Forum QNA: 2019 Vital MX 450 Shootout

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450 Shootout
Vital MX Shootout
swtwtwtw
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swtwtwtw 8/27/2018 4:35am
8/27/2018 4:35am
Lynch wrote:
Good info, what gearing are you using on your bike? Went up one tooth on mine (49).
49t, I ought to have mentioned that.
1
bessemerengine 8/27/2018 12:36pm
8/27/2018 12:36pm
I thought both the video and written shootout were excellent. Probably the best ever by any publication. I say this because you provided space for all the riders to give their complete opinions. We readers all were provided with a test rider we could relate to on either skill level, age, or weight so there was something good for everyone.
Being 50, 210lbs, and a C rider I feel like I need the best forks and confidence that the engine will provide enough power to save me when I make a mistake. I have learned tha hard way that just putting stiffer springs on an off road bike is not enough for my larger frame.
I will probably go with your winner provided there is a gas tank available that will get me through a two hour race. So my only question is, "Will the 2019 YZ450FX fuel tank fit the regular YZ450F?" I like the idea of an FX but not the weight or the transmission gearing.
ML512
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ML512 8/27/2018 12:39pm
8/27/2018 12:39pm
bessemerengine wrote:
I thought both the video and written shootout were excellent. Probably the best ever by any publication. I say this because you provided space for all...
I thought both the video and written shootout were excellent. Probably the best ever by any publication. I say this because you provided space for all the riders to give their complete opinions. We readers all were provided with a test rider we could relate to on either skill level, age, or weight so there was something good for everyone.
Being 50, 210lbs, and a C rider I feel like I need the best forks and confidence that the engine will provide enough power to save me when I make a mistake. I have learned tha hard way that just putting stiffer springs on an off road bike is not enough for my larger frame.
I will probably go with your winner provided there is a gas tank available that will get me through a two hour race. So my only question is, "Will the 2019 YZ450FX fuel tank fit the regular YZ450F?" I like the idea of an FX but not the weight or the transmission gearing.
As far as I'm aware, it fits. If not, IMS has tanks that will.
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sandman768
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sandman768 8/28/2018 2:22pm
8/28/2018 2:22pm
How many hrs were put on each bike? As in an actual hr meter like what comes on the Ktm....

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ML512
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ML512 8/28/2018 2:33pm
8/28/2018 2:33pm
sandman768 wrote:
How many hrs were put on each bike? As in an actual hr meter like what comes on the Ktm....
8-10 hours prior to the test, except for the KTM and Husky which were delivered with around six each.

During the three days of testing, each bike picked up around 12 hours on each them.
Derek Harris 8/31/2018 2:49pm
8/31/2018 2:49pm
ML512 wrote:
What’s your weight, were the clickers stock on either and how far off was the sag? So far, amongst my test group and the other media...
What’s your weight, were the clickers stock on either and how far off was the sag?

So far, amongst my test group and the other media outlets, the forks are receiving massive praise on their initial plushness. Even from our lightest to heaviest riders, there wasn’t a single negative comment about the initial feel of the KX forks.

Also, if the triple clamp pinch bolts have been loosened and not torques properly (too tight) it can ruin the initial to mid stroke feel...
Superdave19 wrote:
Interesting - I'm 180lbs...Both owners said sag was 105. Stk clicker settings so they say..
Might just need to be broken in.

Sure felt light/nimble!
what track did you feel they were harsh

Was the sag set?

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Superdave19 9/1/2018 7:26pm
9/1/2018 7:26pm
Derek Harris wrote:
what track did you feel they were harsh

Was the sag set?

Local Track in Houston- 3Palms-
I’m close to the same weight as the two owners. One was set @ 105, the other, cant say for sure. I’ll get another Moto in soon. Has to be just a break-in process.
Aceofspades 9/2/2018 9:23pm
9/2/2018 9:23pm
blaze 57 wrote:
Lindsey totally messes up the KTM handling/suspension going to only 103mm sag. That s not enough! They like 107mm or even 110mm but definitely above 105mm...
Lindsey totally messes up the KTM handling/suspension going to only 103mm sag. That s not enough! They like 107mm or even 110mm but definitely above 105mm. Oh well maybe he like that funky kind of handling. Everyone is different.
He cant bottom out works forks either, that asshole.
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mx317 9/10/2018 9:19am
9/10/2018 9:19am
blaze 57 wrote:
Lindsey totally messes up the KTM handling/suspension going to only 103mm sag. That s not enough! They like 107mm or even 110mm but definitely above 105mm...
Lindsey totally messes up the KTM handling/suspension going to only 103mm sag. That s not enough! They like 107mm or even 110mm but definitely above 105mm. Oh well maybe he like that funky kind of handling. Everyone is different.
ML512 wrote:
I typically like higher sag numbers as you stated, I tried the bike at 107mm and it got worse for me this year. At 103mm, it...
I typically like higher sag numbers as you stated, I tried the bike at 107mm and it got worse for me this year. At 103mm, it helped settle the fork and put just the right amount of weight on it for me to be comfortable. There is no magic sag number that works for every rider. It’s also Lindsay, not Lindsey.

