School me on Fourfiddys

[JFMFG]

Looking for a 450. What are the best brands to be after these days. My last bike was a 09CRF450. Looking for best years etc. have a can am but looking to also get back on 2 wheels.

 

[pixrthis]

KTM is the best in my opinion. My 450 is a 2014 and has held up incredible for the torture it’s been put thru, my new bike is a 300 2 stroke.

 

[JFMFG]

KTM is the best in my opinion. My 450 is a 2014 and has held up incredible for the torture it’s been put thru, my new bike is a 300 2 stroke.

KTM 300 is the bees knees I’ve wanted one forever. KTM is also a few grand more than Yamaha Honda etc. this will be a ride once a weekend kind of bike so not needing the absolute best. But I do want something reliable etc.

 

[pixrthis]

KTM 300 is the bees knees I’ve wanted one forever. KTM is also a few grand more than Yamaha Honda etc. this will be a ride once a weekend kind of bike so not needing the absolute best. But I do want something reliable etc.

They’re all reliable but the ktm comes stock with many things I would upgrade on a brand new Japanese bike. I do suspension for my weight and riding style with a steering dampener other than that I only replace stuff when it needs it with stock parts.
Suzuki is the only brand I’d steer clear of, everything else is very durable with electric start.

 

[yz450mm]

Here's my ranking, KTM and Yamaha are definitely at the top of the game in my opinion. Hondas are great and were usually the most reliable brand out there, but I wouldn't buy a CR over a YZ or KTM.

 

[PlumLoco]

KTM has now spun off into Husqvarna and Gas Gas. They do have a decent price spread. I'd still go Yamaha because of initial price and the price of parts, Ease of maintenance, and there is no KTM dealer in my town.

 

[Dunerking]

X-2 for the KTM 300! Just picked this one up 2021…

 

[BingerFang]

KTM. Buy once, cry once. I had 350 hours on my 2017 450, original top end. I purchased a 2023 last November and it’s an amazing machine.

You will not be disappointed in the build quality and craftsmanship with a new KTM, plus the new 4 stroke engine is insane.

My 450xcf came with the quick shift option which cuts the ignition for a split second when up shifting while on the throttle, it’s incredible.

 

[Boatymcboatface]

I’m a little bias but have owned them all and came back to Yamaha. For me wanting a bike that was plated the KTM just comes with old technology forks that I can’t stand. If we’re talking just for off-road MX stuff it’s a toss up between KTM and Yamaha. I just love the forks and power delivery on the Yamaha. Pick one you like and enjoy! You can’t go wrong with any of them and if you’re a fan of going over every nut and bolt before and after every ride get a Kawasaki.

 

[HotRod82]

IMO they are all excellent these days.....unless you are a true pro level rider, you probably couldn't tell the difference. That said, my last 3 bikes have been KTMs and were completely reliable. My new Husky lost a fuel injector with only 90 miles on it and left me stranded. The next time it breaks down I will send it down the road.

 

[HBCraig]

Hard to beat the KTM and Honda. But, most late model 450s are solid. If you want a a riders bike with big power go find a Service Honda CR 500AF. The best

 

[JDKRXW]

T 500 - Tomasin R&D

Competition Engines and Applied Electronics

tomasinracing.net

For the diehard Honda 2 stroke ballers.

 

[brianwhiteboy]

I’ve owned most of the Honda ATC models and dirt bikes over the years so I bleed Honda Red. You’ll never go wrong with a Honda. Currently we have two CRF450RL dual sports in our fleet and have zero desire for anything else.

I think KTM does make a nice bike for sure (because everyone owns them) but Honda reliability and performance can’t be beat. They may be conservative in some areas but their history has proven itself time and time again.

 

[dribble]

I got my first KTM in 1986 (500 MXC) I’m now on my fourth (450XC)

 

[stokerwhore]

get a 700!

 

[renodaytona]

We have two Honda 450's in the stable. A 2018 CRF450R that is mine, love it for an all around bike. Helped my GF's son get into a 2022 CRF450WE, he loves that bike, lots of power and it is super nimble. The width difference and nimbleness from the 2018 to the new ones has me looking for a 2022 or newer now.

 

[JFMFG]

I think I am leaning more toward staying with the crf now just need to find one that’s been cared for. Thank you everyone.

