I'm hooked... now what 450 to buy??

[eric82930]

I bleed orange but for a snow only machine i was considering the 14 or 15 yz450. They matched the ktm in peak hp and on the dynoit has more overrev then anything. The 12mm bolts and clutch cable are kinda strange but i think the power band would be the best.

 

[Hbmtr]

Thought I would share an update on this thread after upgrading my TS ST to a 450 this year.

I ended up buying a 2012.5 SX-F 450 and am extremely happy with the setup. I ended up buying this bike based on 3 criteria: electric start, EFI, and budget. After buying the bike, I immediately bolted on some nice-to-have accessories including Cyclops light, AME heated grips, Thermo-Bob, header pipe heat wrap, and Li-Ion battery pack.

These have all worked great; however, it's become quite apparent that the stock race bike stator isn't ideal for running both a light and heated grips. I will be upgrading the stator to a beefier Trail Tech 75W stator this week which should resolve the battery drain issue. Only other upgrade I've had to do was to get some real bark busters. The OEM KTM hand guards simply aren't strong enough for snow play.

All in all, I'm extremely happy with the new setup. Appreciate everyone's feedback and opinions as I was trying to figure this all out.

Glad you are happy with your purchase as the riding has been insane!
im in Carnelian Bay and ride from my house if you wanna ride.

 

[desnoy]

I'd go YZ450FX or 450XC-W, just for the electric start and gearing. I am always stopping and starting my bike so I dont have to neutral it every time. you could even consider 350 since youre not a heavy guy no? I've seen lots of vids lately with 300/350 snowbikes.

I ride a 450XCW ST120 this winter and after a ride with my dealer
450FX ST120 demo bike i buy it at the season end.

For snowbike i want : lights , heated grips , electric and kick start!!!
It reduces the choice of bikes......

 

[Raze Moto]

Honda CR450F

Keep your eyes on this bike. Honda Reliability, new developed powerplant, electric start, and kick start with the race engine, good forks to mod into a snowbike fork.........We are predicting this will be the next hottest snowbike platform.