'02 KTM 400SX
It's sitting in my garage!
The 2 biggest reasons, I bought this over the Honda CRF 450r are:
1) Proven bike with upgrades (including cam bearings now sealed with new carrier & bigger forks)
2) Scared of a 1st year bike and its powerband.
There are lots of little reasons like:
- I already ride a bike with the same frame (familiar)
- I know the 400's power is not going to put me where my 380 did (shaking)
- Easy exchange of parts between my 300 & the 400
- I could get it NOW!
With the CRF:
- could not get ANY information regarding primary ratio, or gear ratios
- would really have to upgrade the bike, bars chain, etc.
- Scotts performance hasn't even produced any of the parts for damper setup
- Bigger tank, skid plate, shark fin - Does the Cr250 fit or do I waiit months.
- Uncomforatable with the sales person at the local dealer(aloof).
- NO HYDRAULIC CLUTCH.
The CRF is very impressive in the Nationals. With Mike Larocco on board one it is probably going to be even more impressive. I am not an MX guy. I am looking for lightweight bike (that's one reason why SX vs. MXC), and not shoulder separating power. I also require a good bottom end! I have read everything I can put in front of me on the CRF. If you want a 4-stroke MXer, and can live with the uncertainty of a 1st year bike. I would buy the CRF no doubt! What I wanted was an all around 4 stroke bike I can desert race. I like the close ratio trannys, and I did NOT want electric start (weight is an issue here).
Based on what I have given as MY (and only MY opinion) reasoning, you should summize that I have more questions than slams regarding the CRF 450. So doing a Ben Franklin chart, the 400SX won (easily). Once again however, I do NOT race MX!