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One would think with the complete Honda redesign they would try to get a little closer to the KTM 450's weight. Does this mean that we are not going to see the aluminum frame production bikes get any lighter? Is this the delay on adding the magic button? Is the steel frame that much lighter?
I completely understand you can dump money into Ti parts and such to get it lighter but I am talking showroom floor production bikes.
Opinions?
I completely understand you can dump money into Ti parts and such to get it lighter but I am talking showroom floor production bikes.
Opinions?
The Shop
Basic stuff like a lack of caliper and rear disc guards (less metal, no bolts, no plastic) save a surprising amount of weight, unsprung as well.
I've saved a ton of weight on my RMZ just by switching a load of bolts to aluminum, simplifying the crank breather hosing, removing caliper/disc guards and adding a Ti Yoshimura exhaust.
The Japanese brands could get their bikes to the low 230's but they need to re design everything in order to do so, which is a big/expensive task.
230 pounds but they said still heavier than a stock KTM 450, and not by a little. Not at all.
Is that right? Fuck me. Yamaha. What are you doing? That bike isn't that old, why is it so goddamn heavy?!?!
I too have wondered how KTM can be so much lighter. But then when building a new wheel for my YZ I was shocked how much heavier the hubs were than any of the KTM wheels I've built. So, I'm guessing it's just a little bit everywhere that adds up. Still, I'd love to see the comparison. It could be broken down pretty simply. Catagories could be; frame, sub frame, all plastic, wheels, suspension components, wiring and ignition, and exhaust.
Motorcycles are a sideshow/hobby for the japs. I highly doubt that they're willing to devote as many resources to evolving a product which saw its sales heyday over 30 years ago as KTM, especially when they have other avenues of sustaining long term growth which are far more profitable. As long as they produce a bike which is at least competitive, they can sell units and stay in the game no matter how much profit is realized. I also doubt they care about their bike weighing an extra 5lbs as long as it means their warranty hotline phone isn't ringing off of the hook because their new lightweight parts broke.
You guys should stop piss whining about how much they weigh. We've only got so long before either we or the sport are gone, buy your favorite color and enjoy the ride while it lasts.
I just dont think there is any reason for them to because 1) there is a weight limit for pro racing and 2) the bikes are already insanely fast and dangerous for 99% of the people who buy them.
KTM is definitely making them look very conservative. It's 2017, the KTM/Husky is the lightest, fastest, best handling, arguably best suspended, it has e-start, and they stand behind their product better than anyone else when a problem should occur. I look forward to seeing what the Japanese come up with to respond with.
I would say KTM makes a light bike that is not as reliable or longlasting as a Honda. Albeit race bikes are not supposed to be as reliable as a consumer bike. I think Honda provides the best compromise and will outlast any other brand over the long term of ownership. Yeah, I can buy a CRF and change the exhaust, footpegs, wheels and a few parts and get it close. Is that going to make the average local pro any faster? I can drop 5 lbs off my body and be done with it. Save some money and fit in my clothes better and get a better weight/ratio. The new bikes are all coming down in weight and the manufacturers are making them more flickable and improving the ergos. As long as you are moving in the right direction which is true for all except for Suzuki, then all is good.
I will say that Honda missed the boat by not putting the button on the CRF stock. That would have surely put it as the winner of the shootout. I can see the Austrian bikes getting a big nudge in points for that and rightfully so. If you dont have a button on the bike today, you are BEHIND the curve. Honda needs to put the button on and be within 5 lbs of KTM somehow and still keep the quality and reliability for the average consumer.
Thats why KTM is winning the wallets of the serious racers. They have a bike that is geared more towards the racer.
If you get a new bike every year, a KTM is a great bike if it doesnt get you killed by an exploding rim, cracked subframe or failed electronics. If you keep your bikes for a long time, the Honda might be cheaper to own and better for your health.
I am not trying to offend any KTM owners, I pointed out the fact that they are the best race bike for many, and it has its flaws, and I did the same for my favorite brand as well. I admit I drink the Red Koolaid.
Pit Row
Bought a -16 450sxf, i managed to get 40 hours on it over the entire -16 season (march-october), the rest of the time it was in pieces.
I broke my forks upwards about 30 times during those hours, then i had some issues with me breaking the triple clamps, some electrical issues and what not.
I weigh 70kg or 140 pounds give or take, and i ride the swedish national championship, nothing extraordinary, my father is a professional mechanic and has been for the last 25 years, so i dont blame him.
I will never race a ktm again.
When Honda gets the button standard and within a few lbs of KTM, they will send the orange bikes back to where they belong!
Im sorry to the younger folks, but I remember KTMs back when they where white and they sucked donkey *****.
I admit they are now a much better brand and they have forced the Japs to up their game. KTM has a place, just never in my garage. Yes, I am an old school red koolaid drinker.
Theres only a 1 pound difference between the KTM and Kawasaki when it comes to the 250.
If everything else is equal, theoretically, why wouldn't you pick the one that weighs less?
I'd probably be more influenced by parts prices and availability than weight, but it would still be a factor in the decision.
The biggest thing to keep in mind is MSRP. Honda could build you a 220lb CRF450, but it would cost 10 grand.
They do this because they've drilled/milled so many holes out of the gears that the strength is lost.
When you order the replacement gear, it's a superceeded part number and guess what.... Yes, it's solid, no holes!
I believe their Sub-Frame is.
Post a reply to: So does the 2017 CRF450 prove that the current production aluminium frame 450's are as light as they will get?