Considering a KTM 450EXC

[SR-71]

I'm considering the purchase of a KTM 450EXC with the street legal light kit, or some other bike along these lines. Mostly planning to do some high performance trail riding (not racing). I like the idea of having it street legal for short street runs to trail riding sites. I'd be interested in hearing from anyone that has the 450EXC, or comparisons between the 450EXC and other similar brands, or experiences with similar bikes.

SR-71

 

[Diesel6.6]

I bought a 450EXC earlier this year. I use the bike to chase my kids around the motocross track and light riding around town. I previously owned an XR400 and the KTM is a superior in all categories engine , handling, suspension. I have added the required skid plate, Scotts steering stabilizer, hand gaurds, 50 tooth rear sprocket and installed the appropriate springs in the suspension. The factory springs are to light for a 225 lb man. I ride the bike around town very little only because of the tires and the FJR. Oh yeah, I replaced the seat with a Corbin due to tailbone problems I have. The Corbin is firm but quite a bit wider than the stock seat and works very well for me, again let me stress the importance of the proper suspension springs for the riders weight.

The bad, oil and filter changes are a little tedious due to 4 oil filters two paper and two wire mesh, also I use the recommended Motorex engine oil and it is expensive but I can live with it.

I've crashed the bike hard once and dropped it several times and have broken two rear turn signal lenses. The turn signals are designed to release upon a crash but if you hit it with your foot getting on the bike you can knock it off and the light has to be disassembled to reinstall on the bike requiring a phillips screw driver a little bit of a nuisance.

Hope this info helps out the KTM is a great bike and a ball to ride.

DB

 

[SR-71]

DB - Thanks for the info; very informative. I weigh about the same as you, so if I end up biting-the-bullet on this beast I'll see about beefing up the springs. I owned a Honda CR500 about 7 years ago and haven't been dirt/trail riding since, and I'm finding I sure miss it.

Not that I put a lot of faith in magazine comparisons, but I read in a recent bike article that Kawi and Yam have models that now challenge or surpass the 450EXC. I'm not sure if that's true or not. One thing I do know is, I drove a KTM 450 a couple of years ago and it was incredibly fun to ride! After I got off the thing I had one hell of a tough time wiping the smile off my face! It's definitely an amazing machine!

Thanks again for the tips.

SR-71

 

[SR-71]

DB - Wanted to ask. When looking at the KTM's, did you consider the KTM 530EXC? I noticed the 450 and 530 are about the weight and approximately the same price; ~60cc different.

SR-71

 

[evil_henchman]

Kawai and Yami do have bikes that come close to the KTM but they don't come street legal for one thing. The Yami WR450F is a great bike (I have one) but good luck getting it street legal in most states. Don't know much about the KLX450R other than it looks kick ass but again, not street legal.

The only difference between a 450EXC and a 530EXC is the bore size. Everything else is exactly the same.

 

[FJamR]

I bought the 530 exc earlier this month and love it. I only ride it on the street to riding spots or to connect trails and once on the dirt it is poetry in motion...