Ktm exc450

[green machine]

I have the chance to swap The Green Beast(09Kxf450) for an 08EXC450,havn't ridden one before and don't really know much about them so could you lads enlighten me with your knowledge(i intend to have a ride before i decide)
All i do is Trailrides etc and as i've previously stated the Kwaka is a bit of a handful for me most of the time,and the bike looks in great condition,has the same Ohlins Damper as mine plus an Akrapovik Muffler.The electric start is a drawcard as well.
I'm off for a beer and will check on the replys with great interest later.......P.s i realise the irony of this post considering my previous slinging off at the Orange Army...............hahaha

[kezzafish]

they're quite orange and gay i recon

[K6K]

I have not ridden a 450 enduro, but I would think the amount of power should be very similar just the delivery would be a little less demanding. It is still a 450. That said it is probably the suspension on the KXF that makes it a 'handful' - you should find the suspension on the EXC a lot better for the riding you do.
Have you changed the springs/valving on your KXF? if the EXC has stock springs/valving it may feel like the suspension is far too soft...where it could be the MX suspension hiding a lack of spring weight better than the enduro suspension. The stock MX suspension is likely only using a limited portion of its travel as it is has to be valved to take big hits and jumps which does compromise performance over smaller bumps and rough terrain like tree roots etc.

[flyingcr250]

they're quite orange and gay i recon

so are oompa loompas

[Reckless]

If your going to change to a Ktm Greenmachine I'd seriously look into and ride a 300exc it has swapable powervalve springs so you can make it deliver power how you like and it is the most popular enduro bike in their range. Just an Idea??
Don't discount the 200exc either just because it doesn't have big numbers on the side LOL!! Here read this article little.whittle posted. http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/113744-WOODS-BIKE-SHOOTOUT-Good-read its an interesting read.
You might like the big torque of the 300 (and the bigger numbers on the side LOL!) a bit better than the good torque of the 200 though, a lot do.

Secondly if you go the 450 exc your trading from an MX bike to an enduro bike.
If your finding the KXf450 a bit of a handful and ride trails I would guess the power delivery and suspension would be much more to your liking by going exc, a bit like when I went from the Cr250 to the 200exc?

Anyway thats my bias 2 cents worth?? Might as well take the opportunity to have a ride on a few before you finally swap as you may decide to trade the KXF on something else once you have ridden it unless the 450exc is a really good deal?? Now waiting for the KB pack to chastise me for cracking on about my own bike and Ktm's!! LOL!

[vr4king]

I have ridin one a few times now actually ridin a lowered one too

Both were very "plush" to ride and not as agressive as a mx450 but do have the balls to challenge them if your keen enough

The lowered one was like getting on a pitbike just didnt felel right and im 1.6mtrs and weigh 55kgs..........strange why i didnt like it

Id say swap it as its the perfect trail weapon and will (dare i say it)have a higher resale value as it seems ktms hold there value,Plus you can buy a ktm toaster and manbag and post about how much better ktms are...............JOKE

[green machine]

If your going to change to a Ktm Greenmachine I'd seriously look into and ride a 300exc it has swapable powervalve springs so you can make it deliver power how you like and it is the most popular enduro bike in their range. Just an Idea??
Don't discount the 200exc either just because it doesn't have big numbers on the side LOL!! Here read this article little.whittle posted. http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/113744-WOODS-BIKE-SHOOTOUT-Good-read
You might like the big torque of the 300 (and the bigger numbers on the side LOL!) a bit better than the good torque of the 200 though, a lot do.

Secondly if you go the 450 exc your trading from an MX bike to an enduro bike.
If your finding the KXf450 a bit of a handful and ride trails I would guess the power delivery and suspension would be much more to your liking by going exc, a bit like when I went from the Cr250 to the 200exc?

Anyway thats my bias 2 cents worth?? Now waiting for the KB pack to chastise me for cracking on about my own bike and Ktm's!! LOL!

Valid points Reckless but at the risk of gettin flamed.........i don't like riding 2 strokes,that's just the way it is

[Reckless]

Fair enough green no flame from me, each to their own!

[green machine]

But i may soon be riding Orange...........hahaha

[takitimu]

Ages since I had a ride on the KTM450, from memory felt more tractorish than the KLX450, at the time I thought that was a bad thing, hindsight would say it's a good thing :). Ride with a guy who's gone from 250EXCF to '09 450EXC & he loves it, he's just doing trail rides with it as well.

