2018 SXF 450 or FC 450 or CRF 450

Blake_424_Dye
Edited Date/Time 2/2/2018 10:26am
Looking at buying a new 450 when I get back from my deployment this spring. I purchased a 2011 KXF450 and rode a couple of months before I left, but never could get fully comfortable on it (didn't like the way it handled) plus it is 7 years old now. After doing my research looks like KTM or Husky is the way to go, but the Honda looks good as well.

Anyone who owns one or have ridden the 18 models yet have any suggestions? Don't need all the power in the world, but I do like a bike that feels light and corners well.
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Myke
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Myke 1/31/2018 1:15am
1/31/2018 1:15am
2018.5 Husky Rockstar edition. Forget about the 18's
Motofinne
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Motofinne 1/31/2018 1:33am
1/31/2018 1:33am Edited Date/Time 1/31/2018 2:24am
Like Myke mentioned. Buy a Factory or Rockstar edition if you can get your hands on one.

If you can't, wait 5 months for the 2019 KTMs and Husqvarnas(2019 KXF will also be all new but i don't know how long you have wait for it to hit the dealers).
JWACK
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JWACK 1/31/2018 2:15am
1/31/2018 2:15am


I have an 18 Honda. Awesome bike. Fast. Corners great. Feels light. Eats ktms and white ktms for breakfast lol. I sold my 16 ktm and bought this one. Don't regret it one bit.

Blake_424_Dye 1/31/2018 2:34am
1/31/2018 2:34am
Yea it's hard to decide. In terms of dealers in Oklahoma they are few are far between, most don't know if they will get any FE's or Rockstar editions in.

The Shop

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OUMX117
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OUMX117 1/31/2018 5:19am
1/31/2018 5:19am
I just recently purchased a 2017 FC450. I know it's not the EXACT same bike as the 2018 model, but it's very very close. Like you, my last 450 was an older one, a 2009 YZ450F to be specific. I have been back on two strokes since 2012. The FC450 motor is unbelievably smooth. I was blown away by how light the bike is also. I can't recommend it enough. My skill level is a washed up local b guy who now races the 30+A class 2-3 times per year and rides 3-4 times per month. The AER 48mm forks are very good so far. I put a heavier rear spring on it for my height/weight (6'4", 210lb).I have nothing negative to say about it at all.
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SK523
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SK523 1/31/2018 5:20am
1/31/2018 5:20am
I am also interested in this subject. Coming off of a 2016 Kx450f. Are the 2019 Ktm's going to be that much better? I was planning on getting a 2018 ktm at below msrp from my local dealer..
Wells423
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Wells423 1/31/2018 5:24am
1/31/2018 5:24am
According to MXA nobody other than KTM should be producing 450’s right now.
Motofinne
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Motofinne 1/31/2018 5:33am
1/31/2018 5:33am
SK523 wrote:
I am also interested in this subject. Coming off of a 2016 Kx450f. Are the 2019 Ktm's going to be that much better? I was planning...
I am also interested in this subject. Coming off of a 2016 Kx450f. Are the 2019 Ktm's going to be that much better? I was planning on getting a 2018 ktm at below msrp from my local dealer..
Listen to Kris Keefers podcast about the FE and RE bikes. Good first impressions on both bikes!
Blake_424_Dye 1/31/2018 5:48am
1/31/2018 5:48am
OUMX117 wrote:
I just recently purchased a 2017 FC450. I know it's not the EXACT same bike as the 2018 model, but it's very very close. Like you...
I just recently purchased a 2017 FC450. I know it's not the EXACT same bike as the 2018 model, but it's very very close. Like you, my last 450 was an older one, a 2009 YZ450F to be specific. I have been back on two strokes since 2012. The FC450 motor is unbelievably smooth. I was blown away by how light the bike is also. I can't recommend it enough. My skill level is a washed up local b guy who now races the 30+A class 2-3 times per year and rides 3-4 times per month. The AER 48mm forks are very good so far. I put a heavier rear spring on it for my height/weight (6'4", 210lb).I have nothing negative to say about it at all.
I am about the same B/C rider, vet guy now, I could care less about massive power I would like a reliable bike that handles well. The Husky looks sharp and I have heard a lot of good things about them. I was originally drawn toward the KTM (yes all of the shootouts have the KTM as the best bike for the most part) but I have seen a lot of people complaining about KTM's breaking soon after purchase.
H4L
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H4L 1/31/2018 6:08am
1/31/2018 6:08am Edited Date/Time 1/31/2018 6:11am
Was looking to upgrade my 10 CRF450r model last year & considered buying a KTM. I was able to put in a ride on a 17 1/2 KTM450 sxf FE last summer & wasn't impressed. It is is a decent bike, but couldn't see what the rave is all about. I've also ridden a 14 250 sxf, 17 TC250 , 250 sx 2T's & the handling feels different to me in comparison to the Japanese brands.
I ended up buying an 18 CRF450r & feel at my vet level the bike can be raced in stock trim. The handling is very good, corners really well & has good power across the rpm range from off idle to the topend revs. Have no regrets & believe I've made the right decision. Best advice I can give you is try them out if you can before purchasing.
MelonFan123
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MelonFan123 1/31/2018 8:00am
1/31/2018 8:00am
OUMX117 wrote:
I just recently purchased a 2017 FC450. I know it's not the EXACT same bike as the 2018 model, but it's very very close. Like you...
I just recently purchased a 2017 FC450. I know it's not the EXACT same bike as the 2018 model, but it's very very close. Like you, my last 450 was an older one, a 2009 YZ450F to be specific. I have been back on two strokes since 2012. The FC450 motor is unbelievably smooth. I was blown away by how light the bike is also. I can't recommend it enough. My skill level is a washed up local b guy who now races the 30+A class 2-3 times per year and rides 3-4 times per month. The AER 48mm forks are very good so far. I put a heavier rear spring on it for my height/weight (6'4", 210lb).I have nothing negative to say about it at all.
being a bigger guy, does the Husky/KTM layout and chassis feel "cramped" to you? I'm close to your size (6'3/200 in gear) and for me the feel and egos of the bike is priority #1. All the 450s have plenty of power and suspension can always be dialed in, so the "feel" for me as a taller dude is important.

