first bike build , yz or sx ? pros and cons

[827revdog]

after spending a weekend on a snow bike , im hooked. ive only rode two so not much to compare. both were wr 450's . on was a 2004 with a early ts st kit with floats. had plenty of power and got around great as long as it didnt hit another track . the other was a 2012 wr with a 2014 st kit, thought it road great and could rip down the trail if needed. didnt like the bike much . under powered and the front was to soft . always shifting between second and third . so i decided to put one together for next season. ordered a 2015 st kit but undecided on bike . i like yamaha dependability ,but the ktm seems popular. i know i want a close ratio bike. i narrowed it down to 2012 -2014 yz 450 or 2012-2014 ktm 450 sx. (new cr looks cool too) besides elect start does one bike out perform the other? any issues with the yz intake at the front of the bike?

 

[thejean]

YZ is kicker only, SX has estart. The 2013 SX has an option for a kicker backup. The XCF versions of the SXF also have larger stator, tank and an 18" rear tire plus wiring for lights if any of that matters to you.

 

[Wheel House Motorsports]

the YZ is nice, its what I run, but the backwards motor definately takes some work on the intake scenario, as it likes to pack with snow fast with a few carves in deeper snow and if you open it up, its VERY loud. i have mine taken apart, prefilter only, and its earplugs mandatory riding it. WAY louder then any turbo sled.

and e-start for snowbikes is AWESOME. although, with the deal i found on this YZ< i wouldnt think twice about doing it again.

 

[funjunkie]

You can't go wrong with the KTM. They are great bikes super reliable and estart is really worth having. As far as performance I would say they are all comparable. I have been snow biking KTM's for 4 years and have had no problems.

 

[CATSLEDMAN1]

yz450 12

riding pal tom had his kit on yz450 fuelie, rode some epic deeeeep sno days, frogskinz on filter and no problems, handlebar deep stuff. Never had icing problems but that is often a perfectly bad condition day that's a problem. we had icing this year, last year only once.

 

[skippy]

YZ is kicker only, SX has estart. The 2013 SX has an option for a kicker backup. The XCF versions of the SXF also have larger stator, tank and an 18" rear tire plus wiring for lights if any of that matters to you.

Do you happen to know if the KTM XCW is considered a close ratio bike like the SXF? What's the major differences between the two bikes, motor, tranny wise? Thanks

 

[thejean]

No it's not. It's wide ratio, hence the w.

Motor wise, different cams, heavier flywheel and different tuning and compression. The 500 has better down low torque but won't rev out like a 450.

The berg and husky 501 are essentially the same motor and tranny as the xcw.

 

[827revdog]

I was worried about the intake up front. I know the the box is not easy to get to if it gets plugged. The xcf has the same trans as the sxf? There specs online are horrible. Is the xcf motor the same or detuned enduro?

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[skippy]

KTM sure is confusing with all different models!

 

[thejean]

The XCF and SXF motor/trans are identical.

 

[827revdog]

Then what's the difference between the two? Stator and tank, enduro valved suspension?

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[thejean]

Yes, front spring rates are softer in the XCF as well. 0.46 vs 0.52 I believe. I'm replacing springs anyway since dedicated snowbike so didn't care about that. I think XCF rear travel is also a tad less than SXF. For me it was important to have larger tank, wiring for lights, a bigger stator and wheels I could swap with my 300. I don't currently motocross so having a perfect MX bike wasn't as much of a concern.

 

[thejean]

Oh and 2014's have the 4CS forks vs the 2013's CC I believe as well - 4CS is much easier to service I hear - almost like the OC forks.

 

[snowbikekits.com]

I have an 09 Yamaha YZ 450F Carb and a Ktm 450SXF both great bikes you cant really go wrong, it's all what your budget can handle. After digging out it is nice to not have to kick it!

 

[thejean]

In case it matters to anyone I find that the kicker also makes quick work of nice $300 boots.

 

[powderzone]

If considering KTM, out of the box the 450sxf is the right tool for the job. Geared and sprung for motocross it will pull in 4th gear. You can also add the 6th gear without changing the ratios...let's you cruise on trail without blowing through so much fuel. I would focus on the 2013 or 2014 though to avoid carb icing issues with earlier models. The 2014 has the upgraded stator.
In either case, use a battery tender since it doesn't have a kick option so you'll want a fully charged battery. Good luck.

 

[thejean]

You can add a kicker to the 2013 for $300, but not the 2014.

 

[Lachoneus]

I have 2014 sxf450 snowbike and love it!

Smooth solid powerful responsive

 

[powdermuncher]

With the fuel injected bikes kick starters are a none issue my yamaha starts on the first kick every time . Carbs on the other hand that flood out when they fall over are a different matter all together. Unless you are an old dude that is way out of shape do not worry about the fuel injected bikes with kick start only.
This is coming from an almost old Dude that is not really in shape.

 

[827revdog]

decided on a 2014 450 xcf, pick it up tomorrow. gonna be a long wait for snow. what are guys running for t sats in these bikes? i thought ktm offered one but apparently im wrong.
so far on my list is rad gaurds, wider pegs, heated gripes, pipe wrap, skid plate , heated grips and bark busters. anything im missing?