[CRF119]

Nothing wrong with having a mx bike for trail, its lighter, faster but its green so id go with the KTM how ever it would be the 300exe for me. Cheeper to maintain.

[vazza]

I would definatly go with the EXC. If you are doing lots of trail rides etc you'll last alot longer than one of those 450 stallions. I test rode the new 2010 KXF450 for DRD and I hated it, cant see how people trail ride them. ( Check out the latest DRD with David Knight on the front :D )

Should get a 300EXC mate, its just like a 4stroke but not :P Cant knock it till ya tried it!

[honda_power]

i wouldnt, you know your bike and you could be trading for a peice of shit. a 09 kxf is a bloody nice bike, id just get the suspension set up.

[IIIRII]

Im my opinion, it depends how often you have to pick it up or get stuck ...
The Orange will be a lot heavier.
If you are a good rider and never fall off (unlike me) then the exc would be good.
Have you actually ridden a late model 2 smoke enduro bike ?
I was adamant I didnt want a 2 stroke until I rode a 300 exc ....

Also I would like to blatantly plug GASGAS as no one else has turned this conversation into a gg vs KTM debate...
And on behalf of Barty, I wouldnt buy the KTM I would go the Yamamaha 450 mx ....


Yeah ...!!

:)

:P:P

[FlangMasterJ]

Just test ride the thing. I rode one a few years ago and immediately felt comfortable on it.

How often are you guys having to pick your bikes up off the ground? Seems like a common issue around here. An EXC isn't going to weigh that much more than a KXF. Whether you're picking 100kg up or 110kg up off the ground, you're going to fatigue either way.

[Ride it till the red]

i wouldnt, you know your bike and you could be trading for a peice of shit. a 09 kxf is a bloody nice bike, id just get the suspension set up.

My thoughts exactly, currently you have an 09 bike you got brand new and know inside and out to be in good condition and well maintained.
You would be swapping for a bike thats been in the hands of a stranger for 2.5 years, god knows what they've done to it!

My bikes have always been 2nd hand as it's more affordable despite the gambles but I certainly wouldn't be making that swap.

Definately take a test ride tho and see how it feels because at the end of the day you need to ride what suits YOU best.

[takitimu]

Just test ride the thing. I rode one a few years ago and immediately felt comfortable on it.

How often are you guys having to pick your bikes up off the ground? Seems like a common issue around here. An EXC isn't going to weigh that much more than a KXF. Whether you're picking 100kg up or 110kg up off the ground, you're going to fatigue either way.

Picking up no difference agreed, re-starting a huge difference ;)

[vazza]

have you considered putting a stealthy flywheel weight on it? Will make the power more usuable.

[Ride it till the red]

Picking up no difference agreed, re-starting a huge difference ;)

Really though? If your having to restart constantly or in a race situation then I'd agree but unless the bikes got starting issues I'd expect no more than 3 kicks tops to start it...
My 450 99% of the time kicks 1st or 2nd hot cold upright or after being upside down. To the point where I can start it easily with the left boot if on the side of a steep hill with no option to turn around. The only situation I can see tiring you out is if the bike takes forever to start due to issues (get it sorted) or due to you being rushed and giving it a few girly kicks and messing up the whole cycle instead of one decent kick.


have you considered putting a stealthy flywheel weight on it? Will make the power more usuable.

+1 from me, perhaps a call to a shop could provide other options for doing this also. And getting the suspension dialled in for how you want to ride it will make a massive difference.

[camchain]

Could well be one of those U.K. models with outdated suspension. Avoid?

[green machine]

Looked into FWW,they don't make them for 09/10.......have to put in a different clutch basket at about $350-450,i've already spent quite a bit trying to mellow it out,as i stated in earlier posts i bought the wrong bike for what i do,Trailrides and Woodhill..........NO motorcross or any type of racing.
I also had a chat with a guy(well known)today who used to ride an EXC450 in GNCC and also had a few rides in the states on a KXF450,told him my dillema,his exact words were............the EXC is a bit heavier,more mellow power,the power is more planted,(not sure what that means really)with plenty of boogie when you want it,suspension is softer,In summing up he said i do the EXC would suit my riding type and level better.
I do like the polar extremes of opinion the Kiwibiker crew have tho.......makes for interesting reading

[green machine]

Yeah i've ridden a mates Gas Gas 200,KTM SX250,not my cup of tea,i guess if i'm honest i'm a lazy rider,not very competative and like to bimble along taking in the sights,hahaha,so 4 strokes suit me nicely

[oldskool]

Yeah i've ridden a mates Gas Gas 200,KTM SX250,not my cup of tea,i guess if i'm honest i'm a lazy rider,not very competative and like to bimble along taking in the sights,hahaha,so 4 strokes suit me nicely

No question the EXC450 ride would be better suited for you, but I'd be askin the question...What's his real motive for swapping it... Running costs of KTM's are high.

