How good/bad are 2017 ktm/husky 450's

I'm going to buy one in the next week unless someone can convince me otherwise. Currently ride a 2014 yz450f, all opinions taken seriously. I race enduro, flat track and the odd motocross these days.

Cheers
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12/2/2016 2:53am
Pull the trigger. Light, fast and great suspension. Shootouts will confirm this.
hellion
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12/2/2016 4:54am Edited Date/Time 12/2/2016 4:55am
For Enduro I can't see anything but posites (other than it being a 450). Way lighter, e-start, smooth power, and a fork that can be easily adjusted to tackle the different disciplines you mentioned.
CarlinoJoeVideo
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12/2/2016 4:57am
fordo-197 wrote:
Pull the trigger. Light, fast and great suspension. Shootouts will confirm this.
Do you think the KTM or Husky can top the shootouts this year? Honda is coming in hot!
omalley
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12/2/2016 5:26am
fordo-197 wrote:
Pull the trigger. Light, fast and great suspension. Shootouts will confirm this.
Do you think the KTM or Husky can top the shootouts this year? Honda is coming in hot!
I truly believe the much hyped CRF is mostly that-hype. Not trying to whizz in anyone's Wheaties, but the thing doesn't look revolutionary. As far as the fork "based on A-kits but w/o the coatings," what bike hasn't made reference to "borrowing works technology for the masses." Honda did the same with the 97 CR250 and the twin chamber Showas. After owning that roach of a bike, forgive me if I'm skeptical of this sort of marketing.

The Shop

Myke
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12/2/2016 7:52am
fordo-197 wrote:
Pull the trigger. Light, fast and great suspension. Shootouts will confirm this.
Do you think the KTM or Husky can top the shootouts this year? Honda is coming in hot!
I am guessing the Honda is good but just a tick off the KTM.
Rocket88
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12/2/2016 7:58am
Sometimes more is not better. Like 11 lbs more.
TeamGreen
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12/2/2016 8:34am
The Husky was easier for me to go faster/longer on.
GPrider
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12/2/2016 8:41am
most everyone is suckered into thinking because the KTM is lighter its better. MXA says so right? Of course weight is huge, but doesn't mean better. If you think Honda or any jap manufacturer cant do the same you are fooling yourself. Weight comes at the cost of material, as in less. Meaning longevity, reliability, ect. The KTM is lighter due to the frame, its super light compared to an aluminum jap frame. Because this is where KTM saves the weight, it flexes more. That is why it has a hinge feeling and why I wont buy another. Ride one back to back with a Honda or whatever and you can feel it. Oh, but its lighter, so it must be better!
TeamGreen
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12/2/2016 8:49am
GPrider wrote:
most everyone is suckered into thinking because the KTM is lighter its better. MXA says so right? Of course weight is huge, but doesn't mean better...
most everyone is suckered into thinking because the KTM is lighter its better. MXA says so right? Of course weight is huge, but doesn't mean better. If you think Honda or any jap manufacturer cant do the same you are fooling yourself. Weight comes at the cost of material, as in less. Meaning longevity, reliability, ect. The KTM is lighter due to the frame, its super light compared to an aluminum jap frame. Because this is where KTM saves the weight, it flexes more. That is why it has a hinge feeling and why I wont buy another. Ride one back to back with a Honda or whatever and you can feel it. Oh, but its lighter, so it must be better!
I rode all the 450s...back to back to back...and then did it all again 3 days later...

You're not really "on the money" when it comes to the last couple of years and ya might want to rethink "flex" before you ride the new CRF. It flexes more and it is AWESOME.

EVERY '17 450 was really good and it was mostly "set-up" or "the ease of set-up" that sets them apart.

That new Honda you're getting is REALLY GOOD right out of the box. Especially for 160-180# faster rider; but, for the truly fast...the KTM seemed faster.
GPrider
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12/2/2016 9:40am
TeamGreen wrote:
I rode all the 450s...back to back to back...and then did it all again 3 days later... You're not really "on the money" when it comes...
I rode all the 450s...back to back to back...and then did it all again 3 days later...

