Posts
311
Joined
3/25/2018
Location
CA
Edited Date/Time
12/25/2018 10:23am
Hey everyone, a new old guy here, used to be "Karma" on here for 2-3 years. Place got kinda annoying but I guess just have to ignore the BS and enjoy the other aspects of Vital,
Anyhoo, I have decided to return to the sport this spring, on a 450. I love everything I see and hear about the new KX, but I also know of a 14 RMZ that is brand new, and way way cheaper. My question is, how much difference would there be between the 2? My thinking is that if I spend some $ to improve the Suzuki's forks, plus a bit of bling, I would be perfectly happy with the zuke? My rational is the the RM turns and handles great, has a pretty good motor, and the ergos are great too. Is there anything else besides the forks, and lack of E-start
that are of any note that would make the KX a way better choice?
I will be riding Vet over 50 class and used to be a fast local pro.
thanks
ps This will be my first 4 stroke.
Anyhoo, I have decided to return to the sport this spring, on a 450. I love everything I see and hear about the new KX, but I also know of a 14 RMZ that is brand new, and way way cheaper. My question is, how much difference would there be between the 2? My thinking is that if I spend some $ to improve the Suzuki's forks, plus a bit of bling, I would be perfectly happy with the zuke? My rational is the the RM turns and handles great, has a pretty good motor, and the ergos are great too. Is there anything else besides the forks, and lack of E-start
that are of any note that would make the KX a way better choice?
I will be riding Vet over 50 class and used to be a fast local pro.
thanks
ps This will be my first 4 stroke.
I’ve owned ever brand, currently have 2- KTM’s and 2- Suzuki’s. I had the 14.5 and 15.5 KTM 450’s and while they were great bikes, I like my RMZ better.
1. Can you on a performance standpoint utilize everything either 450 offers? (Not to insult, but I’m comfortably betting no....)
2. Will the E-start button alone decide what you pick? (You never mentioned price, but I’m betting it’s substantial. Is it really worth it that much to you?)
3. You named a handful of things you really liked about the Suzuki, all positives, meaning your right off the bat going with something you already like. Plus, it’s brand new..... Falling for a new latest greatest, that’s as simple as drinking someone else’s kool-aid.
4. Someone well respected in this sport told me 2 years ago a line about E-start I’ll never forget.....(Yes, it’s a selling point, but not necessary. We have it to help our guys get going quickly, period. At this level, time, and position, is money. Lots of it.....)
5. Which one will make you the happiest? It’s your cash, and that’s what matters most. With all that said, it just essentially depends on what you want to see every time you flip the lights on in your shop....
Good luck, be safe, have fun ?
The Shop
On a side note, my Daddy said something at a race about a year ago that made me laugh.....
He’s 75, and overheard some guys beside him having the whole E start debate. He casually looked at both and said....
“Boys, listen. This isn’t that difficult . If you think you really need electric start, and you’re not doing this for a living, you’re one of a handful of things....”
“A wimp, lazy, or old like me. I’m old, and that’s a badge I proudly wear. I sure as hell would hate to have to admit to the world I was one of the others.... especially if I was young like yourselves. If it’s too much trouble to kick it to life, you damn sure don’t need to be part of it, good chance it’s gonna knock you on your ass. I don’t see electric start on any of the Mini’s out here today....”. I just laughed ?
The RMZ is $5,100 K. and the KX, around 11K
Nuts. Fun is what he is after, and I merely said that he had quoted positive things about the Suzuki that appealed to he. Is the Kawasaki more modern? Sure is! But, I can also read shootouts, and it’s cuttiing edge design didn’t win shit either..... Golden years? I’m certain the man has worked his entire life, so that’s why I said, pick whatever you want, just be safe, and have fun.
And yes, I can offord either one of the two......
Paying for a third year college student, plus a daughter fixing to start in June proves easily I can afford to buy a new motorcycle. I’ll be in my golden years here before too long, and I’m sure I’ll ask members here for new bike advice as well, once my kids are taken care of. But I have a good inclination to not bother yourself with any curiosities I may have........ Take care.
..."it's just one of those bikes." Yeah this is what I have a feeling about with this bike. One of those meaning, really easy ride, which for me translates to fast and fun. It doesn't hurt that RC put a lot of input into this bike. He would know how to make a bike work well.
The Kawi sounds great too, and all that new bling, food for thought too.
Now that the bike is 4-5 years outdated I’d have a hard time pulling the trigger on that. With that being said I had a 2013 rmz 450 and I loved it. But it was heavy.
I had it revalved by ProValve in Costa Mesa and eventually had RG3 put their patented smart valve in the fork but after all was said and done there was just no justifying throwing more money at something that didn’t work well.
What did work well on the bike was the chassis, the rear shock, and smooth power delivery. I can safely say my 18 fc350 is better in every way though.
Pit Row
With that said, I wouldn't ride a new KX if you aren't prepared to buy one. I have an 18' Honda 450 and even though I don't care for the ridge chassis I know I wouldn't trade it for my old Suzuki.
Post a reply to: New 2014 RMZ 450 vs New 2019 KX450 ?