[green machine]

No question the EXC450 ride would be better suited for you, but I'd be askin the question...What's his real motive for swapping it... Running costs of KTM's are high.

He want's to get into racing MX......

[green machine]

Im my opinion, it depends how often you have to pick it up or get stuck ...
The Orange will be a lot heavier.
If you are a good rider and never fall off (unlike me) then the exc would be good.
Have you actually ridden a late model 2 smoke enduro bike ?
I was adamant I didnt want a 2 stroke until I rode a 300 exc ....

Also I would like to blatantly plug GASGAS as no one else has turned this conversation into a gg vs KTM debate...
And on behalf of Barty, I wouldnt buy the KTM I would go the Yamamaha 450 mx ....


Yeah ...!!

:)

:P:P

I fall off a bit,haha as for the weight the 09KXF450 is.........112.1kgs dry weight,the EXC450 is 113.5kgs dry weight(both claimed)tho the EXC carrys 1 ltr more fuel.......not that much difference..

[Rupe]

He want's to get into racing MX......

Do exc450's have footpegs?? Never seen one being ridden with anyone stood up at local trailrides! If you have been trying to mellow out your bike for ploding round I'd say the KTM while fit perfect. Don't worry about high running costs of KTM's, if you do the correct preventative maintenance it shouldn't cost much to run at all being a 450exc.

And don't buy a gasgas, chinese bikes aren't cool.

[vazza]

Running costs of KTMS are high? Whered ya get that idea from?

[oldskool]

Running costs of KTMS are high? Whered ya get that idea from?

From owning one. Don't get me started.

[flyingcr250]

Running costs of KTMS are high? Whered ya get that idea from?

i dint know why people keep saying that either

[barty5]

Well given that Oldskool was likely going to be in for rebuild cost of nearly half the cost of the bike $2G almost on a rebuild anit cool in anyones books is it

[noobi]

I think youll find the KXF will have a curb weight of 112kg, that being full of fuel ready to go. As all enduro 450s are heavy as compared to there mx brethren. So I would expect the 450EXC to be around 120kg ready to go. And a 8kg difference is expected over the mx models is reasonable, as the added weight of electric start, battery, heavy flywheel and stator, lights, extra wiring loom, heavier/thicker crankcases, bigger fuel tanks etc.
Also why are you going straight to the orange side? when there are jap versions of the same bike. I hear them WR450s are pretty ok for a yami.

[green machine]

I think youll find the KXF will have a curb weight of 112kg, that being full of fuel ready to go. As all enduro 450s are heavy as compared to there mx brethren. So I would expect the 450EXC to be around 120kg ready to go. And a 8kg difference is expected over the mx models is reasonable, as the added weight of electric start, battery, heavy flywheel and stator, lights, extra wiring loom, heavier/thicker crankcases, bigger fuel tanks etc.
Also why are you going straight to the orange side? when there are jap versions of the same bike. I hear them WR450s are pretty ok for a yami.

Cheers Noobi,i just got that info off the net,i wasn't sure,the only reason i'm goin Orange is i know a guy who is as fastidious as me with his bike and he wants to swap and it will cost me very little to get into a more suitable bike,without the hassle and cost of selling,trading and finding another bike,as for the weight of the bike,you've met me so i'm sure you'll agree i'll cope ok picking it up:yes:

[flyingcr250]

you've met me so i'm sure you'll agree i'll cope ok picking it up:yes:

but then youll have to put your beer down:gob:

[green machine]

Hahahahahahahahahahahaha,good call Steve,despite appearances up at The Farm i don't actually take beers out on the Trails with me......:innocent:

[oldguy]

you want to swap? I got a nice WR250 one oldguy owner, so you know its never been thrashed.
Had a ride on a friends KLX450R.:2thumbsup if you want to stay with the green, you go the opposite way from de tuning the engine to adding go fast bits.

The friends KLX, must have had a bit of work done to it, as it seemed to have alot more grunt than a CRF450X I had a ride on. it did have a full Akrapovic exhaust.

[vazza]

From owning one. Don't get me started.

