Posts
81
Joined
12/5/2020
Location
Tilton, NH
US
Edited Date/Time
12/22/2020 2:45pm
I usually don’t post on forums but I could really benefit from hearing some of your suggestions and reviews. New England rider, b class, currently ride a 2019 CRF450. I love the Honda power plant and for the most part the whole bike except the rigid feeling chassis at times. I have my suspension revalved and it works fairly well for my 5,10” 190lb frame.
I had a chance to ride a 2020 kx450, and really liked the chassis. The engine was a lot more mellow then my Honda even with the white and green coupler, but I could ride it twice as long and it didn’t tire me out as quick. Now before riding the KX I had planned on getting a Kim but I’ve never ridden one and it’s a lot of loot to blow on a bike you haven’t ridden. I’ve seen mixed reviews on the KTM 450, some say it’s a slower revving bike and when off throttle feels heavier then other 450s even though it’s the lightest.
What is the 2021 KTM 450 engine character? How does it handle? Yes I will probably need to do a KYB conversion but aside from that any feedback you have on the bike would be appreciated. Have any of you switched from a Honda to Kim or kawi to KTM?
Thanks!
I had a chance to ride a 2020 kx450, and really liked the chassis. The engine was a lot more mellow then my Honda even with the white and green coupler, but I could ride it twice as long and it didn’t tire me out as quick. Now before riding the KX I had planned on getting a Kim but I’ve never ridden one and it’s a lot of loot to blow on a bike you haven’t ridden. I’ve seen mixed reviews on the KTM 450, some say it’s a slower revving bike and when off throttle feels heavier then other 450s even though it’s the lightest.
What is the 2021 KTM 450 engine character? How does it handle? Yes I will probably need to do a KYB conversion but aside from that any feedback you have on the bike would be appreciated. Have any of you switched from a Honda to Kim or kawi to KTM?
Thanks!
I say pick a color. Which has better dealer support near you?
Current steed is an ‘18 kx450f.
1) The chassis is narrow, and has the best bump adsorption
2) handles well
3) you can make any bike faster
4) better starting point for suspension
The Shop
I've ridden the Kawsaki quite a bit and even in a coupl'a shootouts. It's a great bike. The fork was a bit soft...that was my only complaint. Outside of that I know it eats a few parts really quickly...simple things like the chain-guide and chain.
When people talk about the fork on the new KTMs, they don't seem to know how good they are on the new bikes.
Even-though my screen-name is TeamGreen, it's the orange bikes that I think are worth the money these days.
Rode my buddy’s Ktm yea it revs a lil slower but not a big deal, felt very light, turned a hair better maybe, but the problem is the forks! They suck! If I didn’t have to spend another grand to get them right I might go Ktm
I know people will say the new forks are good, but if there so good then why don’t the factory guys use them?
Electric start, hydro clutch, belville washer clutch spring... does it have no tools airbox as well?
Pit Row
The 21 Fork is vastly better than the 2020.
11 Bar in the fork and 15 clicks out on the comp is the sweet spot. Use Map 2 if you want snappier response. Try to ride one before you buy, they feel different than an Aluminum framed dirt bike. I am 5'11"/170
23 years on Hondas, this is my 4th KTM after buying my first in 2017. I won't be switching back anytime soon.
The other 2 are much more recent and involve developing the KX for racing...including some AMAZING suspension and “Too Much” motor! I’ve raced them both in stock form and in ridiculous form.
😂
But, out of the box and for the average guy? I’m saying it’s SX-F allllll day.
If you’re gonna spend whatever ya need to make it exactly how ya want it...?
Buy whatever is your favorite.
You should buy whichever one you can make TOTALLY RIDICULOUS for the least money!
I’d go WP & Twisted Development on the SX-F and that would mean starting with the “almost here” Red Bull Edition...or the ‘20 version (you’re gonna have A LOT of take-off parts to sell for A LOT of $$$: been there, done that...including ALWAYS selling those communist pipes & that goofy dark blue seat!)
Or...
Get a new ‘19-‘21 KX & have it shipped to Mitch and ask for “Full Tilt”...& ask really, really nicely.
Post a reply to: KTM 450 or KX450