You're not really "on the money" when it comes to the last couple of years and ya might want to rethink "flex" before you ride the new CRF. It flexes more and it is AWESOME.

EVERY '17 450 was really good and it was mostly "set-up" or "the ease of set-up" that sets them apart.

That new Honda you're getting is REALLY GOOD right out of the box. Especially for 160-180# faster rider; but, for the truly fast...the KTM seemed faster.
well, being I have not rode the "new" cassis, I suppose it could be better, just never liked the ktm hinge feeling my 2015 both 350 and 450 had. Back to weight, my xr650 was a pig but would ride straight over rocks with zero deflection. Just didnt want to get it sideways in the whoops!
Ted722
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12/2/2016 10:16am Edited Date/Time 12/2/2016 10:35am
In the same boat, kind of. Race/ride mostly HS and trail with some moto (mostly practice) mixed in. Self-proclaimed KTM/Husky neophyte, but I would think the XC/FX line would fit my needs the best. The gas tank's not that much bigger and although I'm a fan of the 18-inch rear, some guys like to run the 19 off-road. Factor in an extra gear for the transmission and the more "2-stroke like feel", the 350 XC/FX would make the most sense for me.

You mentioned dirt track. Do you know of any riders running 350's out there or is it mostly 450's? Also, I would assume you would plan to have a separate set of wheels for the bike too?
TeamGreen
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12/2/2016 10:18am Edited Date/Time 12/2/2016 10:18am
TeamGreen wrote:
I rode all the 450s...back to back to back...and then did it all again 3 days later... You're not really "on the money" when it comes...
I rode all the 450s...back to back to back...and then did it all again 3 days later...

You're not really "on the money" when it comes to the last couple of years and ya might want to rethink "flex" before you ride the new CRF. It flexes more and it is AWESOME.

EVERY '17 450 was really good and it was mostly "set-up" or "the ease of set-up" that sets them apart.

That new Honda you're getting is REALLY GOOD right out of the box. Especially for 160-180# faster rider; but, for the truly fast...the KTM seemed faster.
GPrider wrote:
well, being I have not rode the "new" cassis, I suppose it could be better, just never liked the ktm hinge feeling my 2015 both 350...
well, being I have not rode the "new" cassis, I suppose it could be better, just never liked the ktm hinge feeling my 2015 both 350 and 450 had. Back to weight, my xr650 was a pig but would ride straight over rocks with zero deflection. Just didnt want to get it sideways in the whoops!
Started the 2014 Baja 1K 24th and handed off in 10th at RM 166 (St V Military Check)
Freshie XR650R
Good times...except in The Whoops!



12/2/2016 12:24pm Edited Date/Time 12/2/2016 12:58pm
Ted722 wrote:
In the same boat, kind of. Race/ride mostly HS and trail with some moto (mostly practice) mixed in. Self-proclaimed KTM/Husky neophyte, but I would think the...
In the same boat, kind of. Race/ride mostly HS and trail with some moto (mostly practice) mixed in. Self-proclaimed KTM/Husky neophyte, but I would think the XC/FX line would fit my needs the best. The gas tank's not that much bigger and although I'm a fan of the 18-inch rear, some guys like to run the 19 off-road. Factor in an extra gear for the transmission and the more "2-stroke like feel", the 350 XC/FX would make the most sense for me.

You mentioned dirt track. Do you know of any riders running 350's out there or is it mostly 450's? Also, I would assume you would plan to have a separate set of wheels for the bike too?
I will look into the xc/fx actually, is there any difference in the gear ratios of first to fifth gear between them and the mxers? The flat tracks I race everyone runs 21 front and 18 rear with a trials tyre, so if I get the mxer as planned I would buy an 18 inch rear as well.
seth505
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12/2/2016 12:42pm
GPrider wrote:
most everyone is suckered into thinking because the KTM is lighter its better. MXA says so right? Of course weight is huge, but doesn't mean better...
most everyone is suckered into thinking because the KTM is lighter its better. MXA says so right? Of course weight is huge, but doesn't mean better. If you think Honda or any jap manufacturer cant do the same you are fooling yourself. Weight comes at the cost of material, as in less. Meaning longevity, reliability, ect. The KTM is lighter due to the frame, its super light compared to an aluminum jap frame. Because this is where KTM saves the weight, it flexes more. That is why it has a hinge feeling and why I wont buy another. Ride one back to back with a Honda or whatever and you can feel it. Oh, but its lighter, so it must be better!
I have to disagree, none of this is true other than one being lighter than the other.
12/2/2016 1:01pm
how reliable are the new ktm/husky 450 engine ? seems very good i have not seen any links with some engine problems i think ?
peelout
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12/2/2016 1:19pm Edited Date/Time 12/2/2016 1:21pm
TeamGreen wrote:
The Husky was easier for me to go faster/longer on.
that's what she said

