Need some advice fellas. Looking to buy a 09 crf450, kx450f or rmz450 (maybe ktm 450 not sure about these). I am looking for mostly a powerful trail bike/hill climber that is reliable. Bike will not be raced. I now have a 05 drz400 but it is too heavy and not enough power (even with mods). The crf has steel exhaust valves where others are titanium-so honda should have added durability right? how is ktm durability compared to honda, kawasaki ? more maintenance? any help appreciated here. i cant decide which bike is best

IMHO I would go with the crf450...plenty of power when you need it for the trails and also plenty of power to get you up any hill you want to make it up...and its said to be pretty reliable.

did honda fix their valve seating problems? everywhere i look people talking about more valve maintenance on hondas?

im not sure, but id go w/ crf too, just alot of positive things about it.

I'd go with the Ktm, I'mpicking a new one up in a week or so. I'd see if you can find someone who has any of them and ride it. Cause it's all about feel and what you like.

out of any big 4 09 450's, i'd go with the RMZ,
then the yami, then the kawi with the honda coming in last. not a brand loyalty thing either just based off the 450's, this is coming from a racing perspective also so.....

try to go to the track and see if you can get a chance to ride some of them, then get the one that feels the best and is the most comfortable TO YOU! as that is all that really matters these are all great bikes with pro's and con's, but very similar now-a-days in reliability.

Trail?
KTM.
BTW I ride a Honda.

KTM = Badass.

how are ktm's as far as durability-dont know anyone who has one. they need more work?

throw this out-how bout a smoker 09 yz250 for trail riding/hill climbing? will it have enough torque up in the hills?

drzr said:

They are way reliable. Moreso than the other 4 from what Ive heard.

drzr said:

Thats also and excellent idea. My next bike i get will either be a sx250 of a yz250. An heck yeah, it will have plenty of power for hills.

i would be avoiding the KTM for off road riding, being they're a 4 speed transmission your basicly missing 1st off of most bikes gearboxes for weight saving, they're a handful when things get slow, add to the fact they've got the most pwoerful engine of the current 450's and are e start only (no back up kicker if the batt go's flat), these things make them excelent MX bikes, but not so great off road, they are very reliable however.

the 450 XC-F is a better choice based on the 450 SX, but with a 5 speed semi close ratio gear box, better suspention for off roading and a headlight, but still no back up kick start.

Hello everyone. i have a crf 450 and i am satisfied with my moto. Almost all of this bikes have the same maintenace, however i don't trust KTM, also KTM are very powerfull, so there are only for pro riders, in my oppinion the most suitable pack is the CRF450. it has got the most smoothly acceleration, but it is very strong. I don't like RMZ! KXF is very good too, and most of the people say that it behave as a CRF

Get the YZ250!! Its like speed on demand!! I want one too but I think I will have to settle for a 125. But those yz's frikkin rip!!