CRF450R versus CRF450X (yes, again)

[bsmith]

Die Hard Honda man here :ohmy:

I switched, but Honda didn't have the CRF at that time. But now that I have a KTM I don't think I'd switch back.

The KTM 2 stroke is not a track bike, it is made for the woods/trials and thus would probably do fine on the hills.

I think the most important thing is the X will blow the doors off your XR400, you will never think about those extra 10 pounds.

 

[fever5]

which KTM would you recommend? I guess I've just heard bad accounts of two strokes by other unknowledgeable people (like me) in the past. I am starting to open up to the idea of a non Honda, non 4 stroke.

 

[Chili]

For the record KTM also makes a complete line of performance 4 strokes as well. That said it was only ever mentioned as another option since both the Honda's you are considering are fine bikes.

 

[mtk]

I was upfront in saying I know very little on dirt bikes. I tried to read up on bikes as much as I could by reading forums, bike reviews by magazines, searching for questions, asking dealers and friends. Brand bias + inexperience with ktm reuslt in my ignorance. I am sure I am the only one who is afflicted with this problem. mtk, thank you for being gracious to the novice.

If that is the case, then why didn't you check the preconcieved notions at the door before you even asked?

You ask for opinions, then promptly ignore them or throw out that previous gem as to why they're not good ideas. That makes the folks giving you advice do this: :bang: The best thing about doing that is it feels really good when you stop.

 

[fever5]

In retrospect, I can see in my over enthusiasm for the 450R, I was rather quick to to give less weight to other 'gems' opposing this bike.

However the first few replies were very short, like "go X", with no real explanation as to why X was better than Y. Thus it felt more like pure opinion than a well researched answer (in hindsight with all I have learned from here I realize it was an answer based on godo research without the explanation given).

"throw out that previous gem as to why they're not good ideas."
I have never intended to come across as throwing out anyones ideas, as even Chili's inital KTM comment got me thinking about a completely different idea for me (I went to that dealers shop website, and will try to arrange to take one out for a test run).

I guess I am addressing this by saying, I feel your and Okiewans frusterations with my posts. I am very sorry, I don't wish to cause anyone a headache (or subdural hemorrahage by the looks of that emoticon..and yes I know what I am talking about in this instance lol ;-) I really just wished to elicit an explanation of given ideas, not to dismiss them outright. I'll blame that on my poor articulation and being over eager on the 450R.

I am incredibly grateful for everyones feedback. I really can't say that enough.

 

[Okiewan]

It's all good. Enjoy what ever you get!

 

[SADude]

Reason I would buy a KTM 2 stroke next
1) Enduro specific design, it is harder to try and convert a MX bike to an enduro bike, gearing is the biggest problem.
2) 2-stroke cost less to rebuild if something breaks, less moving parts in the engine and no valves to fiddle with.
3) KTM are committed to 2-strokes, the japs want to go 4-stroke, so they can make more money out of us, the 2-stroke technology is there, but they don’t want to use it.
4) KTM already had a prototype 2 stroke that meet euro3 emission standards, better than most 4-strokes, it is due for release in 3 years time, the current 2-strokes are
euro2 compliant. (I spoke to some of the KTM big boys here, 2-strokes forever)
5) 2-strokes still dominate enduro's, because they are light, nimble, good power to weight ratio, don't overheat as easy as 4-stokes.
6) These are the reasons why the GNCC are still won by 2-strokes, that is also the reason why riders competing in the Red Bull Romaniacs, Erzberg, etc. choose the 2-
stroke as there weapon of choice. I will admit that 4-strokes make better MX bikes.

 

[fever5]

Thanks for the post! A lot of good tips. I didn't know 2 strokes were alive and well. All the Honda hype lead me to believe 2 strokes were remnents of old technology. I had no idea that some companies are still working on making the engines better! I am really hoping the one and only KTM dealer near me will have a 2 stroke I can take out. I just wish I could try it on some really steep hills but right now living on the praries during the fall/winter!

