Which one should I get?

[N92]

Hello masterminds of PSB

I'm seriously thinking about purchasing a 450 to go out and bush bash and take to the dunes but also race as a supermoto, budget is around 8.5k

Please help, Thanks

[out_in_front]

Does it have to be licensed too? Usually a good thing for access to some trails.

[N92]

not particularly fussed

[Desmo]

Cr500.

[N92]

I would be lying if I said the thought hadn't crossed my mind, but I want a 4 stroke =)

[]magneto[]

Kx450f

[out_in_front]

I would go with the KTM 450 EXC (maybe not - I would go the 500...) - road registrable, White power suspension, brembo brakes - whats not to like? (servicing price I suppose... Its not that bad compared to the other brands any more)

[I Fancy Holidays]

I'd avoid suzuki and kawasaki if your doing supermoto, less parts available.

[irdizzle]

450%202.jpg this

Saw a bloke punting around Collie on Saturday giving it herbs crossed up and all on his CRF450R....

[N92]

was thinking either a WR450F or a 450 EXC, what are the servicing costs for the ktm? and how much are spares?

[out_in_front]

i Had a look at both before I decided to go road racing instead - the KTM's just had a more quality feel to them, the suspension was better and the specs were batter. Didn't get to ride them though.

As for the servicing - its the parts that are more expensive - the labor should be about the same. Expect $50 extra for a piston, in general expect them to be 10-20% more expensive.

That being said, things like brembo brake pads and excel rims are worth more than most OEM components so you expect the replacements to cost more. KTM also has the power-parts catalog - so you can get add on bits specifically designed for your bike by the manufacturer - yep pricey, but they fit and I think can be covered by warranty.

[Renton]

^^^ WHS

Although I don't think the KTM parts are that much more expensive. But you do get a better bike straight out of the box.

[emrys74]

What about a Berg or a husky?

[orangeflash]

Cr500.

+1 two strokes rule

[I Fancy Holidays]

+1 two strokes rule

let me borrow your cr500 so i can put my tard kit on it!

[N92]

how are the 450EXCs' for reliability in comparison to the WR450F? read some horror stories about them, but was all people from europe and US.

[out_in_front]

Such a subjective question - typically depends on the model, the year and how they have been treated... I would say they are comparable, there are no major flaws in either, you could ask or search on a forum such as dirtbikeworld.net to look for specific examples. I have two guys on 530exc's (basically stroked 450's) where I work - one is a 2006 model the other a 2010 model, they both get thrashed and neither have had any major problems with their bikes.

As per all high end 4T racebikes - if they are not maintained well they will break - badly...

[Crobbo]

CRF450 then when you find a CR500 engine just swap it in, instant CR500E.

[dazza1968]

I dont think it truly matters greatly n who ever you ask will generally put forward the bike they have now or had n really liked .......For me i would go with whatever you plan on riding the most and base my buying on that. An example is for tight bush riding where technical stuff is required without power i would go for a superlight quick bike like say a ktm 200 2 stroke,or say a crf250r , and if i liked an elec start then i would go into a crf250x or wr 250f yamy,

Sand dunes has got to go to the 500 2 stroke and the 450's seem the go and i have a yz250 2 stroke that this is its only area it lacks finish in.I felt i needed something with a bit more top end so went out and got a ktm300 2 stroke , now i have gained 5 kgs in weight to do this

If your planning alot of motard racing etc i have a mate with a fully suped 450r and that goes wicked but alot of cash has been used and it goes hard, but i think there is a massive following for the ktm 525,530's etc as just that bit bigger and a tiny bit more wieght.


Good luck with what you decide


anyway i think you can see what i am talking about ????????

Regards Dazza

[N92]

haha cheers Dazza,

yeah I can see what you're getting at, the more time I spent reading and researching I ended up coming to the conclusion a 2 stroke would be a better choice, looking at getting a ktm 300exc or a husaberg te300 both essentially the same bike but the berg has a bigger fuel tank, plus I think it would be pretty cool to be one of few if any that are running a 2 stroke sumo, probably will spend a little bit more time riding trails but it'll be an almost 50/50 split between the two.