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I understand all the reasons to buy an MX bike, but...

500

if you want one bike, just get a 500 ktm, it sounds like thats what you want anyway. ive ridden uncorked wr's, had an st on a yz, ridden and ridden with 450 sx's, and i like my 500 xcw just fine, it will go anywhere a 450 sx will (in my experience) it may lack a little snap, but exhaust makes a big difference. ive got an lt on my 500 and i weigh about 170lbs so that makes it go good too, i can pull just about anything in 3rd, 4th if its not super deep. one bike to do it all the 500 cant be beat.
 
What's the bigger plus factor with the SXF drivetrain - is it the free revving nature or the close ratio gearbox? Because, I am wondering what a 500 xcw would be like with the competition map loaded, a pipe and MX gears for 2-5?
 
What's the bigger plus factor with the SXF drivetrain - is it the free revving nature or the close ratio gearbox? Because, I am wondering what a 500 xcw would be like with the competition map loaded, a pipe and MX gears for 2-5?

Only one way to find out.Go get a 500 xc-w and tune to your liking.Not one bike is gonna be perfect.Its kind of like marriage its all a compromise .No more talkin ,time to start riding.If my legs were not broken i would be no where near this forum but out riding!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Lifes to short and tomorrow is not guaranteed .:rant:
 
This is my solace during those long days in the office. Lots of talking so that when I do get to ride it's that much better!
 
I've got a 2012 KTM 500 XCW with the really rare austrian competition map, and it's a good bike, but not the best bike. It's reliable, it starts great, but it's not the most powerful out there comparing to YZ450's, KX450's or SX450F's. I like my bike, but I don't love it. I think for me a KX450F would be the best bike.

I don't think the 500 is a better dirt bike either, I've had lots of bikes and this thing is a handful to ride fast. I think I could de-tune a MX bike and be happier in the dirt than I am on the this bike. The handling for me isn't what it should be. Having said that, I did ride a berg 501 on dirt back to back to my bike, and it was much easier to ride. I was able to ride it hard and not get any surprises, where my bike is waiting to toss me off randomly. The new 4cs forks on the bergs are really worlds above the open chambers on the W.
 
Thanks Jon. And considering the euro supermoto 450 SMR is basically an SXF with mortard wheels, the XCF seems like a good choice for that. Also, I was thinking of maybe doing a little MX this summer so that also has me considering the XCF. So the XCF checks off the track days, supermoto and snowbike boxes on the wish list. About the only thing it really gives up anything to on the 500 is technical woods riding but I have my 300 xcw for that so I am really leaning towards the XCF right now.

The only thing that has me hesitating is that my buddy thinks I will like the 500 better on snow because it lets you be lazy whereas the 450 will require me to be on it due to a narrower power band. I've ridden a 2013 500 and a 2010 450 SXF, both with 2014 kits. I didn't find that SXF to be terribly bandy but not sure how it compares to the newer 450's?
 
The 450 XCF is probably your best choice since it comes with a softer suspension setup than the 450 SXF. That way in the woods and single track it won't beat you up as bad and you'll want to change out the front fork springs for winter use anyways. Even on the stiffer SXF you want to upgrade to the .56nm springs in the front. It's really a big difference in handling and the "light" feeling up front in the winter.

I do NOT like my SXF for the summer so far. It is not built for off-track riding and it shows. My KX was GREAT for an MX bike in the woods... the SXF is way way way way way too stiff.
 
Thanks Rush! Yeah, I am not really considering the SXF for the reasons you state. There are actually some really good SXF deals in my area but I have passed on them. XCF is all I am considering at the moment, at least in that category.
 
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When it comes to suspension Yamaha has it dialled better than anyone.

With a few clicks I can get the WR right into the happy zone off road and even

the YZ is only a flywheel weight and a few clicks away from being a awesome

off road bike.

KTMs always need a revalve to get anywhere near happiness.

By the way the new YZ gives the KTM a real run for the HP crown, in the 450s

Kawasaki Yamaha and KTM are now so close on top end power it is almost

a mood point -- what colour do you like best:face-icon-small-hap
 
I had ruled out the WR, 23 lbs heavier and 10hp less than a 450sxf won't work for me as I'm not adding a hair dryer.

Is that corked or uncorked? I cant find any reliable data for a 2014 wr450f uncorked hp numbers. Does KTM list dry weights still, or do they list wet weights? Im too lazy to look it up and havent owned a KTM since 2009.

But, Ill be building up a 2014 WR450f with a 2015 TS LT. But I just like putting around in the trees, and getting where I want to go. I rode a YZ and just felt like I was shifting alllll the time.
 
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By the time you have a Yosh system on it and on the snowbike kit on the Wr will be close weight wise to the EXC and Power wise right up there.

I remove the heavy side stand mount and replaced it with a MX foot peg mount also the wheels are a bit heavier than the KTM units with the steel sprocket than there is the exhaust also a bunch lighter. thats what gets it close.

If you think WR from the old days you will have a pleasant suprise with the 2012 and up WR once you have the yosh system on and the mapping dialled for max power. It puts a smile on your face:face-icon-small-hap
 
How good would a 2010 Husqvarna 300WR with a 2015 MH LT kit work? Would mostly be ridden in Revy type riding. What mods would be the "must do's"
 
How good would a 2010 Husqvarna 300WR with a 2015 MH LT kit work? Would mostly be ridden in Revy type riding. What mods would be the "must do's"

It should work fine, we have a 240 lb rider on a 250 Husaberg with a 300 big bore kit and long track, on the real fluffy days he has to poach more than he would like to but he does just fine especially when the snow sets up a bit.
 
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