Need opinions on buying a bike. KTM vs. YZ

[knuckledragger]

Here is my situation,

I am moving to the Destin, Fl. area upon my return from Kuwait and will be purchasing either a KTM 450 EXC. -or- a YZ 450f.

There appears to be lots of trail riding out here (KTM), but I want to be able to take the bike to the track (YZ). My concern is if the KTM 450 EXC. will have enough power to compete at the track?? Is the KTM that much more reliable for paying the extra $$$$.

Is there anyone out there that is familiar with the area and could give me some good advice on the terrain? Track and Trail? Thanks

 

[killerbeez 75]

I am partial to the ktm since I have one.The two bikes are completely different though.You are comparing an enduro to a full blown sx.Thats not fair.The thing is though for trailing the ktm is very nice with the e start and the six speed tranny.The yz has that arm ripping power but lacks the lights,pegs,kicstand, rotors,chain,brembo brakes,fmf pipe(standardon ktm's),fat bars and sterring stablizer(option)that the ktm comes with stock.If your not a pro racer I would go with the ktm becuase it is actually very good on the track or the trails.

 

[knuckledragger]

I totally agree on the difference, just was in question of the power of the KTM and if I was going to get the thrust I needed on the track! Thanks for the help!

 

[Mike R.]

Hmm

The yz has that arm ripping power but lacks the chain,that the ktm comes with stock.

Wow dang those Jap bikes arent even including a Chain now :yikes:

 

[NCyz250racer]

A good idea is to get the KTM MXC which is built for everything from motocross to enduros. It is not as moto specific as the YZ nor as trail versatile as the EXC. The MXC has a power for lights but does not come standard with them, it has a close ratio 6 speed not a wide ratio 6 speed like the EXC but has two more gears than the YZ for trail riding. If you are doing both this would probably be the best way to go. Look on the KTM website for model specifcations to see what you would want. Also some dealers will install the MXC 6 speed into the SX cases so you have a MX bike with 6 gears instead of 4. I would not recommend trail riding a YZ450F the power is too violent and there are not enough gears in the trans. I hear the WR is good though. my $.02.
Robert

 

[beancounter16]

Both are great bikes. The KTM requires a bit more suspension work to get it right.
If your over 180lbs in the raw.....the KTM will cost a good bit to modify...it'll never take the track action well bone stock. But the Yamaha....a real handful in the woods....great on the track.
Also, the KTM 450 SX has the same first four gear ratios as the MXC.....so the mags say....
worth thinking about.

 

[sspmxc400]

I would go with the KTM MXC unless you are going to do 75% or more on the track - or are a 'A' level rider. I believe the MXC has all the power necessary to compete on the track unless you are an 'A' level rider. The suspension might be a different story - I wouldn't do triples on mine - reasonable doubles (yes). The e-start is the only way to go in my opinion as an extra bonus.

FYI - if you go with the MXC you will need to get a smaller tank for moto. The MXC tank is too big - even for off-road unless you need all that mileage in the desert.