Would you recommend a KTM 250XC-W for trail riding? On paper the specs look good.

 

[Asrith]

Yeah I would recommend the 250xc-w. Listen to the folks talking about the ktm
2 strokes. Been reading a lot on this, and just get the ktm. I have an older big bore
ktm and I am pretty pleased with it. Maybe a 300xc-w would be more thumper like for you. One of the recent dirt rider mags covered these bikes and gave great reviews.
For having an older ktm and as much as I get to ride, I am pleased for now, I plan to upgrade later, but the 2 stroke tech is very good on these bikes. Consider the possibilities.

 

[bsmith]

Just incase you haven't seen an Erzberg Video :)

short version
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-8360742741556978066

or really long download but worth it

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=9092478970280268972

 

[fever5]

whats the big deal...I could totally ride Ezburg!

JUST KIDDING! WOW! Thats a crazy race!!! Looks like a lot of fun. Now I know why you guys were rolling your eyes when I thought 2 strokes couldn't climb. Those bikes just look like they take heaps of abuse!

Thanks for the link and opening my eyes!

 

[bsmith]

I think that video proves one thing with Pastrana, 99% rider 1% Bike.
Stock RM 250 and getting 13th out of 1300 riders, some on BMW 1200 and KTM 950's

That video made me want to try a 250XC-W, which I can put a dual sport kit on here in Washington. Even though I have never had a 2 stroke in my life, yet the light weight seems to look like a good idea in my old age ;)

 

[fever5]

old age...are you kidding!?!? lol

 

[bsmith]

Ok, out of shape and haven't rode in a year! I'm going out Sunday, and I'm all ready anticipating the 520 kicking my butt!!

 

[mtk]

What Okie said.

Now go buy something and go get it dirty. ;)

 

[450X]

food for thought, look at all bikes for sale, how many 450Rs are for sale, quite a few. now look for a used 450X, there are NONE, why? because everyone that buys one doesnt want to get rid of it. i will never get rid of mine. i have been toying around with the idea of a KTM as a second bike we will see, you will not regret getting the X the weight difference is minimal due to the weight distribution of the X it hides its exrta pounds very well.

 

[snb73]

XR400 = 260 lbs

CRF450X = 250 lbs
http://powersports.honda.com/motorc...lName=CRF450X&ModelYear=2007&ModelId=CRF450X7

CRF450R = 218 lbs
http://powersports.honda.com/motorc...lName=CRF450R&ModelYear=2007&ModelId=CRF450R7

 

[kawicam250]

food for thought, look at all bikes for sale, how many 450Rs are for sale, quite a few. now look for a used 450X, there are NONE, why? because everyone that buys one doesnt want to get rid of it. i will never get rid of mine. i have been toying around with the idea of a KTM as a second bike we will see, you will not regret getting the X the weight difference is minimal due to the weight distribution of the X it hides its exrta pounds very well.

have you ever ridden a CRF450R? take a look at snb73's specs that he posted, 32lbs. is a lot.

 

[450X]

i agree 32 pounds is a lot, am i a pro motocross racer, NO, i ride some of the same types of things fever5 does and i wouldnt trade my bike for anything, and yes i have ridden quite a few 450Rs. the X has way smoother power delivery, more bottom end lug, a slightly plusher ride, and did i mention that sweet little button on the right.

 

[kawicam250]

i agree 32 pounds is a lot, am i a pro motocross racer, NO, i ride some of the same types of things fever5 does and i wouldnt trade my bike for anything, and yes i have ridden quite a few 450Rs. the X has way smoother power delivery, more bottom end lug, a slightly plusher ride, and did i mention that sweet little button on the right.

i didnt say the CRF450X was a bad bike, i was just pointing out the weight difference between the 2 is pretty significant, didnt mean to push any buttons ;) .