 

[caribbean20]

I got my first KTM in 1986 (500 MXC) I’m now on my fourth (450XC)

To the original poster, can’t go wrong with a Honda, they have always made quality products. KTM fan here, first one bought in the mid-70s, a Penton frame breather with the KTM radial fin motor.

My latest is a ‘19 250SX, strictly a track bike. As with my other KTMs, this one is a rocket and bullet proof.

 

[HBCraig]

I think I am leaning more toward staying with the crf now just need to find one that’s been cared for. Thank you everyone.

Also, check out a KTM 450 Factory Edition if you can find one. Those are sweet bikes too

 

[MeCasa16]

I’ve had 2 CRF 450X Hondas and they were both completely trouble free bikes. I used them in Glamis and the desert. Raced USDR, and some of the Big 6 races. I’m sure all of them are great nowadays, but my Hondas were tanks.

 

[brianwhiteboy]

I’ve had 2 CRF 450X Hondas and they were both completely trouble free bikes. I used them in Glamis and the desert. Raced USDR, and some of the Big 6 races. I’m sure all of them are great nowadays, but my Hondas were tanks.

I had a 2016 CRF450x that was absolutely perfect. It was still carbureted that year and ran great. I installed a JD jet kit on it, put an exhaust and never had to touch it again, no matter the altitude. The only reason I sold it was to buy a dual sport. My son had a 2008 CRF 450x also and we both got new CRF450RL dual sports.

If not for California and the bullshit green sticker rules, we would’ve kept them. We only went dual sport for the plates.

 

[MeCasa16]

I had a 2016 CRF450x that was absolutely perfect. It was still carbureted that year and ran great. I installed a JD jet kit on it, put an exhaust and never had to touch it again, no matter the altitude. The only reason I sold it was to buy a dual sport. My son had a 2008 CRF 450x also and we both got new CRF450RL dual sports.

If not for California and the bullshit green sticker rules, we would’ve kept them. We only went dual sport for the plates.

They are the perfect bike in my opinion.

 

[COCA COLA COWBOY]

I have the bike for you! I am selling my 2019.5 Husqvarna Rockstar 450. About 46 hours on it. This bike is bad to the bone and way too much for me. I did two laps around Elsinore when I bought it a couple years ago. I let my 11year old son ride it a week ago and he put an hour on it at Cahuilla Track.

 

[TPayne]

Full disclosure I am a Yamaha guy, but any of the new bikes with the exception of Suzuki are all really good. To me it all comes down the the suspension and my issue with the KTM is the air forks. All the fast guys I know in the desert have done spring conversions to some form of the SSS KYB suspension. My racing partner spent a lot of dough at Prescicion Concepts on his air forks only to end up doing the KYB SSS conversion 6 months later. Most people aren't able to ride these bikes to thier full potential so pick a color and enjoy.

 

[Boatymcboatface]

Full disclosure I am a Yamaha guy, but any of the new bikes with the exception of Suzuki are all really good. To me it all comes down the the suspension and my issue with the KTM is the air forks. All the fast guys I know in the desert have done spring conversions to some form of the SSS KYB suspension. My racing partner spent a lot of dough at Prescicion Concepts on his air forks only to end up doing the KYB SSS conversion 6 months later. Most people aren't able to ride these bikes to thier full potential so pick a color and enjoy.

You aren’t joking everyone of the KTMs in my group have kyb conversions or bought the works edition KTM version of them.

 

[Flying_Lavey]

I took my dad's Husky 300 out a couple of years ago. First time on a newer 300 (his is a 21 or 22). I could not believe how easy it was to ride that bike! I swore to god that CG was about 6" off the ground. I bounced down rocky goat trails like I couldn't believe. I hadn't ridden in a few years at that time and was with some VERY good desert racers that I figured I be the laughing stock the entire time. I was right there with them. Just an incredible bike that makes the rider so much better.

 

[SKIDMARC]

Yamaha all the way, but I've been for Yamaha the last 20 years. My current YZ450F. Its a beast, kind of heavy, it's the year before they went to aluminum frames.

But I will say, get one with eclectic start!!

 

[Rajobigguy]

KTM has now spun off into Husqvarna and Gas Gas. They do have a decent price spread. I'd still go Yamaha because of initial price and the price of parts, Ease of maintenance, and there is no KTM dealer in my town.

The Husky is essentially the same bike as the KTM with the exception of the rear suspension. Both work well but the KTM needs to be tuned to each individual rider, the Husky is more forgiving to changes in rider weight and style so if there will be multiple riders the Husky is the better choice. If only one rider then it doesn’t make much difference, pick the graphics that you like best.