Probably because its very old and had a possible rough life. If you look after them you cant go wrong, especially a late model 450EXC, they are a tank. Anyway im not getting into that debate. To sum it up for myself - I had a 2007 YZ250 which needed about $2500 worth of repairs/changes in its 1.5 year life time. Hated the sight of the thing after spending that sort of bread, everything turned to shit on it. Went to a KTM, only thing I needed to get done to it was the fork seals. Otherwise ran 100% perfect.

[Bradz]

Probably because its very old and had a possible rough life. If you look after them you cant go wrong, especially a late model 450EXC, they are a tank. Anyway im not getting into that debate. To sum it up for myself - I had a 2007 YZ250 which needed about $2500 worth of repairs/changes in its 1.5 year life time. Hated the sight of the thing after spending that sort of bread, everything turned to shit on it. Went to a KTM, only thing I needed to get done to it was the fork seals. Otherwise ran 100% perfect.

No Charging or headlight problems?.. I hear this can be a problem causing starting issues..

[vazza]

No Charging or headlight problems?.. I hear this can be a problem causing starting issues..

Had a slight issue with the electric start but that was simply a fuse. Headlight worked great then gaveout after a while due to burnt out cables.. Could happen with any bike, you know the details anyway :)

[Reckless]

Cheers Noobi,i just got that info off the net,i wasn't sure,the only reason i'm goin Orange is i know a guy who is as fastidious as me with his bike and he wants to swap and it will cost me very little to get into a more suitable bike,without the hassle and cost of selling,trading and finding another bike,as for the weight of the bike,you've met me so I'm sure you'll agree i'll cope ok picking it up:yes:

Well you don't favour the 300exc (which has accumulated a quite a few votes in this thread so far) SO the 450exc seems like a much better bike for your riding style even tho its a year older, you know the guy and trust the bikes history, its all about having fun and a trail based bike will add to that!!

Sounds like a DONE DEAL!! to me. Welcome to the orange side LOL!!!

[green machine]

Well you don't favour the 300exc (which has accumulated a quite a few votes in this thread so far) SO the 450exc seems like a much better bike for your riding style even tho its a year older, you know the guy and trust the bikes history, its all about having fun and a trail based bike will add to that!!

Sounds like a DONE DEAL!! to me. Welcome to the orange side LOL!!!
Going for a ride and inspection on Saturday,so you never know Reckless,i might be a memeber of the Orange Army on Sunday.......man that cracks me up after some of the "debates" iv'e had with the KTM crowd(i'm sure you even gave me a telling off once).......:yes:

[honda_power]

Probably because its very old and had a possible rough life. If you look after them you cant go wrong, especially a late model 450EXC, they are a tank. Anyway im not getting into that debate. To sum it up for myself - I had a 2007 YZ250 which needed about $2500 worth of repairs/changes in its 1.5 year life time. Hated the sight of the thing after spending that sort of bread, everything turned to shit on it. Went to a KTM, only thing I needed to get done to it was the fork seals. Otherwise ran 100% perfect.

you brought that second hand though didnt you? Was well used anyway... haha almost bought that bike too. Cant really compare to a brand new bike that you kept for less than a year.

My yz's been pretty good

[vazza]

Yeh thats true. Although I looked after that bike and the fork seals continuously blew, linkage blew out n all, footpeg snapped in half.. Everything went wrong haha. I dunno, im just finding the katos to be so reliable, ill find it hard to ride anything else.

[Reckless]

Going for a ride and inspection on Saturday,so you never know Reckless,i might be a member of the Orange Army on Sunday.......man that cracks me up after some of the "debates" iv'e had with the KTM crowd(i'm sure you even gave me a telling off once).......:yes:

Na mate all good, we are used the the Ktm Vs the rest thing, :bleh: water of a ducks back LOL!!:whocares:
Thats their problem no sweat to us,:finger: Kato guys are a happy lot!! :woohoo:
How can we not be, we know we ride the best bikes :nya::innocent:!!! Cya out there no matter what your on!! :scooter:

PS You never know you might hate it? let us know what you think after Saturday.

[oldskool]

My lesson learned owning a KTM, well a 4T one anyway (if you can afford one which I obviously can't) and from what I hear (hearsay) the 2T's are cheaper to maintain so I won't include them in this advice.
ONLY buy a 4T KTM new, cover the plastics up, thrash it, clean it up, sell it before you have to crack it open. Pass the maintenance issues onto the next owner.