ti exhaust) and 253.5 (RMZ with skid plate, Yosh SS system). Based on the weight and the twitchiness of the Zook chassis, I would rule that one out. Out of the remaining 3, they are all great bikes but initial reports are that the air fork on the KTM is much better and simpler than that on the KX.

Bruce372 wrote:

If you get a 2015-2016 leftover rmz450, thats the same spec as the 2017 rmz, you will be able to buy all new gear and a set if spare wheels as well for less than the price of a new ktm alone.

The rmz is an enigma, it looks like the 2008 bike and many parts interchange, but it's a really good bike.

Although, Bruce does bring up a good point. You can get a 16 for close to $6000 OTD around here. I'd probably still pass though.

How fast were you before? That may drive some of your choice.

The Zuke is a handling machine - at my age/speed (old/slow) cornering is more important than raw power, so I'd recommed Zuke. Not overpowering, great handling, twitchy not a concern at my speed.

I just rode most of the 17 KTM lineup (450/350F, 250/150/125 2t) and the 450 was really too much for me. The 350 was just right. Super light, love the magic button, but $$$$.

Had an 11 Zuke and now have a 13 CRF 450. I want to ride the 17 CRF (not a fan of air forks) and then will think about a new bike myself in 17.

Mike

If I were buying a bike right now, it would be the ktm since I need the very best bike to ride for 7 minutes before pulling off winded

My opinion is each 450 produces more than enough power. Find out which bike is comfortable to sit on most(go to a dealership and sit on them) and look at weight. The KTM/Husky and Kawi are pretty lightweight. Makes a big difference while riding.

Bruce372 wrote:

If I were buying a bike right now, it would be the ktm since I need the very best bike to ride for 7 minutes before pulling off winded

Haha!

Bruce372 wrote:

If I were buying a bike right now, it would be the ktm since I need the very best bike to ride for 7 minutes before pulling off winded

I had an 09 RMZ and it winded me getting it off the stand.. they are big old tubs.

Id buy the Husky, nice and light , and not Orange.

And electric start.

For pure fun the KTM 150 2T would be hard to beat. I'm actually considering one. Torquey enough. Super light and just the right power.

When I was riding before I quit I was racing 450A and Pro Sports so I was ok at riding. I'm 27 coming up on 28 now and I am just gonna ride the Vet Classes and have some fun with my buddies. Also I have put on some lbs haha since I was riding.

Bruce372 wrote:

If I were buying a bike right now, it would be the ktm since I need the very best bike to ride for 7 minutes before pulling off winded

philG wrote:

I had an 09 RMZ and it winded me getting it off the stand.. they are big old tubs.

Id buy the Husky, nice and light , and not Orange.

And electric start.

The gym and weights will eliminate that feeling. ,I have a 13 rmz 450, putting it on the stand is not a problem with strength and a good technique.

Without a doubt ktm or husky.

Beeler341 wrote:

When I was riding before I quit I was racing 450A and Pro Sports so I was ok at riding. I'm 27 coming up on 28 now and I am just gonna ride the Vet Classes and have some fun with my buddies. Also I have put on some lbs haha since I was riding.

Even tho it's been a few years, I think the bike you came off will still have muscle memory feelings.

What did you ride last?

The thing with KTM/Husky is that once you use the button, you don't go back!

Buy the Suki, you can work out and ride at the same time. save money and time.

I had a brief affair with a 16 KTM 150SX, not a fan, put me off to KTMs in general whether right or wrong, I wouldn't bother with the suzuki, lot of buddies have had bad maintenance stories plus you'll take a hit resale when the 18's come out since yours will be an older design. My vote is the KX, new design, proven and honestly any 450 will suit your needs, pick a color. lol.

I would go with the Husky of those choices...but I would get the 350.

Consider budget, resale, parts, dealer, contingency, if you plan on riding stock?. Maybe find a few demo days or a buddy that has a bike you are interested in. My 2 cents.

Bruce372 wrote:

If I were buying a bike right now, it would be the ktm since I need the very best bike to ride for 7 minutes before pulling off winded

lmao!!!

I bought a new YZ450F.

Is it the lightest? No
Is it the narrowest? No
Does it have e-start? No

Its by far the most stable chassis I have ridden, and the KYB forks are superb. It takes some tweaking to get the best front end feel during steer in, but a couple mm of sag one way or another makes a world of difference. I've never had a bike that was so responsive to chassis tweaks.

