difference 2016 ktm 450 sx and newer 450 sx

[cisco]

i can have a good deal on new never sold 450 sx 2016 .
i have very low millage 500 exc 2018 ( new from this spring ) that i run on dirt that was supposed to become snow-bike . it ruining a fmf ,vortec box , seat concept , pro billet design rad gard . i began to think to have smaller summer bike like 350 xc-f and go new 450 sx and keep it as a snow-bike only .
does the 2016 450 sx have something wrong ? engine defect or a reason to rely go new 450 .

please post comment 2016 450 vs new vs 2018 500 exc .

 

[Specialkman2day]

I can't speak on the 500, but I have the 16 450xcf which is essentially the same and have had no issues with it. Ran it for 2 snow seasons now and 3 summers and it is the best bike I've ever had. I've put prolly 50 hours on it in snow and 100 in dirt with no issues. Just very meticulous with making sure the oil is changed regularly and
air intake is clean. Light, powerful, reliable. Just bring a jump box with you in winter because there is no kickstart for backup. Never had to use it but feels good to have it in case. Haven't heard much negative on these bikes.

 

[raleigh111]

narrow trans ratio is key for mountain riding. Dont like enduro trans. too wide.. i dont think much difference between 13-18 sxf power wise. go with sxf you wont regret it, lighter, more power, narrow trans 13-18 would not matter to me.

 

[boondocker97]

2016 was a major redesign year from the 2015 in a good way. Biggest differences between it and a 2018 are the 2016 has 4CS spring forks and weighs 227lb, and in 2017 they switch to AER air fork and got it down to 222lb. I have a 2017 and really like the air fork. First year air forks were known to have a seal that would lose pressure in cold environments, but that was updated in 2018. Lots of 2017s (including mine) have been updated by this point. Some guys just like spring forks and convert the AERs to springs. 4CS forks were known to be overly stiff on valving so might be good with a spring swap for snowbike use, although KTM claims to have softened them some in 2016. 2018 also got a revised countershaft output bearing for higher durability in continuous high-load use, though I haven't heard of any widespread failures on 2016 and 2017s. 2019 bikes got somewhat of a re-design with shorter head and frame revisions to help improve handling. I don't know as that these changes would be of huge benefit on the snowbike.

The 450 will be quite a bit lighter than your 500 and rev out higher and more freely. Good things on snowbikes. If you were to use a 500 you've already got the exhaust and ECU upgrades made that I would say are a necessity.

 

[jrlastofthebreed]

Another thought about the SXF is (and double check this) is 16-19 are a close ratio 5 speed. the XCF is a close ratio 6 speed. I heard you can add the 6th gear to the SXF as they are basically the same except minor differences like the gas tank. I personally want the 6 speed for the high speed trails but a good deal is a good deal and someday if you ever split the case add the extra gear for $40. Be sure to test ride the 450. I guess some had an unbalanced crank from the factory and would vibrate like crazy and KTM refused to recall them. No first hand knowledge of this though so grain of salt.

 

[u-b-hinde]

I have a 16 350 xcf, 17 450xcf, 18 450xcf, 19 husky fx. I think the little 350 which is the oldest smallest bike we have, is the best. It’s my sons bike but every time I ride it I love it. Incredible bike. And... it’s the fastest bike in our entire group every single time we find a road to open them up on. That’s with 9 450’s of all brands in our group. And I personally don’t love the air fork. The 4cs is more to my liking. I may change my 19. And all of my bikes are dirt ridden and converted to snow in the winter.

 

[dooman92]

Cisco, I have the same 18 500 as my snowbike. My buddy has a 19 450 xcf. I've ridden his a few hours. In stock form the 450 is a little stronger. I have removed reeds, opened exhaust, remove other smog stuff and have a vortex and 13/1 compression. With those changes the 500 has more torque and is very similar or slightly stronger on top. I have trouble riding his bike slow. His 450 is 5 speed and of course the 500 is 6 speed. I can idle around slow in trees and never stall on the 500 with the low first gear. On the 450 I stall lots and have to constantly slip the clutch. I much prefer the 6 speed. He is a better rider with a lot more experience and does fine going slow on his 450. It may not be an issue for you but, I wanted kick start backup and was able to put that on the 18 500. Fwiw.

 

[boondocker97]

Another thought about the SXF is (and double check this) is 16-19 are a close ratio 5 speed. the XCF is a close ratio 6 speed. I heard you can add the 6th gear to the SXF as they are basically the same except minor differences like the gas tank. I personally want the 6 speed for the high speed trails but a good deal is a good deal and someday if you ever split the case add the extra gear for $40. Be sure to test ride the 450. I guess some had an unbalanced crank from the factory and would vibrate like crazy and KTM refused to recall them. No first hand knowledge of this though so grain of salt.

The 450 XCF and Husky FX 450 from 2016 on use the same 5 speed transmission as the SXF models. 1st gear is very tall. The XCF-W wide ratio 6th gear can be added, but the gear spacing isn't the same. Have to drop down to the 350 to get the semi-close 6 speed. If you want to add 6th gear to a 450 SXF or 450 XCF it's about $350 in parts if you're not going into the motor for another reason. The 450 EXC and Husky FE 450s have the wide ratio 6 speeds like the 500s. Clear as mud? lol

 

[cisco]

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[cisco]

i think i will run my 500 for now and put money on track quit . i am crazy for yeti freeride ....

that 450 is near toronto in canada if someone is interested . 7499 canadien is good price for new 2016 sx

will see next spring if i change my 500 for 2020 and up 350 exc and put 2 - 3 grand $ to make it run like i need it to be . maybe 300 tpi

 

[needpowder]

Wow. US$5700 for a brand new 16. I would buy that in a second if it was close to my house. I am a fan of the blue bikes but every KTM (450 not 500) that I have ridden as a snowbike makes me want one. Something about that engine just makes it pull really well on top.

 

[CoreyCK]

That’s a Hellova deal!
That’s what people are asking for used 2016-2018 450sxf/XC-f with 20-80 hours! I’m in the Deep South (BC) and have been looking for 2017-2020 KTMs with under 20 hours. People are asking a lot. $8-$9500 for used low hour 450s ($6000-$7k US)
If that bike was in Southern BC it would’ve been sold yesterday...