I'm looking to pick up a KTM in a few weeks, but i rode a 18 Husky for about 10 min over the weekend and it felt small to me compared to the 08 Honda i'm coming off of... wasn't long enough of a ride to discourage my purchase but curious how it feels to you being similar size
OUMX117
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OUMX117 1/31/2018 8:10am
1/31/2018 8:10am
MelonFan123 wrote:
being a bigger guy, does the Husky/KTM layout and chassis feel "cramped" to you? I'm close to your size (6'3/200 in gear) and for me the...
being a bigger guy, does the Husky/KTM layout and chassis feel "cramped" to you? I'm close to your size (6'3/200 in gear) and for me the feel and egos of the bike is priority #1. All the 450s have plenty of power and suspension can always be dialed in, so the "feel" for me as a taller dude is important.

I'm looking to pick up a KTM in a few weeks, but i rode a 18 Husky for about 10 min over the weekend and it felt small to me compared to the 08 Honda i'm coming off of... wasn't long enough of a ride to discourage my purchase but curious how it feels to you being similar size
I need to put a slightly taller set of bars on the bike, but aside from that I really have no complaints. It is definitely smaller than the older bikes, but not enough to make me dislike it. The bike is so compliant in nearly every situation and I immediately felt comfortable on it, even with the stock no-rise-at-all bars. I'm over putting tall seats on bikes anymore because I don't like to negatively affect the handling of the bike as it's so nice already. Overall I couldn't be happier.
walleyeguy
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walleyeguy 1/31/2018 8:25am
1/31/2018 8:25am
I'm 6' 220#. I went from a 14 YZ250F to a 17 FX350. I loved my YZ but never really got the front to feel "planted". Always felt like it wanted to push. I love the ergos of my new husky and front end feels awesome.
Gixxxerboy
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Gixxxerboy 1/31/2018 8:41am
1/31/2018 8:41am Edited Date/Time 1/31/2018 8:42am
walleyeguy wrote:
I'm 6' 220#. I went from a 14 YZ250F to a 17 FX350. I loved my YZ but never really got the front to feel "planted"...
I'm 6' 220#. I went from a 14 YZ250F to a 17 FX350. I loved my YZ but never really got the front to feel "planted". Always felt like it wanted to push. I love the ergos of my new husky and front end feels awesome.
the 18 Yz450 is an insanely good machine!!! ask Barcia. The front end is there and so is the power! Regardless of what the scale says, they did an awesome job on distributing the weight. feels like a 10 speed bicycle.
BobPA
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BobPA 1/31/2018 9:10am
1/31/2018 9:10am
Wells423 wrote:
According to MXA nobody other than KTM should be producing 450’s right now.
Those guys must be drunk 24/7
Brent
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Brent 1/31/2018 9:32am
1/31/2018 9:32am
I own the 17 KTM, and had the opportunity to do a couple laps on the 18 Honda two weeks ago. I love my KTM, but the Honda surprised me with how well it handled and turned. The only time I felt the extra weight is when I lifted it onto the stand.

I don’t think anyone who buys an 18 Honda or KTM /Husky has too many regrets at this point...
captmoto
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captmoto 1/31/2018 10:22am
1/31/2018 10:22am
I came off a 05 CR250 onto a 17 FC450. I have no regrets. The KTM/Husky costs more but you are ahead of the game with the way the bike is equipped. I don't think it is particularly suited to a taller rider, that might be the KX450. I think you should go with a dealer that will give you the best support and service. At my dealer I had a choice of everything but Suzuki. You really won't go wrong with any of your choices.
Thank you for your service too.

