Posts
782
Joined
8/21/2016
Location
Spring, TX
US
Edited Date/Time
3/12/2021 9:20am
I'm looking at getting a new 450 this summer and have narrowed it down to the Yamaha and Kawi, I have ridden neither. I'm a long time Honda guy, but have been on KTM/Husky since 2017. I want to try something different and make a run at Loretta's in the 40+ class next year.
I really like the technology in the Yamaha with the maps being adjustable in the app, both have really good suspension. Lots of pros to either and not very many cons. And feedback from people who have ridden both?
I really like the technology in the Yamaha with the maps being adjustable in the app, both have really good suspension. Lots of pros to either and not very many cons. And feedback from people who have ridden both?
Not free or sponsorship, but is known for having parts and knowledgable people on hand to help with issues?
That's who you choose
The Shop
As far as the local dealer, not much support for either brand here and both are sold at the same dealer. Honestly, I'd probably be looking at going up to Dallas or Oklahoma to get a good deal. Even considering getting one from EBR and Rock River. Shipping is pretty cheap on bikes if the deal is good.
Damn. SMH.
At 6 foot, I bet you’d like the layout and adjustability of the KX better, but you really ought to try to take a spin on both.
I tried and tried to support local dealers. But when they have to order a spark plug for a PW50 that takes a week to get to the shop and I’ve got to pay premium and shipping it’s not worth it. I can have it shipped to my front door in a day. I can have “real” shops work on the stuff I cannot do myself. All these 100,000 sq ft dealerships have lost touch with the reality of the sport.
I like the Kawasaki
I got to ride one at the Yamaha Demo days last Sunday.
First, the KYB SSS stock fork is the best front suspension I have ever ridden. I spent over two grand on my WP Xact fork, and the stock Yamaha fork blows it away, and it was not even set up for me. It sucked up the braking chop and acceleration bumps extremely well. It actually pissed me off with how good it is.
The shock was not nearly as plush as the fork, but again it wasn't set up for me at all.
The motor is extremely aggressive on map 1. I'm used to smooth power of a KTM, and the YZ is so damn powerful on the bottom it just pulls like crazy. Most powerful 450 I've ever ridden. I sort of got used to the power after a few laps,, but this is not a bike for people afraid to twist the throttle. I just had to blip the throttle in 3rd and I OJ'ed a 85 foot double - like flat landed it.
The bike feels heavy as compared to my 2021 KTM 450, there is a fair amount of weight up high, and it doesn't like to turn or get into ruts as easily as my bike. Again, this could be lack of set up, but you can sure feel how much it weighs.
If they could get the weight down a little I would buy one in a heartbeat just for the fork and the motor.
Pit Row
https://www.vitalmx.com/forums/Moto-Related,20/Lets-see-review-those-20…
Ultimately, I chose to stick the red route, but man was I ever close to pulling th trigger on the kx. It feels good, can't be bad kinda thing.. I am very happy with my decision to stay red as I absolutely love the way my 21we feels in every aspect. It's just very confidence inspiring, for ME. However, there is part of me that wishes ida tried something new and went with the kx.. Maybe next time..
Simply put, id choose the kx out of your two choices, without a doubt. I think the yam suspension is over rated, it's a pig (not talking weight, just feels like a clydesdale vs a quarter horse), and I wanted hydro clutch. Kx suspension is good with springs, has hydro, rider triangle felt good, plus team green. Kx seems more honda'ish in most aspects, so it may put you right at home right off the rip.
Everyone that currently has a YZ is going to tell you to get the Yamaha.
Everyone that currently has a KX is going to tell you to get the Kawasaki.
Buy whichever one you can get cheaper. Invest the savings into hookers and blow.
Post a reply to: Which 450, YZ or KX?