I’m 53, not in great shape (working on that - I’ve started boxing training), and have Parkinson’s (early stage - doesn’t hinder me too much, especially when my meds are working well). Having said that, my reflexes and reactions are not what they used to be, and I have a TM 144 2 stroke that I ride mostly on a sand track. This 144 is just too hyperactive - way too much shifting and clutching for me to keep up with in my present state - especially in sand. It was fun 4 years ago but not anymore, especially since my clutch hand is affected by the Parkinson’s. I have given up on racing and just want to do easy, relaxed laps at a comfortable pace (slow). I can get a very nice 2017.5 KTM 450 factory edition that was owned by a guy I know who took excellent care of the bike and rode it low in the rpms. The bike has over 100 hours but is pristine and given how it was ridden and how I’d ride it, I don’t think it would need engine work for the foreseeable future. Would I be nuts to get a 450 in my situation? I’ve never owned one. I’ve owned pretty much everything else at some point but have been leery of 450s. I’m worried that the weight and power of the 450 might be too much. But I could get the ecu tuned for smoother, linear power (I rode a 450 xcf with a remap making it more linear and really liked it). I’ve ridden a few 450s I’ve liked (RMZ is very manageable, the xcf I just mentioned, Husky) and a few I hated (2018 Honda and Yamaha - both felt like overpowered tanks). More importantly, I rode. 21 KTM 450 and found it too aggressive for my liking. I’ve been told that the 2017 - 2018 models are a bit more mellow. Does this sound right? Again, I could always get a remap to tame it a bit if needed.
Am I nuts to even consider a 450? I’m looking for a relaxed ride that I can torque around a gear high so it appeals. But what sounds like a good idea is sometimes much different in reality. If I need some sense talked into me, please feel free to let me know that! If a 450 is nuts, then 250f, or 350? I’m thinking 4 stroke for the more planted feel. The 144 feels skittish and unpredictable in comparison, which I’m not liking.
450 or 350.
For me the 2011 CRF450 was perfect…good 450cc low endpower but top end not that explosive. Next 450 I had was a 2015 YZ450 which had too much top end power. Went to a 350 and miss the low end 450 power, but prefer the manageable 350 top end.
Get an older 450 or newer 350.
Tree fiddy
RMZ is hard to beat for what you’re describing
450 would be fine. That said, I'd probably get a Stark if I were you. You can adjust the power, engine braking to your desired preferences. No shifting. You'll love it.
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I had a 2011 crf450, I really liked that bike, I think it made less HP than the current 350? Very manageable…
Stark isn’t an option because of cost. I don’t know how long I’ll be able to ride so I’m not looking to sink a lot of into a bike. I’ve had 350 and yes, they’re great. I wouldn’t have considered a 450 but this particular bike is a good deal and very well cared for. I’ve ridden an RMZ and loved it so if the right one comes along I’d probably get one.
I always thought the 350 was a rocket. When I raced one, I could get fantastic starts. It’s certainly lighter feeling than the 450.
Get a 19 or newer kx450 and you will thank me. Super mellow and amazing
I’ve heard that. I know a guy who has one that he might be selling - it’s a definite possibility.
I wanted a rmz but couldn’t find one locally for les than 8500$. I ended up with a Honda 450 for 7500$ but honestly it’s too much power. I think I would have to consider a 250 again.
Try to sneak a ride on one. Some don't like the vibration and it might be a consideration with what you mentioned about your clutch hand and fatigue; or it might not bother you.
You plannng to stay on the track exclusively?
Almost all track. I told my riding buddies that if we do any off road rides I’m stay away from technical single track, no matter what bike I’m on.
XC300?
I have a last gen 270 SXF that is fully modded and makes 52 peak hp, and a stock except for suspension 23 RMZ 450. I find I can ride them both in a similar manner motor wise at least in terms of aggression. Of course the 270 needs to be screamed and the RMZ short shifted. What I am getting at is that the RMZ is awesome because I can ride it harder than any other 450 I have had or ridden. It is mellow and won't sneak up on you.
I am getting ready to sell the RMZ since it has about 80 hours on it and swap suspension, plastics, etc to a 2024. Dm me if you are interested. I would be pulling a good bit of the parts off the new one and slapping them on the current bike. Plastics, seat, suspension, bars, pegs, etc.
I’d consider that. I do like the handling of a 4 stroke though. I’m going to be slow in the corners no matter what. The 4 stroke feels more planted and stable everywhere else.
Gotcha.