ps... see you in LaPaz '17 Baja 1k
TeamGreen
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12/2/2016 1:22pm
TeamGreen wrote:
The Husky was easier for me to go faster/longer on.
peelout wrote:
that's what she said

ps... see you in LaPaz '17 Baja 1k
Might need a rider for a team in '17.

Jus' Sayin'...
12/2/2016 1:28pm
That's a very wide requirement for the suspension to work in so suspension set up ease may be a big contributing factor to think about which the KTM (and others) with air fork would be easier to adjust to. Those Honda forks if not perfect out the box will be with a competent tuner in hand although you are going to have to compensate somewhere there in set up. (i.e dirt track - firm and slow on rebound, off road - soft and supple and quicker on rebound, MX - somewhere in between)
Same goes for the other brands.

Both bikes (Honda and KTM) will be able to produce big HP for dirt track with the Honda I think the winner there in the end with it's down draft design with just a few bolt ons (big single for track, stock O/R and Vortex ECU for dif maps). Expect plenty of big red holeshots in 17 the way the Yamaha's did when they went to the down draft design.

Speaking to someone who does a lot with Honda's, he was very excited that Honda has finally designed a chassis and engine package in tandem that complement each other with the 17 450 and not just another new frame wrapped around an existing engine package, and that also takes in platform sharing between the 250 and 450 to save $$$. Those bikes will be good and as Team Green who has personally ridden all the models and not gone off rumor has said, they work.
Can't see you losing which ever way you go but over the old YZ.
Motofinne
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12/2/2016 1:29pm
how reliable are the new ktm/husky 450 engine ? seems very good i have not seen any links with some engine problems i think ?
Bulletproof.

Although i have "only" 48h on my 2016 Factory Edition, the bike is still in mint condition.

I haven't heard of a single motor issue with the new generation KTM/Husqvarna 450.

The 250 on the other hand have had gearbox issues(new parts covered by KTM).
Ted722
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12/2/2016 1:29pm
Ted722 wrote:
In the same boat, kind of. Race/ride mostly HS and trail with some moto (mostly practice) mixed in. Self-proclaimed KTM/Husky neophyte, but I would think the...
In the same boat, kind of. Race/ride mostly HS and trail with some moto (mostly practice) mixed in. Self-proclaimed KTM/Husky neophyte, but I would think the XC/FX line would fit my needs the best. The gas tank's not that much bigger and although I'm a fan of the 18-inch rear, some guys like to run the 19 off-road. Factor in an extra gear for the transmission and the more "2-stroke like feel", the 350 XC/FX would make the most sense for me.

You mentioned dirt track. Do you know of any riders running 350's out there or is it mostly 450's? Also, I would assume you would plan to have a separate set of wheels for the bike too?
I will look into the xc/fx actually, is there any difference in the gear ratios of first to fifth gear between them and the mxers? The...
I will look into the xc/fx actually, is there any difference in the gear ratios of first to fifth gear between them and the mxers? The flat tracks I race everyone runs 21 front and 18 rear with a trials tyre, so if I get the mxer as planned I would buy an 18 inch rear as well.
450's have the same 5-speed gearbox.

I've read 350's have a lower 1st gear and 2nd-5th are a little bit taller than the MX version. 6th adds top speed over the MX version.