 

[=River Perfection=]

I say go KTM you wont be sorry.

 

[Flatsix66]

Another KTM300XCW or related TPI two stroke vote. I never ride the Husky 501 no mo.

 

[JFMFG]

The KTM 300 is a bad bitch. I will be doing some slower putting with my son so I think a 4stroke will be best for what I need right meow.

 

[77charger]

Think it depends on what type of riding you want to do.sand dunes motocross tracks yeh 450.

But single track trail the 300 2 stroke is hard to beat. Everyone I know who has one love em.

 

[BingerFang]

You aren’t joking everyone of the KTMs in my group have kyb conversions or bought the works edition KTM version of them.

Mine are converted. Had it done 5 years ago and the forks moved to my new bike.

Although, the new airforks were really good.

 

[Boatymcboatface]

Still have the 07 KTM 250SXF but really only take it to the track every once in a while it has the closed cartridge forks and are good once you get them set up. The open chamber or XLPR EXC forks on the other hand I couldn’t get to work for the life of me either blew through or harsh as hell!!

 

[Happy Smitty]

I've had honda, kawasaki and primary a Yamaha rider. Recently got into KTM and I'll probably stick with it.

 

[PlumLoco]

I'm a die hard Vintage rider. My 1979 Husky keeps up with most of people I ride with in the desert. With Ohlins, Race Tech, and Noleen doing the suspension, I thought it worked pretty good.
Maybe this new stuff really is better

https://www.facebook.com/reel/6863305273765798?mibextid=rS40aB7S9Ucbxw6v

 

[stillhustlin]

I’ve got a 2022 husqvarna te300i. The new 300 tbi bikes are bad ass. They switched to coil forks in the 2024 vs the 2023. I would recommend a ktm 300xc. 2 strokes don’t have valves that need to be adjusted which is a big selling point.

 

[Dan Lorenze]

Honestly, all the new bikes are really good these days, just pick a color.

 

[BingerFang]

I’ve got a 2022 husqvarna te300i. The new 300 tbi bikes are bad ass. They switched to coil forks in the 2024 vs the 2023. I would recommend a ktm 300xc. 2 strokes don’t have valves that need to be adjusted which is a big selling point.

I had 350 hours on my 2017 Husky 450 and the valves never went out of spec once. I would check them 2-3 times a season.

 

[JFMFG]

I had 350 hours on my 2017 Husky 450 and the valves never went out of spec once. I would check them 2-3 times a season.

350 hours is more than I got out of my 496

 

[Dan Lorenze]

Or you can go to the dark side.

 

[white tortilla]

I think @pixrthis has a KTM 450 for sale if anyone’s looking.

 

[pixrthis]

I think @pixrthis has a KTM 450 for sale if anyone’s looking.

$4,000

 

[=River Perfection=]

Perfect bike!

 

[BingerFang]

Or you can go to the dark side.

View attachment 1293227

2024 let’s go!!!!

 

[Kenboat]

How about the BETA 390 4 stroke, probally the best all around trail bike, and it is street legal stock.

 

[Quiet Cannon]

feels like "post the KTM" thread. haha I'll join.

 

[TPC]

I've owned and tuned several of my FI and Carb versions.
The tuned Slider-Carburetor versions had the super-blast of hole shot power and crazy fast power band that no amount of performance mods on the FI versions, (short of piston and bbl mod) could ever match.

I'd avoid piston and cylinder mods, they rarely work out dependable even from the best of mechanics.
Just my 2 cents worth.

 

[white tortilla]

How about the BETA 390 4 stroke, probally the best all around trail bike, and it is street legal stock.

I have a 2021 for sale. In classifieds section.

 

[GETBOATS]

Way late to the party, a quick scan, didn't see what type of riding you are going to do. Skill level, age, weight ect. I am pro Yamaha, but in the right circumstances KTM dominates the market. Unless you are blazing fast, "I'll get slammed for this" or in the right conditions, why a 450? There are very few who can ride them to their potential. I personally got tangled up in the "gotta have a 450" deal starting with 2001 KTM SX400, 2003 YZ450, 2006 YZ450, 2009 YZ450. Then raced my sons 2011 YZ250 and was faster, crashed less, and it didn't wear me out as fast. I'm not a light weight 6'1" 215 in gear.