My name is Kris and I’m here for you.
My name is Kris and I’m here for you.
Hello, I know you get a ton of these everyday so I’ll try and make it quick. My name’s Corey, I am 6’2″ 185 lbs. and I have been riding for about 6 years now. I race the 450 Junior/C class. I’m not concerned about the price of the bike and I am set on either the KTM/Husky/Honda. I currently ride a 2016 KTM 450 SXF and love it but I have heard the Honda fits a taller rider better. I also do the suspension no matter what brand I buy if that will make a difference. If you could give me some of your thoughts it would be appreciated. Thank you for taking the time to read this. Corey
Corey,
The Honda is not necessarily a better bike for taller riders than a KTM. If anything the Honda leans towards 6’0 and under riders. But… You can make the cockpit longer with bars, clamps, seat, etc.
The Honda has an exciting bottom end power, more so than the KTM. It has spring forks, which is easier to maintain and get a feel for on the track as well. The KTM has a better mid-top end power and hooks up very well! It’s insane how much traction it has.
If you’re looking for a more exciting low end power the Honda is better. If you’re looking for a smoother roll on power delivery the KTM is better.
If you haven’t listened to my shootout podcast, I suggest you take the time and go over what some of the testers thought of each bike. Go to iTunes and search “Keefer Tested” and it will be there. It can help you.
-KK
Hey keefer love your content. Im thinking of stepping up to a yz250 from yz125 but the 250s ive ridden hit pretty hard and seem to tire me out fast ive heard flywheel weights make them more rideable or should i shoot towards a 250f. Love being able to wrench myown bike but worried about being able to do a 4 stroke. Im 175 5’6 mid to lower end b rider just got back into ridding after about 10 years off. Love my 125s but i ride with all 250 2t and 4t and 450s so hard to keep battles with the boys. Dont race just yard tracks and open track days and some sand. Thanks a bunch. From Manitoba Canada
Marc,
Yes, I know Yamaha (GYTR) offers flywheel weights that will help the bike’s “hit” off the bottom. It can make it more manageable and easier to ride. The YZ250 is a great bike and very fun to ride on any type of terrain and less expensive.
To me the YZ250F is much easier to ride (non–aggressively), which might be better for you. But…Working on the bike and doing top ends are not as easy right? However, the YZ250F is very reliable and you shouldn’t have to do anything but change the oil…
-KK
Hi Ben from Australia here. Firstly thank you for the effort you’ve put into your podcast, me and my friends have been enjoying them. But. Here’s my problem. Honda implements all the changes that were recommended from the previous years shootouts (suspension, mapping, e-start) Then in every installment of your current 450 shootout you seem surprised that the Honda is placed towards the top on the sheets. Mind you this bike already performed well in last years shootouts. Media/test guys are 5th gear pinned trying to convince the public that there viewssetup tips are worth the paper they are printed on. Yet you sound surprised that a bike that has addressed the issues from the previous years shootouts is doing well. Did you actually change the handle bar mounts on the 18 yz450f? Not a fair shootout if you did considering the bike has been modified from what is supplied to the customer. I say this because you repeatedly bashed the handle bar bend on the other bikes, one in particular. I would think that a bar bend is a less of an issue to change as they are a universal part that is available at any off road supply store. Unlike a bar mount that is a specific part to a particular model that requires purchase from a Yamaha dealer. Thanks, let me know what you think.
All valid points Ben.
First, I’m surprised because I have spent a lot of hours on the 2018 Honda beforehand. I think the changes they made, although can be significant on paper, didn’t make me think it would propel it to first. Yes, it did good in shootouts before, but I don’t judge a bike on anyone else’s shootouts, just from personal experience. I am a pretty transparent fellow. Just my honest reaction, nothing more. The overall results proved me wrong, but for me I didn’t think it was the best bike overall.
Second, only a few tried lower handlebar mounts just to see if it was mount related or seat related. We always went back to stock. This was only performed so I could decipher what a lot of riders were complaining about. This was for my findings only for the podcast. Not results.