Comparing the ratios online has been a tall (pun intended) order, but I'm sure the KTM/Husky experts on here could confirm.
Premix
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12/2/2016 1:31pm
I rode the KTM 450 at a demo day this fall, also coming off a 2014 YZ450. Honestly, Yamaha motor felt more aggressive and faster to me no matter what map I ran it on. I LOVED the hydro clutch. E start was cool. Very light feeling bike compared to my YZF. Hard to gauge suspension as I had the YZ revalved and sprung. Is it worth the extra coin? Up to you. Im tempted to go red this year.
12/2/2016 1:49pm
Motofinne wrote:
Bulletproof. Although i have "only" 48h on my 2016 Factory Edition, the bike is still in mint condition. I haven't heard of a single motor issue...
Bulletproof.

Although i have "only" 48h on my 2016 Factory Edition, the bike is still in mint condition.

I haven't heard of a single motor issue with the new generation KTM/Husqvarna 450.

The 250 on the other hand have had gearbox issues(new parts covered by KTM).
yep that´s what i have herd that they seem to be really good built the 450 engine. i really need to find a good used one before the spring is here, but then again i like honda and the new one does seams to be perfect. I guess i just have to wait and see when the vital 450 shootout is coming out.
IceMan446
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12/2/2016 1:53pm
how reliable are the new ktm/husky 450 engine ? seems very good i have not seen any links with some engine problems i think ?
Motofinne wrote:
Bulletproof. Although i have "only" 48h on my 2016 Factory Edition, the bike is still in mint condition. I haven't heard of a single motor issue...
Bulletproof.

Although i have "only" 48h on my 2016 Factory Edition, the bike is still in mint condition.

I haven't heard of a single motor issue with the new generation KTM/Husqvarna 450.

The 250 on the other hand have had gearbox issues(new parts covered by KTM).
Two or three bikes with tranny problems from guys I know on the white ones.
12/2/2016 1:57pm
So I just bought a brand new husky 350 and I don't have one bad thing so say about the bike. As far as reliability my buddy has over 100 hours on his Ktm 350 and all he's done is change oil. He's also raced worcs races and hammers the shit out of it. I was just looking and comparing the husky to the jap bikes before I bought it and they just to me look like a better built machine.
mmcmx
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12/2/2016 2:05pm


Got a sweet deal on this 30 hour FE, can't wait to ride it tomorrow!
peelout
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12/2/2016 2:06pm
TeamGreen wrote:
The Husky was easier for me to go faster/longer on.
peelout wrote:
that's what she said

ps... see you in LaPaz '17 Baja 1k
TeamGreen wrote:
Might need a rider for a team in '17.

Jus' Sayin'...
might be the middle guy on a team, just sayin Wink

beers in LaPaz will be had
kiwifan
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12/2/2016 2:13pm
All the 450 bikes are fast, some slightly more than others, how good the KTM/Husky's are is really your opinion not anyone elses, they may have a differing riding style, comfort level, etc so therefore what one person thinks doesnt mean it is the best for you.

My advice to any of my mates asking me what bike they should buy is how close they are to a dealership that sells the bike they want and how good are they in supporting you ...all dealerships are great when selling a bike but most arent great after then. Then if the dealerships are pretty even then you can start to get a little picky.

Finally, most people here who ask how good the KTM/Husky's are are never going to buy anything other than them anyway as they hate on the Japanese brands.


12/2/2016 2:15pm
how reliable are the new ktm/husky 450 engine ? seems very good i have not seen any links with some engine problems i think ?
Motofinne wrote:
Bulletproof. Although i have "only" 48h on my 2016 Factory Edition, the bike is still in mint condition. I haven't heard of a single motor issue...
Bulletproof.

Although i have "only" 48h on my 2016 Factory Edition, the bike is still in mint condition.

I haven't heard of a single motor issue with the new generation KTM/Husqvarna 450.

The 250 on the other hand have had gearbox issues(new parts covered by KTM).
IceMan446 wrote:
Two or three bikes with tranny problems from guys I know on the white ones.
Personally repaired a 450. There's been a few. Hopefully 17's have been upgraded and issues solved which normally happens on 2nd and later editions of a new design.

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