Straight line stability is unmatched, motor is out of this world, and it's bullet proof. That's why I picked the YZ.

I feel and have been told by my riding group that this is the fastest I have ever gone, and I have the bike to thank.

I have not been a kawasaki fan but my son got support, so I got a kawasaki 450. I can't get over how good this bike is. It handles as good as my suzuki and after about 3 rides I had the air forks dialed and love them. I'm a +30B rider and never thought the kawasaki would be as good as it is and the engine is SOOOOO good.

Rmz 450
It's like you are riding on rails!

Big dude hauling ass on a KX in a Tuxedo at local TN race sounds like a good combination.

Maybe if you wait it out a bit, you will get to ride the bikes before deciding.

MxKing809 wrote:

I bought a new YZ450F.

Is it the lightest? No
Is it the narrowest? No
Does it have e-start? No

Its by far the most stable chassis I have ridden, and the KYB forks are superb. It takes some tweaking to get the best front end feel during steer in, but a couple mm of sag one way or another makes a world of difference. I've never had a bike that was so responsive to chassis tweaks.

Straight line stability is unmatched, motor is out of this world, and it's bullet proof. That's why I picked the YZ.

I feel and have been told by my riding group that this is the fastest I have ever gone, and I have the bike to thank.

This! Almost exactly the same experience for me. Instantly felt comfortable, forks are so good, motor is amazing, such a stable and confidence inspiring bike. My buddies said they could tell a big difference instantly in my riding over my 15 kx450f. First 450 I've had that made me think I could sell some two strokes.

I recommend the KX

If you need everything, I have quite a few sets of barely worn '16 Shift gear/gloves I'm trying to let go cheap

I would go for the KXF, I have a 2017 450

MxKing809 wrote:

I bought a new YZ450F.

Is it the lightest? No
Is it the narrowest? No
Does it have e-start? No

Its by far the most stable chassis I have ridden, and the KYB forks are superb. It takes some tweaking to get the best front end feel during steer in, but a couple mm of sag one way or another makes a world of difference. I've never had a bike that was so responsive to chassis tweaks.

Straight line stability is unmatched, motor is out of this world, and it's bullet proof. That's why I picked the YZ.

I feel and have been told by my riding group that this is the fastest I have ever gone, and I have the bike to thank.

To your last point only, I had that once.

My 03 rm250 ( with a good amount of work done) made me better than I actually was. Short version is I traded my brand new 08 rmz to a local pro who had quit racing but wanted to start again.

Sold it to help pay for a crotch rocket. Sigh. Young and dumb.

MxKing809 wrote:

I bought a new YZ450F.

Is it the lightest? No
Is it the narrowest? No
Does it have e-start? No

Its by far the most stable chassis I have ridden, and the KYB forks are superb. It takes some tweaking to get the best front end feel during steer in, but a couple mm of sag one way or another makes a world of difference. I've never had a bike that was so responsive to chassis tweaks.

Straight line stability is unmatched, motor is out of this world, and it's bullet proof. That's why I picked the YZ.

I feel and have been told by my riding group that this is the fastest I have ever gone, and I have the bike to thank.

FI2T wrote:

This! Almost exactly the same experience for me. Instantly felt comfortable, forks are so good, motor is amazing, such a stable and confidence inspiring bike. My buddies said they could tell a big difference instantly in my riding over my 15 kx450f. First 450 I've had that made me think I could sell some two strokes.

Keep in mind I can't stand Yamaha.

I have been Honda through and through since I was on 80's. It PAINED me to buy a blue (well yellow) bike.

My brother had a 14, and I hated it. He bought a new 16 and I rode it before he gooned it out, and fell in love.

So I am (for now) a convert. There are some things I'm not thrilled about with the bike, like the wiring difiencies, the love-hate relationship I have with the airbox/filter design, and some chincy bolts here and there (not the entire bike).

But at the end of the day I can live with those things. You Will NOT find a bike to stay straighter through chop and rollers (sand rollers here), trust me.... I've tried all the 16 bikes except the KX and Husky (but did ride the KTM).

I recommend a KTM 300 SX with KYB forks.

i dont know how the 17 honda hasnt been brought up yet.. i think it may get bike of the year.. those 49mm twin chamber forks are practically the factory teams forks from a few years ago.... with 5+ more hp.. seems like a no brainer to me.