Here are the sag numbers I preferred for the balance I felt worked best “for me” on each bike.

102mm Yamaha
110mm Suzuki
103mm KTM
105mm Husqvarna
106mm Honda
107mm Kawasaki
Where did you measure the sag on the KTM/HQV? Was it in the arc of the swingarm or at the sag marks on the fender? I found as much as a 7mm difference between the two.
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swtwtwtw 9/10/2018 10:53am
9/10/2018 10:53am
blaze 57 wrote:
Lindsey totally messes up the KTM handling/suspension going to only 103mm sag. That s not enough! They like 107mm or even 110mm but definitely above 105mm...
Lindsey totally messes up the KTM handling/suspension going to only 103mm sag. That s not enough! They like 107mm or even 110mm but definitely above 105mm. Oh well maybe he like that funky kind of handling. Everyone is different.
ML512 wrote:
I typically like higher sag numbers as you stated, I tried the bike at 107mm and it got worse for me this year. At 103mm, it...
I typically like higher sag numbers as you stated, I tried the bike at 107mm and it got worse for me this year. At 103mm, it helped settle the fork and put just the right amount of weight on it for me to be comfortable. There is no magic sag number that works for every rider. It’s also Lindsay, not Lindsey.

Here are the sag numbers I preferred for the balance I felt worked best “for me” on each bike.

102mm Yamaha
110mm Suzuki
103mm KTM
105mm Husqvarna
106mm Honda
107mm Kawasaki
mx317 wrote:
Where did you measure the sag on the KTM/HQV? Was it in the arc of the swingarm or at the sag marks on the fender? I...
Where did you measure the sag on the KTM/HQV? Was it in the arc of the swingarm or at the sag marks on the fender? I found as much as a 7mm difference between the two.
Nice catch, good question.
ML512
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ML512 9/10/2018 1:24pm
9/10/2018 1:24pm
ML512 wrote:
I typically like higher sag numbers as you stated, I tried the bike at 107mm and it got worse for me this year. At 103mm, it...
I typically like higher sag numbers as you stated, I tried the bike at 107mm and it got worse for me this year. At 103mm, it helped settle the fork and put just the right amount of weight on it for me to be comfortable. There is no magic sag number that works for every rider. It’s also Lindsay, not Lindsey.

Here are the sag numbers I preferred for the balance I felt worked best “for me” on each bike.

102mm Yamaha
110mm Suzuki
103mm KTM
105mm Husqvarna
106mm Honda
107mm Kawasaki
mx317 wrote:
Where did you measure the sag on the KTM/HQV? Was it in the arc of the swingarm or at the sag marks on the fender? I...
Where did you measure the sag on the KTM/HQV? Was it in the arc of the swingarm or at the sag marks on the fender? I found as much as a 7mm difference between the two.
swtwtwtw wrote:
Nice catch, good question.
Sag marks on the rear fender. Each OEM provides a technician at these events and that's how they wanted to measure it. Each OEM typically measures near vertically and I tend to in my everyday setup.
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stimpy
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stimpy 9/22/2018 8:49am
9/22/2018 8:49am
Brilliant review but when will it be finished. Was really looking foward to seeing the laptimes. Be great to see how the data backs up or contradicts the rider opinions.
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lil717
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lil717 10/1/2018 3:38am
10/1/2018 3:38am Edited Date/Time 10/1/2018 3:39am
So not totally shootout related but down here in Australia the 18 yzf's are on sale discounted with 1% finance, do the new wheel spacers and lugs retro fit to the 18 or are even more parts required ?
ML512
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ML512 10/1/2018 10:39am
10/1/2018 10:39am
lil717 wrote:
You can retro fit them along with the seat foam. The wheel spacers requires the fork lugs for the full effect, not sure how much the lugs are though...
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Pit Row

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Derek Harris 10/9/2018 9:41pm
10/9/2018 9:41pm
the racetech dyno happened.

Dont get me started on this topic! Long and short - if you EVER decide to own a dyno - and want repeatable - consistent results - go inertia.


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mattyhamz2
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mattyhamz2 10/17/2018 6:45pm
10/17/2018 6:45pm
JChambers48 wrote:
Which one of these bikes suit more hardpacked, edgy tracks?
Easiest bike Yamaha. Most tuneable with the least amount of time and money.
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fpandjic 12/4/2018 11:06pm
12/4/2018 11:06pm
fpandjic wrote:
I'm also interested in the engine braking. Which one has the most and which one the least engine braking? Also remember that there was a mentiond...
I'm also interested in the engine braking. Which one has the most and which one the least engine braking?

Also remember that there was a mentiond of less engine braking map for yamah. Any chance we get that map?
ML512 wrote:
I'll try to get that map. For now, here's the TP map which most of us thought is all-around better. [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2018/08/22/282134/s1200_tp20map.jpg[/img]
I'll try to get that map. For now, here's the TP map which most of us thought is all-around better.


ML any chance of getting that map with less engine braking? Smile

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