Pit Row

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Superdave19
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Superdave19 1/31/2018 11:01am
1/31/2018 11:01am
Dealer support should guide you- All 3 of these mentioned are incredible 450's-
kiwifan
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kiwifan 1/31/2018 11:17am
1/31/2018 11:17am
All 3 = awesome bikes ...I do won a 18 Honda, very fast (most HP of any stock bike on dyno), great handling, might not be the lightest (if you cant lift a bike on the stand, you might notice the extra few pounds) but it sure feels damn light on track and in the air, spring forks easy to work on, suspension overall pretty darn good
526
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526 1/31/2018 11:18am
1/31/2018 11:18am
Superdave19 wrote:
Dealer support should guide you- All 3 of these mentioned are incredible 450's-
Agreed

Weekend Warrior level I think buy whatever you can get the BEST price on and good dealer support is also helpful.
kiwifan
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kiwifan 1/31/2018 4:26pm
1/31/2018 4:26pm
Superdave19 wrote:
Dealer support should guide you- All 3 of these mentioned are incredible 450's-
526 wrote:
Agreed

Weekend Warrior level I think buy whatever you can get the BEST price on and good dealer support is also helpful.
yes, a plus would go to bikes with spring forks and/or electric start ...easier for the weekend warrior but price might also be a factor for them
Bruce372
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Bruce372 1/31/2018 4:40pm
1/31/2018 4:40pm
For the price of a ktm you could probably buy two Suzukis lol
coastlinecascot 1/31/2018 4:48pm
1/31/2018 4:48pm
I'm also in the market. Worried about frame breaking on a ktm. Like my 2015 Yamaha did. Or a case or frame linkage tab breaking on the honda. Also like to here any issues out there.
xr70
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xr70 1/31/2018 5:08pm
1/31/2018 5:08pm
Yea the Ktm and Husky are way to go for sure! Broken frames, electrical problems and one of the last manufactures sticking with air forks and the list goes on !
swtwtwtw
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swtwtwtw 1/31/2018 5:25pm
1/31/2018 5:25pm
xr70 wrote:
Yea the Ktm and Husky are way to go for sure! Broken frames, electrical problems and one of the last manufactures sticking with air forks and...
Yea the Ktm and Husky are way to go for sure! Broken frames, electrical problems and one of the last manufactures sticking with air forks and the list goes on !
yeah well, those are outliers. my fc250 is flawless.
that said, i unexpectedly recovered from a serious injury (why i bought a 250f) and like you, i bought a 2018 yz450f.
it fits me and i have ridden the 2018's
BobPA
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BobPA 1/31/2018 5:28pm
1/31/2018 5:28pm
xr70 wrote:
Yea the Ktm and Husky are way to go for sure! Broken frames, electrical problems and one of the last manufactures sticking with air forks and...
Yea the Ktm and Husky are way to go for sure! Broken frames, electrical problems and one of the last manufactures sticking with air forks and the list goes on !
I believe Yamaha were the broken frames and electrical problems. The Yamaha boys could not wash their bikes for a while a couple years ago...
Eddieg15
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Eddieg15 1/31/2018 6:33pm
1/31/2018 6:33pm
JWACK wrote:
[img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2018/01/31/241210/s1200_image.jpg[/img] I have an 18 Honda. Awesome bike. Fast. Corners great. Feels light. Eats ktms and white ktms for breakfast lol. I sold my 16 ktm...


I have an 18 Honda. Awesome bike. Fast. Corners great. Feels light. Eats ktms and white ktms for breakfast lol. I sold my 16 ktm and bought this one. Don't regret it one bit.

Eats them for lunch. Bs. I have a ktm Know better!!!!!
RCMXracing
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RCMXracing 1/31/2018 7:21pm
1/31/2018 7:21pm
To the OP, read everything, ride everything while deciding. KTM and Yamaha do demos (although sometimes the set ups are way way off and will leave you with wrong impression). Some dealers have demo bikes.
New bike fever is a bitch but if you are having trouble deciding consider finding something used, at least fuel injected, “latest” generation until you decide on new. I did that in 2013, wanted a CRF, wasn’t sure, found a really nice ‘11 RMZ. Ended up loving that bike and kept it 3 years. New gen KXF coming and KTM/Husky too. Probably be good updates on CRF’s in ‘19. There are fork kits for all those unloved air forks. I can’t think of a better time to buy new or used! Keep us posted.
JB 19
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JB 19 1/31/2018 8:06pm
1/31/2018 8:06pm Edited Date/Time 1/31/2018 8:14pm
I don't know your skill level, but the Honda has a very aggressive engine. For example, I wouldn't consider it a C rider bike in stock trim. That can be fixed with a 269$ GET wifi-com2. It also turns like a slot car, but has good stability too, if you have the sag set right. The rear wheel hooks up like nothing I've ever rode on the dirt. The build quality on the Honda is next level. The KTM is a great package. I owned a 16' 350 and have rode 16+ 450's. I had electrical issues with mine that left a bad taste for the brand.

This is my 18'

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