I was going to suggest something like the XCF you mentioned having ridden, since you could probably set up the suspension to your liking on that easier (and cheaper) than you could make the engine/power delivery on the SX as agreeable for you, especially if you're set on a 4T 350/450.
But you're doing what I would do - ride as many different ones as you can to see what works best for you. 👍
From my experience they do, I have owned both for awhile.
@MPJC Look for a low hour used Stark if you can’t afford a new one. Easy to ride and very low maintenance.
If you get a chance ride one.
Pit Row
I fall in the old and slow group, I’ll be 69 in March. I just picked up a left over 24 KX450. I’ve only ridden it 40 minutes so far. It’s the easiest to ride of all my MX bikes, 23 Honda CRF250R and 24 Beta 300 RX.
Find a left over 24 KX450, ride in non aggressive mode with traction control set to blinking (highest traction control sitting). Leave the plug in the air box and run the flat OEM air filter. It’s stupid easy to ride. I’d bet it’s easier to ride than most 250’s. Don’t get me wrong, you crank the throttle and it goes but very easy power. Track was a tick wet, I rode around in 1st and 2nd gear like I had good sense.
I bought a G2 throttle tamer before I rode it. I may send it back, not sure I need it.
That’s really suprising to me. What do you think of the crf250?
I bought my 23 Honda in Sept. of 22, it has 6 hours. I bought, it rode it a few time and parked it and rode my old YZF. Eventually bought a Beta 300 RX which I like. I eventually got the Honda sprung where it was somewhat right. Got to get the rear spring rate right on the Honda. It has a good power band but quite a few old guys bought Hondas and didn’t like them based on guys I’ve talked too. Mines always been unpredictable on corner exits on some tracks, others tracks not so bad.
Now I’ve lost 35, maybe 40 pounds and need to drop rear running 5.8 rear, probably need to drop down to 5.5. Once I get my KX broke in, bars swapped to ProTaper Evo’s and a few little things I plan to do. I’ll get back to work on my Honda and swap the triple clamp for a 23.5 degree Luxon and work on spring rates.
It’s just a light and mellow 450. It’s a little soft which is good for me since I’m older and slower now. I don’t notice any vibration and it’s been an amazing bike. I don’t get as much seat time these days with 4 young kids that ride so it’s nice to get on a safe and predictable bike. I bet you could get one cheap right now
Wouldn’t an rmz450 with the grey coupler be the slowest and most mellow 450 to ride?
Yeah, I've heard it mostly about the latest revision (also from a number of guys on here and I believe Keefer even mentioned it in his test) and can't say I remember hearing it about the previous version, so it may just be '24 and later. I just brought it up because you said '19 and later. I had a chance to pick up a mint 50th Anniv. edition with only a few hours on it for just under 5k but I can't say it would fit my wants/needs right now. Would have been a great deal for someone.
You can tune a 450 down. I wouldn't recommend a 450 for the woods. 250F needs to be ridden hard but is not hyper.
450’s are a great vet bike…reliable, predictable, stable, easy to ride….it only goes as fast as you make it go…get a YZ with the power tuner app and make it as mellow as you want….
Way easier to ride than a 250f or two stroke…
I’d buy it. If you have decent throttle control a 450 is easy to ride at a slower pace.
MPJC: Sounds like you've found a good bike - knowing a bike with a few years on it and it's History, and its Owners 'conduct' with it, is a great thing to find!
You can do so, So much with 'tunes' to bikes now, so just a re-map / flywheel weight / different throttle cam,/ whatever, and, you can have what I call a Big Teddy Bear of a bike . It's what my ancient 500 2t is, after years of set up for myself.
Have you tried a 300 3t (given you mention your 144) ? They can be lovely, manageable things, with plenty of grunt. But, getting one: a good one like you seem to have available in the 450 - can be difficult.
I'm in the same position with Parkinson's, by the way. It's making things ever more difficult, especially when 'The Shakes' come in during a critical TIG weld, or while Handle Turning on the Mill or Lathe - it's not fun, at all.
Drop a tooth & get the rear suspension to use most of its travel to soak up acceleration chop , holes, etc. drop a tooth makes the mid hyper pull mellower , soft up the rear . Now the 144 is not hyper. 450 u will hit stuff a lot faster & crash with the bike pounding u into the ground. Work on your reflex’s , jump rope 4 foot timing , various upper body reflex training. Like whipping a super ball or catching birds with your hands. That’s what I do. Wear a plastic cup whipping a super ball against a wall , a shot to the nuts will drop ya.
Try a '22 GG 450 or a RMZ450, you'll love it
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