Hope that clears it up… Thanks for listening and hope all your mates enjoy. Thanks for email.
Sincerely,
K2
Hey,
I am about to purchase a new bike. I live in the Bay Area, so red sticker sucks. I only ride single track and do some enduros now, too many track injuries. I have always been a honda guy and like crf450rx. Is there much difference between the 17 and 18? Does anyone make a single exhaust for it? I am considering a ktm because of the green sticker, but I am concerned it would be too much of a dual sport bike.
Any insight you can offer would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Jasen
Jasen,
The 2017 and 2018 are identical so no worries there. FMF is making a singe exhaust as well as DR.D. DR.D’s will be another month, but yes you will have that option for a single. I am currently testing the FMF single as we speak so stay tuned.
The KTM 450 XC-F is one the best off-road bikes I have ever ridden. Stable, light, and easy to ride. But…. It is more expensive than the red one so there is that. Either way you go you will not be disappointed because both are very good.
-KK
Hey keefer not to start off a question by blowing you or anything but I gotta say man your reviews of products and bikes is refreshing. A good honest opinion is hard to come by and you do a good job. Also a big fan of the pulp show. Now that the blowing has been done I’ll ask my question. I’m a Suzuki guy and currently ride a 14 450. I’ve held out and outlived the air fork craze it seems and I’m looking forward to getting a new bike in the next few months. I’m kinda waiting on suspension companies to get that shock on the 18 dialed as I’m a stout 215 pound b vet and bottoming or stink bug takes the fun out of it for me. I’ve got my 14 stuff sprung and valved and set up to make me happy and was curious if that would bolt up to the 18 at all? Maybe just the shock until these aftermarket companies figure this thing out? Thanks for all the reviews and honest feedback. Always look forward to the new podcasts. Take care, Andy
Andy,
Thanks for the kind words, I appreciate it. The bad news is that the shock will NOT bolt up to the 2018. Bummer. However, I know companies like Pro Circuit have already been testing and are getting a handle on the rear shock. Bones has had some experience with that shock so he might be someone to get a hold of when doing your suspension?
The Suzuki is definitely a better bike than last year and I am sure you will love it, if you’re a Suzuki guy.
Thanks for the email..
-KK
Hi keefer huge fan love when your on pulp. I have a question I’m hoping you can lead me in the right direction. I’m in the market for a new bike and im stuck between the yz250 and the yz 250f I have a 14 crf250 now and love it but thinking it might be cheaper getting back onto a 2 stroke and my local race series allows 250 2 strokes in the 250 class and it most of the fast guys are running them. I’m a middle pack b class rider. Thanks for reading looking forward to hearing back. Thanks, Travis
Travis,
The two-stroke is fun and less expensive. If purchasing is going off of pure cost then nothing beats a two-stroke. The two-stroke will be a little more work than your Honda as you will have to change up your riding style with a two-stroke. You will also not get as much traction as your four banger so remember this. If it was me (and I am on the west coast) I would stick to a four stroke. The Yamaha is an awesome 250F and I love that bike!
-KK
I currently ride an 09 KTM 300xc. I am going to get a new one, trying to decide if I should wait for fuel injection or get the 2018 or 2019 w/o injection. The injection sounds great, but more things to break out on the trail, and maybe things that are new that have unknown problems? I see pros and cons for either way, just wondering if you think the FI is going to be so much better that it will be worth it (when it does come out and is available in US). I have no problems jetting my bike to different areas, and can mix gas…. Thoughts? Thank you Jim Ransdell Prescott, AZ
Jim,
If it was me I would get the 2018 and not worry about direct inject right now. I love that current KTM 300 so much and its power delivery that I feel like I wouldn’t need the direct injection. The Husky was very fun to ride, but maybe more tailor made for a slightly more extreme rider than me. I love flowy single track with the occasional very tech section. The current 300 is perfect for that!
-KK
