well first off i am the same age, weight, and height as you. and i ride a 450X and love it to death, so i may push you towards the honda. but i cant say anything bad about the KTM i'm just not as familiar with that bike. i know both companies strive for durability and reliability. the KTM may be alittle more on the MX side of the two but if your not a racer and just go to the track for fun you would have no problems with the 450X, i take mine to the track all the time, suspension is spot on, handling is great, and it is a torque MONSTER!! :aj: the 450X is a good bike for people of any riding level (probably not a true beginner) because of its smooth power delivery all the way through the rev's, and as you get comfortable with it you can get deeper and deeper into the power as you need, and i still have not ran out of power. :yeehaw: